This document analyzes and compares two photos by Tanya M Ross that depict Native American themes. The first photo features a model with an elaborate headdress in a sterile background, accentuating her lines and expression. Though beautiful, the headdress does not overshadow the model. The second photo also features a strong-posed model making eye contact, with harmonious neutral colors giving it a sensual feel. Both photos effectively keep the models as the focal point despite striking headdresses. The photos similarly use color and texture contrasts to accentuate the models and outfits within a Native American theme.

1. Connecting Essay
My Photo Tanya M Ross
This is another shoot where I was looking at representation of human figure through culture (looking
at Native American). I like the expression and pose of the model in this photo and the way the lines
and angles of her face and body have been accentuated. The headdress in the photo is beautiful, yet
the model has not gotten lost behind it all and she is still the dominant figure in the shot. I love the
sterile background and colour of it has really compliment the complexion and other colours seen in
the makeup/ outfit. The photo is slightly off-centre but this has emphasised the gradient seen in the
photo on the background created through the lighting. I like the simplicity of the photo and the
vibes and emotions that it gives off. There is a contrast seen in the texture in photo such as the
feathers against the skin etc.
In the second photo by Ross, a similar theme has been photographed. I like the pose of the model as
it is so strong and it matches that of her expression that is also really strong. She is making eye
contact with the camera and this has ensured that there is a clear focal point and an added intensity.
I like the harmonious, neutral based colours that have been used in the photo as this has given the
photo a more sensual feel about it. I like the styling of the models hair and how it blends in with the
soft feathers. The background looks like it’s on location but there is so little of it visible the colours
in it are really all that is noticed.
There are lots of similarities in these two photos, the most dominant being the Native American
theme that they both see. The headdresses in both of the photos are really striking and beautiful
but the models have still stayed strong in the photo and remained the focal point. The colours in
both of the photos have been used to accentuate the models and the colours on the outfits.
AlthoughI think my photo has a softer look about it comparison to Ross’, both of the subjects in the
two different photos have remained the dominant element in their photo. I like the way there are

2. textures present in the photo and how they all contrast against each other such as the soft feathers
against the smooth skin. I like the neutral makeup in the photos and how this is an accurate
reflection of Native American theme that is being touched upon.