Maxim Zavialov.
Image 1.
I like the simplicity of this image. I believe Zavialov’s intention was to shoot on a simple, plain background to make the subject stand out and create more of a portrait image…unlike his other work. All of Zavialov’s work features a model, however I feel that this particular image was taken for the purpose of a portrait because the model is placed at the focal point, and is the only subject in the frame apart from the wall which is plain and features no detail or graffiti like his other images. Zavialov’s thumb, holding the physical Polaroid photograph, is a leading line - directing towards the subject, which also emphasises the focal point. The harmonious colours of the sage wall and the model’s light blue dress is a pleasing combination to the natural eye and it ‘brings the photo together’. I would like to recreate this particular style of Zavilov’s “Instant Moments” concept because I think that it is one of the most interesting out of his images.
Image 2.
I like the symmetry of this image. The theatre seats are naturally symmetrical and I think that Zavialov used this to his advantage. The symmetry of the empty seats are interrupted by the subject (the model) which draws the attention to the model. The black and the red are both very bold colours, connoting danger, it could represent how (because of the emptiness of the image and the seats) the model is in danger. Through the use of space and a simple composition - and the alarming colours - Zavialov has created an eerie and dangerous atmosphere. I think that this image is also a contextual juxtaposition because the old theatre seats, range of colours in the image and Zavialov’s concept of using a Polaroid image all create a vintage theme (20th century). Whereas, contextually, Zavialov is using an iPhone to take the photograph and he later uploaded it to the social media platform: Instagram (21st century). I think that Zavialov is trying to represent how time and ‘The World Around Us’ has changed, even the minor attributes such as photography have also changed.
Image 3.
I like the composition of this photograph. Zavialov has used the rule of thirds on the sea line, and placed the Polaroid above the rule of thirds - yet he hasn’t lined the Polaroid up perfectly with the background, like his other photographs. Zavialov has also used a deep depth of field to keep the background in focus, unlike his other images. Zavialov has worked against the rule of thirds with the subject (the model is directly in the centre of the frame) yet with the background (the sea line and the beach) he has used the rule of thirds - which I find very interesting. I believe that Zavialov intended to do this to interrupt the natural and pleasing composition that most photographers use and I believe that he wanted to do this to create a naturally unpleasant image, which actually draws the natural eye in more and creates a more interesting image. I would also like to recreate this image because it links to my ‘The World Around Us’ theme because it highlights the natural beauty of the sea and the beach, and how it naturally fits in perfectly with the rule of thirds.
Image 4.
I like Zavialov’s use of space in this photograph. Immediately , the viewer’s eye is naturally drawn to the centre of the frame (inside of the polaroid) due to Zavialov’s thumb leading towards the centre, paired with the the square frame which allows the Polaroid photo to sit exactly in the centre of the image. Zavialov has used two different compositions within this photograph. Zavialov placed the model infront of the graffitied wall and took the Polaroid with the whole wall in the frame. Zavialov then moved closer to the graffited wall and took his final image, using a shallow depth of field to slightly blur out the graffitti. As a result, Zavialov has created an image within an image, taking a photograph of the same component twice - with two different compositions. This technique shifts the viewer’s focus to the graffiti and grasps attention, I think that Zavialov intended to because he wanted to display the beauty of street art and graffiti.
Image 5.
I like Zavialov’s use of creatvity in this photograph. If you were to look into the Polaroid image, compared to the background image, there appears to be a railing in the Polaroid and not the background image. However, we look at the image and it ‘fits’ and looks natural. This is because Zavialov used line and the rule of thirds in this image . Zavialov took the Polaroid image with the horizontally straight railing, filling up the bottom of the Poaroid’s frame. When taking the image, he lined the Polaroid up with the rule of thirds line. This technique creates a natural and pleasing image, despite the two images being taken in two different locations. I would like to experiment and explore with this technique because I find it very innovative and clever.
Image 6.
I like Zavialov’s use of symmetry in this image. The symmetry emphasises the leading lines towards the model (the subject). The leading lines also highlight the beauty of the nature, because we when we are drawn in by leading lines, we percieve the image as if the bridge is never ending - creating a magical atmosphere. The harmonious green and blue colurs are both very pure and optimistic colours. The diagonal trees lean and balance against eachother, connoting instability, as if everything could fall at any minute, but nature is strong and no matter how unstable it may seem, it won’t break. The model is also very small in this photograph and i think that Zavialov used this image to symbolise the power of nature, and how man is so miniscule compared against it. Perhaps Zavialov is suggesting he believes that nature is more powerful and beautiful than man, by presenting his image this way. This links to my ‘The World Around Us’ topic because Zavialov is showing nature’s true beauty, contrasted against the negative man-made creations in ‘The World’.