DAY 120

SOCIAL & POLITICAL COMMENTARY

Daily Routines

FAMILY DINNER AS VISUAL FOCUS

Ordinary topics allow for extraordinary framing and visual interest if the photographer is aware of his or her surroundings. A photograph by Russell Lee conveys the concept of a daily routine—preparing a small meal—by simply moving away from the task at hand and viewing the larger setting. Incorporating the whole kitchen in this instance reiterates the idea of routine through repetition of hinges, tiles, and drawer pulls.

The utter simplicity of the workspace allows the task of the woman to retain its place as a focal point. A kitchen filled with items would be distracting against such a repetitive background, causing the photographer to choose another angle or point of view to convey the visual message.

The patterns of the woman’s clothing further support the concept of routine and repetition, and her place within a very human and familial need—sustenance. The viewer would be completely unaware of these details if not for the forethought of the photographer and his ability to notice the total enclosure available for the photograph. —MLR