Tseng Kwong Chi

 Tseng Kwong Chi

By: Amanda Schaeffer

Tseng Kwong Chi 1950-1990 

            Tseng Kwong Chi has unique portraits that he takes standing awkwardly next to a piece of landscape, building, or even a Disney character. Chi also wears these odd sunglasses that covers his eyes with a doctor like business suite in every photograph. With his plain outfits, Chi also poses next to the attractions with minimal movement. He usually stands straight with his arms and legs straight down and looks at the camera with no facial movement. However, sometimes his portraits are posed but at a different camera angle. When he takes portraits of skyscrapers or buildings in the background, he has the camera angle position to look up at Chi to make him look more powerful. That's what makes his portraits interesting with the use of varies camera angles and how he uses this tactic to show himself with an attraction behind him. It's worth noting that some of his images look photoshop which isn't the case. It's just fascinating with the point of the view of the camera, that it makes Chi look closer to the attraction. With the Twin Towers and the Golden Gate Bridge, it seems Chi is right behind it that he could almost touch the buildings. I think that's what truly makes some of his portraits breathtaking by Chi using deep depth of field in his photography work.

            With discussions during class and my interpretation of portraits, Chi really makes a statement in portraiture. His photographs are unique and a little awkward looking. However, that's why I think it's fascinating to look at due to the fact that it's well thought out and he takes the time to use the same pose and the same outfit for each photo. Although, I think for me, since I want to be a portrait/commercial photographer, I don't necessarily like them. I still find them compelling, but I wouldn't think of these photos as traditional "portraits" in my opinion. They seem like portraits and can go for portraits but when I think of portraiture, I think of senior, business, and family portraits. Maybe I'm too technical and traditional with photography, but I just find Chi's photos non portrait like. 

            I chose the above image due to the fact I love Disney and going to Disney World. Disney has a special place in my heart, so when I found that Chi did a portrait with Goofy at a Disney attraction, I had to chose it for my blog post. It's funny to me to see opposite facial reactions posing for a photo. Goofy looks happy, cheerful, and full of joy, but Chi looks bored, stiff, and not really looking like he wants to be there. Even if I would take a portrait at Disney World, I couldn't help but smile when taking a picture with Goofy or when attractions are all around me. However, I understand his theme to his portraits is more to show "no emotion" with his minimalist clothing and facial expressions. So, I do enjoy this photograph simply due to the fact it's Disney related and how polar opposites the two are when posing for a photo.