Topics & Themes

"If you put too many photographers in one place, they'll all take very different pictures because they come from very diverse places. Each one forms their way of seeing according to their history."

- Sebastião Salgado

Let's look at how different artists tackle and address the same topic.

There are different styles, pov, perspectives and intended outcomes that artists work with.

Each week we will look at one topic interpreted by a few different artists. Compare and contrast similarities and differences between the artists, styles, techniques, ect...

Guidelines:

Analyze similarities and differences in how they express the theme through:

Composition and style
Subject matter
Lighting and color
Mood and message

Organize your thoughts using a Venn diagram, chart, or structured written comparison.
Be able to explain yourself and use evidence from the artworks to support your comparison.
Reflect on how different perspectives can shape the interpretation of a single idea.

Guiding Questions

What aspect(s) of the theme does each photographer focus on?
Does each photographer take a literal, emotional, symbolic, or documentary approach to the theme?
What message or story is being told through each photo?
How does each photographer use composition (framing, angle, perspective)?
Are their photos posed or candid? Still or in motion?
What kind of lighting and color palette is used? How does it affect the mood?
Was the photographer trying to raise awareness, capture beauty, provoke emotion, or document truth?
How do the photos make you feel or think differently about the theme?
What details (facial expression, setting, objects, shadows, etc.) are important in each?
Which photographer’s work do you find most powerful or memorable? Why?