Mood Board in lesson

Mood Board creation 

We were given a task in lesson to pick a word out of the dictionary without looking and point to the first word by flicking the pages. 

I pointed to Minister, we had to create a mood board based on this word and what you felt it symbolised, relating it to fashion and make-up.

I thought this would be easy to carry out and create, however I struggled with looking past the literal meaning of Minister and I needed to look at the bigger picture. 

This task was interesting to do and enjoyed looking through magazines picking the images based on how I would want my make-up shoot to look based on the images.

I broke down my mood board into sections, because with everything on my mood board, there was far too much going on and it was confusing for Sharron to understand what I wanted, therefore I changed it to make sense.

I created each section on:

• How I wanted the hair to look
• The lighting of the shoot
• The eye make-up- representing the reflection of the stain glass windows of a church

Mood Board 

Lighting I wanted to create 

Eye makeup look

The Mood Board all together

Evaluation of Photo Shoots

Evaluation

I progressed by experimenting with different lightings with two different models to get my black and white shot mastered and also with my coloured shoot. 

I used a soft box for my black and white images with the use of a white reflector to define my models features and to give brightness to areas needed. 

I chose to use a white umbrella for my colour shoot because it directs soft light onto the face and I wanted to experiment with another piece of 

 equipment. 

I was happy with the outcomes of my shoots, however my weaknesses were 

Directing the light in order for it to bounce off my model correctly to get the best shot. 

I felt my communication with the models was my strong point, I was confident and happy with directing them with how I wanted them to pose and I   

believe

this reflects in my photos. 

I had no back image from my first black and white shoot model, so I recreated my shoot as I wasn’t entirely happy with the outcome of it and I solved 

my problem by choosing the right model for my look.

I created a subtle, shimmery make-up look with a wet hair look and concentrated on the cheekbones and lips in my black and white images. 

For my coloured shoot I used yellow under the eyes and basic coverage of foundation, I concentrated on the eyes and hair which was dread locked.

I included pictures that reflected natural beauty, the colour and mood of my shoots.  

Beauty or Power?

Beauty or Power? What is Beauty? 

During our session, we were given a few high fashioned photographs and spoke about them and really looked at them on how bizarre their poses were, so we reenacted the poses on the photographs.
My partner felt awkward and couldn't keep a straight face when reenacted the poses, it felt very unnatural and made her think how hard models have got it, being put in weird positions but she felt it was easier to direct us when being put in the positions.

Us in reenacting the photography given to us and understanding how difficult and strange it was to put ourselves in those positions, i realised how tough models have got it with putting themselves and their bodies in these particular shapes.

Another image 

Picture of my peer reenacting the pose in the photo, looking back it seemed so strange doing this task, we all creased up laughing and really felt odd doing the poses and how unnatural they were.

This image reminded me of an abusive photo, her hand is covering her eye but why?

When I really looked at this image it disturbed me slightly and really looked into it and it's a make-up advertisement, Really? This is not selling it to me; it is odd to look at, so obviously I reenacted this image. 

Last image of me and my peer in class reenacting this photograph below, this was probably the most normal one out the lot but still it was unnatural and odd to do.

Inspirational pictures

Inspirational pictures, where did they come from?

My first inspirational picture is of myself, boyfriend and friends at my best friends wedding in Japan Fukuoka. This picture inspires me because of the love I have for the people and the country of Japan. I have great memories from travelling Japan for a few weeks back in May 2015, this photo was taken on the 19th May in a traditional brewery in Japan, surrounded by Chie's (Friends wife) family and friends, it was a majestic day, the camera man unknown and models are of myself, boyfriend, friend and two of Chie's friends. This is an unposed image and I love how engaged each one of us are and its a natural and relaxed, we are sitting at the dinner table at the wedding being engaged on the day, this is why this is my inspiring photo.



Painting Reference: http://www.austria.info/uk/things-to-do/cities-and-culture/gustav-klimt/the-kiss
21/10/15 Artist Gustav Klimt, 1908 in Austria.

'The Kiss' Gustav Klimt famous painting, first time it was shown in public was in 1908 in an Austrian gallery. 1907 he began painting this inspiring photograph, it shows a man kissing the woman in an embrace, it's passionate, not a lot going on, but I love feeling it shows behind it. The colours and patterns work well, how classical beautiful the woman looks which reflects her love for him and verse versa. Its a unit of love and I simply love this painting.



Photographer: David LaChapelle (b.1964) Model: Debbie Harry: Taxi Crash 
David LaChapelle, LaChapelle Land, New York, 1996, p.70, illustrated in colour
Unknown make-up artist. I love the rebellious, attitude in this photograph, it shows power in a sassy, edgy way. In the photo you can see shes crashed into a phone booth in a taxi and is now posing on the taxi, it gives the carefree feel, I could almost imagine her saying 'Yeah I did it and what'. I love her sheer confidence and the way she has open body language, it shows power to women also. This inspires me as a fashion editorial and also shows of glam as well as power. 



Alexander McQueen Fashion Editoral- Punk queen model: Anja Rubik wears Alexander McQueen for the August issue of Vogue Paris in 2013. Make-up by Lisa Butler.
It is only a couple years old, it shows half good and half rebel, it is fierce and bold. I love the pose of Anja Rubik, its strong and inspiring to me because it comes across that she is powerful and there is no need to pose in a timid way it shows dominance and shines through from the picture.



http://tatajazzblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/anja-rubik-half-queen-and-half-punk.html
Alexander McQueen Fashion Editorial Model: Anja Rubik for Vogue Paris August 2013 by Inez & Vinoodh
'Half Queen Half Punk' where 'God save the Queen' was headlined below the photograph in Vogue, it was astounding and I like the fact the photo is half glam to represent the queen and the other half which is rocky, bold and genius in all ways. I love the contrast of the photo, It is inspiring because it's different and stylish, it is different to other photos you see in editorials, it makes you stare and but fasinated with the picture, it shows and reflects power of women and I love the angles of Anja Rubik.

Inspiring photograph of my Great Grandmother, a over head, to the side image where she is looking away, I love the positioning. This was taken in the 1930's, it's a classical, timeless image, that will never go out of fashion. This is beauty, she's natural and i've always loved this picture growing up. It's chic and glamorous, the photographer is unknown and the Model is my Great Grandmother, I knew she used to always do her own make-up. 

Beauty campaign for anti aging- reference David Ogilvy: The 7 commandments of advertising all marketers must know wesbite: http://postcron.com/en/blog/david-ogilvy-7-commandments-advertising-marketers-need-know/ 21/10/15


Reference: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/416090453042920769/
Models unknown, Victoria secret models, 2004 campaign- uploaded 21/10/15
These woman are being natural and having fun in their own skin and it shows and radiates through with this campaign. This beauty campaign is inspiring, as I believe that all women don't have to be skinny to be beautiful, beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, it makes each one of us individual. This campaign was in 2004, Dove Campaign with the use of models and every day women. I love the comparisons and shows how real beauty is, there is too much pressure from media to look a certain because of celebrities and it is all around us, I believe more beauty campaigns should be like the bottom one with the use of real women.




Reference: http://www.peta2.com/heroes/audrey-kitching-cruelty-free-beauty-2/
Model: Audrey Kitching, Peta Beauty campaign against animal cruelty make-up products, she is showing agression in her face as she is speaking on the behalf of the animals. It is a powerful, with the use of the cat in the photo, it is important to be aware of whats happening within the make-up industry and I find this inspiring to see compassion with animals and to treat them fairly. This campaign reflects the importance and beauty of living animals that this is effecting, its a glamorous shot with good use of colour which is eye catching.

Photography Progression

Images of practicing in the studio

I loved playing around with different lighting and back drops and seeing how I have progressed from at the beginning to now.

At the beginning of the Photography course, I simply did not know how to even hold a camera, I knew nothing but as the weeks went by and being brave to experiment and play around, I got into the swing of things even though there is still loads of more improvements to be mad.

However, here are some images over the term that I have taken.

Model: Danielle Jesshope

Backdrop black

Reflector

with model lamp

Model: Rebecca Southerden 

White back drop

Soft box

What I used for my Photo Shoots & Reflection

What I used for my Photo Shoots:

Black and White photo Shoot- Monochromatic Beauty Shoot

Model: Nicole Coleville

• Lighting used: Soft Box 
• White Background
• Reflector white side
• Mood: Fierce, strong, mysterious, edgy
• Concentrated on the lips and strong fierce eyes

Products used:
kryolan Foundation Palette
Body Shop Shimmer palette
Mac eye palette
Mac eye brow pencil shade light brown
Mac Rose lip liner with matching gloss
Benefit they're big mascara

For my Black and White shoot, I wanted a fierce model, with great structure and strong features that would work with my shoot that I wanted to create. I chose my model based on what I wanted and she worked great with the camera and my images came out as planned. 

When arriving to my studio time, I had done my models make-up and hair in a natural beauty way, with monochromatic beauty with use of beige colours with shimmer and brown tones; my make-up was very subtle but however I felt complimented her features.

I then hired a camera got all my equipment set up appropriately according to what I wanted with equipment and making sure the everything was in a tidy or away from any hazards, I had an assistant Harriet to help me set up also, 

I used a soft box with a white back drop to give my photo shoot a soft light, not too harsh and to really compliment my models features. This worked well, even though I had to adjust the light several times to make it perfect to get great images.

Before shooting I showed my model images from my mood board for inspiration for her and what I wanted to create with the shoot, I also directed her how I wanted her to be and kept her moving and to keep taking the photographs. I felt very engaged with my model and the shoot went smoothly.

Reflection of Shoot:

My model took direction well and knew what I wanted to achieve, I loved the lighting and the overall look and how it came out. however, I had a slight problem with photo shop to do a few adjustments and also the positioning of the small box to give the best lighting on her face to really compliment her features. I loved the subtle glow and highlight i achieved with the make-up and the focus on the lips and cheek bones. If I had to change something or to do it again I would of practiced more, tried and more lightings and looks to give me more options, I also need to work on my editing skills also. However, I really enjoyed the shoot and my model also did as I kept engaged with her throughout.

Coloured Beauty Shoot

Model: Toby Oldfield 

• Lighting used: White Umbrella
• Back drop: White 
• Mood: Energy, Fun, Happy, colourful, Summer and Free
• Concentrated on the eyes, with the colour used and the hair.

Products used:
Kryolan 

For my Colour Beauty shoot, I wanted a model with wild hair, quirky appearance and with real individuality, which I got with my model. It was a lot of fun to do and working with him was easy and enjoyable which shows in the photos I produced. I got the mood I was going for with the facial expressions also.

Before arriving to the studio I styled his hair slightly as he has dreads so this was difficult, but I teased them and directed how I wanted him to use his hair in the photo shoot.

I applied yellow underneath his eyes, to reflect happiness and joy, I used this slightly under the eyes, I wanted a mix match of colours throughout the shoot, with the clashing of his top and his hat and overall I liked the madness of it all.

I hired the camera out, got the studio set up with my assistant Amy helping me out with placing equipment in certain areas to keep it tidy and hazard free. 

I used a white umbrella and a white back drop, I had to adjust also the setting on the light to get the correct lighting I wanted, as the photos became over exposed then too dark and I found it slightly difficult to get the balance but with practice and retaking them I got the images I had hoped for.

I used the white umbrella and white back drop for a soft lighting, easy to aim at my model to get the best light and it worked well for the theme of my shoot. 

I also showed my model the mood board I had created and also talked through whilst carrying out the make-up and hair on him about how I wanted the mood of the shoot and I also directed him accordingly and made him jump around and be really energetic within the shoot, it was fun and creative and learnt a lot. 

The Symbol of Power

The Symbol of Power! 

References:
David LaChapelle Book- LACHAPELLELAND

These photographs I believe show power and wealth by the symbolic accessories used throughout the photographs that I found within the David LeChapelle book. I love the vibrancy and boldness of these photos. In the first image a lot of rich colours are used such as reds and golds which represent wealth and power. She looks fierce and very sure of herself as she peers at the hand held mirror, her pose is strong and direct, she looks confident with the use of her extravagant, embellished, detailed dress, she is showing this off with her positioning and I love the power of this photograph by David LeChapelle.

Photograph 1.

Photograph 2.

Everyone is taking pictures of her, all eyes on her in this photo, I like this picture as it very different approach to wealth and power, she is showing flesh but she seems to be in control and confidence. She is holding an Oscar, to represent fame and also the stars 'Hall of fame' . 

Photograph 3.

She has vibrant colours on, jewels on her corset, long coat with fur represents wealth as it is expensive and you only see wealthy people with this. She looks confident, with open body language and on a strange pig where you'd see animals in photos which is also a sign of power and control. 

This photograph is also by David LeChapelle, you can tell by his bold, odd, interesting photographs.

Photograph 4.

I love this photograph of Elton John standing on a piano with lots of statue leopards around him, it strange but protrays he's king of the animal pack, he's boss and shows wealth and power as he is in total control of the photo.

Photograph 5.

Big hats, bright colours, body language, laughing women, fur collars and a person strapped to the floor, this shows power and wealth. It portrays that they are better I believe because they have money and this takes control in the photo. Their confidence is sassy and I like the creativity of this photo, there is a lot going on. 

Editing Photographs, where does the line stop?

Editing Photographs, why does the line stop?

In our lesson of digital Image we downloaded a app on our phone called face-tune, it is where you can take photos and edit them e.g. with the use of brightening the skin, smoothing out the skin to get rid of unwanted blemishes or lines/ wrinkles, it can do all sorts of things to get your desired look. We had a task to take a picture of our partner and to adjust the picture to how you want it and we had to count how many times we changed something about the photo and we did the same thing but on ourselves. I only changed 3 things on both photos of myself and my partner in class, I think this was because we were told in a previous class to keep editing to a minimal, we don't want to change the face entirely that it looks like someone else, we want to keep their identity.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/317644579938334793/

Unknown model

During this class we discussed questions among us about editing and where does the line stop with improving your looks?

I think personally, editing is a good thing in order to remove insecurities for example, unwanted blemishes, marks on the face but kept to a minimal, I don't want to remove my models looks, identity by editing to much. I just would want to touch up the photo it make it sharp and more defined, add shading, but I don't want to play with their face shape/ eyes/ mouth. I would like to choose my model based on the genre I want my photo to be, I wouldn't pick my model then change their overall look.

I was researching into photo shop and how extreme some people went with completely reshaping peoples bodies and faces, I found this one which was a quick video and how she dramatically changed, it is a serious wake up call to what is happening and giving todays audience false expectations of how to look, it is beyond me and my mind I can't seem to get my head around it all at such a extreme way. I understand if people want blemishes or anything slightly removed that they were so concerned about edited but not reconstructing the entire face, it's madness.

Heres a link to the clip I found that really made me think about what is happening in today's society.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDs-LeLdauU

I feel this is offence to the model and it scares me to think that this technology can retouch make-up and someones overall look in order to make them look like someone completely different. We want to see the make-up and hair skills in the picture, we don't want to retouch there work so much we can't see their work properly.

Should we be playing with body shape? Is there a time to do that? 

You see photos of celebrities and models and how they are slimmed down even more so and the public are seeing unrealistic pictures and believe they are real. This gives people false expectations and they become desired to a smaller, skinny look like models and this is unhealthy. I believe we shouldn't be playing with body shape, it is basically feeding the audience lies and giving the "Desired look" which is unhealthy and unrealistic. I believe beauty is irregular beauty, people of sorts and sizes are all beautiful in their own way, I enjoy seeing character within photos, showing personality, I would like to see more of this in campaigns, this is truly beautiful when people feel comfortable in themselves and this reflects in pictures.
What people want these days is to see symmetry, youth, good coloured complexion, flawless skin, slim etc. But don't you think this is boring? I think seeing the same air brushed unrealistic image is dull and I would like to see personality within the pictures on beauty editorials/ campaigns etc.

How much is too much post production?

In class we were shown pictures of women from different ethnic backgrounds and they were edited to suit "the perfect look" for example there was a woman from eastern Europe and her face was Westernized to fit the look they wanted, at first I thought it was a completely different woman, different shaped face, eyes, mouth, nose, everything about her was different and this scared me to think that a computer can change someones appearance so much that they become unrecognisable.

http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/photoshop/images/3515453/title/extreme-photoshop-makeover-photo

unknown model

I believe this image to beyond madness!

I believe this is wrong and shouldn't be done, how would the model feel? someone changing your face entirely that you cannot see yourself in the picture, this is wrong. Peoples character is within their face shapes and sizes and makes them who they are. If you edit a picture so much it is called "Uncanny Valley" this is editing to the beyond. I truly believe minimal is best, we don't want to take someones identity away from them.

Also we had to ask our partners how they felt by myself editing their picture; my partner liked the fact I kept it minimal, but hid her insecurities e.g. dark circles and blemishes. I also brightened the face and kept it as simple as that, it was minimal but effective and it gave us both the look we wanted. If I were to do this activity again I would use a better camera, do the hair and make-up to fit the look I wanted, using the best equipment is key and putting your skills into use to reflect on the image is important, however I did like the app, it was strange how you could edit the picture so much.

Is it about Beauty or is it about Power?

Is it about Beauty or is it about Power? 

References also

Class notes and own thoughts

You see men and women portrayed differently in the fashion Beauty industry, they both model and pose differently, but why? Men model in a dominant, powerful stance whereas a majority of high end fashion shoots women are in awkward poses in different angles, with their bodies facing away or their head is tilted in an odd way. You don't think about it until you really look and see beyond the picture, you really think and question, is this a pose of a powerful, supermodel? Or are they reflecting child like poses, helpless, defenceless, victimised women? 

http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/gwyneth-paltrow-vanity-fair-argument-2461968

Model Gwyneth Paltrow 

I believe there is too much sexual desire in photographs, magazines all over the media and outer beauty is being focused on instead of the character of the person in the photograph. You will see in most beauty campaigns young women modelling clothes or advertising certain products as it reflects youth and the look of never getting older, media put young people in magazine and across media as they believe this is beauty and this will make a product sell, the 'desire to stay in your twenties' forever. They feel as you become older, you become less desirable, less beautiful and I strongly disagree with them.

What is Beauty? What is true Beauty? 

You see in the industry how the media is defining beauty, skinny women in awkward poses, young and never older women posing, also poses that you would never see a man do. Why is this? You would never come across a man on the front page biting his lip or placing his fingers in his mouth, when you think about it these are childish poses. But why would it be weird for a man to do this? People would be shocked, they would laugh and find it odd to look at because we've been brainwashed into thinking this, the media has made such an impact on how we perceive things. Men are in masculine poses, standing tall and proud, they appear powerful, strong in their statements they are making to the public.

Women was usually put in a 'sexual' pose, why are women half naked, why is she laying on the floor looking defenseless, they appear like victims, they aren't showing power or authority, they look uneasy. You'll see in high end fashion magazines e.g. Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire women on the front cover pulling these poses, but it's become so common that the public do not question it or even notice it. I think a lot of people believe its a 'sex appeal' and it sells, this reflects out beauty an idea of what women want to be; instead of showing inner beauty of character within the person, reflecting what their about. Women are made to feel anxious when buying these magazines, for example on the front cover of Elle magazine it says 'Love...could you do better' it is making women of the world feel anxious and question themselves about their love life, when they probably have a happy relationship and never needed to question it until they see what is printed on the magazine. This really is manipulating and the media are controlling their audience.

http://www.elements-magazine.com/2011/07/british-elle-august-2011-lily-allen.html

Lily Allen as powerful young woman, millionaire with a successful career with her hands on her face? This photo doesn't reflect these things, it shows anxiety, defenseless with the placement of her hands on her face. She looks in control in 'the gaze' but why are her hands on her face? She's not helpless she is a strong successful woman.
It all doesn't fit.

I have got a few images I have found from beauty campaigns which portray all of this gathered information.

http://street-fashion.net/photos/katy-perry-photo-shoot
ghd Campaign photographer David La Chapelle

Katy Perry in David La Chappelle photograph- Laying on the bed? with her fingers in her mouth? I feel she needs to show power her status as a successful woman of music, but this isn't reflected in this photograph.

Tom ford Campaign to sell perfume, this is too explicit and why is there two naked people laying in a pool to sell it??

http://ftape.com/media/?p=79339- Tom Ford Campaign

Tom Ford perfume campaign, why is this photograph so graphic? Why is the lady naked? It makes the audience feel uncomfortable and shows the man is the powerful one with his clothes on and shes the exposed female. We precieve them as sexual, everything is all about 'sex' which I believe there is too much of, which is truly frustrating to see all the time.




No accomplished man would rest their hands on their face, looking defenseless, you wouldn't see this, they always seem very in control and with a lot more clothes on compared to women in high end fashion magazines. In the industry most women make less money and power then most men and this reflects in photographs, it shows that men are always above and in control, it doesn't feel like there is an equal balance between men and women, as ''Women watch themselves being looked at'' they want to be desired my men, where they commonly use the 'gaze' 'dream like' stare in order to engage into a mans attraction and to gain their attention. I feel this is immoralising and shows vanity, they are looking up for acceptance of men, this reflects their power and dominance towards women; why can't women be powerful and dominant in pictures instead of laying helpless or positioned awkwardly?