Critique #2

Jonathan Ray is a photographer from Minnesota who photographs a variety of things such as aviation, scenic views, cities, real estate, automobiles, and portraits. He photographed the image I chose and it is called A Glimpse of Hope. The subject matter of the photograph is hope. The photograph is simply a tree frozen in the winter with a light behind the tree. The light behind the tree lights up the tree and the sky above the tree. The surrounding sky and ground is left dark and cold.
The photographer of this piece uses a drastic use of chiaroscuro. The light behind the tree makes a drastic difference between the darkness of the sky and ground. The content of the photo is a symbol of hope and to have faith. Anyone who critiques this photo views it as beautiful and refreshing to look at. The emphasis of the light behind the tree is to show that even in tough times you can still find hope. In the middle of the photo there is a large tree which represents a figurative characteristic. The focal point of the photo is the tree which is lightened. The light in the background highlights the tree and its importance. The darkness surrounding the tree is shaded with dark colors such as black. The value of the photo is even with a mix of dark and light tones. The visual of the photo shows the tree and the roots of the tree and the bare ground. The light in the background of the tree makes a sign of movement which could portray the sun going down. The optical view of the photo makes the light seem like it is in fact the sun going down.
I believe this photo represents a message to anyone who needs a boost of hope. Things these days are getting pretty rough in the world, failing economy, increased unemployment, and constant war. If this small tree can blossom after a winter like this, we all can make it through the hard time. When it all seems to be too much, take a deep breath, and remember to hold on to your hopes. The focal point of this photo would be the tree. The light behind it makes the tree look fantasy-like. It makes you think that maybe there is hope left in the world. The narrative is subtle. You have to look beyond the photo and realize what the photographer was trying to get people to understand. The darkness surrounding the tree represents desolation. What the photographer is trying to get his viewers to realize is in the middle of misery you can find hope. The characteristics that make this piece strong and effective is its drastic change of light vs. dark, and the true meaning of the frozen tree with light behind it.