Nyjeuria Jones ARTP-085 2/16/2024

Erik Carter specializes in portrait photography and has become a renowned artist since

beginning his photography career in 2019. He is known for his documentary artistry in

photography as well as his immersion into the queer community. As presented above, he

definitely incorporates that documentary feel, alluding to some story and emotion. The color in

the photo is very vibrant but not overbearing. The tones of color and texture create a very soft

feel in the image. It's not too harsh or too soft in texture as you can still see details in the skin and

hair of the subjects. The different tones of color make the elements in the image stand out while

still focusing on the main subject which would be the man in the middle. The depth of field is
Nyjeuria Jones ARTP-085 2/16/2024

shallow as you can see the men on the sides of the centered man are very close but out of focus.

Pertaining to the composition in reference to symmetry, I like that even though the main subject's

body is not centered in the photo, the placement of his head on the shoulder of the man in front

centers his face perfectly. Thus making him stand out more. The focal point being the man in the

center helps to identify the intended subject in the photo.

Carter emphasizes not only the man centered in the photo but also the contact he has with

the subjects on both sides of him. Even though the main focus is the man in the center and

although the two men on the sides are deemphasized, the two men on the sides of him help

convey a larger or deeper meaning/story. In my opinion it gives the idea of not being alone and

comfort of those around you. Since the men are shirtless it provides a more intimate standpoint.

Also given that Erik Carter himself is queer, it solidifies that thought for me. It seems very

intentional to have one man on the side facing the camera while the other's back is turned. The

background is also omitted and it appears that they are in some type of forestry setting given the

green hues. I feel as if having the subject to the left of the photo only showing half of his body

was to allow that extra pop of nature and color. The browns and the greens bounce off of each

other very well therefore without the inclusion of the background I think the colors in the photo

wouldn't have balanced as easily. It seems intentional that the subjects wore gold as well as those

always reflect very nicely off the skin

When first looking at the picture, my eyes immediately go to the man in the center but more so

his eyes. He has a very soft gaze which creates an emotional feel. Along with his placement in

the photograph. It is only his face that is in focus as his body is out of focus which is way I
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initially go to his face. The second thing my eyes are drawn to is the gold jewelry the men are

wearing. Although not in focus, it gives this rich feeling to the photograph which I enjoy. I think

if the subjects would have been bare it wouldn't have been as appealing to the eye. One again, I

think the use of only so many colors in the photograph creates a minimal dynamic effect.

Nothing truly seems to be out of place or unappealing. As far as lighting, it's pretty consistent

across the board. The subject to the left does appear to have more contrast than the other two

subjects but nothing overbearing. I also love the placement of the hand on the shoulder. It

proposes different questions such as who is the one touching the shoulder or is it the subject to

the left hand and it's Carter's way of further incorporating him into the photo like he did the

subject to the right (using his shoulder). As stated previously, the photograph does give that

sense of community with the head on shoulder and hand on shoulder. Almost like a “you're safe

with me” message is being conveyed.