Spatial Hierarchy

Vantage/Flatness

Photo: Michael Wolf

1. Please be prepared to discuss the FOUR elements that create the Depictive Level.

Flatness- world is three-dimensional, lens is two-dimensional; objects at two different distances are imposed upon one another, creating a new relationship

Frame- separates inside the frame from outside the frame, creating a focus on the world; frame focuses the viewer on a specific object; some frames can be active, some just envisioning a larger landscape;

Time- the world is moving, but a photo is a single moment in time; affected by the duration of the exposure and the staticness of the final image

Focus- the focus of the photographer shows a “spatial hierarchy”, or what the photographer intends to have the viewer focus on.

2. Consider the statement: “Discreet parcels of Time”. Be prepared to discuss examples.

The length of time for a photo: If a very short time, quick moving objects are seen clearly. If a long time, quick moving objects are blurry. It depends on what the photographer want to convey. The photographer’s actions create a new moment in time that may not be seen in real time.

3. Vantage point is the key to Flatness – it can solve the picture more than compose one. Be prepared to discuss what this means – AND – post an image to CLASS BLOG that illustrates this point. Be ready to discuss it.

A vantage point can make associations between some objects while separating others because the lens shows a flat surface. The image at the top shows two buildings in downtown Chicago. The angle of the shot makes the two buildings appear flat against the lens, almost indistinguishable.

4. We are doing work around the issue of the FRAME – how does what Shore presents compare and deepen what you know already?

I knew the frame delineated the edges of a photo, but have never really thought about how the frame influences the picture. I liked seeing the examples of the frames that either capture an image in its own world, or images where the frame makes you wonder “What’s beyond?” like the picture of kids walking their dog on page 61.

5. Consider the term “spatial hierarchy” – what does that mean? Please Post an example of this on our CLASS BLOG.

Spatial Hierarchy shows the photographer’s intent by showing some objects in focus to highlight their importance while blurring others to direct your attention away. I also liked the illusion that the picture on page 85 presents, a parking lot under a huge sky, but the sky appears closer than the mountains in the distance.

In the following picture, spatial hierarchy is used to draw your attention to the bamboo poles out of the truck. It is almost like an explosion on the lens. Then, you notice the men on top of the truck and the trees in the background.