I think the expression on these workers' faces is a great contrast with the Sweet Spot sign.
Here we have our cell phone bill money put to good use. Three men from one cell phone store standing around chatting it up with a guy from the next cell phone booth over--apparently he also had nothing to do.
When I explained to these men what I was doing and asked if I could take their picture they said, "Wait, so you want to take a picture of us not working? Sure! As long as our boss never sees it." I like this picture because even though they knew I was taking the photo, they are still pretty candid. This is exactly how I found them--watching tv while their fourth co-worker dealt with an angry customer over the phone.
I think we all know these type of salespeople. They stand in the middle of the mall and try to flag you down to sell you something from the Dead Sea that will revitalize your skin and change your life. Well, in return for my cooperation they let me take this picture. Notice the smug facial expression and the subtle hand gesture.
Once again, I think this guy's facial expression says it all. Finally, some people in the mall actually doing work.
This is random, but I love that in the top picture, there's a picture of crepes (or pancakes?) over the door, which is just over the man's head. It's almost like that pile of food is going to fall on top of his head. I like all the photos where someone is looking directly at the camera better than the more candid ones.
ReplyDeleteI love the last photo; I think it goes well with your title - "American Mall." The lady getting a massage and the masseuse both look like they have ties to other countries - that is the whole idea of America, and I think you've captured it well.
ReplyDeleteThe last two are definitely more interesting because of the fact that the people are looking at the camera. I like the concept, too!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting trying to form opinions on things after the in-class discussions. But after looking at your photos again, I have the following to say:
ReplyDeleteImages 4 and 5 are the strongest, most appealing, and 2 feels the least cohesive for the essay. (what was said in class, essentially)
Leaving images 1 and 3. I feel 1 would pop out more if placed next to 4 and 5, and I think I would like it more, not because the photo would be better, but because of its neighborhood and proximity to the other smiling faces.
As for image 3, I think it's my favorite. I feel it perfectly captures the relaxed atmosphere at work when employees are on break, socializing. An aspect of work that no one pursued in their photo essays. I think I like it all the more because of the strong non-standard composition. The man at left is posing, but our eyes end up there last. I saw the jewelry store, the bench sitters, and then followed their gaze to find the man in blue, standing in stark contrast to the bench-dwellers.
I really like your composition on the first photo. Placing the two workers in the lower left third brings them into our attention, it kind of isolates them amidst all that's going on around them. I think Prof. Olivier said this, but i think you would've done better to do all candid, just because it flows a little better and looks more cohesive.
ReplyDeleteFor me the second photo doesn't fit too well, but I really liked your overall idea.
ReplyDeleteI love the choice of location, makes a really unified theme, although I think the second photo doesn't really fit too well.
ReplyDeleteI think you should try and crop that second picture and it might work a little better. Still the ones with people looking at the camera are the most interesting.