Part 2: Five Frames, Five Perspectives
By Cyril Jan Bundalian
By Jermaine Lobo
By Ayessa Mendoza
By Carl Daniel Torres
By Ma. Francesca L. Santiago
Light in My Night
by Cyril Jan Bundalian
Among the most striking photographs I have encountered is Light in My Night by Cyril Jan Bundalian. Its masterful use of color, contrast, and composition elevates an ordinary moment into a deeply evocative scene.
Color plays a dominant role in its impact. The warm glow of the shelter contrasts sharply with the deep black shadows and cooler ambient tones, creating a dramatic effect. This interplay evokes dual emotions: warmth and security on one hand, solitude and melancholy on the other. The illuminated shelter stands in stark isolation against the darkness, heightening its emotional depth.
Lines and shapes further enhance the composition. The strong horizontal lines of the road and shelter provide stability, while the geometric structure of the shelter contrasts with the irregular, organic forms of the tree, creating balance. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth, making the scene feel more three-dimensional. Diverse textures—from the rough pavement to the smooth shelter panels and intricate tree branches—enrich the visual experience. The repetition of tree branches and distant lights creates a subtle rhythm, reinforcing depth and continuity.
The photograph exemplifies key design principles. Emphasis is achieved through lighting, drawing the viewer’s eye to the bus stop and isolating it within the darkness. Contrast between the glowing shelter and deep shadows is its most powerful element, making the subject stand out. Harmony and balance emerge through the interplay of light and shadow. The central placement of the shelter anchors the composition, while the tree introduces slight asymmetry, preventing rigidity.
The composition is intentional and effective. The shelter’s placement creates symmetry, subtly disrupted by the tree for balance. A radial effect emerges as the light radiates outward, guiding the viewer’s gaze. Applying the Rule of Thirds, the bus stop aligns with the central vertical third, while the horizon rests near the lower horizontal third. The tree on the right counterbalances the composition, adding visual weight and depth.
To further enhance the image, refining the framing could strengthen its impact. A more centered perspective might enhance its symmetry, while a lower camera angle could intensify the sense of isolation and drama, emphasizing the shelter’s role as the focal point. Exaggerating the leading lines—through composition adjustments or post-processing—could deepen the sense of direction and depth. Enhancing the light’s outward glow, possibly through longer exposure or subtle digital enhancements, could amplify the radial effect and emotional intensity.
Overall, Light in My Night is a visually arresting image that masterfully employs contrast, lighting, and design principles to evoke strong emotions. With minor refinements, this already powerful photograph could become even more impactful, transforming it into an unforgettable, almost cinematic moment.
Soaked in Reality
by Jermaine Lobo
One of the most emotionally captivating photographs I have seen in this class is Soaked in Reality by Jermaine Lobo. What truly stands out about this photo is the compelling story it tells.
The two children in the foreground, sheltering themselves under a worn-out piece of clothing, immediately evoke a sense of vulnerability. Their expressions are striking. One child looks directly into the camera with a gaze that is both piercing and unreadable, while the other remains partially hidden, as if retreating from the world. This moment of raw emotion sets the stage for a powerful contrast between their innocence and the harsh environment surrounding them.
The rain-soaked street and the blurred figures in the background add depth to the narrative. Pedestrians, dressed in uniforms and carrying umbrellas, move through their daily routines, seemingly unaware of the children's struggle. This juxtaposition heightens the feeling of separation, with two different worlds existing within the same space. The selective coloring reinforces this divide, drawing attention to the children while muting the rest of the scene. It serves as a metaphor for how society often overlooks those in need.
Yet, amidst the quiet sadness of the image, there is also a profound sense of strength. The child in the striped shirt, gripping the cloth over their head, does not merely shield themselves from the rain. It feels like an act of defiance, a testament to resilience. Despite their challenging circumstances, they stand their ground. This is more than just a captured moment. It speaks to a deeper, unspoken reality. The image leaves the viewer wondering what happens to them next, where they are going, and who is waiting for them.
More than anything, this photograph elicits emotion. It is not just about poverty or hardship. It is about endurance and the way children navigate an unforgiving world with resilience that adults sometimes forget. It lingers in the mind, prompting reflection on the privileges we often take for granted.
From a technical standpoint, this photograph masterfully employs visual elements and compositional techniques to enhance its storytelling. Leading lines, created by the vertical poles and the implied movement of background figures, direct the viewer’s gaze toward the children. The interplay of shapes, such as the rounded heads of the children contrasted against the angular umbrellas and garments, adds dynamism to the scene. Light and shadow further emphasize the children's expressions, adding depth to their faces. The textures of wet clothes, rough streets, and blurred rain contribute to the tactile realism of the image. Additionally, the pattern in the striped shirt and the repetition of similar tones in the background create a sense of unity, while the selective desaturation isolates the red hues, heightening the emotional weight of the composition.
Contrast and emphasis are key strengths of this image. The dark, desaturated background acts as a natural frame, drawing focus to the two children in the foreground. The selective color technique ensures harmony and balance, keeping the eye locked onto the emotional center of the photograph. The layering of figures creates depth, while the blurred background reinforces the separation between the subjects and their surroundings. The Rule of Thirds is evident, with the child's intense gaze positioned near a focal intersection point, enhancing the overall impact of the composition.
Ultimately, the greatest strength of this photograph lies in its storytelling, capturing resilience, hardship, and innocence amidst adversity. While already a powerful and emotionally evocative image, slight refinements could enhance its impact further. Increasing the texture sharpness on the children's faces while subtly softening the surroundings could make them stand out even more. Overall, Soaked in Reality is a striking piece that effectively uses composition, contrast, and color to draw viewers into its poignant narrative.
The Boy Who Believed
by Ayessa Mendoza
The Boy Who Believed by Ayessa Mendoza is a captivating photograph that beautifully encapsulates a moment of pure joy and freedom. The image transports me to the sea, where waves crash rhythmically, laughter drifts with the breeze, and water splashes gently as the child moves forward. The boy’s stance exudes courage, as if he is ready to face whatever lies ahead. It is an uplifting scene, brimming with energy and optimism.
The composition masterfully utilizes visual elements to enhance the story. The horizon and waves create strong leading lines, adding depth and perspective, while the child’s movement conveys dynamism. Warm sunlight defines his form, accentuating his features and adding a natural sense of dimension. The contrast between the rippling water and the smooth sky enhances texture, making the scene feel alive. Meanwhile, the rich color palette, with deep blues of the ocean juxtaposed against the warmth of the child’s skin and vibrant clothing, creates a striking and harmonious balance.
The photograph follows the rule of thirds, positioning the child slightly off-center to enhance movement and flow. His stride and the rippling water form a diagonal composition that guides the viewer’s eye across the frame. The background provides context without distracting from the main subject, while the reflection in the water subtly reinforces symmetry. Contrast is effectively executed through both color and texture, with the sharp details of the child and splashing water standing out against the softer, blurred background. The interplay of waves, motion, and water droplets creates unity, seamlessly connecting every element to the overarching theme of childhood joy.
To elevate the image further, a slightly lower angle could amplify the child's action, making the scene feel even more immersive. A wider aperture might enhance subject isolation, sharpening focus on the child while maintaining a dreamy background. Adjusting shadows slightly could also bring out more detail in the child's expression without compromising natural contrast. Ultimately, this photograph is a brilliant fusion of composition, color, and emotion, serving as an inspiring tribute to innocence, courage, and the boundless spirit of childhood.
Koincidence
by Carl Daniel Torres
From a compositional standpoint, the use of overlapping enhances depth, making the koi appear layered rather than flat. The diagonal orientation of the fish introduces dynamism, leading the eye across the frame. There is a subtle adherence to the rule of thirds, with focal points positioned slightly off-center to maintain balance. Additionally, the repetition of curved shapes and flowing lines creates a rhythmic element, reinforcing the organic, fluid nature of the scene.
If I were the photographer, I might experiment with a slightly different angle, perhaps a lower or more level perspective, to further immerse the viewer in the koi’s world. Slightly adjusting the focus to ensure crisp details on all primary fish while maintaining a soft background blur could also enhance the overall impact. A slower shutter speed could subtly blur parts of the fish’s movement, emphasizing fluidity and the passage of time. Nonetheless, the image is a beautiful representation of movement, texture, and balance, effectively capturing the serene yet energetic essence of koi in motion.
Koincidence by Carl Daniel Torres is among the most captivating photographs I have seen. This image tells a story of tranquility, perseverance, and the beauty of movement. There is a quiet harmony in their motion, a sense of unspoken connection between the fish, as if they are navigating life’s currents together. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time, with each ripple serving as a reminder that nothing stays the same. This image invites contemplation, urging the viewer to embrace the journey, adapt to the currents, and find beauty in the ever-changing waters of existence.
This photograph masterfully captures the elegance and movement of koi fish, presenting a visually engaging composition that balances elements of color, texture, and form. The lines formed by the fish’s bodies create a sense of direction, guiding the viewer’s eye through the frame. Their curved and flowing shapes contribute to the natural rhythm of the scene, while the overlapping placement of the fish enhances depth and perspective. The form is well-defined, with the interplay of light and shadow giving the koi a three-dimensional presence against the dark water.
Texture is a key strength in this image. The intricate details of the koi’s scales contrast beautifully with the smooth, fluid surface of the water, adding tactile richness. The patterns in the fish’s markings, combined with the rippling reflections, create a visually dynamic interplay between organic repetition and variation. The color palette is striking, with vibrant oranges and reds popping against the dark water, generating a dramatic contrast that heightens the visual appeal.
The photograph effectively applies several principles of composition. Harmony and balance are evident in the distribution of fish across the frame, preventing any one area from feeling too cluttered or empty. Contrast is skillfully executed, not only through color but also through the interplay of sharp foreground details and blurred background elements. Emphasis is drawn toward the white and orange koi in the center, which stands out due to its brightness and placement. Unity emerges naturally, as the recurring colors and flowing movement of the fish connect all elements into a cohesive visual narrative.
Perya
by Ma. Francesca L. Santiago
A surreal photograph that I found astonishing is Perya by Ma. Francesca L. Santiago. The spinning ride, streaked in light, captures the fleeting magic of amusement parks where time blurs, laughter lingers, and childhood wonder ignites. Its swirling colors symbolize adrenaline, the thrill of the moment, and the transience of joy. Motion blur deepens this effect, mirroring life’s rapid pace, where excitement dissolves into a beautiful haze. The dark background heightens its dreamlike quality, making the carousel feel like a portal to another world. Beyond the spectacle, it reflects life’s endless cycle, with soaring highs and quiet lows, yet always in motion. For a fleeting instant, everything feels infinite.
Perya captures the mesmerizing motion of a spinning amusement park ride, using long exposure to transform the lights into radiant streaks of color and energy. Lines are crucial in this composition, as the vertical support beams contrast against the swirling motion of the ride, creating a dynamic interplay of stability and movement. The shapes are predominantly circular and radial, emphasizing the rotation and drawing the viewer’s eye toward the center. The form of the ride is well-preserved despite the motion blur, with the structural elements providing a strong framework against the vibrant streaks of light.
The texture in this image is defined through light trails, with smooth, flowing ribbons of pink, blue, and purple against the deep black sky. These glowing trails create a sense of depth and movement, adding a soft, ethereal quality. The patterns created by the repeated light streaks reinforce the hypnotic motion of the ride. The color palette is bold and electric, dominated by cool tones of blue and purple, punctuated by warm pinks and reds, which enhance contrast and visual impact.
Principles of design are skillfully executed here. Harmony and balance are maintained through the symmetrical arrangement of the ride’s structure, which grounds the chaotic motion above. Contrast is highly effective, as bright neon lights stand out sharply against the dark background, intensifying the sense of motion. Emphasis is placed on the center of the spinning ride, with light trails radiating
outward, guiding the viewer’s focus. Unity is achieved through the cohesive use of color and the repetition of circular patterns, tying all elements together into a singular, captivating visual.
In terms of composition, radial symmetry is the defining characteristic, with lines and motion converging toward a central point. The use of long exposure creates geometric patterns and rhythmic elements, enhancing the hypnotic effect of the spinning ride. The tilted perspective of the support beams adds a diagonal composition, injecting energy and preventing the image from feeling too static.
If I were the photographer, I might explore a slightly wider frame to include more environmental context or experiment with different shutter speeds to alter the intensity of the light trails. However, the current execution is visually stunning, effectively conveying speed, excitement, and the immersive energy of a night carnival. The blend of structure and motion creates a striking, dreamlike effect that makes this image both artistic and exhilarating.