Lee Friedlander is an American photographer whose 1960-70's photography helped evolve a positive visual language of urban "social landscape". I chose Lee Friedlander because his photography captures the eras that they were captured in and takes me there, making it easier for me to understand what those times were like. His 'America by Car' photography series is one that first got me interested in his work as it has such a strong connection in regards to my theme. Once I had looked into that series I then moved on to some of his other work, this was when I realised that Friedlander has captured different types of journeys within many different style and techniques. I see his work as taking me on a journey while at the same time showing me what he has been through.
This photo shows journey really clearly because of the use of the car and the traffic lights that can be seen hanging above, which shows that they are in a car. He has captured a scene of what looks like a city in the background and this is what changes in each of his images within this 'America by Car' photography series. This too me is a strong indication of his own personal journey from state to state and how each area is diverse and different from one another. He's used black and white in the photographs which allows the viewers eye to focus on the story of the photos and the changes that occur within them rather then any other aspect such as colour or texture.
This is another one of his photographs that conveys journey, However he shows this in a different way than what he used above for the first photo. This photo shows the two different everyday journeys that the two people captured a travelling. As well as the people that are captured within the reflection. The use of reflection in this photo gives it different levels that the audience can look at broadening the meaning that the photo shows. Again he has used black and white, I don't think that with this style of photography that it was used to focus the viewers eyes but to link it to the way he wants to show how the people are feeling about their everyday journey.
Again he has used a completely diverse approach with this image than I have seen him use, he has decided to photograph road signs next to roads. I think that this is a really clever way of getting the theme of a journey across because he is showing an object that is usually used for directions when travelling or on a journey as his main feature within the photograph. The use of framing and angles includes more information within the photo, which again makes the viewer feel closer to the location as if they were there themselves. I really rather like this photo and think that it is a unique way to portray the theme.
This is another photo from his 'America by Car' photographs however this one is different to any of the others. Hes photographing from the perspective of someone looking into the car, this shows the driver and the surroundings that he is in during his journey across America. I enjoy this image and feel that it is another good example of a unique way in which journey can be presented. The expression on his or the models face says a lot about how he feels about the journey, which gives the photo some sort a backstory and emotion behind it.
Influence-
Friedlanders different techniques and styles will be a great influence and will allow me a base line for some ideas for my own shoots. I would love to use the black and white within some of my own images to influence the same feel into them, I also think that my work could be improved if I were to include some of the same journey styles such as everyday journeys and journeys from the car within my own photography.
Summery-
Overall I really connect to his photography style and the various techniques that can be seen throughout his work. I love his subtle connections with my own personal theme and would love to include many aspects of his work within my own, as I feel that this would show a set of skills that I haven't portrayed in any previous projects.
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