Photo Analysis

Title: Meryl Streep
Artist: Annie Leibovitz
Date: 1981

This image is of Meryl Streep, it is a close up portrait to emphasize her face which uses a short depth of field and lighting that is subtle and soft. The first thing I notice in this image is the models make up and her eyes. Her face has been painted white and her eyes have been made darker in order to draw the viewer in and emphasize her eyes. The next thing I notice is how the model is pulling her face which creates a sense of illusion and also gives the impression it is some kind of visual metaphor. It could represent how the model is adaptable to all the different roles that she plays as an actress. The image could also be telling a story and symbolising the real Meryl Streep as she is pulling the mask away. The background is dark and simple and the models shirt is also plain which makes her stand out more to the viewer as the rest of the image isn't distracting.

Title: Leonardo Dicaprio
Artist: Annie Leibovitz
Date: 21st August 2010

This image is a portrait of Leonardo Dicaprio, the first thing I notice in this image is the model holding a swan which has wrapped its-self round his neck like a scarf. It stands out clearly due to the contrast of colours as the background of the image and the models jumper are very dark compared to the swan. The background is also simple and has a narrow depth of field which doesn't distract the viewer and helps them focus on the swan. You notice straight away that the artist has followed the rule of thirds as the models face and whole body lines up with the intersection points, drawing your attention to the subjects face and eyes. The left side of the image has also intentionally been blurred whereas the right side hasn't in order to draw the viewers attention to the model. Very bright harsher lighting has been used which in turn actually softens the whole image.

Title: Cate Blanchett
Artist: Annie Leibovitz
Date: Unknown

These images are portrait style of Care Blanchett, where the lighting in the image is quite harsh in both images. The first thing that stands out in this image are the two different facial expressions that are being pulled which remind me of the comedy and tragedy masks. The 2 different faces show two different emotions and personalities and symbolises the different roles Cate can play. The background has been kept simple and a broad depth of field has been used so the viewer keeps their focus on the model. The colours in the image are black and white which adds contrast and tones to the image and also give the image a different feel to them, where there is more drama going on compared to if the images were in colour.