Amateur Photographer & Cinematographer (1934)

September 12th, 1934 iHf AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER p 6 CIHEMATOGRAPHER a Victorial Analysis Every week one of the pictures reproduced on an art page will be analysed in detail for the benefit of readers of the paper who are seeking to improve their pictorial work. “A HALT BY THE WAY,” by E. Coast. Not the least of the attractions of a walking tour are the intervals of resting in secluded spots, such as is portrayed in this picture, and in the recording of such intervals the utility of a camera as part of the outfit is unquestionable. Efforts so obtained may be more inclined to the topographical than the pictorial, though this need not be the case ; and, as in this instance, it is often possible to enlist the assistance of a companion as a model in working out an artistic theme. Landscapes and Figures. The pool, with its sunlit rocks and their reflections, makes a not unpleasing study, but one which, of its nature, does not exercise more than a momentary attraction in itself and without the figure. It is possible that, in the immediate vicinity, something might be found that would be capable of standing alone and of attaining sufficient interest to make a picture, but it would need careful handling and treatment, as well as the inclusion of a feature of sufficient signi¬ ficance to create a definite and unquestionable centre of interest. In its absence, the rocks and water could do no more than provide a setting which almost demands a figure to make it complete. That the fact has been appreciated and provision made to meet the need is shown by the inclu¬ sion of the figure (i) in this case. The figure is essential to the theme, and not only does she provide the centre of interest, but her presence vitalises the surroundings and also emphasises the value of the effect of sunshine. From the compositional standpoint, her figure is strongly placed ; the human interest she excites places her predominance beyond all doubt ; and her pose is graceful and pleasing. She exerts a pull greater than any other single element, and, on these grounds, she may be regarded as the keynote of the whole thing. Theme and Effect. Her pose, taken in conjunction with tier dress and accoutrements, suggests an interval of rest after a journey in s,ylvan surroundings, a suggestion which forms the theme. To this theme is accorded the beau¬ tifying effect of sunshine, which, by bestowing its influence upon her, be¬ comes a secondary motive, and it is the conjunction of the human interest of the theme and the attraction of the effect that bestows a pictorial appeal. So far so good, but if it could have been said that the sunlight, at its brightest, took effect upon the figure, the appeal would have been appreciably increased ; but, unfortunately, bright¬ nesses of equal if not greater intensity are to be found elsewhere in the setting. They may not be sufficiently insistent to upset the principality of the figure, but, none the less, they are inclined to be disturbing. There is the possibility that, at another time of day, a figure placed in the same position would be in full sunUght, and the rocks would either be in shadow or not quite so brilliantly illumined ; but on a walldng tour it is often impossible to choose a time when conditions are altogether favour¬ able, and a subject has to be taken as and when the opportunity offers. Assuming this to be the case, a valid excuse is provided, but in an ideal rendering the relative values should be as described. Even now, it would be possible to effect some adjust¬ ment in the fequired direction by local control or the employ¬ ment of one of the control processes. The various lights, excepting those on the figure itself, should be subdued, due regard being paid to their placing and the requirements of naturalism. Provided care be taken not to introduce any sense of falsity ; to avoid any difference in texture ; and to prevent the retouching from becoming apparent, the representation would benefit very considerably. The End and the Means. The end would justify the means, and though control for the sake of control is not advocated, its employ¬ ment is warranted where either a picture is made out of nothing or a subject that is good is made better still. Another defect, which does not happen to be very notice¬ able in this particular case, is a slight departure from the level. It is princi¬ pally to be seen in the lack of truth in the vertical alignment of the reflec¬ tions with the objects they repeat. However, the fault can readily be corrected by trimming, and no doubt will be if another print be made. Nevertheless, and despite these criticisms, the choice of the subject shows an eye for a picture, and a not inconsiderable promise, while at the same time it exemplifies the part that photography can play during a walking tour. “ Mentor.” 28 244