The Use of Perspective in

Ricardo Ocreto Alvarado’s

Filipino Farmers in America
The Aesthetic Qualities of Selected
Photographs
The Visual Arts
Ricardo Ocreto Alvarado
He worked as a janitor and
houseboy
During World War II, he was
a medical technician in
Army’s highly decorated
First Filipino Infantry
Regiment
He became a civilian cook
in Letterman Army Hospital
For 20 years he studied the city and nearby
rural areas in his free time with his view
camera in hand

His camera gave him entry into large social

functions ― weddings, funerals, baptisms,
parties and dances ― as well as intimate
family gatherings.
Filipino Farmers in America
Shooting the tractor from
an interesting angle, the
machine does not distract
the subject of the
photograph: two Filipinos
looking very hard working,
posing for the photograph,
the same way a person
would have his/her photo
taken beside in a Ferrari
prestige car.
 Through the use of
perspective, the tractor
wheels in front seem bigger
than the back wheels.
Perspective also shows the
mountains and trees in the
background smaller than
the human figures because
they are farther in the
camera.
The background, foreground and subject are all sharp
because of the camera exposure to light.
Despite this, the viewers eyes
are easily directed to the
two men, with faces that
shows traces of old age and
hard work.
Their clothing reveals they
are in a foreign land
because in tropical
Philippines, farmers work in
minimal clothing.
Photographs of genre subject like this is
characteristic of the 1950s where everything is
shown in sharp and the main subject in still position.
This is due to the limitation of the camera that
could not capture movement.
Blurring technique was also not possible, since there
were not too many apertures and shutter speed
options.
 The Form
1. What are the dominant element?
2. How are these used in the photograph?
3. How is the main subject matter treated in relation
to the background?
4. How many space used within the frame?
5. How does the dominant element affect you?
6. Is there a balance of forms or do some objects
cover most of the frame?
 Analysis
The dominant principle of organization in the
photograph is the use of perspective that shows
the difference in the size of the objects in the
foreground and in the background.
The vast space does not diminish the significance
of the object because the tractor, shot in an
angular position, leads the viewer's eye to the main
subject.
Hence, a balance of forms is achieved.
 The Medium
1. Does the photography as a medium enhance the
beauty of the image?
2. How well does the medium selected show the
artistic representation?
3. If the artist chose another medium, do you think
the same effect will be achieved? Why and how?
 Analysis
Photography is the best medium for the image
because it is able to show the details and facial
expression realistically which oil painting or other
mediums cannot show.
 The Subject Matter
1. What is the main figure in the artwork?
2. How do the other figures in the artwork affect the
main figure?
3. What is the significance of the figure/s to you in
terms of personal, historical, social, or political
value?
 Analysis
The main figures are two farmers posing while riding
the tractor.
The objects surrounding them do not conflict with
the main figures, rather enhance them as the focal
point of the photography.
This shows the lifestyle, work and state of being of
the Filipinos who migrated to America in the 1950s.
 The Style
1. What particular characteristics does the artwork
have that are also present in the other works by
the same artist?
2. Describe the use of art and the principles of
organization that identify the artwork with the other
works done in the same era or movement?
 Analysis
Clarity, sharpness and detailed representation are
the characteristics of Ricardo Alvarado’s
photographs, which were all in the same quality of
photograph taken in America during 1950s.