Contrast, Harmony, and Balance

There is a deep psychological feeling when viewing this image. Immediately we can feel the unity, love, and bond shown between the parent and child. A social bond is shown as well. Indicating that the parent is protecting their child. This image shows the role of the parent to the child. There is an unspoken promise to nurture, and shelter them.

In the image there are also several cultural implications. There is obviously a parent/child relationship that is established. Although it is unclear as to the gender of the baby, it can be assumed that it is the hands of the father that are seen. I feel that the cultural element shows that this father will do everything in his power to protect his child. It could also be seen as something a little more, maybe a promise to wait on this child, hand and foot, or in other words to care for their every need.

The context of this image shows the elements of contrast, harmony, and balance. Contrast is seen in many ways within this image. There is contrast in the size of the father's hands to that of the baby's feet. A textural contrast is seen between them as well. The baby's feet are, delicate, wrinkled, yet smooth, and new. The father's hands are rough, dry, used, weathered, and show signs of aging. There is also the contrast of the highlights on the baby's feet possibly indicating new life. The shadows on the father's hands indicate aging through the process of life. Although the father's hands are older and worn they are holding a bright future.

There is a deep sense of harmony in this image. The natural relationship between parent and child can be felt. The absolute dependence an infant has for its parents is depicted in the way the feet are cradled in the hands. Anyone who has held and cared for an infant can relate to the unique relationship that is portrayed.

Balance is seen in many of the design principles of this image. Line is seen in both the hands and the feet. They add a lot of character that give interest to it, and helps the viewer to continually look throughout the image. The lines between the father's fingers imply a lot of energy that guides the viewer's eye up to the baby's feet.

This image being in black and white helps the viewer to focus more on the context of the image rather than be distracted by color. The use of black and white also helps to define the negative and positive space. The negative space being black helps the viewer to focus on the figure. The composition uses the dark negative space to help the viewer focus on the point of interest of the image, which is the baby's feet. The way that this image is positioned is well balanced, and uses the rule of thirds making it more pleasing to the viewer.

All of the design principles and elements come together to make this a pleasing, harmonious image. It is well thought out, well designed, and has overall unity and balance.