Image titles

There are two ways of naming photographs they are denotation and connotation. Denotation refers to the literal meaning and connotation has more of a hidden meaning.

This image is called 'Up against a wall' as the model is stood up against a wall!!

This image is called 'Sultry' as that is how the model comes across in the photograph.
This image is called 'Squeeze' and I think it may be very obvious as to why!!

This image has the simple letter only name 'S' as the body resembles the same shape.

This image is called 'More tea vicar?' Has a meaning of diverting someones attention away from insalubrious goings on.

This image is called 'Get your socks off!' Reference to the song 'Get your socks off'

This image is called 'From a different perspective' because of the angle at which it has been taken.

This image is called 'For Sam's eyes only' the reason behind this is that some of these photos are going to make an album for the models husband to be. His name is Sam.

This image is called 'Calvin Klein' as the underwear the model is wearing is Calvin Klein.

This image is called 'Animal instinct'. That is what came to mind when I looked at the image. I think it's the way the model is positioned looks almost like she is crawling.

This image is called 'All covered up'. For the simple fact that she is all covered up.

This image I have entitled 'me and my shadow' for obvious reasons really. It reminded me of Peter Pan and his shadow.

Editing my final 12

After selecting my final 12 images I had a really good look at the photographs close up to see what needed to be edited. I noticed on all of my images that there was a small vertical mark on the right side or a horizontal mark on the left. This I soon realised was on the lens of the camera as another student had the same problem. So that was my first job.

The images above show the removal of the mark. I used the clone stamp, with a soft brush and was careful to take a clone of similar colours, as the lighting creates shadows and the light on the background close to the model is brighter than that further from her, it gradually saturates towards the edge of the image.

I have also had to re size my images for printing. I have selected 15in x 10in 300dpi for most with a couple at A3 300dpi. Also some of the images had to be cropped either to eliminate something in the photo that shouldn't be there and to give the image a better perspective.

In this image I had caught the top of the backdrop in the photo so this needed to be cropped out. Also I decided to crop out the bottom of the photo as I think it makes it look less like she is sat on a platform. The image also fills the frame more, I think that it suits this style of photography better.

I have also turned this and a couple of other images black and white, I think that certain photographs gain from this. In particular the image above, it emphasises the tone of the black against the white background and the light reflecting off the black material. It also makes it look like the models skin is porcelain in colour rather than tanned and it makes it look more highlighted.

In this image I firstly used the liquefy setting to smooth out the left side of the models body, and then I experimented with the levels of curves, exposure and the brightness and contrast. I have altered the brightness and contrast to make the backdrop appear lighter to try and make the shadow stand out more, also the colour temperature has been reduced making the image appear less red/orange tone.

With my other shoot that I did I haven't really had to alter anything much apart from a couple of marks on the model and the only cropping I did was to make sure the images were the correct size for printing.

This image in particular I didn't want to crop as I really like the space to the left behind the model and the shadow in the top left corner. It adds the feeling of space and mood to the photograph. Although there is alot of wall in the picture it doesn't distract the viewer away from the main focal point in the image as the model really stands out well from the wall.

FINAL 12!!! unedited

I have finaly managed to select my final 12 images. I am really pleased with what I have achived as this was the first time in a studio taking pictures in this particular syle. I spent alot of time researching different photographers and images, old and new. Although they are all a fairly modern take my initial inspiration was from the old fashion photographers from the 50's and 60's. This is also, I have realised something which I would like to continue to do in the future.

Short list of images

Click here and here to see the short list of my images.

I am generally pleased with all of my photos. I have found it quite hard to cut it down to make a short list. I think I have chosen along with the help of Steve the best of the many photos I took. I now have to shorten the list even further to make my final 12, for them to then go on and be edited.

These are just three of my favorate images unedited.

'D' Day photo shoot No 1

This shoot was on location, I had borrowed my parents pub for an evening. I had chosen this location for the bare brick walls which was the sort of back drop I wanted for the pictures. I had the portable lighting kit from college, so I had two Bowens lights with key reflectors and a brolly. I chose a couple of outfits for my model to wear and asked her to style her hair before she arrived.




For the lighting I had to the left one light with the key reflector set at high power and then to the right I had the other light with the brolly attachment set at a medium power. This created the shadow down the right side of the model.



The model (Layla) wasn't as comfortable as Dawn was in the previous shoot. She found it very hard to relax and to come across as it being natural. I had picked out a couple of outfits for Layla to wear which I thought appropriate for the shoot and it was immediately obvious which she felt more comfortable in. I first took photos with her wearing a dress and when she changed into what she is wearing above she instantly relaxed and this came across in the photographs.



This next picture I took with the portable lights from college also. I used just one light in front of the model on a high setting. I brought a piece of material which I thought depicted the 50's and kept the hair and make up soft and simple.

On both shoots the models Layla and Dawn were instructed on the set up of the lighting equipment and of all trailing wires as to not cause harm to themselves. On both locations I was restricted to space available to put the lights so everything was in close proximity so movement was very restricted. Care had to be taken when moving around for different shots and angles, and I had to be very aware of the heat that radiated from the lamps as they were at head height, and also whilst dismantling the equipment.

'D' Day. Photo shoot 3

On the day of the shoot.

First things first. The all important HAIR and MAKE UP!! I had organised for my model (for ease, my model's name is Dawn so this is what I shall be calling her from now on in the blog rather than 'model') to come over to my house for me to do her hair and make up prior to the shoot commencing to save on time. I had previously sorted out all clothing and accessories and had them ready to go.

We got to college early to set up the lighting and for Dawn to get herself comfortable and for me to give her a quick tour of the studio and do's and dont's for Health and Safety. I made her aware of low hanging lights and trailing leads. Steve helped me set up the 1st lighting set (as mentioned in a previous blog I had already grouped the pictures into different lighting scenarios to save on time). For a few of my pictures I needed Dawn raised off the ground as they were low level shots and this would make it easier to get the right angle. A platform was constructed from a wooden board and two wooden blocks. Dawn was advised on how to get on and off the platform safely. I had brought a white sheet from home to use as a cover to create the ruffled effect on the photograph. The pictures I had researched I had printed to show Dawn what I wanted from her in the form of stances and positioning as well as describe to her, this I thought would make positioning easier, I was able to place the images in front of her on the floor so she could get the right posse and then I was able to direct and guide her to get the posse just right for what I wanted.

Lighting set 1 images

The lighting that I used for this image consisted of;

-Two Bowens lights with soft box attachments at the back facing the studio wall one either side set on their highest setting.

-One Bowens light with a key light reflector attachment to the right of Dawn set on a medium setting

-One Bowens light with a grid diffuser attachment in front and slightly to Dawn's left set on a medium setting.

Lighting set 2 images

-One Bowens light with a barn door attachment in front of Dawn set to high setting

-One Bowens light with grid diffuser attachment on Dawns right side set on a low setting

Lighting set 3 images

-One Bowens light with grid diffuser attachment on medium setting.

Equipment list

-Canon 5D

-Link cable

-Camera stand

-Total of 4 Bowens lights

-Grid diffuser

-Barn door

-Key light reflector

-Soft box x2

-Platform

-White box used as seat

-White sheets

-Black blanket

The session went really well and I was pleased with the outcome. Considering I was really limited to time and had many costume changes and three different lighting sets I managed to get most of the photographs I wanted done. Dawn was really easy to move and position. She was incredibly natural in front of the camera and totally at ease, this made my job much easier and took less time to get the shots done, it also made me feel more comfortable and less nervous.

Damn!!!

Unfortunately for my second photo shoot I found out the other week that the guy I was using for the shots had accepted a job in Leeds and moved a couple of days later. Not giving enough time to do the photographs. I had done all research and was ready to do the photo shoot but due to the unfortunate circumstances couldn't get it done. Thankfully all prepped and ready to go on the other two shoots and should have plenty of photos to choose from for my final 12!

Preparation for photo shoot No3

To start with I started looking at Martin Munkacsi, Alfred Eisenstaedt and Richard Avedon, this is where I really started getting interested in fashion photography. I really liked the 50's and 60's styles. I found this incredably hard to try and replicate in many areas. Models back then arn't the same as they are now. They were in a way more innocent looking, much more natural less ''fake'' so I found it hard to find a model which best suited the look. Clothing was very difficult to come by. I went to a vintge fair to have a rumage and came across nothing of any use. Many of the images I liked were outside and finding similar areas to use as a location to do the shoot was diffcult, once an area was found tring to get a photograph without a random member of the public being in the background was just ridiculos. So I decided that fashion was still the way I wanted to go but to make things a little easier as time was very short on this course I started looking at more recent photographers as well. I had found previously an image by Martin Munkacsi of the back of a lady but from only the waist down, this was from a lingerae advert back in the 60's. This image is what really inspired the whole shoot. It made me start thinking about burlesque and lingerae images, something different. I trewled the web and then came across Rankin's site and this is pretty much where I stopped. He is all about fashion portaiture and I really enjoyed his work.
I found a model who was willing and confident enough in front of the camera. I made a list of all the types of clothes I required for the shoot and we went though what items she already had and then made a list of what I needed to get. I grouped all the photographs I wanted to use together and printed them on individual sheets of paper and put them into differnt lighting senarios, so it would make it quicker and more efficent on the day. I organised to be in the studio a little earlier than usual to give more time to set up lighting and get ready.

Preperation for Photoshoot no2

LOCATION

Darley park and Marketon park are the two areas I have chosen for this shoot. I will do shots at both and then will decide which give the best correct composition.

CLOTHES

I have decided to replicate the original the best I can. In the original he is wearing skinny type trousers with boots, a dark coloured mac with a belt.
My model has his own skinny jeans and shoes and I shall be trawling the shops to find a mac similar to the one in the picture. As the picture is in black and white it doesn't necessarily matter what colour these items of clothing are as long as they are dark.

POSITIONING

Again this I will be trying to mimic the original. I will be taking with me a printed copy of the photograph so as to be able to show my model what he is needing to do. I will also be doing my best to put my model at ease so as to feel more comfortable. I am aware that its outside in a public park and that there are going to be all sorts of people walking their dogs and such like so my model could possibly feel a little uncomfortable with this.

LIGHTING

I wont be using any lighting, only natural light. I am going to try and organise the shoot for a day where I will have sufficient natural light to be able to create the right effect. This could possibly prove to be quite difficult as the English weather is so changeable!! Luckily the model I am using doesn't currently work and is available most of the time and is just a phone call away.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

As the photo shoot is in a public park I will have to be aware and conscientious of the other people and animals using the same public footpaths as I. I will have to ensure that my camera equipment doesn't obstruct any public right of way and isn't harmful to any other uses of the park. It isn't a restricted area or a nature reserve so there are no limitations as to where I can go or take photos of. I will also make my model aware of all of this so as to not cause any more problems.

Location for photoshoot No2

I went out again the other day in search of a place suitable and that some what replicates this image. I have come up with a couple of places which I think will suit it quite well.

I have taken some photos of these areas click here to see them.

These places will hopefully fulfill some of the requirements mentioned in previous blogs regarding the lines on the street and the wall all being in line with the models eyes and also these areas can be quite grim and gloomy just like the original.

Rankin, Photoshoot no3

http://www.rankin.co.uk/


Click here to see all photos I have looked at as research for this shoot.


Rankin born in 1966 is a British portrait and fashion photographer and is the main inspiration for this shoot.




This first image I'm looking at I have chosen specifically for the lighting. The shadow cast behind the model is very sharp and defined and it really adds to the dramatic effect of the image. Also above and to the right of the model is another shadow caused by what exactly I'm not entirely sure but this also adds a really dramatic effect to the photo. Its a really simple posse and what the model is wearing doesn't really stand out which keeps it simple, its the lighting that the photo is all about, that is what makes this image.







This next image I like for the different level that the photo has been taken at. The model is sat on the studio floor or on a raised platform with the photographer directly at eye level making it more intimate with the model engaging with the photographer. The model is off set from the centre of the photo using the rule of thirds, initially you as the viewer are drawn to her eyes and then you follow the contour of the models body down and across.




This photograph is very intimate the model is really engaging with the camera. It looks like the photo is slightly distorted, possibly taken with a wide angle lens, which is making the fore part of the image larger than real life. The arms on the chair, models hands, face, legs and chest all look like they are closer to the camera and larger in proportion to the rest of the image. This I think helps emphasise the models tiny waist, it also guides the viewers eye down the photograph from her eyes which is where you are first drawn to. This photograph really works well in black and white, the tone of the corset, tights and the backdrop are very dark which emphasises the models porcelain skin.



In this photograph the model is placed so that the front leg is further forward and creates a lead line for the viewer. Your eye is automatically drawn to the left foot as its furthest forward in the picture (rule of thirds applies here) it then leads up the leg to the arm which then finishes at the models eyes. The lighting is fairly soft, crating a slight shadow, with a grey backdrop which makes the black she is wearing stand out but isn't as much of a contrast as if she were on a white background.








The lighting in the next two photographs makes it appear that there is no backdrop to the photograph, no shadows are cast and there are no other distractions to take the viewers eye away from the model or what they are wearing. The first of the two pictures, I like the angle of which it was taken. It looks like a wide angle lens may of been used as the models hand does look slightly out of proportion to the rest of her body. This is the main focal part of the image your eyes are straight away drawn to her hand it then follows the shape of her body and arm up and then to the left all the way up to the tip of her right elbow.





The level at which this photograph has been taken adds to the relaxed feel of the image, its made to look like she is in/on bed. Her arms and legs create shapes and angles, with the main focal point of the image being her eyes (eye). Being in black and white highlights the skin and really makes her eyes stand out, it also makes the black underwear really stand out against the white, and the line of where the fabric she is sitting on and the background meet unnoticeable.







The model in this photograph is stood to the right, in the right hand vertical third of the image. Her arms create angles and lines for your eyes to follow, with her eyes being the main focal point as she looks directly at the camera. The shadow cast behind her adds more shapes and fills empty blank space.

This image in black and white really highlights the skin and draws all attention to the models face. Her arms create angles which lead the viewers eye to her face and add interest to the image. The background being darker add a definite line to her body, in some of the other images which used more lighting and the background isn't really visible especially the black and white one, the line of the models body isn't as noticeable as in this image.