Andres, Holly, 2008, The Lost Mitten, 2008 From the series Sparrow Lane, Chromogenic dye coupler print
Andres, Holly, 2008, The Lost Mitten, 2008 From the series Sparrow Lane, Chromogenic dye coupler print
The photograph I decided to focus on is titled “The Lost Mitte, 2008 From The Series Sparrow Lane” by American photographer, Holly Andres. This photograph is a chromogenic dye coupler print. According to the wall label, “Holly Andres’ photography utilizes stylized cinematic scenarios and female protagonists to explore transitions to womanhood.” The Sparrow Lane series builds upon references to the Nancy Drew mystery novels and the psychological tension of Alfred Hitchcock films.
This photograph uses a triangle composition and high contrast lighting to draw the viewers attention towards the center of the photograph. The dark shadows found in the trees frame the two subjects. The soft highlights in the grass juxtapose the harsh shadows found in the dark trees, creating a well balanced composition with a dynamic range of tones.
For this photograph, Holly Andres used selective focus techniques. The foreground and mid-ground are in complete focus, appearing sharp and crisp. Behind the two girls, we can see that the grass is softened and blurred. This artistic decision pulls the subjects forward, separating them from the background.
The color palette is minimal, with mostly green and brown earth tones. The colors that catch the viewer’s eyes are the sky blue shirts the two girls are wearing and the bright red mitten floating in the puddle. The white balance of this photograph is warm, creating a dreamlike/golden-hour atmosphere.
The subjects of the photo, the two girls, can be seen reaching down to pick up the lost mitten. The girls appear to be holding hands and struggling to keep balance. Their expressions suggest concern. Maybe they are worried about falling into the puddle?
Psychological tension is created through the reflection shown in the puddle. In the reflection, we can see a mirror image of the two girls’ legs. While we know nothing supernatural should happen, seeing your reflection is a form of uncanniness. For an instance, another you can be seen. The puddle acts as a portal to an unknown world, a world where anything could happen.
Well constructed narrative! The Nancy Drew reference definitely places this in work in time. A mundane object like a mitten in water builds with suspense because of the figures’ poses. It is more than a lost mitten. Good observations of composition and photographic technique.