Henrik Bonnevier Analysis

Henrik Bonnevier is a still life photographer which his work is primarily based around the involvement of fashion, interior architecture, various shapes and so on.

Fig. 1 | http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3bof__WhSc/UPgJHSwTqPI/
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Figure 1 is an example of Bonnevier's interior architectural still life. Despite the large array of objects in the scene, the photographer has carefully organised the cluttered confusion of items to shape the path of which the viewers eyes look at the scene.

The use of simple, consistent colours with various shades and contrasted regions, aids in defining the outline of items which gives each item the perception of being separate to each object.

Most likely, the composition of the image is to advertise the objects used in the scene. For example, the boxes stand out due to the extreme shade of black, while at the same time, the shelving unit is separated from the objects & background which is further defined through the use of other objects such as the books to fill space, shadows & shades. This ultimately brings selected objects out while pushing the common object in the scene, further into the background.

Fig. 2 | http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4CsjMS0Mvi8/UJ0Cq8h7UbI/
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Bonnevier also specializes in fashion photography. Applying his concepts of still life to enhance his fashion photography! An example of this can be seen

in figure two where the scene is illustrating fashion-related objects for a fashion-centric magazine: NK Stil.

Henric has created the shapes in the background with the cloth to enhance the contour of the shapes as well as the way the light is reflected by the jewellery (giving a perceived, added sparkle to it). Thus, defining detail of the jewel's and adding a touch of sophistication to the overall scene.
Automatically, the choices of colors used bring out the details of the diamonds in the right image, as well as the intrinsic detail/textures of the half-moon pattern and rose-gold chain of the left image. The placement of the objects in the left image glides the eyes over the watch while following the rose-gold chain past the earrings to the bottom of the image just after peeking at the necklaces emblem. Further use of the color black is to give the perception the the objects are unique to what everyone else has. A given idea of something special.

Fig. 3 | http://1.bp.blogspot.com/vlalT_UyPVo/
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Figure three is a good example of the use of the surrounding architecture to guide the viewers eyes round the objects in focus. This is similar to the techniques used in figure one.
For example, the contrast is used to define the lines of the brick work as well as the typography of the artwork in the background. Further more, the highlight vignetting on the edges of the photograph keep the eyes of the viewer towards the center of the image.

The artwork in the background stands out due to the strong, bold typography, set on a white background. With the image closely in the center of the image as well as just above the chair, this would indicate that the chair is the subject in focus.


Despite the lack of colour being used in the previous images, Bonnevier makes exceptional use of colour in some of his other, more commercial photography as seen in Figure 4. The select use of colour enables specific images to stand out while keeping other, unimportant objects. phased into the background.

Fig. 4 | http://www.etoday.ru/uploads/2010/
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In figure 4, Henrik most probably used light boxes to create the box as well as use coloured filters on the light boxes as well. Further more, the use yellow helps to bring out the deep, luscious red colour of the objects in focus (further, to distinguish the objects from everything else).

However, this does give a sense of commercialisation with the images used.