I wanted to introduce you to one of my favorite contemporary photographers, Shelby Lee Adams. Adams was born in 1950 and is well known for
the photographs he has taken in Appalachia of different families who
live there. He has been photographing those who live in this region
since the mid 1970's. Below is a photograph showing oh Adams set his lights up for this portrait.
Shelby Lee Adams Photographing Couple
Adams is a editorial portrait photographer who uses hard
light. In PH133, you learn what the term
"editorial portrait photographer" means. In short, "editorial portrait
photographer" is photograph that clearly shows who your subject is and
what he or she represents. Typically, editorial portraits are taken
within your subject's natural environment and are often times referred
to as "environmental portraits". In PH136, you learn the difference between "soft light" and "hard light". Hard
light is created by an undiffused source and it casts heavy defined
shadows. Hard lighting is typically used to show texture and detail.
Soft light is created with a diffused source and casts soft-edged
shadows.
Adams, Shelby Lee, Berthie with Pipe & John, 1992.
To
the left is one of Adams' photographs of his subjects, Berthie Napier
and her husband, John Napier. I
think it will be very beneficial for you to become familiar not
only with his photographs but to also learn about his biography. Adams
grew up in Appalachia, Kentucky to be exact, close by to where his
subjects lived and are still living. Adams' work is controversial and
learning about his life might help explain why. Click here to read the interview with Adams.
Adams, Shelby Lee, The Hog Killing, 1990.
Adams, Shelby Lee, The Napier Family, 1989.
Adams, Shelby Lee, The Napier Brothers with Puppies, 1992.
To see more images and/or read more articles on Shelby Lee Adams, please feel free to click here. Adams' also produced a documentary movie titled Shelby Lee Adams: The True Meaning of Pictures.
Let's take a moment to review a clip from that movie. While you watch
the clip, ask yourself: a) Do Adams' subjects accept him into their
lives? b) Why or why not?
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