Michael Lang
Professor Andreas Rentsch
ARS 281
3/25/2017
                                                            The Portrait Inspiration Blog
     Out of all the portraits in the list, the portrait with the elephant trainer was the most interesting. The black and white portrait shows a elephant trainer named Ram Prakash Singh with his elephant Shyama. This portrait was taken in the 1990s in India during a circus. This photo was taken by photographer Marry Ellen Mark, a woman know for her photojournalism and documentary photography. Marry Ellen Mark took a number of pictures at this Indian circus.
     The portrait is interesting and catches the eye for a number of reasons. It is a black and white image with character. It is a well taken portrait technical wise. Its a clear image with both subjects, the elephant trainer and the elephant both in view. In terms of visual aspects the image and its subjects are clear as day.
     In terms of narrative quality the portrait might represent man and nature together. The portrait shows the trainer looking right at the camera, relaxed and fearless. It could visualize mans control and dominance over animals. It could also have a narrative involving a more friendly relationship with man and animal. The elephant also seems relaxed in the portrait and it even looks like the elephant is holding on to the elephant trainer with its trunk.
     The image can have a number of different narratives. I was interested in this portrait for a number of reasons. One is the elephant. I love animals and anything involving them will peak my interest. The way the elephant acts in the photo also is interesting. As mentioned before the elephant is calm and it wraps its trunk around the elephant trainer.
     This trunk hug is a unique behavior you don't see often and it is right in the center of the portrait. Aside from the elephant the elephant trainer is interesting too. His gaze and fearless look draws you into he portrait and his pose is also cool. His outfit is also noteworthy. He has a number of rings on his fingers, a belt and other accessories.
      These accessories add some brightness to the portrait. This is a very good and unique portrait that features a interesting man and a interesting animal.