James Nader Research

 James Nader is a fashion photographer which photographs mainly for magazine. The reason why I'm looking towards fashion photography is because i want to do something based around fashion and see where my ideas lead me.
This model is pictured, I say as quite a vintage look mainly because of the hair and the make up. Also the black and white effect gives this vintage vibe towards the image.
The picture is mainly based around the 60's because in the image the woman is led by another woman so it'd be allowed for women to not be accompanied by a male.
The position she's lay in is on her front lay down, I think this is effective because it doesn't keep you eye out of the picture because her body is cropped up to her upper body, so your eyes lead out of the picture with her body. The composition of the other woman in the background is smartly don't because her legs lead your eyes towards the models face.
There are many triangles used, one example would be the bend in her back, this just keeps your eyes busy, especially because its near the end of the image, it keeps the eyes just there. Another triangle made would be her elbow because it leads you towards the make up.

Whereas this image looks more posed unlike the first one. This is a more modern era I think because it's completely different clothing than the first image.
This image follows the rule of thirds because the lamp is on the line towards the left, so immediately your eyes look into the background and you start to notice the window with a brick view. This implies that maybe she isn't able to afford a luxury apartment because she's only seeing a brick window. Also suggests that she's trapped and she has no way out. So, it's ironic because the window is her only way to liberate herself but thats been blocked.

The triangles used just above her head keep the eyes focussed towards her, and her body gesture. Nader purposely did this to keep you more focussed onto the model rather than her surroundings.

The bottom image is very twenties based, you can tell this by the short twenties hair which women were anxiously excited about. Also the make up and shot is very twenties model like.
In this image towards the left, the photographer used artificial lighting, mainly because many photographers around that time loved to keep the face quite bright, to contrast against the dark background. So, it gives this twenties feel towards it.
Judging from the costume she's wearing she's quite a wealthy woman also only urban or wealthy women cut their hair short unlike women who lived in rural areas.
I like the image on the left because it makes the model seem more like a movie star. I like the portrait image of the model because it makes the audience relate to her in a sense, makes the viewer feel part of the image.

Boman Research

I enjoy this photographer because unlike the others it disguises quite old fashioned shoes into objects with the same colour as them. The composition of the shoe is diagonally placed, as you can see it creates a slight curve between the heel and the bridge of the shoe. This is made so your eyes follow the shape of the shoes and catches your eye towards the fruit.
I lik the way it's kept the same colour as the fruit instead of turning into black and white because it gives more vibrance and quite an enjoyable view which creates a happy atmosphere.








Here is a shoe disguises with a lobster. I think this is very smartly created because the laces on the shoes match with the anteners on the lobster.
The photographer purposely used contrast between red and white because red is a very vibrant colour whereas the white is a very subtle one. So, theres a clash of colours to give the eyes attention.
The ideas immediately got towards the point of the shoe, the reason why the eyes look in that direction is because a triangle is used. I think the eyes realise that this image is strangely absurd because they're so used to seeing two pairs of shoes rather than a lobster replacing one of them.
The pattern on the lobsters back adds a lot of detail which makes your image a lot more interesting then leads towards the end of the lobster.
However, the yes remain on the plate because the lobster ends at the end of the plate and joins with the curve on the plate and end at the shoe again so it's an on going cycle that keep your eyes remained on top of the plate.

Whereas this image is disguised with corn. I think the texture of the shoe and corn disguise the shoe Also it keeps the eyes busy as if it's a real sweetcorn. As a result of the texture being effective, it makes the shoe look as good to eat as the actual corn.
The exposure in this image is slightly over exposed but I think this is purposely done because  it brings out the yellow- which connotes happiness and freedom.
The shoe used is like a workers shoe, so this is a metaphor for thanking a worker for doing the job accurately- like it's some sort of praise on the workers behalf.
I think its correctly cropped because it keeps your eye within the picture, for instance if the full shoe was kept in the image your eyes drift away, whereas cutting just the top is enough for the eyes to wonder back and for onto the shoe.

Greg Williams Research

The photographer Greg Williams present Vintage and Modern very well. For instance, here he has presented a vintage fashion in a very 40's way. For example; here it shows a female accompanied by a man- this definitely implies that women were still going through this ideology of men being the dominant one in the house, going to work and women were made to stay at home.

Judging by her facial expression, she's done something extremely bad or really dislikes the man on the right holding a news paper with 'SCANDAL" across it. this suggests that she may be on the front cover or someone thats special in her life because the subject revolves around her. 

the way she's sat is slightly laid back to suggest maybe she's afraid of what this man may do to her, it's a if she's ashamed of her behaviour. 

The background surrounding her depicts that she maybe rich because she's dressed very elegantly and her furniture looks very expensive.

Here the photographer has used many triangles. I think the two mainly important ones are the ones on the right between the jacket and pants and the woman's leg.The reason why I think the photographer placed a triangle near the pants and the jacket was so the viewer can deliberately view the magazine- even if its not in focus- to make the viewer aware that the newspaper is the subject of the photograph and he kept the woman's legs in a triangular shape so we know that she's slightly laid back and using her legs as a form of protection against him. They maybe arguing because of the newspaper cover? That's how it seems anyway! 

I think this image is correctly cropped because it keeps the male a mystery, the irony of the image is that  we still can't see the man yet he still looks bigger and a lot more dominant than the woman- and we can fully see her!

Also, like I said before the photographer  deliberately left the background as it was to show the social status they both surround themselves in. 

Whereas, this image is a more modern female and within this image there isn't a male figure accompanying her unlike the last image. This connotes that it's a much more independent society. However from her, facial expression it suggests that she maybe thinking about what she's done and the fact she isn't driving shows maybe she's too young? Or she's too unstable to drive? Or maybe she's under the influence of a certain drug? By the way she's dressed implies she's spent the night at someone else's home because she isn't fully dressed and now dh's rethinking about the mistake what she's done. 

The similarities in both images images show that women always make mistakes whether they're with a man or not. 

The effect of the triangle shaped on her legs is to show what exactly she's wearing and to make the audience aware that she's been promiscuous. Another triangle is created between her wrist and her coat because they want the viewer to acknowledge that she has no top on, so she's exposed herself in front of someone.

Also the photographer left the back ground to show the seats of the car- that it's not your ordinary car or transport! That this young lady has money and that it's day time when she's being picked up because its very light outside.

Test Shots for Project

I have recently been looking at relationships for my exam piece and chose to explore Vintage and Modern. So, as part of my experiment with this project I decided to photographer street art- people mainly walking in different clothing in different parts of manchester. Also different classes of people walking through a higher status of the city.
In this bottom image I photographed a group of people walking past a homeless man. Suggesting the way they're looking at him they're judging him and I think this just shows how ironic society is; we believe helping each other yet still judge each other by our standard of living. Another reason why this image is ironic is because even though they're judging him, they should be judging themselves for walking around a public area during the day walking around with alcohol.
I like this image because it exactly justifies how people view others and how everyone judges others without helping.
I chose to edit my photos into black and white because it gives off a more profound message about society. I felt like colours in this image didn't work because of the atmosphere of this image- which is quite saddening and makes you think.
The rules of third used in this image is making us look at the man stood in front of the group (on the left line) which implies how he's trying to ignore the problem unlike the group at the back all looking. I suppose in this position it seems like the group are acknowledging the problem rather than the man just not even looking at him. This gesture connotes that he doesn't even have the audacity or respect to even notice a man on the floor. Also 2/3 of the floor is shown. I think I could improve this by either cropping the image or getting even closer towards the topic of the photo.
However, I quite like the image with the shadows because it's as if where the homeless man is, is the dark side and where the public are is like the bright side- it's as if were keeping away from some sort of evil.

 

UNIT 2- EXAM PIECE

make animated gifs like this at MakeAGif

My Montage

Photography Project- Cindy Sherman Inspired Untitled Film Stills

Within this image I was inspired by Cindy Sherman. For instance, in this image I chose to do the bath inspired images. I looked at the theme of depression and why society is ignoring the fact that people are having to deal with this illness. The actual image which I took had correct exposure, however I edited it much darker to make the photo have this dull atmosphere. The reason why I did this is so the audience quickly are aware of the dark message behind it because the dreary vibe of this image quickly protrais the serious message.

There's quite a sharp focus on the lips, eyebrows, nose and eyes. This is so the facial expression is shown. The purpose of this was because the moody facial expression infers she's annoyed or angered towards something. For instance, the face could be a symbolism on how society is oblivious towards what's going on in a young teenagers mind. Also the audience can have a shocking view once they see the face because they realise she's quite young, so they emphasise more with the topic. It indicates that kids are being brought up into this illness because society dismiss this subject instead of coming to terms with it. However, the hand isn't in focuss, this is so the viewer is awake that shes learning up in the bath. This suggests she's calling or reaching out for societies help. 

The lighting in the face is quite sharp, I purposely did this so the face is the first thing your eyes are drawn towards. I think the lighting here enhances the message I am trying to portray. 

The main feature of the the image is centred. The reason is did this is because it's very extreme and gets right into your face. From my research, Sherman made her photography seem very extreme and stand out right in your face. 

Within this image it doesnt use a fore, middle or background. However, I think it was be better if I used a fore, middle and background on the fingers leading upto the face, so the viewers eyes are more appealed towards them, also it's a lot nicer for the eye to look a certain direction. 

I cropped this image slightly because I felt the need that the image should end at the top half of the body. I feel like this really works within this image. 

The kept the inspired photography black and white because I felt it created this saddened tone. 

The contrast between the face and the jumper works well because the eyes are attracted towards the dramatic change between the two. The dark areas convey what she's feeling, how her dark feelings are almost over powering her. 

I believe this photo is balanced because the eyes go towards the face but there's still of dark areas surrounding it.

Also the triangles created by the fingers keep the eyes im the image.

Again within this image I looked upon the ideology of depression and how young girls are made to grow up.

Within this image the exposure is underexposed, again I was trying to create a darkened mood to connote this idea of feeling down and alone. From my research, Sherman used underexposed images to get her mood across. 

There's a sharp focus on the image especially the mirror image. The side of her face has a softer focus because I want the eyes to immediately look in the mirror especially at what she's doing; which is putting lipstick on. The reason why this will shock a viewer is because it's a young girl putting make up on. Not only does this imply that she's growing up too fast, but it also shows how she's trying to be socities vision of "beautiful" at such a young age. 

The depth of field is used slightly  towards the lipstick. This is especially used to draw your eyes towards the lipstick, so the audience can suddenly see what she's doing.

Unlike the first image there are a lot more white areas than black. This is so the shadow in the image in created. Sherman is know to create these big, mystery shadows so that's why I've made the shadow visible.
Her head is slightly tilted, which leaves the eye on a slight angle. This keeps the eye focussed towards the head. This conveys she's getting ready to look her best for society. There are leading lines used on the outside of the mirror and the cabinet, this is used to guide your eyes unto the shadow. The shadow implies that she's leaving a past behind, meaning her childhood to become this young woman.
The triangles used here make you keep your eyes on the hands in the shadow. The reason why it's effective is because the shadow implies a woman putting something on her lips and the eyes drift again towards the mirror. This makes the audience realise it's a young girl placing make up on her face.
The reason I placed my model in the centre of the mirror is because I want to keep the main focus on her.
I like this image because the face she's making looks as if she doesn't know whats going on or how to put it on. This again depicts that she's trying too hard to become older than her age and maybe society as a whole are the reason to  blame for this because they should be teaching young teens to act their age.

 

The exposure here is again underexposed, this again was to give the eery mood of a young teenagers mind. 

Theres a sharp focus on the book and the model, this is so the eyes look at her holding a book first. As you can see the book which the model is holding is a novel, quite a complexed one. This is to show again this vision of growing up too fast, that society expects young people to know this knowledge without even being taught and the way she's holding the book is very child like also. The background has a soft focus, so the eyes on the model don't disappear off her but so they notice theres a knocked over bottle of perfume and the bed unmade. This suggests that she's very childish in a sense because she's not picked it up or made the bed like an adult would.

Theres an S curve between the glasses and the nose, this is so the eyes follow the rim of the glasses. As a viewer you would notice that she hasher glasses on the end of her nose, how older women would wear them. Again, this shows that she's trying to act older which is ironic because she's trying to act older without doing basic adult things.

The model in this image is very centred. This is so it's in your face and quite overpowering.
The main triangle used within this image is in the middle of the book. The reason why this is effective is because it focusses your attention on the book which is the reaction I planned for because it shows the amount of pages in the book and how many pages she's read. This suggests that she's very intelligent and educated, but this is again ironic because if she's educated then shouldn't she be taught not to grow up before her time? Maybe her level of intelligence signifies that she's older educational wise than others her age, which consequences to her actions in society.
In this image I see loss of childhood and judging by her face it's slightly smug as if she knows what she's doing.
What I like about this image is the way she's sat holding the book because it shows she's trying to mature how she's sat up right but the way she's holding the book juxtaposes this idea of maturity next to the child she is. However, I dislike the speaker in the background because it destroys the 60's feel it has to it.
I think the content of the image makes you feel quite moved, not like the others but still quite touched.
Theres quite a rough texture in this photo. This gives the vibe that the image is old and maybe traditional. It shows irony because in the image it shows old, traditional, ancient values but were still a modern society, so why do we hold these old views?

The expression on her face shows that she's upset, bored or even suicidal.Within this image the model has been centred in the middle. The reason for this is so the viewer can see the model directly to their eye level. This is so the audience understand the message on their level to. So it hits the viewer hard. The lighting in this picture is quite dark and unlighted. The reason behind this-  is like the other images- it's to give the audience a sense of depression and unhappiness. The reason for my model having a duster is to give the message that young girls are growing up and this view of 'women's roles' in society is to be the house keeper and taking care of 'womanly' things. Judging by her facial expressions it suggests that, she's fed up with societies "ideologies" of women. Also from my research I found out that Sherman was in fact a feminist, so I believe within my work I wanted to portray this feminist message. Her head again, is slightly tilted. This appeals to the eye because it's on a slight diagonal. The triangle between the the duster and the mirror keeps your eye on that specific place. The reason why I wanted to create a triangle there is so people would notice the mirror reflection. This suggests there are two parrell world of woman, one where they're trapped and stuck in socities stereotypes and one where women are independent and free. 

This image makes me feel as if society is growing not only women but also men in these ideas and propaganda. 

I like this image because of the arm reaching towards the duster. It connotes that she's trying foreach for societies attention, however from her facial expression it suggests she's bored and implies that she's probably tried to reach out too many times but no ones listening to her. 

I dislike the fact nothing in the background shows she's a child, maybe I could've placed more childlike things such as teddy bears and posters to suggest she's a child because I think it's hard for the audience to realise her age.

Again, in this image I've use the noise tool the create this grainy effect. The reasoning again is because I like the theme of the 60's, so throughout all my photographs I've made them seem quite old and poor quality. It's as if all these photos are images belonging to a photo album, containing societies visions and views.

In most of my images I have used a flash, the reason for this was because Cindy was known for her dramatic lighting. So I interpreted the use of the camera flash and bathroom spot light to create this powerful effect. The rule of thirds used here  is  2/3 of the model and 1/3 of the bath. I did this because it connotes that the model is dominant in this situation. For instance the bath being the object to show the end of life but the framing of this image suggests she's better than those depressing thoughts. I don't think there are any over exposed areas, however I do think the image as a whole is under exposed. I purposely did this because I want to give the audience a vibe of the feeling inside her mind, which are quite dark and profound. I included the background and didn't crop out the image because I wanted to keep the bath toy and the jug within the image, this is to remind the viewer that even though she looks old and dressed up, the toys suggests she's still a child and its appalling seeing young teens growing up before their time. Theres quite a sharp focus throughout the whole image, this is so the viewer is aware of every little part. For instance, the message here is a young teen, dressed up in societies vision of beautiful yet she still believes she's not beautiful enough. Not only young women, but also young men have to fit in societies stereotypes and we as a public just ignore the fact that it's a problem as a whole- that we are oblivious to what is actually happening.  There are triangles within this image, especially the shadow created near her hair. This is so the eyes are fixed in that spot to view the expression of her face. Where her hair is pinned up, it's on a slight diagonal. This could be a symbolism to her thoughts being stuck on her head. Also, theres a slight curve on the rim of the bath this is so the eyes lead in towards the bath then curve round to view the model.I think the photo is pretty balanced because the model on the left is evened out with the bath ad the toys on the right. If I was to place anything more on the right then the photo becomes too busy and the focus on the model won't be there (the same goes for the background.)  The mood I feel when I look at this photo is hurt, emotion, eruption, maybe even loneliness. Her body language is as if she's waiting for something to occur, it's not as if she's keeping busy or doing something to occupy her mind. This probably shows that this sense of "depression" has over ruled her. I have portrayed a sense of irony, even though visually she's superior, mentally she's inferior to society. Her facial expression also shows that she's so used to these thoughts, that it's as if it's second nature.