AO1
Contextual Understanding.
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Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.
Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.
Brainstorm.
The theme I have chosen for the exam is Contextual Influences. I interpreted this theme as being a significant event that either leads to another event or affects someone's life greatly. Everything is affected by something else, it is almost like the cause and effect scenario in which everything has a cause and it has an impact on that. It is an ongoing process and within this topic, many ideas can be written down. |
One.
My first idea sheet is related to Human Rights. I want to portray and express the feelings and attitudes to when people get stripped from their Human Rights. How society can change and these problems can cause conflict. Although we have these Human Rights, the majority of the time, they are not taken in to action and people go against them. For example, one human right is that everyone has a right to freedom so why are there still slaves, child traffickers and so on. All these people to have a right to freedom, equality and free speech. Living in a society where everyone is judged, it is often difficult to break through these norms and show your true colours. |
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Two.
My second idea sheet is the convey the war aftermath not just in terms of physical change but to convey emotional damage. I want to portray the helplessness and vulnerability of children. The struggle they go through to fight for life. We take everything for granted and I want to show that other children don't get everything we need, not everyone is born lucky. Some children have their life planned out for them before they are even born. My main idea is to portray this though a series of photographs with children with heavy armour or holding guns, this is to represent their planned life. I want to show the unexpected. Usually, it is just boys who are asked to fight in war or do the more masculine jobs. However, I would like to portray girls holding weapons and turning the tables. The main feature I would like show are the eyes and this is because they are the most bold feature and its bold. |
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Three.
The third idea sheet is built around the concept of peoples perspective towards women. This led to looking at feminine propaganda. I want to portray women's authority and how their role has changed within society. In the olden days, people used to believe that the only thing women are good for is staying at home and looking after children, sexism was a huge issue that wasn't delt with and even now, people are still sexist towards women, they believe that they are not capable of doing many tasks that men do. I want to show that they are and that there is no real difference between men and women. Although men are seen as more built and masculine in the sense that they can do jobs such as being a builder, women can do the same job, it'll just be a little harder but if they work for it, they can be just as capable as men. |
These images below are copyright.
Four.
The fourth idea sheet is an expansion from my previous ideas, but with a twist. I want to use the idea of war and the military and show how this has influenced fashion. Fashion is influenced by literally everything from culture/religion to different seasons and it is continuously changing. Army and military clothing is a uniform, it represents the importance of their job and the fashion industry has taken their intake on it and used it by creating a new trend. |
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Steve McCurry
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These images above belong to me. |
Steve McCurry is best known for a photograph he captured called 'Afghan girl', This photograph is very famous, it is extremely captivating and bold. McCurry focuses on how war can adapt humans as well as landscape. How significant events can change someone's life completely and the consequences war has. He is known for his evocative colour photography. His photographs have been used for the cover of National Geographic magazine a number of times. His tends to target young children when capturing images. He conveys there vulnerability and the state they are in due to the tragic incidents taking place in their country. They can't do anything about it, and all they can do is struggle through the fight of staying alive and ensuring they are safe.
“Most of my images are grounded in people. I look for the unguarded moment, the essential soul peeking out, experience etched on a person’s face. I try to convey what it is like to be that person, a person caught in a broader landscape, that you could call the human condition.” - Steve McCurry.
The reason for which I have chosen the photographer above is not entirely because they are war photographers but the way they have conveyed emotions in their photographs. In fashion photography, emotion is also a necessity as well as just representing the clothing and Steve McCurry has inspired me in this field. I chose an actual war photographer to get a feel of what it is like and the emotion that is conveyed to make my fashion photo shoots have much more depth and a bigger more important story behind the eyes of my models.
On the right hand side above, is a series of photographs that I took of a young boy in the style of my photographer however I gave it a twist. Instead of having a real gun, I used a fake toy water gun as I wanted to represent that in this day and age, everything is influenced by war. The main aspect of this photograph was the make-up and clothing. I made my model wear army clothes in which you could say is a fashion influence. I used eye shadow on my models face to make it look as if it were real dirt in order to enhance the photograph and make it look bolder.
“Most of my images are grounded in people. I look for the unguarded moment, the essential soul peeking out, experience etched on a person’s face. I try to convey what it is like to be that person, a person caught in a broader landscape, that you could call the human condition.” - Steve McCurry.
The reason for which I have chosen the photographer above is not entirely because they are war photographers but the way they have conveyed emotions in their photographs. In fashion photography, emotion is also a necessity as well as just representing the clothing and Steve McCurry has inspired me in this field. I chose an actual war photographer to get a feel of what it is like and the emotion that is conveyed to make my fashion photo shoots have much more depth and a bigger more important story behind the eyes of my models.
On the right hand side above, is a series of photographs that I took of a young boy in the style of my photographer however I gave it a twist. Instead of having a real gun, I used a fake toy water gun as I wanted to represent that in this day and age, everything is influenced by war. The main aspect of this photograph was the make-up and clothing. I made my model wear army clothes in which you could say is a fashion influence. I used eye shadow on my models face to make it look as if it were real dirt in order to enhance the photograph and make it look bolder.
Richard Phibbs
Richard Phibbs is a portrait and fashion photographer who has done covers for various magazines. He has a passion for depicting sports life but also social realities. Boot Camp is a military trend-inspired fashion editorial shot by photographer Richard Phibbs and published in Sport&Style of a French Magazine. The reason why I chose this specific photographer is because he done a military-like photo shoots to do with fashion and they are very inspiring. The photographs are simple yet very effective. From looking at his work, I have been inspired and I have learnt that the model does not have to be looking at the camera for it to give an in depth story.
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majority of fashion photography consists of models not concentrating in
looking at the camera. Phibbs has used neutral colours throughout each
photograph and although some may think it looks plain, I think they look very effective. The neutral atmosphere which consist of the colours whites and light browns has given Phibbs his own house-style within this specific shoot. His photographs are taken outdoors in calm landscape, it looks high fashion and rich.
Franklin Thompson
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This particular photographer focuses on close up photographs. I really like them as they are effective and it is definitely something you'll see in fashion magazines. I want to take this element of close up photographs and in cooperate it in to my fashion photography. He implies that showing the whole body in fashion photography is not a necessity. We can portray it even through close ups. Although clothes is the main priority, there are various elements that have to be combined in order for it to be effective. These elements can be make-up, the specific model, how the models hair is done, the expression the model gives. Thompson does not have a particular house-style as the photographs vary all the time but they are all extremely good. |
The lighting used in all the photographs are changed every time but the majority of photographs use lighting that makes the model look flattering and defines there features.
AO2
Creative Making.
Experiment with and select appropriate resources , media,materials ,techniques and processes , reviewing and refining their ideas as the work develops.
One.
For my first photo shoot, I done a simple shoot which was mainly based around lighting and composition. I had the model wearing military coloured clothing but smart just to get a feel of the atmosphere within the shoot. I came to the conclusion that photographs taken from the waist above re most suitable for this, it looks more effective and gives the photographs much more depth. The photographs of the whole body didn't work quite well, the models expression and story isn't being told through full body ones although, normally body language has an effect. The clothing still gets captured within the half body shots and so the main purpose of what is being portrayed still exists.
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I like the composition of this photograph as the models is standing so that we can see her back but she is facing the camera. I think that this angle works well with this model and compliments her features very well. A problem with this is that you can't see what lighting style this is as it isn't obvious, the face is hit with soft lighting. This photograph can also be portrayed as rule of thirds. |
Two.
I done a photo shoot of close up shots as I wanted to re-create photographs in the style of Franklin Thompson. This experimentation has led me to find all the flaws in these photographs so that I know what to improve on for future references. The main intention in the shoot was to test make-up and costume however, lighting and composition has also taken a part in this. Some photographs were too dark, if it were a little brighter, it would look more effect. I can use photo shop to enhance it and make it bolder. The composition for this hasn't changed much and so I know that for my actual photo shoot, I need to use different angles and compose it better. The model is wearing a military style coat and the make up she has on is eye-liner and red lipstick. I attempted to make her hair look like something you would see in the olden days as it portrays elegance. I wanted my model to have an olden day look to her hair and make it look very classy, I believe that this was successful but you can not connect that well with these photographs. |
The lighting used in this photograph is butterfly lighting and the composition has varied slightly compared to the others. The reason why I like this photograph is because the hard light has created shadows and it compliments the models face very well and still looks flattering. Usually in photography, it is a necessity for the model to be looking at the camera for their to be an interaction. However, for my photograph, I have the model looking away and I believe that it looks effective and there is still a sense of belonging in the photograph. A problem with this photograph is that it is too dark and it is not a strong representation of military fashion. The main focus is the models face as it is the only thing that has been lit properly. The coat is meant to be the main part of this and if you were to glance at it, you wouldn't think that it is to do with my theme straight away and so I believe that I need to improve on this by creating a more military atmosphere within my photographs. |
Three.
As the first photo shoot was slightly dull, I done another one and made very few changed. For my second photo shoot, I used the same costume but manipulated the models face by adding black lines on her cheeks and eye-shadow, this made the photographs instantly more effective. The lighting used in these photographs are butterfly lighting, the reason for sticking to the same style of lighting is because, it is very flattering. The background have really bid dark shadows and this is a major flaw within this photo shoot. This photo shoot was held in my house. As I didn't have many resources, there were some problems that occurred and these are obvious. |
The composition for this photograph is different from the others as firstly, the model is not looking at the camera and secondly I have taken it so that she looks superior, someone of higher authority. The reason for this is because I wanted to portray that in society there is a hierarchy and that exists everywhere. In the military, you get people who are of higher authority than you are. This photograph looks as if she is ambitious. |
Four.
In order to ensure that a fashion photo shoot is successful, you will need more than just clothing items. These photo shoots are only effective because they have the whole package and everything itself stands out. I applied paint on my models face and done it in a camouflage army style, the clothes aren't a straight relation to military uniform however, the make up makes it possible for people to tell what the theme of the photographs are. The same problem with location occurred with this photo shoot as well, the lighting was rather dark however, I think it makes it look even more effective. This has also resorted to having a sinister feel within the photographs. |
The reason why I like this photo is because it looks very striking even though the composition consists of the model standing in the centre. The facial expression on the models face creates the sense of passion and something feisty but very feminine at the same time. She looks as if she's ready to go out and fight for the country and this is the type of emotion I want to convey within my work. I want it to portray a story behind the models eyes. |
Experimenting and Enhancing using Photoshop.
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I enhanced this photograph by firstly changing the contrast and brightness of it, after that I used the colour balance tool to make it bolder and effective. I then unlocked the background and made it a layer as none of the other settings work unless you have done this. Finally, I used the spot healing tool to get rid of all the blemishes on my models face leaving it at a clean finish. The final outcome has much more depth. |
I used Photoshop to manipulate the photograph by giving it texture. Firstly, I unlocked the background and made it a layer and then added another layer. After that I placed another image on top by going to file and then place. Thirdly, I used the layer key which has a list of different types of lighting and colours and I checked them all to find the best one. The lighting I chose was 'hard light' as I believe it gives the photograph more depth and the texture looks more real compared to the others. Once I finished doing that, I done a few finishing touches such as changing the brightness/contrast. |
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I used Photoshop to enhance the photograph by making the eyes brighter with the dodge tool. I also changed the brightness and contrast of it so that the make-up on her face stands out. This photo shoot was an experiment with make-up. Instead of having nice perfect make-up, I decided to make it more realistic however I have come to the conclusion that for fashion photography, simple original make-up will look better rather than re-creating a visual of interpretations of how they actually look. |
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.
One.
My photo-shoot took place in the Green room and so I had more resources this time round. For costume, I used a military like blazer with a normal t-shirt inside to match as I want it to look more fashion than an actually military shoot. The make up was inspired by the third and last shoot I done for experimenting, I put the two lines on my models cheeks and used black lipstick instead of red. the reason for this is because the red lipstick still looked very safe and the black looks wild and fashion like. The lighting used throughout this is butterfly lighting and Rembrandt lighting as these two lighting styles re flattering and this is what I want to portray. |
The lighting used in this photograph is Rembrandt lighting. You can see this as their is upside down triangular shape on the left cheek of my model. I believe this light is flattering and it makes the model look appealing. A problem with this photograph is that the costume (military blazer) is not shown as much and the stripes on her face have been hidden with a shadow and so this leads people to question what theme this photograph is under. |
The reason why I like this photograph is because it is different from all my previous ones. I have used a body shot from the leg above and the model is not standing in the centre. I don't like this photograph as it feels like it has no meaning to it. The stripes on her face are hidden again and the model is standing in an awkward position. The model is not looking at the camera and in most circumstances, when models don't look at the camera, there is still a connection with the photograph but there is no feeling in this. One strength is that this photograph uses rule of thirds. |
Two.
For my second photo-shoot, I didn't make much changed but I made the model wear a barrette and instead of having messy stripes on her cheeks, I neatened them up, this was to give a sophisticated look. In my opinion, the barrette is a nice touch to the overall photographs, it gives the photograph a much bigger story and makes the atmosphere of it more military like. I used butterfly lighting and Rembrandt lighting in this shoot as I believe that it is attractive and the consistency of the photographs are good. The model is wearing the military blazer again with the printed t-shirt. I think that the printed t-shirt gives it a better finishing touch and it looks fashion like. |
The composition of this photograph is straight in the centre. I like this as the models face and body language is very strong, as if it was something that you would actually see in a fashion magazine. The butterfly lighting enhances the models face and defines her features. Although the composition can be seen as quite boring, I believe that it works well with this particular photograph. |
Three.
For my third photo-shoot, I changed the models costume and made the stripes on her face slightly messy to give the photographs a bit of edge to it. My model is wearing a camouflage shirt and few bracelets as a nice touch it to. I stuck to using butterfly lighting only throughout this series of photographs. The only problem with this shoot is that the photographs may be seen as a little too dark. My model has used her hands within these photographs to make her body language stronger, for example, she would touch her hair. This photo-shoot has also taken place in the green room. |
The reasons for which I like this photograph is that the model has posed in a masculine way by slouching forward ever so slightly but it has a sense of feminism within it. The lighting in this photograph is not obvious and the models features aren't as defined which is a major flaw. Rule of thirds is used well in this photograph. |
I like this photograph as there is a connection between the model and the camera and you can recognise that it is strong. The model looks quite wild in this and she is holding her head at the back which is a typical fashion like pose. The composition is in the centre and I think that if I were to take it from above, it would have been better. |
Four.
For my final photo-shoot, I kept the costume which is the camouflage shirt and make-up the same. I have put my models hair in a tight bun which draws more attention to her facial features now and it is defined by the lighting. I believe that the lighting is still slightly dark and it would have been better if I changed the aperture by a little. I think that it is not the best shoot but it is consistently quite strong. The lighting used in this photo-shoot is butterfly and Rembrandt lighting again. |
The lighting in this photograph is not the best, I think that it would have looked better if it were a little lighter but the sinister look is quite attractive in an absurd way. I feel that the centre composition was necessary for this particular photograph and that it is strong like that. The reason being is that the models hands are on her head and and the body language attracts you to the centre. Some may interpret this photograph being a model doing sit-ups and in the military, this is something they do so it isn't a wrong photograph. Although, this wasn't my main intention, it leads to new ideas and this implies that this photograph has room for interpretation. |
I do not like this photograph and the reason being is that the lighting, composition and overall outcome is not good. You can't tell what lighting it is and it does not enhance any of the models features. The model isn't looking at the camera and usually, it can look good but in this certain photograph, the model seems blank and lifeless and my main intention was for it to be able to tell a story. I wanted it to look as if she is ambitious and she is aspiring for something but it is the total opposite and this may be due to the positioning of her hand. If I were to take a similar photograph again, I would direct the model to squint her eyes more and look as she is thinking about something very important and move the hand away from her face. |
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.