Shelby Lee Adams

 shelby lee adams, generös affär Spara antal tillgängliga - www.tradaka.com

Shelby Lee Adams was a photographer who would photograph people of the Appalachians. These photos came with much controversy, as some people believes that Adams was taking advantage of their position and profiting off other peoples struggles, while others thought these photos brought a lot of attention to groups of people that otherwise go unseen. I believe they bring an appreciation to their way of life and sense of family and have the potential to open people's minds to these epeople, bringing awareness to their living conditions. 

Shelby Lee Adams | Appalachian Portraits | 9 September - 7 October 1995 - Overview | Stephen Bulger Gallery

I think the black and white format is very fitting for these types of photographs because it allows for contrast and extreme detail in the photos. The detail is important to these because it helps the viewer get more "clues" into these people's lives. You can see the marks on the houses, stains in their clothes, fine wrinkles in their face, etc. Every one of these marks illustrate a different time or struggle that persevered into the photograph. There is also a very strong balance in all of these photos, there is often people places in a way that off setts the other side, or the entire frame is taken up by the subject matter. I really like this style of photography because it makes the entire image feel important and necessary. 

Appalachia | Art Museum | University of Wyoming

Shelby Lee Adams also uses digital photography for some of his photos. The one below, specifically, is a wonderful example of how Adams balances his photographs. The two women are placed on opposite sides of the frame, there is a doorway that separates them in the center, and the way the blues and pinks are organized in this picture is very very interesting. In the pink room, there is a blue couch, and on that blue couch the lady is wearing pink. But in the blue room, there is a pink suitcase and a pink curtain and the lady in that room is wearing blue. The way this whole image ties together is very visually pleasing and you can see the effort and awareness that Adams has when photographing. 

 Shelby Lee Adams – Southbound Project

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