Week 6

     Week 6: "katja" by Elspeth Diederix

Blog post by Hannah Zimmerman

     For my blog for week 6 I wanted to write about another photograph by Elspeth Diederix. It is titled “katja.” This photograph stuck out to me not because of technique but the way the photographer captured her image. Many pictures by Elspeth that inspire me are usually related to the subject matter of objects and how she is able to create a narrative in the way it is set up or how she arranges things. However, this photograph is of a woman in black sitting in what appears to be a diner booth. She is staring down at a small cup of coffee on a saucer. The odd thing about this photo is the woman is putting the tips of her fingers into the coffee. There are blurred out people in the background behind the woman, eating or waiters waiting on people. The lighting appears fairly bright as if it was just a table lamp hanging above the subject.

            I find this picture interesting because it feels like the photographer was casually sitting across from a friend or someone she knows, putting their hand in their coffee and snapping a picture of it. It appears as if she just captured a “normal” moment occurring across from her.

            This type of photograph feels like that of the reportage movement, or the art of storytelling movement. It often captures a moment in a narrative fashion in an unobtrusive way. These photographers often observe lighting and plan shots of a picture ahead of time. This photograph reminds me of the movement because the way in which Elspeth took the photo. It feels like a bystander photo or as if she was just capturing something she was quietly observing.

            Elspeth was still capable of creating confusion within the viewer of why this forlorn woman is putting her hand in coffee, which is usually hot. She doesn’t seem to be reacting to the temperature, which makes me think that she may possibly want the pain of a hot beverage. Perhaps the woman in the photograph doesn’t feel certain things because of something that happened or is part of her life. I am not sure of what this woman’s personal story may be, but because of how this photo is taken, forming a possible narrative is very easy. It definitely creates inspiration for my ongoing project of reportage.

Seeing this gave me confidence that I can also try out this type of photography. With a little bit of planning and knowledge of where I am photographing, I too can create an interesting narrative, using the technique or “way” of reportage photography. It also makes me think about different situations or places I would be interested in for taking my photographs. I also feel like I can take a picture of an “odd” moment if I am patient or set up my photograph in the correct way.

Elspeth Diederix's photograph "katja" can be viewed here: 

http://www.elspethdiederix.com/ 

My photograph of the week: