Martin Parr - Quote: "With photography, I like to create fiction out of reality. I try and do this by taking society's natural prejudice and giving this a twist."  magnumphotos.com

A photographer and member of Magnum Photos who's work specifies in realism; his photographs pay attention to life going by and things that the public eye may find insignificant in reality but see as an art form in a photograph. It is clear to see that his photographs have been staged which gives them a purpose and represents the finer things in everyday life. 

The Bald Patch encounters a deeper meaning behind a simple photograph. It appears to be staged as the subject is centred and we are instantly drawn into the image. It looks far from reality, as it is looks odd and creates enigma and questions who is this person? There may be a hidden agenda - he is face is hidden yet his bald patch is exposed so this to people around him. This subject is shocking but may be an important person as the narrow depth of field blurs out the public/passers by. 

Walker Evans - Quote: "Leaving aside the mysteries and the inequities of human talent, brains, taste, and reputations, the matter of art in photography may come down to this: it is the capture and projection of the delights of seeing; it is the defining of observation full and felt." - www.getty.edu/art 

Photography with many levels of interest - Surrealism, attractions, Sights. Walker Evans photographs have a lot of depth. He liked to become involved in and so his photographs were very self driven. 

The Couple at Coney Island, New York is an observational shot showing the closeness and intimacy of the couple. As their faces are not shown they have become anonymous this represents couples who are in love so this connotes empathy. 

Cornella Capa - Quote: "One thing that Life and I agreed right from the start was that one war photographer was enough for my family; I was to be a photographer of peace." magnumphotos.com 

A photographer who makes a statement, many of his images are political and event driven, e.g. John. F. Kennedy making a speech during his campaign for U.S Senate. The saturation give a historical feel, they look as though they've been captured in the moment (decisive). 

The Savoy Ballroom brings a positive, energetic, exuberant vibe. This photo shows elements of the decisive moment through mid dance. The expression, smiles on the the mans face lifts the atmosphere in this scene and creates a truthful representation of ballroom dancing back in the late 1930's.

Lewis Hine - Quote: "Why liars may not lie, liars may photograph" books.google.co.uk

His photography captures emotion and creates empathy as his photographs document the issue that was child labour. His photographs of children working in factories and mines,  

The Breaker Boys he emptiness of their emotion. The way the boys are lined up and looking directly into the camera signifies that this photograph has been staged. This is a group photograph which comes across as powerful, however I think that his other photographs of individuals create more empathetic approach - loneliness.

Above: image 1 - Bald patch

 image 2  - Couple at Coney Island, 

New York

   image 3 - Savoy Ballroom

 image 4 - Breaker Boys 

  Source: Book – Photojournalism: developing style in creative photography

Comparing the two situations – innocence of children

Tom Stoddart - The AIDs Crisis in Africa

“The AIDs Crisis is an absolute catastrophe and yet it’s largely been forgotten about or being ignored by the rest of the World” – TS

From Stoddart’s statement I believe that he wants to show the world, those who are ignorant to this major issue, to open their eyes and realise they can make a difference.  The charity (RED) is helping towards eliminating AIDs by 2015. The rest of the World can help too by buying a product of red (t-shirt) in Gap stores across the nation which will help fund the medicines to treat this illness.

His photography captures the rawness in the emotions of the African children. In one image there is child (baby) who is alone and looks as though he/she is crying out in pain. We are instantly drawn to the subject this being the baby  as the depth of field is shallow which makes people connect to the situation. In another image a child is holding onto a bed whilst lying down; the representations are life, loss and being trapped. With just a few images I can see that this is a whole other World, in some ways poverty is brought out but this is the battle with health and survival. Children in the “third world” innocently have to deal with this life threatening illness that they have been given. Unless we see their suffering through photographic evidence do we really take notice of AIDs Victims?

Byrn Campbell – The village school

“I felt that there were also other things in life that were equally worthy of coverage even if they weren’t so dramatic and exciting” – BC

I think Campbell is referring to the realism in his photography, the interaction between children in the playground, use of imagination, the playfulness and laughter in a child’s day at school. It may not relate anyone outside the picture but it will show the underlining happiness and excitement of Children . His photography depicts each moment which is full of positivity, gratification, and emotion which enforces a feeling of happiness on the spectator. I believe people will empathise with the children as they will remember when they were young and playing games in the playground. 

 Portraiture

Tom Stoddart – Woman in Indian Earthquake 2001 - The framing of this image make the woman look helpless and at a loss as the broken wall behind her. It is directed above her head which comes across as empowering and a threat to her safety. It comes across as though this woman has lived like in hard times and struggle for a long time. Her face has lack of expression which tells us that this is the normality for her. Her wrinkled skin implies this lifestyle has been engraved into her life, she represents the people of her community and family and by doing this she stands brave.