AOP Competition - Research

I have decided to do research into still life involving a form of dance and ballet. I feel this could become an interesting project, as I want to try and show the gruelling and agonizing effect that dance has rather than the generic pretty exterior. 

A brand-new pair of toe shoes presents itself to us as an enemy with a will of its own that must be tamed. - Toni Bentley 

I really like the image above, as it is very detailed and shows the wear and tear on the shoes. This could portray the brutal effect which ballet could have on the dancers body. I also really like the beads and lace which accompany the shoes, they could represent how delicate and fragile the dancer is. 

I also may try and incorporate other ballet objects (such as the net tutu above) as it gives a different insight into the ballet scene. I really like the different textures the materials show through the images.

After researching and looking at various images, I have decided I want to try and use a bold and plain background. I feel black velvet could be very effective. 

 I have been looking at previous work featured on the AOP and came across a still life series by photographer Sarah Jackson. The link to her series of work is below;

 http://www.awards.the-aop.org/2011_Students_Awards 

I have also found inspiration from flickr.com ; 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alyssakai/5367954081/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkimball/248836229/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/photodigs/2158637199/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/82072543@N00/1523833177/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sledhockeystar7/4293325777/

Book Layouts

I have decided to look at books and 'My Publisher' programme to get some ideas and inspiration about how I want my own book to look. I am focusing on looking at layouts and the whole set out of the photographs in the book.

Alec Soth

I have started off by looking by Soth's book ' Sleeping by the Mississippi'. 

I really like how the image is central, it is a very simple layout which i like. I also like how the image looks framed by the outside of the book. I want to keep the layout of my book very clean and simple. Most of my images are going to be landscape, and I am keeping a consistent size throughout.

Steven Meisel

I have decided to do some research on Meisel after seeing his photographs when looking at Vogue magazine.

Steven Meisel (born 1954) is an American photographer, who obtained popular acclaim with his work in US and Italian Vogue and his photographs of friend Madonna in her 1992 book Sex. He is now considered one of the most successful fashion photographers in the industry, shooting regularly for both US and Italian Vogue.

As soon as I seen this image by Meisel it immediately caught my eye; this is because of the clashing, hectic and overwhelming patterns featured. It reminds me of a tapestry effect involving different textures, colours and shapes. This makes the photograph appealing to the human eye, adding depth and layers. This effect also gives the image a historical and creative sense. The lighting evenly lights the model and her surroundings. I feel the photographer was trying to represent culture and history in this photograph.

This image by Meisel was taken for Vogue Italia the theme is 'Couture Magic'. The main subject of the photograph is the model with her outrageous hair and outfit. A fairytale theme is created from the costume, giving an enchanted overall atmosphere. The soft materials and pale colours help continue the theme of elegance, gentleness and daintiness. Juxtaposition is used combining the models dirty skin against the overall perfect appearance. In my opinion the dirty skin could represent the models past; showing she has worked her way up in the world to this point. I feel the mask in her hair could show she is a performing industry such as drama/opera or performing. The skin could also show that this field of work is a tough industry, showing the strain on the woman's body. 

I really like how the lighting frames the model, shadows fall all around the model and behind her. Te lighting also helps to highlight the models bone structure and skin. There is a 'painting' like feel to the image, giving a vintage effect. 

This is another image by Steven Meisel which really caught my attention. The image has a futuristic feel to it due to the editing done to it. - the photograph feels 3D like. The image also has a blurred effect to it, which adds an edgy and unusual feel to it. The editing also creates texture to the photograph making it appealing to viewers. The main focus appears to be on the models face with focus slightly gradually dropping out. 

I found this image by Meisel really unique and interesting. The costume and Make up is really different and beautiful. Feathers feature over the models hair and around her eyes. A motion blur effect has been added to the photograph, this creates a sense of movement and action. This blur could also represent the motion of the wings of a bird. I personally think the model has been made to look like a bird. The colour scheme, is bland but could also relate to the colours of a blackbird or magpie. Many textures are present here, including lace features and silk. This makes the image appealing the viewers. 

Fashion Research

After speaking to one of my photography tutors, we discussed researching in more depth into the different levels and ranges of fashion photography. I decided to research into Vice Magazine as I wasn't familiar with it.  I am going to be researching Vice and Vogue magazine to see how different or similar they are to each other. I am hoping it will help me decide in which direction I am going to take my photography.

Vice Magazine

Vice magazine was founded in Quebec and is currently based in New York City. It is a free magazine, which is well known at publishing work by young up and coming artists/photographers etc. Vice Magazine contains a very mixed up content including pop culture to more intense and serious matters which feature in the news. 

The magazine is regarded as controversial taking up matters which include race, drugs and sex. Every year Vice publish a 'guide for students' in the UK however, it has been banned from many university campuses. The magazine also shows a irreverent style of photography featuring malnourished children posing for fashion photo shoots. Obviously, to some people a huge lack of respect is shown while covering these sensitive subjects. 

After researching into Vice magazine I actually really like the style and attitude. But it is obvious to see why people would be offended and feel disrespected. In my opinion, I feel it's important to not take life too seriously. I really like the 'edgey' feel I get when looking at the images which are featured in Vice magazine.

 I feel Vice highlights the negative and truthful happenings of the world, instead of hiding behind photos of pretty women. The photograph above could represent the constant battle against authority (such as police and government) e.g.'2011 England Riots'. The photographer has captured a sense of power and belief which is portrayed by the hooded character which is the main subject of the photo. The stance of the man shows no fear and determination against the riot police which are blocking his way. 

Vogue Magazine

Vogue is a high end fashion Magazine, often featuring the latest celebrity style icons on the cover. Celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Kate Moss, and Victoria Beckham have featured on covers. The magazine was also said to be 'The worlds most influential fashion magazine' by Caroline Webber (book critic) in The New York Times. 

Like Vice, Vogue takes on important issues such as politics, but communicates them through fashion. Vogue also uses fashion in editorial work and community projects to raise awareness of current issues worldwide. An example of this is the Burqa in 2006; I was unable to find photographs from this project, but it is something I would like to research futher. 

Vogue feature stunning photographs which give a 'fantasy' outlook. The way the photos communicate issues through fashion is so clever and interesting. However, in my opinion this sometimes glamorises serious issues putting a fake and 'staged' atmosphere to the subjects and photographs. I am torn because I also feel that it can work, but I think this depends on how the issues is portrayed. 

I don't feel that I can place my photography alongside either of these magazine styles; I think my photography may belong somewhere in-between. I really like both styles, so I may try and incorporate the two together. Researching both has really 'opened my eyes' about the world of fashion.