Ian Berry

 

This photograph was taken in South Africa in 1994. The photo depicts a meeting at the Zion Christian Church, where members are holding debate right before the election of leaders. The focus of this image is very unique. In the foreground a person stands mouth open and hands raised, energized in oration. The orators face is highly in focus while the rest of his body, including his waved hands and baton are out of focus. This technique helps highlight the animation of the orator. A strong vertical line in the left third of the image is created by the orator's back. Two diagonal lines, one in the middle third of the image and one in the right third of the image, are created by the out of focus depiction of the man's hand and baton. These lines help to create a frame in the foreground of the image. Outside of this frame, in the background of the image, people sit in rows intently focused on the man in the foreground. The difference of focus between the man in the foreground and the people in the background allows the viewer of this image to feel the electricity of the meeting.

-Jason