The first image I have chosen is a photograph taken by Andre Kertesz, The Stairs of Montmarte, Paris (1926). I particularly like this photograph as there is a strong sense of perspective which creates a central focal point, the lack of colour also adds contrast emphasising the darker subject matter and shadows; the composition allows the viewpoint to shift throughout the photograph and follow the direction of the shadows. Light plays an important part in the composition of the image as it has distorted and elongated the shadows making unusual patterns appear on the floor, the stairs further distort the shadows breaking them up more and dispersing them further throughout  the image.

The second image I have chosen is an illustration by Virgil Finlay from the book The Angry Street by G.K. Chesterton. Compared to the first image, the subject matter is very similar in regards to public places, however the perspective in this image is much more distorted creating a more dramatic atmosphere. Light and shadow play an important part within both images, making certain aspects of the image stand out more than others. For example, the light in Finlay’s illustration severely contrasts against the black, the white outlines around the subject matter also allow certain aspects of the image to stand out more than others acting as a highlight to outline the image. Similarly, the shadows in both of my chosen images have been distorted in a way which reinforces the composition.

The Angry Street – G.K. Chesterton (1947) Interior artwork by Virgil Finlay.

Andre Kertesz – Stairs of Montmarte, Paris. (1925)