Here are some examples of Alec Soth and Thomas Ruff's work respectively
These works as typical of these photographers. They are both portraits, however, they are both taken from very different perspectives. Alec Soth often takes his portraits outside in a public place, usually with a very busy and interesting background. His portraits are taken of the entire body which is unusual for portraits as they are usually very close up. This viewpoint allows us to see more of the person, including their whole outfit and where they are standing. You can also take in what is around them too, which often contrasts to what they are wearing. For example, in the image above, the man is wearing a suit, however, his background contrasts as it shows broken pieces of wood and what appears to be a caravan. The floor he is standing appears to be very dusty and dirty, which also contrasts to his clothing.
Thomas Ruff's portraits greatly contrast to the portraits of Alec Soth. Thomas Ruff's are always taken in a studio with a very plain background, unlike Alec Soth's which are taken in a public, and there is usually something to look at in the background. Thomas Ruff's portraits are also a lot closer to the subject, taken from the shoulders up. The background of Alec Soth's portraits is a plain colour, usually a white or grey studio background. Although there is less to see of the subject i these photos and also less to look at in the background, the close up viewpoint lets us see the subjects face in more detail. Unlike the Alec Soth's portrait, the expression of the subject is a lot more blank, much like a passport photo.
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