Historical Photographer - Auguste Rosalie Bisson

href="file:///C:%5CDocuments%20and%20Settings%5Cbowmank9.RHSNET%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData">

BIOGRAPHY AND SIGNIFICANCE

Auguste Rosalie Bisson was a French photographer, born 1826. He grew up in Paris and was raised by his father, Louis Francois Bisson. Bisson entered the photography world in 1840, along with his brother Louis. By the 1850’s, the brothers began working together, specializing in wet-plate photography. Their photos consisted particularly of portraits, architectural work, art reproductions, and Mountain photographs. The duo worked in several prestigious Parisian art studios, until 1856 when the opened a studio on Boulevard des Capucines as Gustave Le Gray. Just ten years later, the studio went bankrupt and the brothers severed ties.

During 1861, Bisson linked up with another famous photographer, Daniel Dollfus‐Ausset. Dollfus-Ausset was interested in mountain photography and often took Bisson along for the ride. In July 1861 and May 1862, the two braved harsh temps and damaged camera equipment to photograph pictures of the summit of Mont Blanc. These images, including Passages Des Eseleches, solidified Bisson as a prominent photographer.

Bisson passed away in 1900.

COMPOSITION

Framing

The framing of the image is very panoramic. The photographer shows a wide view of the mountain to give the viewer a sense of the location.

Perspective

The perspective of the image is someone watching from a distance. The distance makes it seem that a spectator is marveling at the excursion from a safe distance.

Contrast

There are a few areas of contrast within this image. The shadows contrast with the stark whiteness of the snow. Contrast is also created by the workers traveling through the white now.

Emphasis

Emphasis in this photograph centers on the people climbing through the snowy mountain. The climbers are so small that the viewer is forced to look closely at them.

Lighting

Natural lighting is used for this image. Brightness is created by the sun reflecting off the snow.

CONCEPT AND MOTIVATION

This image seeks to compare and contrast size and color. The light lights play against the dark darks, while the tiny climbers play against the large expanse of mountain.

The image is photographed at a distance to give the viewer an idea of the relative size of each component of the photograph.

MOTIVATIONS

This photograph tries to show the connection between man and nature. It reminds the viewer just how small each person is in the grand scheme of things. It also seeks to show regular people places that they may not get to see otherwise.

OPINION

I really enjoy this photograph. I love the contrast and the mystery created by the tiny climbers. You get a great sense of how tiny they are compared to the enormous mountain. The juxtaposition of size makes me uneasy, and hints at possible danger.