A History of Photography in USC Libraries Collections

1550 West Hill Drive, Los Angeles, 1926

This shot of an indoor balcony is an intimate and personal reflection of an individual’s life, instead of presenting the subject himself or herself. It is a unique design of the photographer to exclude the house owner and lead the audience’s full attention to the objects, incorporating a lively narrative into physical materials. Journalism photography owns the power in presenting objective details, including decorations on the windows, rug, lamps, rocking chair with cushions, blankets, and plants in this image. It is a photograph of textures, bringing the softness of fabric, hardness of the wooden floor, and rocking chair together, stimulating and resonating with the senses and feelings of home and comfort that each viewer can personally connect with. The delicate and cozily furnished balcony provides a glimpse into the life of an individual who may be of a higher economic status, demonstrating the aesthetics and tastes of the American urban elite in the 1920s. With the beautiful contrast in black and white, highlighting brightness and darkness, this composition makes great details easily approachable to the audience. This visually appealing documentary photograph combines the aesthetic expression and journalistic approach together and depicts a popular lifestyle of modern society.

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