This photograph reminds me of many of Tice’s images of storefronts. This building looks at least a few decades old, with an older style sign. The style of the windows is also an older style one. If a viewer didn’t know better, he or she may think that this photograph is from years ago. It is interesting how photographs can provide perspectives that almost transport us to the past.

Also, note that the recurring theme of storefronts and signs giving insight into the surrounding people is one that can be seen yet again in this photograph.

It would have been nice to get the lighting better in this picture, and also to get a better point of view. Originally, I was more centered but realized my reflection could be seen in the door. Moving off to the side resulted in the lopsided sidewalk that can be seen across the bottom. Looking, back, it also would have been great to get more of the building to the left. I really like the “Offices for Rent” sign, and think it would have added some character to the image.

Conclusion

Overall, I think I was fairly successful (for a beginner) at imitating Tice’s work. Though my photography and composition skills are of course not even close to his, I think that I made a good start at emulating how Tice tries to capture the atmosphere and people of a place without actually bringing many people into his work. Of course, I focused on life in Pittsburgh while he predominantly focused on life in various places in New Jersey.

In my opinion, some of my photographs were more successful than others in taking the image itself (in balance, contrast, lighting, and so on), and some were more successful in capturing the essence of Tice’s work (perhaps the picture of the tunnels is one of my better photographs in this respect). I do feel that Tice’s work has a greater impact than mine; he is more skilled in both taking photographs and finding perfect scenes to capture, but I feel as though I progressed in the right direction. During this process I learned what to look for to see people, without actually looking at them. I feel as though this is something Tice would greatly approve.

Source of quotes can be found here.