Thursday, 3 October 2013
Work Diary - Multiple Imagery
Shoot Evaluation
In today's class we looked at multiple imagery. At first I didn't like this technique as I found it hard to grasp the concept of 'not thinking' and just photographing something 'randomly'. After a while though I started to grasp the idea of what I was trying to achieve and I actually found the shoot quite therapeutic and relaxing in comparison to some other techniques I have learned in shoots. I liked the way you could structure the shoot so when photographing a subject you could focus on details by zooming in and out, or you could just literally photograph something in random places at random.
I didn't think at first that this is a technique that I would like to experiment with but I actually quite liked the effect that was achieved. I love the way the photos turned out as they look so unique and different every time - you could photograph the same thing over and over and the composition at the end would still be different. We looked at different ways of executing and presenting this technique. In some instants' you can present it a bit like a photo-joiner, however, because I looked at this technique last year I thought I would look at something new that I hadn't done before, so chose to present my work in neat grids. Here are some of the photos from today:
This first shot is one that I really like. I had this image originally spaced out on a grid and then merged them together. I love the abstract and contemporary feel the photo has. I really like how the colour is so vibrant on the flowers and it doesn't follow any structure or pattern - this makes the photo more visually dynamic and interesting to look at.
The second photo is the same one as the top only this time it is spaced out on the grid - I wanted to show the difference in two different ways of presenting. For the images the I took (of the flowers) I didn't think this way of presenting worked as well as they all look the same (although this is OK with multiple imagery) and I would have liked to use this kind of presentation to look at focusing on more details. I think this would have made the photo more interesting to look at. I again like the colour in the photo as it so vibrant, and the array of colours in random patterns make it look pretty.
How I could use this technique in my own project
In the end I actually liked this technique and I think it something that I would like to incorporate into my own project. I like the idea of using the spaced out gird to photograph a classic beauty makeup look only where I can really zoom in and focus on details on the face. The would allow me to really show different textures and colours in the shot. I think it would be a nice way of presenting a 'dated' makeup look too, like something 50s inspired where I would have an accent colour like red to focus on. This would make the overall final piece quite high-fashion and chic I think.
Anther way I would like to use this technique is by using the merged grid and photographing makeup itself. an example of this would be to 'break' makeup like lipsticks and eye shadow pigments and making a 'mess' with them. Then taking lots of photos of the makeup in this state I would be able to pick up a lot of detail in terms of different textures such as matte, sparkle, sheer, and then put this all together to make a visually interesting composition in the end.
Techniques Page - Multiple Imagery
1. To do multiple imagery you firstly need to get a camera and format it as normal.
2. Once you have done this you need to take a subject and photograph it at different angles and lengths - it doesn't matter if your shots look similar or are really different. (It's good to work with a 3 x 4 grid, so try to get 12 photos for every piece you want to do as a good starting point).
3. After you are happy with the photos you have taken, download them. Open the images in Photoshop and re-size them fit on a blank document in the way you desire.
4. Drag the photos on the blank document and position them on the page evenly before you flatten the image and adjust the levels and curves.
5. You can now save and print.
2. Once you have done this you need to take a subject and photograph it at different angles and lengths - it doesn't matter if your shots look similar or are really different. (It's good to work with a 3 x 4 grid, so try to get 12 photos for every piece you want to do as a good starting point).
3. After you are happy with the photos you have taken, download them. Open the images in Photoshop and re-size them fit on a blank document in the way you desire.
4. Drag the photos on the blank document and position them on the page evenly before you flatten the image and adjust the levels and curves.
5. You can now save and print.
Researched Photographers: 2
Photographer 2: Claire Harrison
About this photographer
Claire Harrison is an international London based photographer specialising in hair, beauty and fashion. She has worked with some of the most prestigious clients all around the world for her work which "demonstrates a flair in her ability to use light creatively to shape photos that jump out with energy". Harrison has a unique style which I feel sets her apart from others in her field of work and her imaginative compositions are something that has really helped her establish herself in the industry.
Why have I picked this photographer?
I have chosen Claire Harrison as a photographer to research further as her work is something really different that caught my attention. I love the way she photographs - all of her work have this feminine, flirty vibe about them that is really refreshing. Her work also contains a lot of sophistication and glamour, something that will be valuable to me in my project too. Her commercial work also looks at close up shots of certain parts of the face or body when trying to promote and product, and this is something that has inspired me to look at doing the same. Her compositions are often fun and the sets she works one are colourful and full of personality - this makes the photographs more interesting for the viewer. Her use of lightening in photos is another thing that really caught my eye and is something I would like to experiment with in my own work.
I love the flirty, feminine vibe that this photo has. I think the pastel colours my the photo soft and pretty, yet the expression of the model has helped to add a slightly more seductive slant on the photo. The use of props here as certainly added to the overall look and feel of the photo - this is something I haven't really consider for my project yet as I have been so focused on the makeup, but it is something I would like to experiment with. Texture is something very present in the photo as well such as the shine on the hair and matte skin - this is something that I feel is important as it adds subtle accents to certain parts of the parts of the photo without making it too chaotic or adding distraction. I normally like to work on a very sterile background as I think anything else can cause too much of a distraction, however here I think it has worked well and added to the editorial feel of the photo. I think it would be interesting to experiment with this myself.
I think this shot is rather simple but very effective - it has inspired me to look at photographing only a certain part of the face to emphasize a cosmetic product, in this case, the lipstick. I love the texture that has been shown up on the shot with the shine on the lipstick. I think the photo is modern with the chilli being used in the mouth - the colour also adds a nice contrast. I love the simplicity of the shot and the way nothing can really be given away in terms of emotion as there is nothing to see in the eyes - this thought has given me inspiration to photograph eyes like this and to see how the makeup and expression in them changes the feel of the photo.
I love the lightening use here in this photo and the use of two images transposed on top of each other. The way the lightening has been used to highlight the models face in amongst everything else in the photo is really effective - it has added a focal point to chaotic and busy image. The expression in the look is strong as is the pose, and the eyes have a really have a dominate loo about them (even without them making contact with camera). The bright colours used around the eyes has helped to make the eyes stand out and as with the red on the lips. The photo of the sea that has been transposed on the top has changed the vibe of the photo and I think made it slightly tropical and summery - it would be interesting to experiment this effect with different backgrounds and patterns.
This final photo that I found I think is a modern twist on a classic beauty look. Red lips and nails have always been a must have statement in the world of makeup and there are classic beauty shots of this. This photo however has provide a interesting modern twist on the classic adding a 'weird' and 'ugly' element to the photo with the smudged lipstick and the strong expression. I love the simplicity of the shot and the sterile background used. I like how the makeup look itself is very simple as this doesn't make the look too 'messy' with the already 'messy' makeup. I also like how the make is made to look smudged, it also still remains perfect. The effected used to make the red colour look like it is 'dripping' down the models face would be interesting to experiment with on different parts of the face and using different makeup.
Influence
I find Claire Harrison's work very influential and inspiration to my own project. Her fresh and contemporary style is something that I strive for in my own work. I love how she channels the female gender in her work and brings them out as strong, fierce characters, but still touches on the softer, more gentle side too. I think her modern slant makes her stand out from other photographers I have looked at and therefore this again is something that I want to bring to my own work.
Summary
I love Harrison's fun compositions and as this is something I haven't ever really explored in my own work I have been inspired to do so - this can make the final piece visually more interesting. The idea of using femininity in different ways is something else that really stood out for me in her work too. I love how she makes the female character strong, fierce and independent, yet still is able to being across the fun, flirty, feminine side too. This is a contemporary idea that could arguably be controversial (this is something that I think would make my own portfolio stand out).
About this photographer
Claire Harrison is an international London based photographer specialising in hair, beauty and fashion. She has worked with some of the most prestigious clients all around the world for her work which "demonstrates a flair in her ability to use light creatively to shape photos that jump out with energy". Harrison has a unique style which I feel sets her apart from others in her field of work and her imaginative compositions are something that has really helped her establish herself in the industry.
Why have I picked this photographer?
I have chosen Claire Harrison as a photographer to research further as her work is something really different that caught my attention. I love the way she photographs - all of her work have this feminine, flirty vibe about them that is really refreshing. Her work also contains a lot of sophistication and glamour, something that will be valuable to me in my project too. Her commercial work also looks at close up shots of certain parts of the face or body when trying to promote and product, and this is something that has inspired me to look at doing the same. Her compositions are often fun and the sets she works one are colourful and full of personality - this makes the photographs more interesting for the viewer. Her use of lightening in photos is another thing that really caught my eye and is something I would like to experiment with in my own work.
I love the flirty, feminine vibe that this photo has. I think the pastel colours my the photo soft and pretty, yet the expression of the model has helped to add a slightly more seductive slant on the photo. The use of props here as certainly added to the overall look and feel of the photo - this is something I haven't really consider for my project yet as I have been so focused on the makeup, but it is something I would like to experiment with. Texture is something very present in the photo as well such as the shine on the hair and matte skin - this is something that I feel is important as it adds subtle accents to certain parts of the parts of the photo without making it too chaotic or adding distraction. I normally like to work on a very sterile background as I think anything else can cause too much of a distraction, however here I think it has worked well and added to the editorial feel of the photo. I think it would be interesting to experiment with this myself.
I think this shot is rather simple but very effective - it has inspired me to look at photographing only a certain part of the face to emphasize a cosmetic product, in this case, the lipstick. I love the texture that has been shown up on the shot with the shine on the lipstick. I think the photo is modern with the chilli being used in the mouth - the colour also adds a nice contrast. I love the simplicity of the shot and the way nothing can really be given away in terms of emotion as there is nothing to see in the eyes - this thought has given me inspiration to photograph eyes like this and to see how the makeup and expression in them changes the feel of the photo.
I love the lightening use here in this photo and the use of two images transposed on top of each other. The way the lightening has been used to highlight the models face in amongst everything else in the photo is really effective - it has added a focal point to chaotic and busy image. The expression in the look is strong as is the pose, and the eyes have a really have a dominate loo about them (even without them making contact with camera). The bright colours used around the eyes has helped to make the eyes stand out and as with the red on the lips. The photo of the sea that has been transposed on the top has changed the vibe of the photo and I think made it slightly tropical and summery - it would be interesting to experiment this effect with different backgrounds and patterns.
Influence
I find Claire Harrison's work very influential and inspiration to my own project. Her fresh and contemporary style is something that I strive for in my own work. I love how she channels the female gender in her work and brings them out as strong, fierce characters, but still touches on the softer, more gentle side too. I think her modern slant makes her stand out from other photographers I have looked at and therefore this again is something that I want to bring to my own work.
Summary
I love Harrison's fun compositions and as this is something I haven't ever really explored in my own work I have been inspired to do so - this can make the final piece visually more interesting. The idea of using femininity in different ways is something else that really stood out for me in her work too. I love how she makes the female character strong, fierce and independent, yet still is able to being across the fun, flirty, feminine side too. This is a contemporary idea that could arguably be controversial (this is something that I think would make my own portfolio stand out).
Wednesday, 2 October 2013
Image Bank - Multiple Imagery
Multiple imagery is an interesting effect where you can photograph an object multiple times at a different angle and then put them together in a gird. This allows for focus on more details such as that seen in the watch photo and bag photo. It can also make the image look distorted (like in the forth photo on the stairs) or random and irregular like that of the first photo where the same plant has been photographed repeated times. Colour is another way the multiple imagery can be shown, like that of the last photo.
I really liked this last photo that I found. I love the way that the colour has changed through out each different image taken and each different section of the image is apart of the same view. I think this is an interesting way to look at the photo and makes it more visually dynamic to look at. There has almost been a rainbow effect created in terms of the colour.
I also really like the second photo that I found of the watch. I love the way it's been sorted in to the grid and how each individual image has looked at or focused on different details on the watch. I like the way the photographer has really thought about the different angles at which they could photograph the watch and the composition of the over all final piece. There is a pattern in the way the individual images have been arranged too and this has made it pleasing for the eye to look at. The lightening used when photographing the watch rally highlighted and accentuated certain parts of the watch an this again has added emphasis to some of the details on it, like the owl design for example.
Researched Photographers: 1
Photographer one: Iain Crawford
About this photographer
Iain Crawford grew up in Africa and Malaysia and developed a passion for photography at an early age. After moving for London, he left and spent several years living and working in New York, he is now based back in London but continues to work internationally as a photographer. "Iain loves to capture images that have a strong graphic and textural quality, often searching out the graphical symmetry in chaos, while still maintaining the personality and emotion of the subject." He has shot for some of the biggest brands in the world during his career and is renounced for the contemporary look and fresh, modern vibe all his work boasts.
Why have I picked this photographer?
I have chosen Iain Crawford as a photographer that I want to research further as I find his work very inspirational and unique. I particularly love his collection of work combining beauty and movement called 'beauty: kinetic'. I love the way he has combined make-up and movement together to create some really interesting compositions. This is something that I would like to try myself in my own work and it is also something that I think would present the opportunity to use some of the techniques I have learned in class I would like, hence giving me the chance to expand my portfolio and add variation.
Evaluation
Here is one shot from Crawford's kinetic series that I particularly like. I love the way water here has been used as the movement element of the shot and the look and feel this has given the photo. The positioning and expression of the model is strong and her eyes has been left less exposed with the water and this adds a focal point - working with makeup as my topic I think the eyes are something important to keep focal as more often than not I will be working with the face. The eyeshadow here as also added to this as it is so bright in comparison to other colours in the shot and against the sterile background used. This photo has definitely inspired me to do something with other materials such as water or potentially powder paint that I can use to add movement with in a photo and achieve the same contemporary editorial feel about my work.
This is a shot from Crawford's classic beauty series of work. I like the more traditional feel this photo has in terms of taking a beautiful beauty shot, but love the modern twist it has been given with the makeup design itself. Simplicity is certainly something I strive for in my work, keeping things neat and tidy and ensuring there is a clear focal point to the photo and this is something that I can see here. I love the angle at which the photo has been taken and the definition this has given the face - this is something important when photographing makeup as it compliments the overall look. Personally I love here how the model has been done up to 'blend' in with the background colour used - this is something I have attempted to make work before and this shot has inspired me to try it again. The focus is predominately on the eyes as it is the darkest part of the photo, really contrasting with everything else that is white. I like the cool and collected expression of the model - expression is another really important thing to consider when photographing makeup and doing portraiture work like this as it can change the entire overall feel of the image. Clashes in textures have been used in the photo so that other parts of the image are not lost within all the white used such as the shine on the head accessory and the gloss on the lips This is something I am going to bare in mind with my own work in order to create subtle accentuation on certain parts of a photograph that doesn't distract too much from the focal point.
This photo has really caught my attention for the contemporary and modern direction that the makeup has gone in. I love the combination of abstract art and makeup and think the overall photo has turned out beautifully. I think the contrast in colour is very striking and vibrant. I like how no real makeup has been used here and instead it is all done using paints - it gives a very modern, chic vibe about the photo. The expression of the model is key here. I think clashes with all the chaotic and colour in the photo as her expression is very soft and angelic. This kind of contrast is something that I would like to combine into my own work. As mentioned I plan on doing a lot portraiture work and therefore the expression is essential as it can change the overall photo dramatically. I am very inspired to try something modern and unusual like this.
I love the fact that this shot is taken in black and white. I think it gives a very 50s/60s feel about it - this in turn makes me think of more classic beauty shots. I think the black and white being used in this photo makes it very striking. I adore the expression of the model! - I think she looks very sexy yet feminine at the same time. The eyes are really captivating in the shot and draw the viewer in to look at them. Again there is a noted contrast, this time between the makeup on the face (dramatic eyes and soft natural lips). This has added to the feel of the photo as the pose is also quite seductive, yet the natural elements of the makeup have helped to soften this. I really like the sheer look the skin has been given - I always think beauty shots look better in black and white (typically) especially when trying to make the photo flawless like here with the skin. This can also be seen with the shine on the hair. This photo has definitely inspired to look at doing some classic beauty shots and perhaps to make them look like they are from a certain time period (like the 60s for example) as opposed to giving it the modern twist. This way I can expand my photography portfolio and gain experience photographing something from a different time that would naturally have a different look and feel, adding variation in my work and displaying ability to work in black and white too.
Influence
Iain Crawford's work has really inspired me for ideas for my own personal project. I love the feel all of his photos with the energy and the contemporary vibe they have. I think Crawford really knows how to work with his models in order to direct them into getting the best possible shot - the expression on their faces is always perfect for creating the right effect in the photo and he has a way of really capturing the model at the best angle to accentuate their features and compliment the face structure. He does this using light, shadow and colour. This is something that I want to achieve in my own project. His work is also very modern in terms of the beauty looks he uses in his photography. I really like this about his work as it is an area of beauty/makeup photography that I am particularly interested in.
Summary
Overall, Crawford's work is something that has really inspired and interested me. His work caught my attention as the execution of his pieces are like that of what I would like to achieve myself. Upon researching his work my opinion has remained the same and I have become more inspired into looking at beauty photography using various different materials other than just makeup to get the desired effect that I want in a photo, as well as looking at how I can use light in photos to my advantage. His work is fun and yet still sophisticated 'beauty' look about it, as well as looking at different aspects of beauty that might not necessarily be considered 'beautiful'. This is a very modern idea of beauty and makeup photography and something that I wish to explore myself.
About this photographer
Iain Crawford grew up in Africa and Malaysia and developed a passion for photography at an early age. After moving for London, he left and spent several years living and working in New York, he is now based back in London but continues to work internationally as a photographer. "Iain loves to capture images that have a strong graphic and textural quality, often searching out the graphical symmetry in chaos, while still maintaining the personality and emotion of the subject." He has shot for some of the biggest brands in the world during his career and is renounced for the contemporary look and fresh, modern vibe all his work boasts.
Why have I picked this photographer?
I have chosen Iain Crawford as a photographer that I want to research further as I find his work very inspirational and unique. I particularly love his collection of work combining beauty and movement called 'beauty: kinetic'. I love the way he has combined make-up and movement together to create some really interesting compositions. This is something that I would like to try myself in my own work and it is also something that I think would present the opportunity to use some of the techniques I have learned in class I would like, hence giving me the chance to expand my portfolio and add variation.
Evaluation
Here is one shot from Crawford's kinetic series that I particularly like. I love the way water here has been used as the movement element of the shot and the look and feel this has given the photo. The positioning and expression of the model is strong and her eyes has been left less exposed with the water and this adds a focal point - working with makeup as my topic I think the eyes are something important to keep focal as more often than not I will be working with the face. The eyeshadow here as also added to this as it is so bright in comparison to other colours in the shot and against the sterile background used. This photo has definitely inspired me to do something with other materials such as water or potentially powder paint that I can use to add movement with in a photo and achieve the same contemporary editorial feel about my work.
This is a shot from Crawford's classic beauty series of work. I like the more traditional feel this photo has in terms of taking a beautiful beauty shot, but love the modern twist it has been given with the makeup design itself. Simplicity is certainly something I strive for in my work, keeping things neat and tidy and ensuring there is a clear focal point to the photo and this is something that I can see here. I love the angle at which the photo has been taken and the definition this has given the face - this is something important when photographing makeup as it compliments the overall look. Personally I love here how the model has been done up to 'blend' in with the background colour used - this is something I have attempted to make work before and this shot has inspired me to try it again. The focus is predominately on the eyes as it is the darkest part of the photo, really contrasting with everything else that is white. I like the cool and collected expression of the model - expression is another really important thing to consider when photographing makeup and doing portraiture work like this as it can change the entire overall feel of the image. Clashes in textures have been used in the photo so that other parts of the image are not lost within all the white used such as the shine on the head accessory and the gloss on the lips This is something I am going to bare in mind with my own work in order to create subtle accentuation on certain parts of a photograph that doesn't distract too much from the focal point.
This photo has really caught my attention for the contemporary and modern direction that the makeup has gone in. I love the combination of abstract art and makeup and think the overall photo has turned out beautifully. I think the contrast in colour is very striking and vibrant. I like how no real makeup has been used here and instead it is all done using paints - it gives a very modern, chic vibe about the photo. The expression of the model is key here. I think clashes with all the chaotic and colour in the photo as her expression is very soft and angelic. This kind of contrast is something that I would like to combine into my own work. As mentioned I plan on doing a lot portraiture work and therefore the expression is essential as it can change the overall photo dramatically. I am very inspired to try something modern and unusual like this.
I love the fact that this shot is taken in black and white. I think it gives a very 50s/60s feel about it - this in turn makes me think of more classic beauty shots. I think the black and white being used in this photo makes it very striking. I adore the expression of the model! - I think she looks very sexy yet feminine at the same time. The eyes are really captivating in the shot and draw the viewer in to look at them. Again there is a noted contrast, this time between the makeup on the face (dramatic eyes and soft natural lips). This has added to the feel of the photo as the pose is also quite seductive, yet the natural elements of the makeup have helped to soften this. I really like the sheer look the skin has been given - I always think beauty shots look better in black and white (typically) especially when trying to make the photo flawless like here with the skin. This can also be seen with the shine on the hair. This photo has definitely inspired to look at doing some classic beauty shots and perhaps to make them look like they are from a certain time period (like the 60s for example) as opposed to giving it the modern twist. This way I can expand my photography portfolio and gain experience photographing something from a different time that would naturally have a different look and feel, adding variation in my work and displaying ability to work in black and white too.
Influence
Iain Crawford's work has really inspired me for ideas for my own personal project. I love the feel all of his photos with the energy and the contemporary vibe they have. I think Crawford really knows how to work with his models in order to direct them into getting the best possible shot - the expression on their faces is always perfect for creating the right effect in the photo and he has a way of really capturing the model at the best angle to accentuate their features and compliment the face structure. He does this using light, shadow and colour. This is something that I want to achieve in my own project. His work is also very modern in terms of the beauty looks he uses in his photography. I really like this about his work as it is an area of beauty/makeup photography that I am particularly interested in.
Summary
Overall, Crawford's work is something that has really inspired and interested me. His work caught my attention as the execution of his pieces are like that of what I would like to achieve myself. Upon researching his work my opinion has remained the same and I have become more inspired into looking at beauty photography using various different materials other than just makeup to get the desired effect that I want in a photo, as well as looking at how I can use light in photos to my advantage. His work is fun and yet still sophisticated 'beauty' look about it, as well as looking at different aspects of beauty that might not necessarily be considered 'beautiful'. This is a very modern idea of beauty and makeup photography and something that I wish to explore myself.
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