Quality in Visual Communication

Princess Angeline shot by Edward Curtis, 1896

I see a fairly content looking woman, maybe in her late 60's or 70's. Her silky looking skin bears wrinkles, similar to leather. The woman, who I infer to be Princess Angeline, wears a plaid shawl and a bandana atop her head. The photo seems to  be weathered down and very old. The photo is also in black and white, but i'm guessing with age it has turned to a sepia hue.

When I see this photograph, all I can think of is how happy this woman is. Her face translates pure joy, and I get very good vibes from just looking at it. The woman seems like she is not very wealthy, coming from her attire, but yet she looks like the happiest woman in the world. I think this photo is trying to communicate the idea that you don't need to be young and wealthy to be happy. I think the photo has achieved its purpose.




There are many reasons why this photo is a quality photo. For one, it is fairly well preserved, giving the age of it. Second, the lighting is coming from the top right of Princess Angeline's face, a very good, in my opinion, choice for the photo. The light enhances her leathery, wrinkled skin. Another reason this photo is exceptional is the angle and aligning of Princess Angeline. She is framed perfectly in the center, drawing the viewer's attention towards her face and head. All of the different textures in this photo, for me, make this image interesting and a good photo.