1) The above photos are part of Francesco Merlini's FARANG project. Over the span of three years Merlini stepped out of his comfort zone and took pictures of unfamiliar surroundings, objects, and strangers across Italy, France, Turkey, Kosovo, and Thailand. Merlini is recognized as a Black and White photographer. He sometimes uses flash to create bright whites to contrast the deep blacks but he strives to capture the greys.
2) The concept of Merlini's FARANG project was to capture what was alien to him. He decided to travel and just take photos without a plan. Merlini didn't want to become a photographer who captures the same images. Merlini comments on his FRANG project photos "These images are relics of the invisible". With his high contrast Black and White photos and his impecible editing skills Merlini has created a strong and appealing photo project.
3) I enjoy the entire FRANG project. My favorite medium is Black and White photos, to me a good Black and White Photo allows you to see the subject at deeper level. In the first photo the light captures the pattern and reflection on the floor and brings out the texture of the hat. The lines of the hat draw us down to the uneven shoulders creating a unique form.
In the second photo the light heightens the highlights in his hair creating several patterns which compliments the zebra pattern of his shirt. If you look closely, due to the light, you can see the hairs on his neck. The background is a stark black which is contrasted by the bright white cigarette, and the various tones on his head and neck. This photo has many intreging pieces to it.
The third photo contains many straight lines accompinied by chaotic lines which creates a nice balance. The chaotic lines breaks up the stark lighting created by the close knit straight lines, and pulls the focus down to the overgrown bushes adding a wild pattern and form to the lower half of the photo. The bright white lines against the black background and the greys created in the bushes, provide a well balanced composition.
I read a few interviews with Merlini but I really enjoyed this particular one with Conscientious Photography Magazine. Merlini offers some great insights on photography in this interview.
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