Inspiration in Life

Sally Mann's Images of her children are breath taking. Although very controversial for many, the realism and natural tendency of her photographs transport viewers into another world. This in particular is of great inspiration to my own pieces because it has a sense of freedom and whimsy that was not forced but captured by Mann. Her work with which I am most impressed is photos that caused most controversy, photos of her children. The images are based around her home and her children's lives. They portray life in its most natural state. The multitude of photos with nudity, give life to her idea of freedom and beauty within the image, which I would like to work my way into and have started to explore the bodies natural beauty and the power behind it in its simplest form.The contrasting blacks, whites and gray tones seen in many of her images give depth and drama to her subjects. These colors and deep contrasts give her subjects a statuesque feel which further enhances her imagery. Sally Mann has taken simplistic situations and made them seem much larger. She has caused those around her to take notice and think about her images rather then just see them. Her images provoke feelings and emotions within viewers. I wish some day to provoke similar sensations from my own work.