Photo Shoot No 1

For this photo shoot I have been trawling the Internet looking for inspiration as my original plans of doing the shoot in the studio and using some of the other photographers I have already looked at like Richard Avedon and Alfred Eisenstaedt unfortunately are no longer. My model is very restricted for many reasons as to when she is available. So I have decided to do location shoots with the use of the portable lighting equipment from college. I have taken my first bit of inspiration from a camera magazine. Below is a scanned image from this mag.

This picture jumped out at me instantly, although completely different from what I was originally looking at. This picture is more of the current times rather than from 50's and 60's. It's a fashion, edgy photograph created by what the model is wearing the angle in which the photograph is taken and the harsh lighting which gives a sharp shadow down one side of the models body.

Then I have looked at Mario Testino in particular the Versace Autumn/Winter 2009. Please click on the link to look at the photographs I have been looking at. These pictures again are edgy, fashion pictures using harsh lighting to create a sharp shadow on the wall. The use of the white wall with the royal blue carpet and the models outfits all add to the modern edgy feel. Pictures are taken from different angles (to show off the different items of clothes/accessories) the ones of just the models legs have direct lighting from the front possibly slightly from the right to generate the shadow which is cast on the wall and the photograph is taken from the left one I suppose as to not create a shadow himself but most importantly to get the correct angle to get the perfect image. The skirt which the model is wearing has a slit up the side which keeps your eye going up although the picture stops here your imagination doesn't.

Next picture I have looked at is a bit different from the others. Although modern and the same era, its more subtle with a bit of old mixed in. It's by Drew Gardner. Again I have had to scan the image onto my computer.

Obviously this picture is of Lilly Allen and it reflects Lilly's own style in fashion and music and tells you exactly who Lilly Allen is. The background is a flowery pattern which looks to be quite 50's style wallpaper or curtaining but she is wearing large gold hooped earrings which are more modern. The main focus point are her eyes with the flower leading the viewers eyes to hers and is also probably covering up the obscenities which are coming out of her mouth. The overall image depicts a very soft and sweet side with subtle lighting, no harsh shadows like the others.

Martin Munkacsi work

This photograph I think is very simple and easy to understand. The lines on the black tights lead the viewers eye from the bottom of the photograph all the way up the back of the models legs to her bottom. The underwear which she is wearing blend into the background, there is no definite edge to them which keep your focus on the legs/tights. Part of the models back can be seen but I think this is just to make the legs actually look like they are joined onto a body and make it look more human and not just a pair of legs. The picture works well in black and white for the same reasons, the emphasis on the black line up the legs on the tights and the merging of the underwear with the background.

Richard Avedon's work

This photograph is of Bob Dylan taken in Central Park, New York 1965.

The main focal point in this photograph is Bob's eyes, everything in this picture draws the viewers eyes to his. The lines on the cobbled road go up the picture to meet his eyes and at the top of the photograph the horizon again is in line with his eyes. The cobbled road gives plenty of texture without drawing the attention away from the main focal point of the photograph. It has clearly been a miserable day and the wet cobbles give off a glimmer where the light hits them, this would provide some natural lighting and also adds some brightness to what is a grim day. All the objects, trees, buildings, walls, lamp post and the person behind him are all out of focus and the tone of these objects along with the clothes he is wearing are all very dark All of these things along with the fact that he doesn't look happy give off a dark and mysterious side to him, which coincide with his music.

This is a fashion photograph taken in New York in 1967.

It looks like the model is suspended by something or that she is about to jump up and the photograph is taken at that precise moment, using a fast shutter speed to freeze the movement. I think that the latter is the more probable. There is allot of movement in the photograph. Firstly it looks like her hair and dress are being blown up and away from her towards the left. Secondly her body is arched and pointing in the same direction in which her hair and clothes are being blown which gives the impression that she herself is being blown away, it still looks really graceful and relaxed. There is a shadow to the left of the picture which suggests that maybe only one light was used or a couple but from the same side, to highlight her face and skin and again this lighting also gives this photograph direction like the shape of her body and her hair and dress being blown over to the left. The main focal point is the dress, the models legs draw your attention up and across to the left. Her face is further back in the photograph and although it is highlighted all the viewer can see really is the lower part and the side of her face and not her eyes.

Health and Safety

Health and Safety laws apply to all types of businesses.

For the full Health and Safety at work act please click here, this is the official Health and Safety at work act 1974. This site I have used as research as well as at what I already know from the work which I do.

"All workers have a right to work in places where risks to their health and safety are properly controlled. Health and safety is about stopping you getting hurt at work or ill through work."

What we as possible employers should do;

1)
In a studio environment and whilst on location a risk assessment should be done. This should include anything which could harm any employees whilst doing their job and any precautions to stop it from happening. Explanations of how these risks will be controlled should be communicated to who it applies e.g your employees or anyone coming into your studio such as models.
2)
Training in health and safety for your employees. All employees should have the necessary training required to do their job in and out of the studio environment. Anybody coming into the studio e.g model should be given the necessary information regarding health and safety.
3)
All electrical equipment should be looked after and properly maintained (PAT testing).
4)
First aid facilities should be available and at any one time there should be someone in the studio who is first aid trained.
5)
For in the studio and location environment you should have any relevant insurance which covers you for public liability.
6)
Fire procedures should be in place, with the relevant signs and fire extinguishers available.
7)
Correct precautions and training should be given to all employees with regard to lifting heavy objects and of the handling of all camera and lighting equipment.