Photography Blog 4

 

I chose this portrait by Ralph Gibson because I like guitars. 

Ok that's partially a joke but I’d be lying if I said that the guitar aspect of the photo did not attract me at all. Ralph Gibson has made a couple of photos with guitars featured prominently, between this State of the Axe and Impressions of Strings. It is to the point where I couldn't help but wonder if Ralph Gibson had any relation to Gibson the guitar manufacturer. I looked into it and I don't think that there's any relation and it's just a coincidence. 

I really enjoy the framing of this one. It feels very carefully composed, but not in an artificial or staged way. Its a really good use of the rule of thirds and draws your eyes to the important bits like each of the characters hands. I also like the kind of portrait it paints of frontier life. I don't know if Gibson was intentionally going for a western vibe, but between the beat up classical guitar and the old timey baby crib that's what I get from it. I also just love that the baby’s outstretched hand is in frame. How did he get them to do that I wonder? Is there somebody calling the baby off camera? Or was it a happy accident? Who knows.