Ernst Haas Ernst Haas is known as one of the most celebrated and influential photographers of the 20th century and also considered one of the pioneers of color photography.Haas was uninterested in learning photography as a child, although his father who was extremely interested in photography tried to share his interest however it was only after the war that haas took up the art. His early work focused on Austrian returning prisoners of war brining him to the attention of LIFE magazine, Although He declined a job offer as staff photographer in order to keep his independence. Though ought his career Haas continued to use black-and-white film for much of his work, color film became integral to his photography. He frequently employed techniques such as shallow depth of field, selective focus, and blurred motion to create abstract works. His unique use of the slow shutter speed gave many of his pictures the illusion of movement, and the emphasis on movement presented in a photograph was an extremely unique and new innovative within the poetry movement and world at the time.
Traffic
In this Image Ernst Haas has captured moving traffic, re-enstated by the title of the photograph itself. The image captured on camera is shot outside, this combined with a slow shutter speed creates an abstract feel to the photograph. The use of the slow shutter used by haas gives many of his pictures, especially this particular one, the illusion of movement emphasising the photograph more drawing the attention of the onlooker to the whole photo rather that a single point on the photo. The contrasting colours of the dark black tar mac against the bright vibrant colours of the car creates an abstract feel to the photograph also drawing attention to the creative use of the slow shutter speeds used by haas showing his unique techniques used throughout his working time. As well as the colours contributing to the abstract effect the viewpoint and angle that the image was taken adds to the movement created by the image as it shows a wider depth of field within the image adding definition at the same time, also allowing the natural light to create highlight and shadow, defining the 3d objects within the image. When looking at the different techniques and skills that haas uses within his work, i am inspired to create my own images in the style of his work. Being influenced by his use of slow shutter speed and different viewpoints i could use this in my own work to create unusual and abstract images, developing my understanding and progress my skills when taking photographs linking to the movement.
California, USA, 1977
This photograph haas depicts an image of a pool side composition. In this image it is clear that the careful selection of the lighting and location link well together in order to create a captivating and unusual effect. The panels of lighting on the wall as well as the led strip light to the right of the image, reflected on the water creates an illusion and add texture to the image itself. Although there is not much lighting within this photograph the eire feel make the onlooker consider and appreciate the photograph as a whole and not focus on just one subject in the image.The bright colours from the lights in the background of the image contrast with the dark atmosphere and shadow in the room to create a subjective point of view, also linking to the abstract movement. The angle that the photograph was taken sets up the effect and clearly shows the depth of field being portrayed within this image giving the subjects in the photograph more definition than just a flat defined shape. The texture in the image is mainly focused on the water feature as it shows the movement and reflection of light in a different way to what is does on land, almost creating a distorted effect on the lighting. Whilst looking at this image and the use of reflective techniques and also the careful placing and set up of the image that haas uses, i am inspired to create an image of my own using this unique and captivating style. I could think about using this in my own work to create unusual and abstract images, developing my understanding and progress my skills when taking photographs including reflective aspects.