ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAITS:

AMERICA REDER NED THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHS

by

Steffany L. Simon

A SENIOR THESIS

m

GENERAL STUDIES

Submitted to the General Studies Council in the College of Arts and Sciences

at Texas Tech University in Partial fulfillment of the Requirements for

the Degree of

BACHELOR OF GENERAL STUDIES

Approved

PROFESSOR RICK'DlNGUS Department of Art

Chairperson of Thesis Committee

PROFEssc:i1i SEAN MEYERS Department of Photocommunications

Accepted

PROFESSOR MICHAEL SCHOENECKE Director of General Studies

MAY 2002

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS "

.'

I would like to thank all those who contributed to the development of this

creative thesis and to those who supported me during my studies at Texas Tech

University. My committee members. Professors Rick Dingus and Sean Meyers.

provided me with constructive criticism that enhanced my photographic skills and

goals. Artie Limmer and Joey Hernandez gave me the opportunity to work as a

photographic assistant at Creative Services in News and Publications at Texas Tech

University; they taught me many skills that I did not learn in the classroom. Melissa

Goodlett. friend and mentor at Creative Services. helped me to mature as a

photographer and person. Dr. Michael Schoenecke, Director of General Studies.

pushed me to explore my goals and ambitions, helping me to discover areas of my life

I never have before. I also want to thank my family. fiance. and friends who were my

backbone of support through these trying college years. I have succeeded because of

your love and encouragement. Thank you.

11

T ABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

CHAPTER

11

I. INTRODUCfION

II. ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAITS WITH COMMENTARIES 3

Roots ...j.

Hooill 6

Vanity 8

Self-Expression 10

Time 12

Patience 14

Leadershi p 16

Pride 18

Optimism 20

Innocence 22

Happiness 24

Sool ~

III. CONCLUSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

28

29

111

CHAPTER I

INTROOUCfION

I will graduate after my fourth year of college at Texas Tech University this May

of 2002. This will be the final hour of 127 hours of classes. I have learned many

photographic techniques and skills, but to be quite honest I cannot begin to explain what I

have actually learned. I am, however, not the same person I was four years ago. There

have been many trials, friendships, wins and losses that have transfonned the person I

once was into the person that I am today. When I contemplate the events that have

occurred during my college years, I realize that each event deals with people. Each event

deals with a relationship, whether it is a relationship between myself and another person

or within myself.

Many photographers have influenced my work, one of which is Richard A vedon.

Avedon began photography during WWII making 10 photos for the merchant marine.

Avedon continued photographing people, this time in a more controlled environment

posing his subjects and molding their facial expression in front of a white backdrop.

Avedon practices, "large fonnat studio isolating people from their environment

embracing the detail of fact over idealization" (Hirsch 325). He looks for insight into

societal behavior. manners, and social structure, and separates people from their

environment claiming that society is 'deceptive' (Hirsch 325). Unlike Avedon, I feel that

one's environment shapes a person. For this reason I have also studied the works of

August Sander. For centuries, Europeans were fascinated by photography believing that,

"body type and facial expression provide a window into one's inner moral character and

that photography offers a truthful method of revealing these facts" (Hirsch 281). In 1912.

August Sander attempted this sociological study of German people by making their

portraits. Sander's straightforward portraits were usually made at eye-level with a large

lens aperture to convert the landscape into a neutral setting. Sander believed that,

"through precise attention to the details of dress, environment, ex.pression, and a sense for

the symbolic, his "naturalistic" portraits respectfully represent a pictorial sociology of

faces that reveal cultural and economic history and the struggle to accept the difference

between social position and the person who inhabits that position" (Hirsch 282).

While I pay attention to details when composing my photographs I am searching to

portray the positive qualities of life rather than the struggles. Because of my different

approaches and the creative aspect of being a photographer, it is important to have many

influences while maintaining my own unique artistic nature.

This thesis, by standards of past theses, is unconventional. By this I mean it is not

words, formulas, or problems. It is photographs of people. Not all of these people have

affected my life, but each one, directly or indirectly, deals with some aspect of life that

has taught me a valuable lesson about the person I desire to be. This is a thesis about

photographic techniques, but most importantly this is a thesis on life, every aspect of life,

led by many different faces and personalities. John Stilgoe, author of Outside Lies

Mat:ic, asks, .. How does one learn to be creative?" (18). I will argue, with support from

Stilgoe, that photography requires a great amount of ex.ploration to portray the people and

the message with due justice. Readers can disregard or take notice to what another has to

offer, and more often than not, each person one encounters can teach one something, as

long as one's eyes, ears, and especially one's heart are open to the possibilities that life,

or should I say people. have to offer.

J

CHAPTER II

ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAITS:

AMERICA REDEFINED THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHS

Roots

4

Roots

J.W. Ward

Age 51

Farmer

J.W. harvests the same land his father and grandfather harvested before him. He

plants seeds that are rooted in the land that help them grow. Like land there is family

bound in the roots of traditions that give life to new generations. One must never forget

the fertile soil in which life begins: always remember the parents who give life and the

family members that nurture growth.

J.W. is the first person I photographed for this thesis. John Stilgoe said,

"Exploration encourages creativity, serendipity, invention" (19). I am lucky to have

discovered this the first time. I shot l.W. from various angles in relation to the tractor.

appreciate the low angle of view and the relation it provides between J.W. and the tractor.

This image expresses a view that the source of life is larger than any individual. I write

this because a tractor is needed to till and harvest the land. Without its source of strength

J.W. would not be able to nurture the land to harvest a successful crop. I feel this angle

of view best represents the importance of roots and heritage.

Honor

Honor

Sean Fogennan

Age 28

Fireman

Sean is a fireman for the number twelve station in Lubbock. Texas. Since

September 11th, the role of firemen has developed a new meaning. Professions like this

define the word honor because fireman accept ajob knowing that at times their lives

might be at risk for another. The fire fighting profession is not only honorable, but now it

is one of the most patriotic in our country. Fireman fashion a role model for each

individual to have honor in self, in others, and in a country that grants the freedom to live.

Within the techniques of photography there exists a rule of thirds. This rule states

that a photographer should never place a subject in the center of the frame, but rather

compose the photograph considering that the picture is cut into three divisions. To

portray honor in this photograph I feel that this rule should be broken. I chose to

photograph Sean from the front of the fire truck, positioning him in the center of the

frame. I feel this is more effective because it generates a likeness with the way a fireman

puts the center of his life in the center of oncoming obstacles.

7

Vanity

Vanity

Leticia Salazar

Age 38

Hai rdresser

Everyone has heard the cliche that beauty is only skin deep. Being in a school

populated with 25, ()()() people I have learned that vanity is an ugly thing. I have made

friends that were popular and beautiful, but also hateful and degrading. Beauty is not

measured by outer appearance. It is measured by the size of one's heart.

I chose to utilize Leticia's profession to represent vanity because it deals with

changing and enhancing one's looks. I photographed her through the mirror to represent

the measure of outer appearance in comparison with searching beyond the mirror, beyond

physical appearance, into the depths of one's soul. Each individual can ask, "At what

point does the explorer become someone else?" (Stilgoe 115). With photography it is

essential to constantly search to discover new ways to pose a photograph. Reflection in a

mirror presents a powerful composition offering the viewer a chance to study and

evaluate a photographer for a longer period of time. Through intense contemplation a

viewer, an artist, and even the subject can transfonn into a new person.

Q

Self-Expression

10

Self-Expression

Tim

Age31

Tattoo Artist

I chose to title this photograph Self-Expression because I believe that is what it is.

I write this because many feel tattooing is about rebellion. All people rebel. It is not a

matter of misbehaving, but a means by which a person can make a mark in the world.

Without self-expression life would be dull, and regrets would outnumber days of

happiness. The extremity of self-expression determines the difference between what is

right and wrong. Self-expression is the freedom to be unique, and the chance to have a

blast with life.

Tim is a fun person to photograph. He is definitely high on life. which is why I

chose to include the photograph of him along side the clown, allowing him to make the

photograph his own. I think this photograph is unlike the others in this series because it

is less structured. I classify Self-Expression as a snapshot. This method of photography

began around the 1940s when many photographers grew tired of the romanticized

landscape photography. These photographers were interested in portraying the world just

as it is. With Tim, I am attempting to portray his personality just as he is.

11

Time

1?

Time

Robert Hind

Age 37

City Bus Driver

Robert Hind drives a bus for Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. He is the

man who drives us to class as we are struggling to open our eyes and start another day of

classes. Time is of the essence, or should I say, there is never enough time. Time deals

with procrastination; time deals with relaxing, time deals with every minute of every

second of every day. All I can say about time is, when life seems too much to handle,

take the time to enjoy it.

Time is composed from behind Robert, looking out the bus window, and focusing

on Robert through the mirror. This was a fun photograph to compose because this large

city bus was bouncing down the road, with me screaming in annoyance, while laughing at

the situation. I feel this composition is humorous because when time bounces one

through life, one should reassess the situation, and have fun with it. Without laughter life

would be extremely stressful and dull. Each situation offers a chance to discover

something new. Stilgoe said, "The explorer owns all the insights, all the magic that

comes from looking" (187).

n

Patience

14

Patience

Joe Farr

Age 67

Quilter

Joe is a quilter in Spearman, Texas. I appreciate this image because I appreciate

her work of art. I have a mother and a granny that quilt, and both have stitched me a quilt

by hand. Time and love characterize quilting, just as these attributes should be combined

to enrich every task. With patience anything can be done to its potential.

Accomplishments will be far greater than those put together in a mad rush for

completion. With patience no task is too big or unimaginable.

Stilgoe writes, "The explorer who slows down or stops for a few moments to look

around, to catalog what appears to be absent, becomes the connoisseur of noticing. Most

people look around and see things. The explorer looks around and sees patterns and

revelations" (Ill). I chose to photograph Joe from a high angle so she would appear

larger than the quilt. I chose to use a wide-angle lens, because like patience one must

leave nothing out to achieve perfection.

,,,

Leadershi p

Leadership

Russell Simon

Age 48

Ford Dealer

This is my father. He owns Red Simon Ford in San Marcos, Texas. He has

taught me to work hard and strive to do the very best I can. At times he is tough on me

and the choices I make, but now I realize it is to drive me to the next level, so I will

succeed after college. Throughout life, one is hit with hard times, but discipline and

ambition exalt leadership to enhancing success. My dad runs a business that has

flourished for 50 years. Since my grandpa has been unable to work, my dad has accepted

his new leadership role within the family company. Just as my father did, I realize it is

time for me to stand up to the new roles I will take when I graduate.

I photographed my father in front of Red Simon Ford. I admire the relation

between my father and the building. He appears tall and proud, ready to lead his

company successfully. While making this photograph I realized, "discovery, immediate

discovery, intimate discovery prompts more exploration, another ride, a slightly longer

ride, more glimmers into all sorts of things" (Stilgoe 183-184). I discovered many things

about my father after I saw the proofs from this photograph. Many times while making a

photograph the actual surprises are not present until the photograph is printed. This low­

angle of view enhances the quality of this photograph. The many processes involved with

composing and printing this photograph taught me to have a deeper awareness when

creating a photograph, and when discovering my father.

17

Pride

IR

Pride

Paul Borresson and Randy Douerghty

Age 32 and 28

Budweiser Men

Budweiser - King of Beers. I believe that spells pride. especially for college

students. Selling one of the most popular beers in the world, Paul and Randy are revered

by many. Budweiser advertises pride in their product. and like Budweiser one must ex.ert

pride in self. It is important to always stand tall and be proud of the choices one makes.

It is imperative to never allow another person to demolish inner pride. In reflection on

my college career, I feel proud that I am graduating, proud that I have succeeded, proud

in the choices I have made, and proud that I will never have to do it again.

I enjoy the angles of the truck in relation to Paul and Randy and the cases of beer.

These intense angles allow the viewer to constantly search the photograph. The

horizontal ax.is of this photograph contains numerous lines that allow an ex.plorer to

question and react with. I especially enjoy all the beer. Why do I enjoy all the beer? I

enjoy the beer because I, too, am a college student.

JQ

Optimism

10

Optimism

Archie Nelson

Age 69

Sculptor

Archie Nelson is from Gruver, Texas. He is a gifted sculptor. He also suffers

from Parkinson's disease. Archie continues his SCUlpting, although many times the pain

invades his body. As this disease attempts to control Archie's hands and body,

circumstances of life attempt to control the choices one makes. This world has endless

possibilities, if optimism dominates every situation. Life presents challenges, but with

faith and optimism. any battle can be won.

Optimism envelops an intense range of hues and tones. The harsh contrast

apparent in this photograph represents the harsh realities of life. The immaculate light in

the center of this photograph represents the light at the end of any situation, apparent only

to those who possess an optimistic way of thinking.

?J

Innocence

??

j

Innocence

Scott Hindergart

Age 45

Football Manager

Scott's favorite thing is football. He helps with the football team in Gruver,

Texas. Everyone knows who he is, and everyone treats him like a nonna! person. Scott

is mentally retarded. Many people in this world disregard Scott as a person who is not

smart. In some ways, maybe he is not, but in many ways Scott is smarter than most of

the human population. He finds fun in everything he does and is not absorbed in the

materialistic side of this world. No matter how old, always remember to find joy in the

simple things in life. Have the innocence of a child, and at many times the heart of

mnocence.

I chose to eliminate the majority of Scott's surroundings. This photograph agrees

with the technique taught as the rule-of-thirds. It focuses on the subject. creating an

opportunity for the viewer to examine Scott rather than his environment. If given the

chance one will discover an amazing man. This is Scott's favorite place in the entire

world. To know Scott is to appreciate and enjoy this photograph.

Happiness

?4

Happiness

Anna Beth Wood

Age 72

Granny

Happiness defines the characteristics of this Anna Beth. Her past tells a story of

her triumphs and failures. Her past also tells the story of a woman with an enormous

heart and a zest for life. She is always pleasant and has a confidence that many never

discover. She is confident that from past, to present, to future this world will promise her

new happiness. Happiness should be embraced by all.

The angles of this photograph create an interesting path for the eye to follow,

while exploring its depths literally and artistically. Like Sander's photographs I used a

large aperture lens to suppress the background creating a naturalistic setting. When

utilizing this lens the photograph of Anna Beth, as a young lady becomes a direct

resemblance of Anna Beth as a woman, symbolically relating that one's past indefinitely

affects one's future.

?'\

Soul

?11

Soul

Steffany Simon

Age 21

Photographer

A photographer must possess soul. A photographer must have the ability to look

at a subject and find the artistic symbolism it carries or the documentation a photograph

journalistically offers. Photography is the element of capturing life through the eye of the

camera and the eye of the soul. Photography envelops passion. In life one must have a

passion for living, a hope for believing, and a faith that nourishes the human soul.

I appreciate the artistic nature of this photograph. The symbolism between the

eye of the body with the lens of the camera creates a powerful semblance between the

journey of photography and the journey of one· s soul.

77

CHAPTER III

CONCLUSION

In completing this photographic journey, I am amazed by the realities and

fantasies photography has to offer. It is a passion that allows me the opportunity to

examine the world around me, as well as my inner self. Photography is a part of who I

am, and because of this my thesis is unfinished. It is a thesis on life, and my life

continues. People will continue to come into my life, if only for a moment, and my

desire is to continue my vision of photography for each opportunity life grants me. I

appreciate all the past photographers who have inspired my work and stimulated me to

evaluate and reevaluate my work. I hope that all who read this thesis can evaluate what

each photograph means to them, and what the human population as a whole has to offer.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Adams, Shelby Lee. Appalachian Leeacy. University Press of Mississippi, 1998.

Avedon, Richard and Doon Arbus. Avedon: The Sixties. New York: Random House.

1999.

Avedon, Richard. Evidence: 1944-1994. New York: Random House, 1994.

A vedon, Richard. An A utobiot:raphy. New York: Random House, 1993.

Hirsch, Robert. Seizin~ the Lit:ht. New York: State University of New York at Buffalo,

2000.

Light, Ken. Witness In Our Time: Workint: Lives of Documentary Photo~raphers.

Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press, 2000.

London, Barbara, and John Upton. Photography. New York: Addison Wesley

Longman, 1998.

Sander, August. August Sanders: In Focus. New York: J. Paul Getty Museum, 2000.

Sander, August and Gunther Sander and Ulrich Keller. August Sander: Citizens of the

Twentieth Century: Portrait Phot0t:raphs, 1892-1952. Unknown. 1986.

Stilgoe, John R. Outside Lies Mat:ic: Re~aining History and Awareness in Everyday

Places. New York: Walker Publishing Company, 1999.

JQ

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