Nadav Kander
Biography:
Nadav Kander (born December 1, 1961) is a London-based photographer, artist and director, known for his portraiture and landscapes. Kander was born in Israel in 1961 and moved to Johannesburg, South Africa, when he was three. He began photographing at an early age and moved to London in 1982. His work appears in publications including The Sunday Times Magazine, Rolling Stone, Time, Another Magazine. Time Magazine recently commissioned Nadav to photograph President Barack Obama for their Person of the Year 2012 cover.
Why I chose this photographer:
I chose to research the work of Nadav Kander because i feel that he uses colour very effectively in ways that my other photographer do not. Nadav uses lighting very effectively order to introduce colour, assumably he uses gels over his lights in order to project colour instead of plain light. Also I like his style of composition and also would like to attempt the way in which he darkens the areas around the outline of the subject. Allowing them to stand out and also provide a sense of 3D. His work is very relevant to my project as the colours in which he uses have specific connotations.
In this photograph Nadav has used coloured gels over the lighting in order to introduce colour into the photo. A green/blue gel would have been placed over the light which is positioned to the right side of the composition at a relatively high height. There is also a red/orange glow coming from the bottom left hand corner of the frame where the other light is positioned. This light can be seen on the underside of the table and also the subject's hands and left side of his face. The blue light provides a rather cold mood whereas when the red glow is introduced from a low angle, a rather mysterious and sinister atmosphere is created. The impression is furthered through the fact the subject is facing away from the camera, accompanied by a serious facial expression which provides a sense of evil, wrong-doing or mischief. There is also a pencil in his hand and scrunched up paper on the table, perhaps suggesting that he is in deep thought.The overall colour scheme is considerable dark and dingy, enhanced by the black jumper and cold lighting.
In this photograph a model is placed in front of a grey background; he is also wearing a grey shirt with a white collar so he wouldn't normally stand out. However, here Nadav has included one of his unique techniques of darkening the areas around the outline of the subject, providing the sense of a shadow. This allows the model to stand out from the background. The model is looking away from the camera towards the left side of the composition. There is a light placed at the left side of the set up which allows for the left side of the subject's face to be highlighted in contrast with the darker right side. The different tones illustrate the formal elements of form, structure and shape of the face. Also there is another light positioned to the right but is much softer. It allows for the temple and ear to show their form due to the highlight and shadow areas and also allows the shape of the lips to be seen. This time colour has been introduced through the use of paint/spray paint where colours such as pink, purple, blue and green can be seen. This is generally used of the right side of the face and even on the collar, bow tie and shirt. These colours are not very bright and vibrant, so they still give the impression of the shadowed area of the face.
Similarly to the photo above, the technique of darkening the outlining areas is used to ensure that the subject stands out from the grey background. Once again the subject isn't face the camera and is in fact side on to the camera. There profile of the model is enhanced through the positioning of the light coming in from the right side of the frame. This causes for the outline of the subjects face to be very light, enhancing its shape. The light area contrasts which the dark areas around the figure, making him stand out even more. A much softer light is used at the back of the subject which also highlights the back of the figures head. There are shadows and dark lines around the eyes, nose and mouth which show the form and shape of the subjects face. The facial expression used is rather serious and straight which compliments the dark colours used in the photograph. The serious and formal mood is furthered through the outfit of a suit being worn.
Unlike the previous images here a light background is used to create a very natural/nude colour palette similar to colour of the subjects skin. Nadav has ensured the the outline of the model's face is shadowed in order to make her stand out. Her areas such as her neck, cheeks, eyes, lips, nose and the top of her head are much darker in tone. However soft lighted has been used either side of the subject to allows for lighter areas around the outline of the cheeks and jaw to be produced. Shadows are also used to show structure, particularly through her collar bones. Colour can be seen through her lips as they are red and stand out from the rest of the composition. There are many short thin lines scattered around the face which imply that the subject has just got all of her hair cut of. The fact that her hair has been cut off enhances the femininity and beauty of her facial features. The focus and detail of the facial features is amplified through the blurring technique used which only allows for the face to be in focus.
How has he influenced me:
Nadav has influenced me to consider the lighting techniques which I use in my work. From researching his work I have found his technique of using gels very effective and very useful when wanting to create a specific mood. I then decided to do a shoot experimenting with coloured gels and how they can effect the overall feel of the photo. This was very influential for me as my project is based around colour and the connotations which are produced in relation to colour - Shown through my work below.
Further Work Showing Influence
Summary:
Overall I feel that Nadav's use of lighting is very effective in creating a particular mood, the colours he produces from his lighting are very successful in contributing to a theme. His portraits are very successful and his composition styles and poses are very unique and varied.
a very good post and it is great to see the comparison of your work with the artist, I would push you to look at the art of portrait making looking at the psychology of colour, muted tones (dingy) and cool colours evoke a feeling of… this is because…
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