Dorothy Norman 1930 - 1931

This is a photograph of Dorothy Norman by Alfred Stieglitz. Notice how Stieglitz used light and shadow to model Norman's face, creating a sense of depth and intimacy. The composition is striking; Norman's face is tilted, with her gaze directed slightly upward, giving her a thoughtful expression. The sharp focus on her eyes draws us in, while the soft focus on the background keeps the attention on her. The cropping of the photograph, cutting off part of her head and shoulder, adds to the sense of immediacy, as if we've caught her in a private moment. Stieglitz was interested in the idea of photography as a form of artistic expression. In this portrait, he seems to be exploring the inner life of his subject, rather than simply capturing her likeness. The lack of artifice, combined with the careful attention to composition and light, suggests a desire to reveal something essential about Norman as an individual. It invites us to consider the relationship between the photographer and the subject, and the ways in which photography can both capture and create meaning.