Post #1

Thomas Allen
Upshot, 2003
Foley Gallery

Analysis

Cowboy Shootout
Form (what is most relevant in regard to the interpretation)

• Point of view (angle of view)
• Depth of field
• Positive/negative space
• Distance of camera to subject matter
• Relation of elements within the frame

Interpretation

• This image is one of many parts to a photographic sequence that describes the ability to tell a story through photographs. Similar to reading a book a photograph can give you an in depth story about the subject matter. Through the formal elements, specifically Depth of Field, you can read into what brought you to this moment in the photo and what potentially might happen after. Using Depth of Field you can see that the one cowboy in focus is shooting at the cowboy out of focus, But putting them at different heights and changing the Point of View gives you a sense of trickery or potentially danger.
  
• Upshot, I consider a great example of the message that is trying to be conveyed through Allen's photography. Thomas Allen also adds books into a great majority of his photographs and does a very good job at making the books relate-able to the subject he is shooting.