burt glinn

i find this last photo extremely effective in conveying the ambiance, and mood of the crazy horse nightclub in paris in 1956.  we are first drawn into the image by the leading lines along the ceiling.  our gaze then shifts to the woman on the stage.  the woman is well lit, and positioned above the crowd in a rule of thirds position, making her the focal point.  the focal point is further strengthened by the fact that glinn has caught a moment when every member of the crowd is engaged in the performance.  they are reaching, looking, leaning towards her, which helps direct the viewer's attention.  the use of available light really gives us a sense of the real ambiance of the club, and also helps to create a more mysterious, and intimate feeling.  glinn's vantage point makes us feel like we are observing this scene from a distance, but still within it.  as observers, we notice that the woman is not fully clothed, and that the crowd is all men, which makes us wonder about the nature of the performance.  the way they are reaching out, and so engrossed actually seems rather aggressive.  in my opinion, this makes the photograph all the more compelling.  is something lewd going on?  is she enjoying herself?  what will happen after the show?  who are all these men?  the distance from the scene means we cannot see the woman's expression clearly, nor the expressions on the men's faces.  this lack of information engages our imaginations and encourages us to ask questions.  so not only does glinn skillfully lead the viewer's eye to the important elements within the frame,  but you are led to imagine the story behind the image as well.