Final Photographs

My Final photographs

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.

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. 

Mood Board for Both Shoots

Mood Board for Black & white & colour photo shoot

Choosing the right model to fit your look

Choosing the right model to fit your look

Reference: Class notes

The perfect model to fit the Genre of your shoot

It is essential to pick a model who has the look you want, someone who will fit your genre, for example if you were going for an alternative genre/ look you would choose someone with an edgy side, this might include piercings, tattoos or suits dark shades of make-up.

Images of test shots with my model in the studio

It is key to make sure you model is always comfortable during their time at the shoot, keep them hydrated if they are dehydrated this makes the skin tight and keeps them alert it reflects in their complexion. Make sure they relax as if they aren't this will show in photos, they may look tense and you won't get the pictures you wanted, as they will look awkward and unrelaxed, therefore you want them to be as comfortable in your presence as possible.

Test shots

Keep them engaged throughout their time with you, pay for your models travel costs if they are doing a free photo shoot for you and also give them copies of the images once they have been edited, never give a model images as soon as the shoot is finished as they aren't ready and this will reflect on your reputation if you give them straight out.
Time management is key, make sure you keep onto top of things don't put too much pressure on yourself, spread out each task and make sure your make-up is complete before getting in the studio to take photos. Be prepared with lighting, what kind of lighting and equipment you're going to use and make sure the studio is already to go, in a organised manner with structure, in order to make the shoot go smoothly throughout.

Directing your model
Directing your model is important, keep them upbeat with great direction, confidence and enthusiasm, this will keep the model interested and engaged in what you want the images to look like. This is vital especially if your model is inexperienced, speak clearly and direct to your model and this will help them with their nerves. Take tear sheets with you examples of images, this is the best way to demonstrate a pose and what look you want to achieve.

Make sure you're relaxed as well as the model, keep positive, if they are doing well make sure you enhance the fact they are and be friendly and direct to your model. Always engage and listen to your model, never be quiet. Be honest and but rude, keep a positive body language up, if you've had a bad week do not let this reflect on the day and always stay in a good mood as this will reflect in your work on camera and may even reflect on the model.

Fine tune your shot, do not rely on post production to correct your work, stay on top of your game, minimal editing is good. It is hard to find a reliable model, so have a back up model or someone in jump in if they become busy, make sure they don't have a heavy night before the shoot and advice them to drink a lot of water and have a early night so they are prepared for the day after.
Always be ready to take a picture as you can get the best shots when your model doesn't realise, when they are in their natural state which makes them more relaxed, you never know what beautiful pictures you can get from just being on the ball with taking loads of photos, the more you take the more you can choose from.

Me messing about during my partners shoot, myself looking a bit mad

Choosing the mood for your shoot

Back drop

Lighting

Posing/ expression

Correct model for the look

Clothing

Types of Lighting 
High Key- Bright, contrast, poppy colours, bright face.
Low Key- Lighting from side, usually in natural light.

Minimal editing is great as it doesn't change the model completely it just touches up e.g. blemishes, dark circles. Keeping it natural is important and reflects natural beauty.
During my class with Chris I learnt a lot about how to pick the right model for your look, how to manage them with professionalism and enjoyed engaging with seeing how all photos are edited to the extreme and this made me feel that I wanted to keep my final images as natural as possible as I don't want to change the way my model looks but to enhance their features with the use of my make-up skills and great lighting to show my work. I am very excited to get stuck in with the shoot and to test shoot different looks etc.