Jerry Ueslmann, a Photographer - Essay Example

Jerry Ueslmann Introduction Most photographers’ pictures depict real life aspects and events that they have encountered though this is not the case when it comes to Jerry Ueslmann. This is because unlike others, his pictures depict fantasies. Ueslmann usually comes up with imaginary worlds’ places that people can only dream about and never be there in reality (Aronow). He utilizes these skills in a move to urge people into looking beyond what they actually see. Based on studies so far conducted regarding his work, it is evident that in every picture that he takes, there is always a story behind it (Aronow). Apart from discussing Jerry Ueslmann’s photography, this essay highlights the varied techniques which this photographer utilizes in a move to come up with such outstanding masterpieces. Ueslmann’s Relevance to the Medium Ueslmann has played a major role in the industry of photography; because apart from being a mentor to many, he is also willing to share his skills to the world. This is especially with students and experts who are new in the field. Shortly after finishing his studies, he joined the arts department in the University of Florida where he taught photography (Aronow). Apart from assisting photography students in attaining respective careers, he also played a role in founding the photographic education society in 1962. His works have been in numerous exhibitions, where they act as motivators for they influence people besides urging upcoming photographers to work hard. Why the Photographer’s Work Strikes Me When it comes to photography, Ueslmann’s work is unique due to techniques that he applies in order to come up with such masterpieces. When creating a unified image, he uses a number of negatives and enlargers as well. What makes his work unique is because, unlike others, he involves his mind while photographing, whereby he selects specific objects that he wishes to photograph before isolating them than finally combining them to come up with unique photographs (Aronow). In my opinion, Ueslmann’s images are a clear reflection of his imaginative vision. Ueslmann’s work has a global recognition for it influences a large number of people and in so doing, plays a major role in adding to the field’s complex advancements. While creating a photographic image, Ueslmann brings together a number of prints retrieved from multiple negatives before joining them organically. For decades, he has stood out when it comes to issues regarding photography. This is because, in my opinion, his art is not just about assembling pictures but rather includes creativity besides outstanding techniques. Ueslmann’s Biographical Information Studies contend Ueslmann has always had a passion for art right from childhood and it is due to his artistic inborn attitude that propelled him to global recognition. It was because of this passion that made Ueslmann enroll for a photography program at Rochester institute of Technology (Aronow). After graduating from RIT, he joined Indiana University for his graduate studies before finally getting a teaching job at the University of Florida, department of arts where he taught photography. Consequently, this prompted him in augmenting his skills in relation to photography (Aronow). I think it was because of the inborn passion for art in addition to the course he enrolled for at college as well the teaching profession that made him quite a prowess in the field of photography. Jerry Ueslmann’s Images The reason as to why I chose this image is because it brings back the memories of diptych; based on the manner in which it splits the image into two sections. What makes this photograph stand out is the manner in which Ueslmann has included the textures of both the sky and grass. Similarly, the woman on the picture draws attention due to her fair skin complexion in addition to the dark clothing she is wearing. In my opinion, the photograph is a representation of what actually happens in a human mind when one is sleeping. This is because the woman appears to be resting or sleeping; a feeling induced by the beautiful scenery surrounding her apart from the crater-like substance, which is frightening. This image portrays beach-like scenery comprised of two people in the image with one being black and the other figure is silvery. There is evident contrast between the two persons, for instance, the silvery person seems to be an angel due to his ore her wings. The aspect that comes out clearly is that of the sky and water textures. In my opinion, the photograph seems to adhere to the rule of thirds. This is because there is nothing at the frame’s middle section, hence, all the weight lies in the quadrants. This photograph portrays a lake scene on a Sunny day. What sticks out in this photograph are the textures of the water in addition to the sky and clouds. There is also contrast between the hills, sky and the small image of a person at the center of the frame. In this photograph, one captivating element is the rule of thirds, whereby, the photograph’s whole weight seems to lean in a quadrant, hence making the top section of the image appear balanced. In the image, the hills tend to draw inwards, and in so doing they create a cascading effect, hence making one’s eyes to draw inwards. The composition of this photo is quite stunning. Just like most of Ueslmann’s photographs, there is the rule of thirds usage as well. This is evident in the manner that he has placed the subject to the extreme left instead of the center. There is also contrast between the woman and the wall, which aids in drawing attention in addition to setting up another frame around the woman, hence walling her from the frame. One other aspect that strikes in this photo is that of the backbone of the woman. In my opinion, the defined bone portrays an impression that the woman seems tense. In this photo, Ueslmann depicts a scenario of a study room evident by the presence of the study table as well as a book in addition to the tiny image of a person at the center of the study table. I think the photo is quite captivating, for instance, by replacing the ceiling with the sky, he relays the idea of free thinking. In the image, the sky seems to be full of thick clouds hence giving an impression that rain is about to fall, which in my opinion, the rain is a symbol of knowledge that comes alongside intensive studying. I deem this is a unique image for it comes with a number of interpretations in accordance with the section that the viewer concentrates on. For instance, books that are in the bookshelf portray knowledge as well as previous histories and memories. Similarly, lack of fire in the fireplace symbolizes absence of warmth that comes with lack of loved ones such as family members or partners and friends. The photo comprises of three images of persons who seem to be of female gender. The girls are in a forested area depicted by the presence of woods in addition to a pond. In this picture, of the three, only two of these people have reflections. Just like most of Ueslmann’s work, this one has contrast as well. Contrast is evident in the black and white scenes present in the upper half of the image as well as the color-schemed, negative images in the lower section. In this photo, it is evident that each girl has a different form of emotion, for instance, the first girl in the left seems to be looking down, and in so doing enables the viewer to notice the pool. Conclusion When it comes to the field of photography, it is evident that Ueslmann tops the list; this is due to the professional techniques that he utilizes in a move to come up with outstanding masterpieces to the extent that most of them find their way to the international exhibitions. One reason as to why Ueslmann’s work stands out among the rest is that he always had the passion of art right from childhood, hence it enabled him identify his career in time. Unlike most photographers who depict real life images, Ueslmann usually combines real life and fiction hence coming up with imaginary worlds that people can only dream of. Work Cited Aronow, Abe. “Jerry N. Uelsmann.” University of Arizona. 2010. Web. 25 July 2014. Read More