Goosebumps
If one is to look for color, they’d be passing up the opportunity for literal goosebumps – the same kind as this anonymous photographer’s subject, a woman who captures our attention in a voyeuristic trance and makes us yearn to know more. Taken from such an angle only a few inches above the water’s surface, one could wonder if we are sharing in her experience, whatever it may be. This photo comes as immediately strikingly as her goosebumps juxtapose the calm, drifting waters.
One can even imagine her position to be strained, here, awkwardly contorted with her collar bone jutting out just a bit. Is she in the peaceful state we initially see? Does her mood truly match these calm rumbling waves, or do her goosebumps and unnatural arch indicate the calm after her storm? Her expression could be one of bliss or terror; we’d never know. Whatever the woman’s story is, we are drawn to her expressionless character even more so than the serene, slightly blurry beauty that surrounds her.
This black-and-white still shot is anything but that – it carries a chilling movement, like we can tell that the woman is drifting out from the land and clothing she once needed and instead embracing raw beauty. Her state of undress suggests freedom, and complete natural serenity. To some, she might be an idol. Just as her face remains a mystery, so does her story.
What do you think of this image?
Striking image with a beautifully written analysis.
“Just as her face remains a mystery, so does her story.” This quote from the analysis captures the essence of this image. As the viewer, we can see the rippling effects of her presence in this otherwise serene body of water and indeed it causes further speculation regarding what her narrative actually is. The black and white image, devoid of any color except that created by the human imagination, makes one think about the artists’ vision for this piece. Why not shoot in color? Would it take away from her narrative and immediately give into the curiosity regarding the woman and her surroundings? Or would it merely be a way to escape probing for further meaning by the viewer?
Freedom and raw experience! Beautiful analysis.
I enjoyed reading your analysis. I thought your take on such an ambiguous photo that evoked so many different perspectives was really relatable and captured the essence of the picture. Amazing job!