Photo Essay

"Control"

My favorite photo in the essay was the first one that was featured, the one that shows a man and a woman sitting at a table. I chose this one for a couple different reasons, namely what it is depicting literally and metaphorically as well as its composition.

I took this photo with the idea of different forms of societal control in mind, focusing specifically on patriarchal superiority for this particular photo. The woman here is wearing a head scarf, a common accessory in many cultures where men hold control over the family. It can be, though is not always, viewed as a symbol of gender inequality; where women are viewed as less than men. It is a way for men to keep their women from begin seen by other males outside the immediate family. This however is not always the case, as some women view it as a freedom from men, more of a symbol of modesty than anything else; though those who hold this view tend to be in the older generation. In some areas of the world a full covering of the body is expected, depending how much the religious and societal rules are upheld. It is an interesting discussion, as to whether or not the religious form of the head scarf, also known as the Hijab in some regions, is a form of control or a form of release for the women who wear them. 

Composition wise this photo is nicely contrasted, makes use of lines and patterns as well as the rule of thirds, which adds to the message of the photo. The contrast lies in a couple different areas, mainly the blurriness of the background, the car and the walking man, and the sharpness of the people in the forefront. There is also a contrast in what the featured people are wearing, which I think adds to the photo. The use of many straight lines, which often are associated with strength, are prevalent throughout the picture as well, including the men in the frame. The woman, however has her head tucked into her hand, making her body appear slightly tucked downward. This was purely coincidence, ironically enough, but it still goes along with the theme of the photo. Finally the rule of thirds can be seen, placing the man on the dominant right side.