- Steven Edson
- Apple Orchard, 1995
- Archival pigment print
- 20 x 30 x 0.1 in (50.8 x 76.2 x 0.25 cm)
- Framed: 28 x 38 x 1 in (71.12 x 96.52 x 2.54 cm)
- Signature: Artist signature hand signed in pencil on the front border in the lower right corner. Print number and edition size located in the lower left border on the front of print.
Apple Orchard, Berkshires, Massachusetts
This photograph captures a lush orchard scene, where the primary focus is on several crates brimming with red apples. These wooden crates are prominently laid across the foreground and deeper into the midground, interspersed with tall grass that has been flattened in several areas, due to the early morning mist. The ambient early morning lighting provides a soft glow and a tranquil atmosphere. A few apple trees populate the background, completing the pastoral setting with their rich green foliage.
As a critique, one must commend the artist's ability to capture the essence of nature's bounty juxtaposed with the human labor implicit in the harvest. The vivid red of the apples provides a striking contrast against the verdant greens, drawing the viewer's attention effectively to the fruits of the harvest. The use of natural light enhances the photograph's authenticity, delivering a serene and inviting tableau that resonates with anyone who appreciates farm-to-table narratives.
The composition is balanced, with the crates strategically placed to lead the viewer's gaze through the image. The depth of field is managed well, keeping the focus on the apples while allowing the background enough clarity to contextualize the scene without overpowering the subjects. This technique effectively directs the emotional investment of the viewer, who might reflect on themes of growth, harvest, and the cyclic nature of agricultural life.
- Subject Matter: Landscape of Apple Orchard