Landscape: Activity 2

Find two landscape photographs that question social values or act as a metaphor for personal issues that the photographer is trying to express. Discuss whether the communication is clear or ambiguous and how this communication is conveyed.

Landscape photography in general can be a very tricky thing to achieve. The following images may present troubling dilemmas for some people, while others it may not effect at all. 

Benoit Paille

In this image by Benoit Paille, you can see a young girl (and from my best guess to be) planting trees. She is surrounded by lush bushes and great branches around her, yet in the back ground is the harsh glow of the city lights; a rising problem in today's society. This pictures, as a whole, can reflect on two opposing sides. On one side, one may argue that trees and lush parks such as the one depicted in this photograph take up space that can be used for industrial buildings. On the other hand, one may argue that the rapidly enlarging cities provide problems and diminish the calamity of the wilderness; such things like forests and meadows and other things along those lines. 

Stain Klo

This image by Stain Klo could reflect the same issues as the one above. Here, instead of a beautiful wooded area backing a cityscape, you have a gorgeous mountain view that is obstructed by the harsh glow of florescent orange lights. In my own views, such places should remain undisturbed by the hands of man, only to be touched by those who will appreciate such a scenic place. From the views of another, they could argue that there are viable materials in the mountains that we could use to help further the human race.

Overall, I believe that the ideal image of a landscape is up to the audience to decide it's message. No one can say for certain what the artists truly meant to say with either photograph (for every picture tells a story). We can ponder and assume but there is no for sure. Therefore, it is up to the viewer to decide what the ultimate message is. Some may be extremely controversial such as the above photographs, or others may be more simple minded and not as off putting and mind rearing. A photograph is what the audience makes of it.

-C