Edward Weston Personal background Born on the 24th of march, 1886 Edward Weston was raised in Chicago Illinois for the majority of his childhood. He was only 16 when he first began to photograph things, using his Bulls Eye #2 cameras, gifted to him by his father. He started with photographing his aunt's farm, and chicago park. Weston moved to California in 1906, shortly after his first photo was published. In california he began working as an itinerant photographer after he briefly worked as a surveyor for San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad. Before being trained, he went door to door and photographed funerals, pets and children. He then realized he should get professional and started attending a photography school in illinois. He got married, had four kids and opened a studio in Tropico, California in 1911. Style Weston had a modernized style of photography. He often photographed nudes, landscapes, close ups, and natural forms. Due to the times these photos were taken, all the photos were in black and white. He shined different and unique perspectives on things, making his work capturing. He often brought out sculpture-like forms in rich structures like close ups of vegetables. Philosophy Weston believes that clearly detailed and accurate depiction of the natural world is the true nature of photography. He believed that lifes essence is found in simplicity rather than a variety of forms. Pre visualizing the image is what Weston claims is the key to thinking photographically. “The camera should be used for a recording of life, for rendering the very substance and quintessence of the thing itself, whether it be polished steel or palpitating flesh.” said Weston himself. InfluencesI believe Edward Weston is incredibly influential. Not only does his work inspire me to take views of things in different ways, but so does his philosophy. He believed we should record life, no matter what it is. I interpret this as a way of saying no matter how hard or good life gets, record it. People may see it as something else, and they could find it inspirational. Edward Weston has inspired me to view life in a different perspective, and view other people life's in a different perspective too. part 2
Edward Weston "pomegranate"
Sage Pashturro "Sweet Red"
these two photos are obviously very different in technique and skill. this photo was exceptionally hard to recreate, but i chose to work with what i could and give my self a bit of the challenge. i tried to choose a back round that wasn't too flashy or distracting, and put a piece of towel under the pomegranate to prop it up. Edwards photo has a cleaner, and darker back round, while mine is less dark and more gradient than Edwards.
Edward Weston "cabbage leaf"
Sage Pashturro "Leafy Green"
as we can all see, my photo isn't as detailed, nor is the vegetable as textured. i tried my hardest to try and make these pictures similar, yet the two leafs are non identical. although the two leafs are differently shaped and detailed, they have the same idea just different skill and growth.
Edward Weston "Red Cabbage Halved"
Sage Pashturro "greens"
My cabbage is noticeably less colorful, and less detailed. i love the way that the detail pops in his photo, and its a bit disappointing that mine doesn't, yet i have to remind my self he's a professional. in Edwards photo, its easier to see and understand what the picture is and i don't think its that easy to see whats going on in mine.
Artist Statement
All though these photos were hard to take, and involved effort i still enjoyed taking them. not only did i get to make us of the food i used but i also got to photograph things i didn't think i would have to, and that was intriguing. unfortunately, my pictures aren't the best and they aren't the most alike with Edward Westons, i think i could work harder next time to find better ways for better quality. i really like Edwards photography and hope that someday i can be close to as good as his strengths and skill.
Sources
https://www.edward-weston.com/edwardweston
Cabbage Leaf Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/loomstone/11029804905/ Halved Red Cabbage: https://www.artsy.net/artwork/edward-weston-red-cabbage-halved Pomegranate:https://remodernreview.wordpress.com/2021/08/10/daily-art-fix-edward-weston-on-the-most-fruitful-attitude-toward-life-art-and-other-people/