Natalia's Photography Blog

  Not only does Robert Mapplethorpe take dramatic and captivating portraits of people, but he also is able to capture dramaticism, moodiness, and deep feelings and thoughts in his still lives of flowers. I really really enjoy the image above because of the sharp darks and lights but also the beautiful transitional greys in between. I think the contrast of the flowers in the same lighting against both the dark and light background is really interesting to look at. I really like the look of the natural light creating shadows, and I wonder if Robert Mapplethorpe used flash at all for these that are in black and white.  These two photos give a much closer and clear image of the flowers. There is something captivating about the life and beaty of the flowers emerging from the darkness. These photos are simple but beautiful. Because orchids are zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical), he was able to position the flower in the unique symmetry of these flowers. I also find it interesting...

  Robert Mapplethorpe's use of black and white photography is astounding. His studio portraits are simple, but the unique angles and use of lighting gives a very unique experience to the viewer. His environmental portraits are very dynamic. I personally love the look of the chaotic backgrounds and the mystery of the subjects staring into the camera. I really enjoy the image above. To me, the subject feels like a vampire standing in front of a full moon. I really like the way his hair blends into the circle of light behind him, and the black turtle neck makes him blend into the darkness below. This connects him to the background, rather than giving him a separate identity and really allows just his facial features to pop out at the viewer. The photo above really stood out to me and has stuck with me since I have seen it. I really wish I knew two bald men so I could recreate this. I think the artistic choice to have the lighter skinned man positioned in the darkness and the darker sk...