JD+Beaudoin

Lou Bernstein was a valued and respected writer, critic, teacher, and most of all, a distinguished photographer of his time. Many people, who do know him, know him for his classic, black and white photos that represent freedom, love, and self expression. Lou shot this in New York City in 1968. The picture shows a child’s hand, releasing a bubble into the city. The photo is titled “World in a Bubble” which can represent many different aspects relating to the society at that time. Early in 1968, space exploration started to be more prominent. Such a small bubble in the giant city of New York can also be represented as the Earth in such a expansive galaxy. This relationship Lou expresses shows his exploratory side and his outgoing features. Also, the unemployment rate during 1968 was the lowest it has been in tens of years. The title “World in a Bubble,” can express how we as a nation have worked together to get out of the Great Depression and WW2. The bubble represents unity in our nation and how we have moved on past the bad times. Once again, Lou uses light to his advantage in this photo. The light reflects off of the bubble, sending the audience’s eye instantly to the shiny bubble. From there, the eye travels down the wand, and down the child’s hand and arm. Lou gets the audience to focus on exactly what he is portraying and relating to the society at large.

This photo, taken in 1943, at Coney Island, depicts a man and his child lying on the beach. The child has it’s hand in the fathers mouth, and the father is playing along. The towel on the beach is covered with sand, which shows the lack of attention of the father. The father is self absorbed in spending time with his child, and could care less about anything else that is going on. During the 40’s, World War II was in progress, sending the United States into a state of panic. However, Bernstein’s photo focuses on the love we can all have during a time of such destruction and despair. Furthermore, the angle and lighting in this photograph emphasizes what the audience should be focusing on. The child and father remain in the light, while the surroundings get darkened. To add to this contrast, both father and child are wearing white shirts, which again pops out to the audience’s eye. The angle at which this was shot captures the body expression of the father, laid out and relaxed, having a good time. Lou focuses on the thoughts of good times, even in a time of chaos.

Sources: [] [|www.photo-seminars.com/Fame/**Lou**Bernstien.htm] [|www.**loubernstein**legacy.com/] [|www.freepedia.co.uk/DIRPhoto**Bernstein**.php] www.photography-now.com/artists/K32452.html