Marlene Wynn - Weekly Post #10

Jenny Lewis

1. Artist Technical Choices
1.  After the birth of her 2nd child, London-based Jenny Lewis wondered why no one had thought to chronicle those precious moments right after the birth of a child.  All the media type images were completely unrealistic and utterly failed to show the beauty of those moments for both mother and child.  So, "One Day Young" was created where Lewis photographed over 150 subjects over five years.  In each, she brought minimal equipment and relied solely on natural light to capture these private, intimate moments between newborn and new-mother.
2.  Artist Conceptual / Thematic Intents
1. In the first photo, mother and child stand next to a window.  The day is cloudy, so the light is very white and soft.  The tenderness I see on the mother's face is very evident.  Lewis used the light and shadows very effectively here, allowing the light to highlight the top portions of their faces.  She also managed to get a color pop from a distant yellow tree outside the window.  The yellow contrasts nicely with the mother's dress.  In this photo, I think Lewis used a medium zoom and F stop, focusing on the mother / child duo and allowing the distant city to blur a bit.
2. In the second photo, the mother looks scared as she holds her newborn close.  I love the vulnerability that was captured in this moment.  The exhausted yet resolute look on the young mother's face is beautiful.  The stark white walls and door behind her all help to pull the focus directly to her and her sleeping child.    The lighting in the room almost gives the couple an ethereal glow.  I think Lewis used a closer zoom with a medium F stop.
3. In the third photo, once more a certain vulnerability is show, though this time its not quite so apparent.  The mother looks tired yes, but very protective at the same time.  She cradles her crying baby close, determined to do the best that she can.  Though the walls in the room are quite dark, the natural lighting is good enough to make the colors and participants pop.    I think Lewis used a closer zoom with a medium F stop.
3. My Response to the artist's Intents
1. These are beautiful photos.  Lewis clearly knows what she's doing and does it well.  Each photo speaks to me in very different ways, capturing emotions ranging from deep love to resolute fear.  And, to capture each of these using simple equipment is awe inspiring.