DAY 70

SOCIAL & POLITICAL COMMENTARY

Old Age

USING PLACE AND PROPS

Exploring topic and content through the use of location adds additional dimension to a subject. Scout locations during the course of daily transit or make a list of places and areas to investigate. Spend time watching the change of natural light in a location by visiting during the morning, afternoon, and early evening. Consider the possibilities the light changes offer—a focused light source, diffused lighting, dappled or pattern that reflects the nature of the topic. Photograph the location thoroughly by changing perspective, angle, lens, and type of film. The architecture shown in this photograph’s location—its plain, utilitarian construction, and flat, undecorated surfaces accompanied by a set of doors—reiterates the idea of exiting physical life and sets the stage for exploring the topic of old age.

Props are another aspect of exploring a topic. In this instance, a cane is used to reinforce the loss of vitality. Notice that the angle and placement of the cane mimics the angles of the architecture. The slumping of the figure away from the architecture further reinforces the idea of aging and the loss of an upright position, and pulls the figure away from the existing structure required of an earthly existence. —MLR