AO1
Contextual Understanding.
Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.
One.
My first idea sheet is very simple. I wanted to convey typical stereotypes and instead of making it extremely complex, I believe that the simplicity of this idea will bring subtlety to the photographs. People express themselves through appearance and the way they dress, this is the main aspect to identity and often, people tend to judge the book by it's cover. My aim is to either have a series of these typical stereotypes or strip down one stereo type to make people see the real people they are inside Often people make judgements on how people dress and look and I would like to show them that these people that they probably wouldn't want to be seen with, can be the total opposite. Society now is at a state that the only association you will ever have with people that are not of your liking or for instance, the same social status is if you were to past them at school or similar locations and even then people are living in their own little bubble, they do not open their eyes to see deep within.
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Two.
My second idea sheet is a reflection to split personality however, it is a little different. I want to convey how people change around different crowds. For example, when people are with family, they may act and dress differently than to how they act with a group of friends. I want this differentiation in personality to be portrayed at a much larger scale. Expanding on the different personality idea, you could also interpret it at another angle. Nobody wants to be an outcast in society, the majority of people try and live up to expectations of appearance. Some people live in the fear that if they aren't like everyone else, they won't be accepted and I want to convey this through a series of photographs of someone dressed 'normal' ripping that face off to reveal their true identity. I want to show that behind the fake personality or appearance of a person is something just as beautiful but much more honest.
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Artist Research.
Martin Shoeller.
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Martin Shoeller was a New York based photographer, he carried out a series of photographs called 'close up'. This was achieved by the process of producing a continuous number of photographs that convey a naturalistic feel which all without doubt have a distinctive look which is helped by the fact that he has his own house style. He artfully captures actresses, singers, athletes, and politicians' faces, before he presents them to the world in a larger-than-life photographs. He attempts to show true honesty in every photograph by stripping them down from additional cosmetics and constitutes in an attempt to portray natural beauty. This portrayal of natural beauty is accomplished by ensuring there is no background filled, extremist make-up photographs.
One thing that is an obvious repetition through-out his photographs is the catch-lights, this shine in the eyes bring them out. He has a distinctive consistency through-out his photographs. There is a mutual regularity in the facial expressions. The majority of ‘close up’ photographs convey an inexpressive face, this is to obtain an on-going flow. I believe that this is effective as it keeps the photographs consistent however, they are not as honest. He should let them have the freedom of expressions as it makes the photographs instantly more honest. The photograph he took of pink was completely honest as she had her own facial expression that portrays her, it shows us instantly that she is out-going and in to rock. To ensure that the face is the focal point and that it shows the idiosyncratic of each person, the ears and neck are not in focus giving the photographs a short depth of field.
One thing that is an obvious repetition through-out his photographs is the catch-lights, this shine in the eyes bring them out. He has a distinctive consistency through-out his photographs. There is a mutual regularity in the facial expressions. The majority of ‘close up’ photographs convey an inexpressive face, this is to obtain an on-going flow. I believe that this is effective as it keeps the photographs consistent however, they are not as honest. He should let them have the freedom of expressions as it makes the photographs instantly more honest. The photograph he took of pink was completely honest as she had her own facial expression that portrays her, it shows us instantly that she is out-going and in to rock. To ensure that the face is the focal point and that it shows the idiosyncratic of each person, the ears and neck are not in focus giving the photographs a short depth of field.
Jorge Miguel
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Jorge Miguel is the total opposite of Martin Shoeller who attempts to convey honesty. Miguel's work is complex and surreal. A majority of the photographs have a model with a mutual coloured background. He uses props and costumes to portray his photography. The different photographs give a different story which are quite obvious. However, they can lead to various interpretations. Working in Miguel's style required an open mind of creativity. And manipulation to the model whether it'd be physically or on Photoshop. I took inspiration of a photograph of a man with a belt wrapped around his face, there is a lot of expression in his face. My interpretation of this photograph is that the man wants freedom and he wants to be able to express himself however something is restricting him from doing so but he is fighting back. I placed chains around my model as I didn't want to imitate the photograph completely but I kept the same concept of being trapped and stripped of his freedom. I applied make up on my model to make them similar and make the photograph look more sinister.
Caitlin Worthington
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The reason why I chose Caitlin Worthington is because she has her own house-style. All of her photographs have the eyes as the focal point. The catch lights in the eyes are obvious and it brings the eyes out more. I admire her photographs as they portray a continuation of successful and strong photographs which can influence my work greatly. She uses catch lights in the eyes and in every photograph, they are very bold and convey her unique style and shows the model as more than just a model, they have become a puzzle for the viewer to deduce.
AO2
Creative Making.
Experiment with and select appropriate resources , media,materials ,techniques and processes , reviewing and refining their ideas as the work develops.
There is three key aspects that make photographs, these being technique, composition and lighting. Lighting is a vital necessity, different lighting can change the way you interpret a photograph. Lighting creates the atmosphere of a story in a photograph and without it, your photographs is meaningless, it will just be plain dark meaningless photograph. There is two main types of lighting which can transform the photograph drastically.
Lighting.
Hard LightHard light is often not the first choice for portrait photography, this is due to the unflattering look that it gives, however it is very dramatic. Hard light consists of high contrasting photographs with deep blacks and bright highlights. The smaller the light source, the harder the light is. It brings out textures and makes the photograph look much more eerie. |
Soft LightSoft light is used what the majority aim to achieve within their photographs as it is much more flattering and it gives the portrait photographs an airbrushed look. This is when there is much more exposure of light and so light is given off from a multiple number of sources. It creates less contrasts and shadows and compliments the features of a face. The larger the light source, the softer the light is as it diffuses. |
One Source Lighting.
Butterfly Lighting. |
This is one of the most artistic and flattering ways to light up the face, it is considered to be quite glamorous. It creates an illusion of depth and defines features. In order to achieve this type of lighting, you have to place the light directly in front of the model at an 45 degree angle downwards, you can then adjust the height so a 'butterfly shaped shadow appears under the models nose. |
This form of lighting is often used as it adds definition to the features of the subjects face as well as slimming the face.You have to place the light 35 degrees to the side of the model and have the light of a 45 degree angle. This creates a 'triangular shape on the cheek furthest, this is also known as 'chiaroscuro'. |
Rembrandt Lighting. |
Split Lighting. |
Place the light literally to the side of the subjects face which is 90 degrees offset so that it is parallel to the subject which results splitting the lighting so that one side in having one side of the face light and the other side shadowed. If needed, bring the light closer towards the subject to create hard light which effectively makes the photograph more dramatic as it defines the features. |
This lighting outlines the face. Place the lighting to the side of the subjects face so that the subject is blocking it. And then stand where the light is just shining through hitting the models face |
Rim Lighting. |
Two Source Lighting.
Clamshell Lighting |
This lighting is conveyed as quite flattering and glamorous. In order to achieve this type of lighting, you have to use two soft light sources and place them both in the centre of the model's face. One light that is pointing above at the model and the other light facing down. The main light could be any other type of lighting such as butterfly lighting. The light underneath is reduces shadows to remove imperfections. |
This lighting conveys a suspicious scary look. It is very unflattering and sets a psychotic mood. This is achieved by places two light behind the model in which as parallel to each other. You can then control the shadows by how far the lights are, the further back, the greater the shadow becomes. |
River Cop Lighting |
Spray Lighting |
This lighting simply makes dull walls look better and more dynamic. It creates a 'halo' illusion behind the model. Face the light towards the wall, the closer the light is to the background, the smaller the circle of light becomes. The spray light can be combined with any other lighting style. |
AO3
Reflective Recording.
Record in visual and/or other forms ideas ,observations and insights relevant to their intentions,demonstrating an ability to reflect on their work and progress.
Photo-Shoots
The three key aspects that make a photograph are composition, lighting and technique. I shot the photo-shoots in the green room with a white background and different sources of lighting for each photo-shoot. Throughout the photo-shoot I endeavoured to keep the background the same, thus ensuring that my theme of identity was portrayed in a simplistic yet effective manner. Other than the background remaining the same, the lighting and costume is changed for every photo-shoot as this is to ensure that as soon as someone glances at the photographs, they can interpret the stereotype. The reason why I have chosen to portray just stereotypes is because the simplicity of this idea is what makes the photographs exaggerated and bold/obvious. Although location can be necessity in many photographs, I believe that if I changed the background the model would not be the focal point, therefore taking away the point of exaggerating the stereotype.To avoid this, I made sure that I do not outdoor locations which would detract from the overall theme of the photoshoot. The reason for chosing this model is because she is quite versatile and looks good on camera. I could have used the even better looking Priya Shah look alike however, he was unavailable due to doing something incredible like
One
The stereotype in this photo-shoot is a rich girl who is quite snobby and egocentric. The lighting used in this photo-shoot is clamshell lighting as it is flattering and glamorous. For a majority of the photographs, the model is looking down at the camera, this was to depict her snobby behaviour and show that she thinks she is above everyone in the sense that money is power. The model is not looking in some photographs and this is to show that she thinks she's too good to listen to the photographer, she goes by her own rules and she is the boss. The photographs of her putting lipstick is composed so that it looks as if she's looking in a mirror applying lipstick as she would normally. I wanted them all to look quite realistic however some photographs look quite posed and fake but with this context, it is not a big issue.
One.
Normal photographs tend to consist of the model having eye contact with the camera however, there can be exceptions. I wanted to portray a snob-like atmosphere within this photograph and with the model looking away, it can portray that she thinks she is too good for everything. This photograph has disadvantages such as the composition, I believe that the model looks very status like and the composition is very typical.
Two.
In this photograph, I was attempting to show a natural pose. I wanted to make it look as if the model is looking in a mirror putting lipstick on rather than posing for an actual photograph and I believe I have achieved this. I did this as I wanted to explore beyond just composition and poses. I wanted to see if the use of props will manipulate the photograph and perhaps make the story behind it more clear.
Three.
I don't like this photograph as it is over-exposed. There is shadows within this and there is a very clear contrast however, the parts that are lit are not as clear as there is too much light which makes the face of the model less defined.
The method I used to edit these photographs was Photoshop, in order to enhance the photograph. The first thing I did was use the dodge tool to make the models eye brighter, this is so that they stand out. I then tinted the colour of the photo slightly so that it had a clear, flawless effect. After this, I used the spot healing tool to remove the marks on her neck. |
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Two.
The stereotype for this photo-shoot is a "nerd" or "geek". The costume for this is typical smart, neat and unimaginative uniform as this works with the image of a nerd. The stereotypical view is that nerds dress smart and favour their work over social life. Within this shoot, I have attempted to portray this stereotypical view of confident/shy nerds through composition. To make the nerd look inferior, the model is looking up at the camera with a frightening face as if she were being bullied. Every photograph has different expressions, this makes the photograph look more real. I have used various techniques, this was to experiment how photographs look at different angles, I believe that a majority of my photographs were succesful. The initial photographs were good however, after I had done minimal Photoshop, I enhanced the mood of the photographs. Normal lighting seemed quite simple for this nerd stereotype and the hint of blue in the photographs brings it out more. Depth of field and vantage point were used in the photographs where the model looks like she is writing on something, I wanted it to look as if it quite natural and realistic, as if this wasn't an actual photo shoot where the model looks over-posed. The lighting for this was quite difficult as it kept reflecting on the the glasses and so we kept two light sources on the side and one on top to avoid river cop lighting.
One.
I like the facial expression conveyed in this photograph as it looks natural. I used river cop lighting as the glasses reflected light on them and I wanted to avoid this. Although, half of her face is covered, it still looks effective.
Two.
I used depth of field and force perspective for technique in this photograph. The use of river cop lighting wasn't successful as it still reflected on the glasses lens. The models hand is in focus and the model is slightly blurred which makes it more effective as although it seems as if she isn't the focus, she is a vital aspect and she does stand out.
Three.
I dislike the lighting in this photograph as it looks too dark however, for this specific photo shoot it goes well as it gives it an absurd feel and brings out the nerd in the model. The composition is from the top, looking down at the model to show that she is inferior. She looks confused in this photograph and you can interpret your own story behind it.
I changed the brightness and contrast of the photograph to enhance it. The colour of the photograph looked dull and so I changed the colour of it to cyan with colour balance. And then used the dodge tool to make her eyes brighter. I done this in the style Caitlin Worthington. |
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Three
This stereotype is Hippie, which describes the general feel and composition of these photographs. I didn't want to go over the board with the costume of a hippie, I kept it simple yet ensured that you could tell that it is a hippie. The reason why I haven't gone over the top with costume with glasses and generally the costumer is it won't look as real, as the way to convincingly portray this style in my eyes is to keep it simple and understated. At first I used clamshell lighting, however it didn't look as flattering as I assumed it would, reason being that the location of this particular photo shoot was at my house. I then used natural light as it looked quite calm and peaceful. It gave the photographs a neutral look and portrays this stereotype as natural and cool.
One.
The technique used in this photograph is depth of field, the hand with the peace sign is in focus and the model in the background is blurred. This can also be seen as vantage point as the models hand looks bigger than her. I don't like this photograph as the model should be in focus and the lighting is not correct. Furthermore it looks quite neutral and there is no real hard or soft light.
Two.
This photograph shows a full body shot showing her full costume, I like the composition and natural lighting, however the disappointing thing is that it does not flow with the other photographs and so it is not that successful. This would be a good introductory photograph to a full body set of photos.
Three.
I like the soft light in this photograph as it gives it a natural calm feel and a sense of hippie arises from this. The edges are tinted in the colour black and this leads the model to be even more in focus and it brings her out in the photograph.
I have used minimal Photoshop as there was a minimal amount to alter on the photograph. I tinted the photograph with hints of red and blue and also changed the brightness and contrast to define the features. |
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This photo shoot was a stereotypical view of a 'chav', a person generally of a lower economical class. The lighting used in this is inspired by Martin Shoeller, I used multiple sources of light as I wanted to bring out the true colours of a stereotypical view of a chav. The use lighting gives the photograph more depth and shows the detail well, you can see the layers of foundation on the models face and the clumped mascara which was my main intention. I did not photoshop any of these photographs as they came out just as I wanted them too and if I were to photoshop the contrast and brightness, the main perspective of the makeup wouldn't be one of the focal points.
One.
I liked this photograph as the composition is good however, the lighting is over exposed and the models hands are out of focus which as a whole makes the photograph weak.
Two.
The lighting in this photograph is good. I had a numerous amount of lights in order to clarify the makeup on her face as I wanted people to tell the different in colour from her face to neck. The model is looking down at the camera in an aggressive facial expression which almost defines this stereotype however, with this composition, the top of the back drop is being shown. If I were to take it in a similar style again, I would make sure that the backdrop is set in a way that it avoids this problem.
Three.
In this photograph, the model is out of focus and her hand is in focus. I like this photograph has the model is still a focal point however, I do not like the photograph as a whole. The composition is bad, it look ammeteur like and it is not a bold photograph.
Five.
The stereotype within this photo-shoot is a 'goth', a person that wears black, never smiles and is quite dull. The lighting used in this photo-shoot is rivercop lighting and split lighting, the reason why I used these types of lighting is because the hard light compliments the dark and dull atmosphere very well, it is hard light. The composition may look quite monotonous, however they are all in a central position, which is a deliberate affect in order to show the unswavering and intense mentality that the girl would have.
One.
There are no hard shadows in this photograph, however it still has a contrast between dark and light within it, which could signify the imbalance of her mentality, or represent the changing between good and bad. The composition of this photograph is simple. The model is standing in the centre and as explained before, it is deliberate in order to represent the unswavering mentality of the girl. I do not like this composition as it is not my personal favourite style, but it still looks effective as the models facial expression is blank but it looks like she has a story behind her eyes which no one can see, therefore opening up the viewer to making their own interpretation. The soft lighting in this photograph has created no shadows and so it is not as effective.
Two.
The lighting used in this photograph is split lighting. There is some colour to the models face and she doesn't look as lifeless as she does in the other but it is effective as there is a lot of emotion conveyed through the facial expression of my model.
Three.
The lighting used in this photograph is river cop lighting, this is an unflattering styled lighting. The composition is from above, the model is looking up at the camera and you can tell that the facial expression that the model has portrayed is hatred and anger as it shows quite clearly.
I enhanced the photograph by removing a blemish on her face with the spot healing tool. I then brightened her eye with the dodge tool. You can either lighten the shadow, mid-tones or highlight. I then changed the contrast to make her features more defined. |
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AO4
Personal Presentation.
Present a personal,informed and meaningful response demonstrating critical understanding,realising intentions and where appropriate ,making connections between visual , written, oral or other elements.
Freedom
Freedom, in my view is when you spread your wings of creativity, and free of yourself from the chains of society, with the shackles of the media and people's perceptions of beauty. I believe that to become the person you think you are and want to be you have to break free from the stereotypes and find your wings so that you can stand proud of who you are.