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Stephen Shore

His Formula: American Banal + Color + Mostly Unstaged + Surreal

Shore’s photography is most commonly known for exhibiting the everyday banality of American life in a surreal manner.  He is also known for being one of the first photographers to focus on utilizing color.  Having said this, I particularly enjoy that the overall quality of color remains largely muted in all of his work.  In this way, I believe, Shore is able to stress the surreal moments in life that most people try not to acknowledge.  

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Examples of Stephen Shore’s Photography I used for reference.

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My Formula

Formula: Rural + Banal + Unstaged+ Sepia/BW  

As a nod to Stephen Shore I decided to photograph banal, everyday scenes that still manage to be compelling and almost surreal.  Instead of focusing on urban settings, I wanted to highlight some rural scenes that I see every day.  Also in an effort to build from Shore, I want to move slightly away from color and back toward black and white in order to encourage the mood I’m building.      

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“In Quotes” Proof Sheet

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f/18, ISO 400, 1/500s, 46mm

Rural Banal 8

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f/18, 1/100s, ISO 400, 70mm

Rural Banal 7

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f/11, 1/500s, ISO 400, 70mm

Rural Banal 6

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f/9, 1/1600s, ISO 400, 52mm

Rural Banal 5

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f/14, ISO 400, 1/320s, 60mm

Rural Banal 4

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f/11, ISO 400, 1/500s, 34mm

Rural Banal 3

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f/11, ISO 400, 1/500s, 62mm

Rural Banal 2

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f/10, ISO 200, 1/20s, 34mm

Rural Banal 1

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HDR assignment proof sheet

I did not attempt any panorama/stitched images due to a lack of quality images and camera tripod.  

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f/16, ISO 200, 1/60s, 48mm

This is the only HDR image I was able to compile before the latest snowfall.  Yes, I LEFT THE SUN SPOTS ON PURPOSE.  I like the light distortion and how it adds to the vibrancy and character of the image overall. 

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f/16, ISO 200, 1/40s, 56mm

This is another HDR image that was made more challenging by the occasionally moving horse.  Again, I really like the snow on the distant mountains and the wisps of valley fog below.  

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f/16, ISO 200, 1/60s, 60mm

Another HDR image composed of three source images.  I like how the HDR compilation brought out more detail in the snow on the distant mountains.  

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f/25, ISO 200, 1/60s, 60mm

This is an HDR image from three source images. I’m happy with it overall but wish it were more crisp.