Shoot 1: Fashion Through Time
For this shoot, I planned to create a series of images showing the progression of fashion through the years of 1920s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, as well as currently - 2016. For this, I arranged to have a model, as well as a hairdresser to help complete the looks. I planned the outfits of each year, as well as the makeup looks and hair. As well as shooting single photographs, I also initially planned to create an animation to show the looks change from year to year. I used the same lighting throughout, whereby my camera was set to F8, ISO 200 and 1/125, this was to make sure that my lighting in each image was consistent, so that the only aspect of the photo that changes is the outfits, hair and makeup of the model. I shot a variety of portrait and landscape shots, and also asked my model to pose in different positions which reflected that specific time of the year. For example, for the 1940's look, I asked my model to stand straight and poised, like a soldier. Overall, I think all of my images worked well together, and I was able to mimic every specific look, and this was obvious throughout. For my straight images, I have included some still-image shots, as well as the animation. I chose to shoot Fashion Through Time as part of my exam as I have previously shot photos of current, modern London whereby I captured photos of modern cars, houses, buildings and traffic, which obviously portrays a completely different lifestyle to what would have been captured in the 20s, or 40s or 60s etc. Therefore, it is because of this shoot showing the differences and progression of cars and buildings, that I also wanted to shoot the progression and improvements within fashion and beauty. For a computer experiment, I created a 'Polaroid Picture' with one of my shots for the 40's look. This is because in 1948, the first Land camera was sold, and the model 95 Land camera then became the prototype for all Polaroid Land cameras for the next 15 years after that. In this exam topic, I wanted to view this fashion shoot as an 'observation' as previously in other shoots, I have observed my surroundings and discovered differences between modern day, from years ago. Therefore, I wanted to highlight this observation using Fashion as well.
Shoot 2: Domestic Abuse
For my second shoot I created a series of images portraying the extremities of Domestic Violence. As I have already completed a Domestic Violence shoot, I thought I would improve upon the images I created in that shoot, for my exam. Therefore, for this shoot in my exam, I used the same model as before, but used a white background instead. My camera was set to F8, ISO 200 and 1/125. From the first shoot I created from this topic, I realised I wanted to create a timeline of photographs, which would show the 'injuries' on my model becoming worse and worse, just as it would if it was a real Domestic Violence victim. To do this, I worked with my model, and created 'bruises' using different kinds of makeup, and within each shot the injuries progressed and increased. For instance, in my first shot, my model has a slight black eye but nothing too major, whereas in my last shot, she is covered in different kinds of bruises, marks, burns and cuts. This was to indicate that over time, Domestic Violence increases and it continues to get worse unless the victim asks for help. To highlight the message of this shoot, I also created an animation whereby I arranged the images in order, so that throughout the animation, the model's injuries become increasingly worse, until the end, where I have included a shot of a plain white background which the model was previously sitting in front of. This is because I wanted to express that without help, as injuries become more severe, the victim will no longer be here. Therefore, for a computer experiment, I used the same animation but added the words "Tell Somebody… Before it's too late". This was to make the animation slightly like an advertisement for Domestic Violence, and to clearly state the message I was trying to put across with my images. Overall, I believe this shot has improved a lot from the previous Domestic Violence shoot that I did, as I was able to plan out what I was doing and how long the makeup would take by using the previous shoot as a guideline. Domestic Abuse has been a serious issue for decades, and not only affects women, but men as well. Thus, in this exam topic, I wanted to express my view on the matter, and create images that would shock people and make them more aware of others.
Shoot 3: Equality
My final shoot for this exam was based on the issues within Equality. For this shoot, I wanted to express different views concerning the issues within society with Equality, such as sexism, feminism, as well as gender equality. Therefore, based on images that I had researched on the internet, I initially decided that I would use a female model, and paint quotes concerning these issues on her body. For instance, I used the statements "Women are Weak" in some of my images, and I also asked my model to flex her biceps so that the photo expressed irony from the statement. I also used the gender symbols of women and men, as well as the symbol for transgender. For one of my ideas, I painted the gender symbols so that they read "Men equals Women". I chose to do this topic because I am very interested and concerned with equality within society, particularly sexism and the differences between men and women. These images are powerful, much like images I have been researching, which is why I chose to shoot this matter this way. Also, as the model in the images is topless, the images have a uncomfortable vibe about them, as most people within society tend to disregard female nudity, but also because the statements are so powerful and meaningful, this adds extra discomfort to the images. For these images, I used a black background so that the painting of the words would match, and I also set my camera to F8, ISO 200 and 1/125. Overall, I believe I have expressed a variety of views on the topic of Equality within these images, and also asked other people to help me with which statements to paint onto my model. I chose to shoot Equality within my exam, as I believe this topic ties all my other shoots together under one title, such as Homelessness and Mental Illness, as those who are suffering or living in this conditions, are also seen as less human, or unequal to the rest of society, which I wanted to show is not the case.
