Photographer: Nigel Shafran

NIGEL SHAFRAN

Born 1964

Shafran's work is characterised by the quiet observation of everyday life. His chosen subject matter is deliberately low-key and often domestic in nature: the washing up, his Dad's office, charity shops, car boot sales. And yet, his work extracts something profound and consistently beautiful, the sense of a natural order in ordinary things, or, as Shafran says: 'an acceptance of how things are.'


I have chosen to look at Nigel Shafran's work because his project really intrigues me, as it documents all the times that Ruth has been on the phone. The repetition in the images could suggest that the meaning behind the photographs are to show how long we actually spend our lives doing certain activities over and over again; in this case, it's being on the phone. I like that the duration is over a number of years, as it shows Ruth grow older and at the different stages of life.

Ruth on the phone [1995-2004]  :

Objectively, this is a normal, everyday, banal image, showing Ruth on the phone, sat in a wooden chair frame with a blue seat. One of her legs is tucked under her other, and she is used a notepad and pen to write. The white/cream background contrasts well with her dark clothing, so you can identity her well. The image is a very natural shot and the setting of the home is shown well with the picture frames in the background, along with the curtain in the left of the image. The lighting also highlights Ruth in her stance, as the sunlight from the window is beaming onto her face, enhancing the photograph.
Subjectively, the natural light gives a sense of warmth and belonging, and you almost feel that you want to visit her home. The way she is sat, smiling, on the phone, brings a sense of comfort and joy, as you can tell she is happy. It makes you want to be involved in the conversation she is having. The nude coloured walls also exaggerate this idea that there is contentment in the home.

Objectively, this image shows Ruth breast feeding a new born baby. She is sat up in a hospital bed covered in white sheets, wearing a white hospital gown with a blue pattern on it. Faintly, beside the bed, in the darker side of the room, you can see a clear jug of water onto of a set of wooden drawers, which is placed next to a cupboard. The natural lighting from the sun is shining onto Ruth and the new born, most probably from a window in the room. With the phone in Ruths right hand, her left hand is lightly stroking the baby with just one of her fingers in a soft motion.
However, as well as this, I feel that this image also subjectively make you think about how much we use technology in todays society. Ruth has just had a baby, yet she is on her phone straight away, it makes you question out of all the times she could be on the phone why now? As well as this, mobile phones can have a serious affect on how the monitors and equipment work, which gives you a sense of caution. 
Furthermore, subjectively, I feel that the lighting in this image really highlights what is most important, and this captures the eye of the viewer first - the mother and child relationship. The camera angle is looking down on them, which enables you to see more of this relationship and what is going on in the photograph. It captures the facial expression and emotion of Ruth, being tired yet pleased and thankful for her beautiful child, which helps you relate to the personal situation that is happening in the image. Nigel Shafrans documentary photography has an incredible way of introducing and including people into his life, and this photo is an example of that.

Objectively, this image shows Ruth on a white phone, of which the wire has been stretched from one room to another. The image is desaturated, as it isn't black and white, but they are the main colours, so there is a high contrast. Ruth is stood in a dark doorway, with dark clothes on, so you can only really see her face and hand holding the phone. There is white walls around her, of which the one she is stood next to has a map on the wall, and underneath is an old vintage white bike stood against the wall. The carpet is black, so you can clearly see the white phone sat on the floor, with the white wire trailing from it.
Subjectively, this image could be seen as a bit mysterious, as Ruth is peering out from the darkness. You also get to know a little about her home and family from this image, as the image is taken from further away, so you can see more where the setting is, for example, the bike and map suggest they like to travel and be outdoors exploring. However, on the other hand, you may feel like you are very distant from knowing who they are, as the camera is positioned quite a way from Ruth, but saying this, the photograph is very natural, and therefore you may sense a feeling of security. I really love the lighting in this image, as it contrasts dark and light, which communicates the way you are dibbing in and out her life through these images.

MY RESPONSE

'Zoe cleaning her teeth'

Objectively, this image shows a girl brushing her teeth from an angle pointing up at her face as she leans over the sink. She is wearing a floral top, which suggests her personality of being quite girly. The lighting ensures that her face is seen clearly, as it is the focus of the image, being central of the photograph.
Subjectively, I think this image relates to motherhood, and how you watch your children grow up. This is because you see the young girl brushing her teeth by herself, but also because the camera angle is facing up towards her, suggesting that you are watching her grow in height as well as maturity. There is a high contrast is this image which makes the  subject stand out as she is in the light, whereas the background is dark.

Objectively, this shows a young girl in the reflection of a small circular mirror cleaning her teeth. In the foreground we see a small part of the back of her head and her hand holding the toothbrush to her mouth, however that is a little out of focus, as the main focus of this shot is the mirror which is centred a little to the right in the photograph. The mirror is placed on a windowsill with numerous other bathroom items, such as toothpaste and tubs of cream. The windows are in the background of this shot, with the reflection of the shower in them.
Subjectively, this image shows a young girl looking in the mirror as she is doing the everyday activity of brushing her teeth. This could suggest the insecurities that she may be facing in her everyday life, as she may be unhappy about her appearance. This is shown through her facial expression looking quite serious and unsure.

'Zoe on the phone'

Objectively, this image shows a young girl in a red starry dressing gown on the land line phone. She is sat on a sofa, centre right in the photograph, with her hand on the phone handset, whilst biting her lip as if she is in serious thought.
Subjectively, this suggests the young girl is mature, as she appears to be having a conversation. The warm lighting and colours show that it is a homely and welcoming environment, of which the girl is open to sharing her personal day to day life. Contrasting this is the way her fringe covers her face, as if she is trying to hide, portraying that she doesn't want anyone to know about her life. The image invites the audience to see into a section of the personal life of this girl due to the fact that it has been taken with her acting naturally.