Lehigh University
Art Architecture and Design
113 Research Drive
Building C
Bethlehem, PA 18015

Alon, Composition and Light

The Americans

Parade Hoboken, New Jersey, 1955. From The Americans © Robert Frank

This black and white image uses lighting very effectively by keeping certain aspects of the photo in the shadows. The lady’s face on the left is partially hidden by the shadow creating a sense of unknown. Similarly, the person’s face on the right is completely hidden by the American flag which waves aggressively in the wind. The strong brick wall contrasting with the star spangled banner provides the viewer with a sense of strength.

LensCulture, Robert Frank |. “The Americans – Photographs by Robert Frank.” LensCulture, n.d. https://www.lensculture.com/articles/robert-frank-the-americans#slideshow.

One thought on “The Americans

  1. Good description of the shadows in the faces. You can also discuss the light in the window shade and stripes in the flag and how they balance the composition.

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