Ernst Haas: An Eye for the Little Things

 

Ernst Haas was a famous photojournalist who was born in Vienna. His work took on a new form of artistic documentary. As a photojournalist, he bridged the gap between creative photography and work. Above is a photo titled "Louisiana 1961." This image speaks to me because it feels like a detailed shot of the environment. There could be something more prominent going on to cause the boy's reaction, but Haas believed that he should take in every piece of what's around him. My favorite creative element of this photograph is his choice of angle. It gives power to the children of Louisiana and it feels like he is in a triumphant moment. 

Haas' work connects back to my own series because we both take detailed shots of the elements around us. There are some images of wider settings, but Ernst Haas has images like that as well. It is as if we are taking the establishing shot of the environment and then going in tighter and focusing on the little details that characterize that place as an individual, unique location. While my photographs are in black and white and his are in color, I do believe we also have similar creative methods of taking photos. I will oftentimes find myself taking new angles of subjects I have never taken before. This could involve placing the camera on the ground and laying with it all the way to balancing on something so I can achieve a skewed image from a high angle. I see the same thing in Haas' work. There was one image of a man walking and Haas chose to include the metal fence in the composition by taking the photo turned from the ground. I too enjoy images that make the subject feel immersed in the environment.

Overall, I have taken a strong liking to Ernst Haas and his work. His imagery documents the environments in which he is experiencing and he includes anything from major to minute details that can only be found there. He also has a unique use of angles and choice of subjects. Haas has inspired me in my final piece to document the things that are special about the hunting grounds I use with my dad and focus on the memories made there.