#Photograpy Writing

[lokuhapuarachchi]

A Critical Analysis of Henry Rajakaruna’s New Photographic Collection

Henry Rajakaruna, who has won numerous national and international awards as well as the state title of “Kalabhushana,” is one of the country’s most senior and renowned fine art photographers. The other day, I received a copy of one of his latest photo-poems. He requested a critical analysis of the series from my perspective. After sending him my analysis of the photographs, he called me on the phone and informed me that he had shared it with several others, asking for their critical feedback, but none of them responded to him. He thanked me for taking the time to provide my thoughts. I am writing this post in response to his kind agreement to allow me to share a public post for the benefit of anyone interested in photo-literature.

In his illustrious career spanning over five decades, Henry Rajakaruna has mastered many genres of photography. He is a commercial, event, and wedding photographer, as well as a fine art photographer. Like all other specialists of his generation, he operated his own darkroom and has also been a printer and laboratory owner. Mr. Rajakaruna is the most sought-after competition judge in the country and has judged numerous national and international competitions. He is also a guest lecturer at many institutions and universities.

Some time ago, the artistic identity of Henry Rajakaruna’s photography, as I knew it, was based on movement. His photographic studies spanned several decades, and he challenged the extremes of the still image through the self-expression of his artistic photography. It was an aesthetic journey, and I know that a new generation of young photographers has been inspired by his influence.

Another photographer who, like Henry Rajakaruna, explored the movement in still photography comes to mind: the Russian photographer Alexey Titarenko. Titarenko used slow shutter speeds and multiple exposures to transform movement into style in his photographs. Like Henry Rajakaruna, he used this artistic style not just for artistic expression but also for political and social expression. His book City of Shadows (1991) is a collection of photographs about post-Soviet life in the disintegrated Soviet Union.

However, the collection of photographs that Henry sent me was completely different from the above style. The series, titled “Architectural Unity: Fusion of Faces and Spaces,” presents a complex exploration of identity and environment. At first glance, his compositions stand out for their creative integration of human subjects and architectural elements, creating a visually compelling narrative that challenges conventional imagery. Rajakaruna brilliantly juxtaposes the emotional resonance of human subjects with the structural beauty of architecture. Vibrant color palettes and geometric overlays create a visually stimulating experience, adding depth and complexity that symbolize the interaction between human creativity and the built environment. I admire how he skillfully weaves the architectural styles of Japan and Sri Lanka into these cultural narratives. This juxtaposition not only pays homage to the unique identities of these places but also emphasizes the universality of human expression. Conceptually, this body of work explores themes of personal identity in public spaces, underscoring how environments are shaped by the people who inhabit them. The interplay between modern and traditional settings further enriches the narrative.

I suggested the following to him if he were to continue this series of photographs:

Strengthen Narrative Coherence While each image is powerful on its own, the series would benefit from a stronger narrative connection. Introducing a progression of themes, such as the transition from traditional to modern architecture, can enhance the storytelling element.

Balance Human and Architectural Elements In some images, the architectural elements dominate, overshadowing the human subjects. Striking a better balance between these two components can further emphasize their interdependence and ensure that both contribute equally to the narrative.

Simplify Overlays Some of the textures and patterns in the overlays, while visually intriguing, occasionally obscure the main features of the photographs. Simplifying these elements to complement rather than compete with the main subjects can increase the emotional impact.

Enhance Emotional Expressions While the compositions are visually stunning, there is potential to delve deeper into the emotional expressions of the subjects. Including more dynamic poses or meaningful interactions with the architectural elements can enhance the human connection and further elevate the series.

Provide Context in Descriptions The descriptions accompanying the photographs are insightful but could use elaboration on the inspiration behind each composition. Highlighting the significance of specific architectural choices and their emotional or cultural relevance will provide viewers with a richer context.

Ensure Aesthetic Consistency The variation between bold, vibrant tones and more subdued colors in some of the images is striking. By establishing a consistent aesthetic throughout the series, while allowing for subtle variations, the collection can be unified and its overall cohesion enhanced.

Ultimately, “Architectural Unity” is a combination of thought-provoking and visually appealing elements. It is an innovative series that beautifully combines human expression with architectural aesthetics. With further enhancements in narrative coherence, emotional resonance, and visual balance, this photo series has immense potential to have a profound impact on its audience.

— Anuruddha Lokuhapuarachchi

[kumsal-thingss]

Belki dünya bize yol vermeyecek ama bizim gidecek uzun yollarımız var. Geçirdiğimiz onca zamana rağmen...

[deadpoetsmusings]

december has gone by a little too fast / the year end always gives me a whiplash

[coffeebooksandmore]

Do you remember the first time you wanted to tell someone you love them? One day it washed over me, like when you step out in the sun after spending all your day in a dark room. Pure light. We had just discussed taking ecstasy together. Another first time. I knew I had to tell you I loved you before we did. I didn’t want you to think I was telling you because of the ecstasy.

So I kept looking for the right moment. My mind on fire about what’s the right moment?! I kept rehearsing it in my head for days, saying I love you, preparing for the real moment. Do I just say I love you? Or that I never thought I was meant to be loved like this. A love that asks nothing from me. A love that made it feel like this was all meant to be. That even if this ended I was lucky to have experienced this kind of love. Or could I just blurt out “I LOVE YOU” as he drives off?

You were leaving to work one day and we were saying goodbye at the door and you got one foot out of the door and then I heard, “I love you.” You said it so fast. But immediately, like the words have been anxiously waiting to be called on, like they were, I spilled out of my mouth “I love you too.”

coffeeandbookss

[patendude]

Fisher of Men

“Jones loves to hike,” is how my friends usually introduce me. “He’s a serious hiker,” is also common. And more accurate. I would not say I love the activity. Driven might be better. Every mountain I see seems to demand a pilgrimage. A fishing line hooks behind my eye and tugs insistently until I relent and put on my boots.

I have the full kit. Camping backpack, hiking sticks, water bladder, sunscreen, granola bars... An enthusiast. Rain, shine, snow. My obsession does not discriminate. I am not resentful. Harmless as compulsions go. I find the hikes refreshing. Meditative. I feel saner once I descend the mountain of the day and return home.

This mountain is coated in the verdurous down of spring. A brisk wind coaxes a feathered sigh from the forest and prompts me to zip up my windbreaker. My hike has been peaceful and invigorating so far. The trails are empty. It’s still early in the season and most hobbyists are probably in their warm apartments.

My map is folded and tucked away in my pack. I prefer to review my route at the start and find my way from memory. My feet have a mind of their own, often taking unnecessary detours. I always make it back eventually. Park rangers are often annoyed at me returning to my car at or just after sunset.

Hiking up this narrow, rocky trail, and stepping around invading roots, my mind wanders. My thoughts drift toward work, shy away and settle on admiring the scenery. I debate whether to dig my camera out of the pack. Suddenly, I am on a graveled path. I slow to a stop with a series of crunches. I deviated from my route an hour ago. Even so, nothing this maintained was on my map. I shrug and follow the path. Its direction seems to continue up the eastern face of the mountain.

I make quick progress along the path, far easier to traverse than the craggy trail I came from. It carries me to a wilder, denser region of the mountain. The canopy closes. The wind in the leaves takes on a lower register. The way forward grows dim. I can deny it no longer. I’m spooked. But the hook that drew me to this mountain now drags me down the ominous path.

The gloom breaks. Sunlight rains down in a clearing. I’m blind until my eyes adjust. The path cuts through a meadow of wildflowers in a leisurely arc and leads to the opposite tree line where the forest pierces the clearing like a claw. And behind that sharp fringe towers a monolith of brutalist architecture. My breath catches, worried I have trespassed. But I had seen no sign, fence, or barbwire. So I approach.

The monolith stands dully in the harsh light. Its grey carapace punctured by inset windows shadowed into portals of darkness. As I draw close and the full building comes into view, I see its base intersects the ground abruptly, like a level designer picked up its virtual geometry and placed it without care whether it blended with the environment.

“Hey!”

I halt, startled, a few steps from the shadow cast by the monolith.

“This is a restricted area!”

I turn to the speaker. He’s tall and thin. Dressed in brown slacks, a white coat, and silver wireframe glasses. He smokes a cigarette. His expression changes from anger to exasperation once he sees my face.

“Christ.“

He draws in a lungful of nicotine and exhales the spent plume through his nostrils.

“Weber, you really need to fix the fence.”

“Excuse me?”

“I don’t give a shit. Jones just showed up. That will keep happening until you do your job.”

I finally see the earpiece the man is speaking to. Then it registers he said my name.

“Do I know you?”

The man chuckles and takes another puff.

“Dr. Fischer! Dr. Fischer.”

The man glances at the figure that issues from the monolith and rolls his eyes.

“Jesus, Jones. Your timing is egregious.”

My hiking sticks drop from my hands and clatter anemically on the gravel path. I feel like I’m about to be sick. The figure is my doppelgänger. The figure has my name.

“Oh, sorry Dr. Fischer.”

“Today is such a mess. Mr. Otto, relieve his torment.”

I look up at the monolith. In one of the windows, a face emerges from its void. My face. Looking down at me with an air of curiosity. Then a couple floors down and to the left, another. And another. And another, and another. My own eyes staring at me.

I hear the crunch of gravel behind me. I feel pinpricks in my back. Then hear brash electronic clicking like some mechanical cicada. I plunge into a merciful darkness.

—

Photo by Adrian Patenaude

[uaravsh]

Barcelona, where light and shadow weave together in perfect harmony.

[luvya-2p]

me with all my hobbies...

*writes two paragraphs after months of literally nothing and it took three hours*

[isadoraartphotography]

Cafe Chat - Time to Write Again

  Welcome. Pour a cup of coffee, perhaps iced tea or my new favorite, iced chai tea. There are a few pastries for you to enjoy, too.  Sit in a comfy chair, and let’s chat. Music might be enjoyable. I hope you like my selection. Beautiful Spanish Guitar Music – I enjoy this type of music when I read or knit. It’s been quite some time since I’ve been on my blog. A great many things have…

[stephanie568]

Just some of my notebooks I've accumulated over the years; some are used most aren't. There's more but these were the easiest ones I could get to.

[grounded-african]

A Quarterly Round-Up...Q1 2024

[flynovecentodiario]

finiamo per smettere di crederci, nelle notti senza orari

[nevermindthevirginswords]

[sadtrash-masculine]

things about my beatiful man season 2 episode 1 that I've noticed and absolutely adore:

- Kiyoi dressed up in Hira's blue (honorable mention to Hira dressed up in Kiyoi's red)

- colors!!! (red, blue and yellow!!)

- Kiyoi's sweater paws

- Hira not explaining what he photographed to the members of the photograpy club, but explaining it without hesistation or fear of judgement to Kiyoi

- the intro: 1. the duck, 2. them looking back at eacjother at the same time in front of the bench, and of course 3. Hira kissing Kiyoi's hand and them melting into eachother as the lyrics go 'this happiness is eternal'

- Kiyoi defending Hira's appearance and promptly deciding he needs to go show off his man immediately

- 'you're handsome enough for me to fall in love again'

- Kiyoi not even thinking twice about canceling on the afterparty because Hira was uncomfortable and Hira completely overthinking it lmao

- Hira not noticing he was being flirted with and Kiyoi the whole time in the foreground looking so pissed and confused that people are flirting with his man

- Kiyoi being like 'yes i think ur hot, but you're not allowed to be popular bc you cant leave me' while Hira is absolutely not thinking about leaving him. ever.

- Kiyoi asking to be fed by Hira twice (and Hira feeding him icecream!!)

- Kiyoi being all possesive and then getting embarassed about it in the morning

- KIYOI LAYING IN HIRA'S LAP

- Hira still obsessed with photographing Kiyoi and Kiyoi exclusively (and how extremely attractive Kiyoi thinks this is)

- Hira wat watching the little documentary thing entirely encases in (his) blue light while (Kiyoi's) red light from the tv shines in his face

- Kiyoi totally modeling a little bit for Hira

- Hira calling Kiyoi cute (relatable) and being his dramatic self about it

theres more but um i have only watched the episode 4 times (technically 3 bc i wasnt really watching while writing this)

[lifmera]

Hii! Could you pair me with a male character from Hazbin Hotel?

* My pronouns are she/her.

* I adore creative hobbies!! I write, do photograpy and sing all the time. I also bake a lot.

* My style can be most described as Copenhagen / balletcore.

* I'm a scorpio.

* My love languages are gift giving and physical touch.

* My favorite music is

A little bit about my personality: I'm a happy person who loves to be around people, even if it's in silence. I don't trust people that easily, but once I am friends with someone, they're in for life. The 'meaner' (sarcastic jokes, take and get) we can be to each other, the more I like you. I always try to see the best in people but I don't really care for second chances.

Thank you in advance!!! ♡♡

Hello!!!

And thank YOU for requesting! 💕

I pair you with …….. ALASTOR!

- ok now hear me out- Alastor?

- But alastor would LOVE to hear you sing- or your creative hobbies!

-… maybe not photography though.

- I do think Alastor would love to see the photos you’d take, thinking that you could make even ugly things beautiful!

- Or the writing! Alastor would enjoy the stories you make! Especially if they were horror stories. Maybe even about his killings.

-Alastor would probably also ask you to write scripts for his radio !!

-Alastor wouldn’t bake; but I think he’d enjoy having you bake in the background as white noise.

-I also think Alastor would LOVE balletcore. He’s a very distinguished gentleman, nothing would suit him better than someone elegant!

-Although Alastor isn’t huge on Physical touch, i think he would make a few exceptions!! But he’d love gift giving and would give it back to you in a heart beat!

-I think he’d be drawn in by your personality, and it would remind him of Charlie at first. He’d probably get close to you at first because he thought you’d be useful to him.

- Alastor would DEF take part in the mean jokes. Just like what he does with lucifer! He’d think its a change of pace, and enjoy rebutting sometimes.

-He loves that you try to see the good, even if it CAN be annoying to him. He really also enjoys that you don’t really give “second chances.” He doesn’t believe in that either!

~~~~~~

I hope you enjoyed! 💖

[arrayed-in-purple]

⛧☥⚧🜍‡⛧☥⚧🜍‡

Hi y'all, call me Lux, 25y, genderqueer (any pronouns), pan, Italy :)

More info below the cut:

Just a Southern Gothic born human raised and living in Gothic Europe.

Haunter of places, seeker of art, collector of things.

Obsessed with the aesthetics of horror, Southern gothic, American gothic, flesh, blood, cannibalism, religious art, eschatology, anatomy, dark art, and all that is strange and unusual.

Child of Cain, music obsessed (anything and everything, especially dark or spooky), lover of cinema (horror, thriller, neo noir, surrealist and weird), art (any and all kinds), fashion (workwear/utility/camo/americana), photograpy, purple, root beer, chocolate, and of the connections people forge, especially queer ones.

I post things from my very large and ever expanding personal archive, and sometimes my own writings and photos.

Always happy to make friends so reach out if you want (let's exchange music!) :)

[reporpoisedphantasies]

🪼Piovra/Aragona/Rudy, any prns will do. 19y/o

🚏did, most of the stories I write cater to my mental illness

🚝I’m very interested in vintage photograpy, iconography and fashion, botany, sea life and many games. I will post about them sporadically

🐠tagging system going on: #txt for captions in reblogs and/or written stuff, #myart for original artworks, #ocs for original characters, #other’s ocs for ocs that aren’t mine. More to come

enjoy your stay

(Credit to @urfavnoisrael on Twitter/@productoftheink on Tumblr)