Tuesday, 16 December 2014

Electronic Portfolio Top 40 including Final Pieces


Personal Shoot No.12 Work Diary

In this shoot, the main focal point was the models hair as i wanted ito look into to commercial hair photography. I decided to have the models hair to one side as it gives it more of a main focal point and shows of the face shape of the model. I edited the photograph to be in black and white to give it a high end fashion photography feel. I would consider changing the colour of the background just so that the model and hair stands out as much as possible to maintain the audiences attention.

In this photograph I chose to have the model swish her hair as this is something I found common  in commercial hair photography and makes it seem very appealing to the audience. I was pleased with how the brown background turned out as the model and her hair can be seen really clearly against the this background

If i was to do this shoot again, i would like to do more of the model flicking her hair as this is much more interesting than the model just being stationary.


What influenced me to do this shoot? 
I was influenced to do this shoot by looking back at my personal image bank and therefore wanting to include it in my personal project.

As this is my last shoot I feel that my whole project is very diverse as I have been very open minded with all my shoots .

Personal Shoot 12





Sunday, 14 December 2014

Video Technique Page


  1.  Decide what you want to video. 
  2. Set up the tripod 
  3. choose a good composition ensuring that nothing distracting will be in the shot.
  4.  Film for as long as you want.
  5. Upload your videos and edit them

Overall Project Evaluation

In this unit i was able to chose my own subject in which i wanted to focus on. Therefore i decided to focus on commercial photograph for my personal project as this was something i had many ideas for and i knew that it would not have many limitations. Also with this type of photography, i was able to photograph both people and objects therefore allowing me to have diversity within my shoots.

Firstly i wanted to get a more in depth understanding and knowledge of commercial photograph so i created a definition page which included a dictionary definition,describing words, four annotation photographs and my own definition. By doing this i was to show how my understanding had developed through being able to write my definition of commercial photography. Following on from this, i created a personal image bank which contained 25 examples of commercial photographs. This allowed me to look at current work to them take on board and develop my own ideas for shoots.  

Research helped me alot when coming up with shoot ideas as well developing them. I started my research by creating a research log containing 20 commercial photographers. This allowed me to look at existing photographers work and explore how they photograph commercial photography. From these 20 photograph, i chose 5 to look at in more detail. I evaluated four of their photographs and wrote how they influenced me and a summary of their work.This showed what I had learnt from the photographers and how my work has been influenced by them. I feel that this helped me with the project as I was able to develop my understanding of different ways to show commercial photography.  Finally I did 5 connecting essay which allowed me to link my photographs with another photograph, by doing  this I was able to identify the different themes, lighting , colours, angles and compositions of my photographs and how they connected to one another.

After each shoot I would write a work diary which included two of my photographs from that shoot, whether they be the best two or one of my least successful. I would then evaluated both photograph stating the positive and negatives and how I captured and edited the photograph. My work diary also contained a 'if I was to continue' section which allowed me to reflect on the shoot and take this on board in my next shoot.

As a part of this project I had to complete the following print techniques: image within an image, image and text, weaving, duotone, overlay, selective colour, repetition, montage, framing and cluster. All of these print techniques allowed me to explore different ways of editing my photographs  as well as improving my skills within PhotoShop. I also understood that not all print techniques look good on every photograph therefore i took time when deciding which photograph to use for each technique Also when completing the print techniques, i was able to see how i can incorporate them into my personal project to show diversity within my photographs.  I also had to complete 10 computer experiments and 8 physical experiments. This allowed me explore my photographs in a way in which it is presented and how it is portraying commercial photography.

Overall this project has allowed me to develop my skills in the studio as some part of my project have included element of fashion photograph which requires specific studio set ups and lighting.  Also when completing my computer experiments I was able to develop my understanding and skills of Photoshop. All of the skills and confidence with the studio that i have gained, i will able to use this is my upcoming unit.

 



Friday, 12 December 2014

Connecting Essay 5

This photograph is advertising perfume and has a colour scheme which includes different shades of pink. This portrays a feminine and elegant feel to the photograph therefore outlines the audience of the perfume. The bottle is placed in the centre of the composition and fills the majority of it. A slight shadow has been created on each side of the bottle which shows the form therefore showing that this is a 3D object rather than a flat object. A sense of love is shown in this photograph due to there being a running theme of pink which has connotation of love as well as the bottle having a heart on it.












This photograph is also advertising perfume. The bottle has been positioned in the centre of the composition however a pink smoke can be seen to be coming out of the bottle to portray the scent leaving the bottle. The bottle has been placed in a small amount of water which has created a ripple as well as a reflection of the bottle. There is a running colour scheme of pink and purple which have connotation of femininity and love which can be seen to relate to the audience of this product. The company name can be clearly seen on the centre of the bottle in black writing. This allows the audience to identify who selling the product.

These two photographs connect as they are both advertising perfume. Also they connect as they both use a specific colour scheme in order to portray a certain vibe which will appeal to the target audience, for example in both they include a pink colour scheme which has connotation of femininity and love which would appear to fit the target audience of these products.








Connecting Essay 4

 This photograph is commercial product photography showing different items of fashion such as tops. bags, shoes and jewellery. Each item has been placed against a white brick wall to ensure that they stand out but also it gives the photography a urban feel to it. Some of the item can be seen to be hung up on a metal pole however some of the item look as if they are floating such as the shoes and the top. Directional lighting has been uses underneath the products in order to create a shadow and show the form to ensure the audience understand that these are 3D products. A collage has been created by placing the photographs next to each other with a small gap between each to separate them as individual photographs.

This photograph is also commercial product photography and is showing a evening dress. A hot pink background has been used in order to portray a femininity within the photograph. The dress has been positioned in the centre of the composition and appears to be floating with two wooden pegs placed on each top corner of the dress. The bottom part of the dress appears to be lifted to show that the dress is 3D. This is done instead of using directional light in order to show the form within the photograph.

Both of these photograph connect as they are both advertising fashion through commercial product photography which different to what you would normal expect when advertising fashion. Also both have created the illusion of the items floating in the air by either a peg or a hanger. Lastly the background in both photograph have significance in showing a certain vibe such as urban or feminine.

Connecting Essay 3

This photograph demonstrates a monochrome trend which is currently in fashion. The background is horizontal black and whiter lines which appear to connect in the centre of the composition to show the corner of room in which the model is in. This shows the form of the photograph as the audience are able to see that room is 3D rather than flat. Also due to the horizontal lines on the background meeting in the centre, it creates the illusion that the corner is coming to a point and inclosing the model is the room, almost making her look like a giant. When looking at the model, it can be seen that she is wearing a suit with vertical black and white lines on it. This contrasts against the horizontal lines on the background allowing her to shane out from the bold background. Also the model is wearing a bright red lipstick which stands out from the back and white theme running throughout the photograph. Directional light has been used in order to create a shadow of the model leg, this is showing the form therefore showing the audience that it is a 3D model. When looking at how the model is standing, she appears to be trying to escape as if she is trapped in this room. Lastly the model is wearing a suit, which portrays her to some sort of power or authority as this is the connotation which are attached to this time of clothing. 

This photograph has a colour scheme of black and white running throughout which shows the current fashion trend of monochrome. A white background has been used, in order to make sure that the model standout and is the main focus. The model can be seen to be wearing a casual outfit including a white T-Shirt and the black coat. The model appears to have a very relaxed posture along with his hand in his pockets. Directional light has been used on the right hand side of then model. This is showing the form to ensure the audience understand that it is a 3D model as well as showing masculinity as it much more harsh light. 









These tow photographs connect as they are both show a running colour scheme of black and white which relates to the current fashion trend of monochrome. The use of black and white in both photographs, creates a contrast the background as well as a contrast between the model and the clothes that they are wearing. 

Personal Shoot No.11 Work Diary

In this photograph I chose to take a bite out of one of the  mince pies in order to show the audience both the outside and inside and to imply that they fast just so good that I could not resist taking a bite. However to improve this photograph I could make sure that the whole of one of the mince pies was in the photo so that the audience gets to see the appearance of the mince pie as this helps with the selling of a product. I also feel that this photo could be improved by using a brighter tone like in the photograph below. 
This is one of my photographs from 11th personal shoot. I was inspired to do this shoot due it nearly being christmas therefore i was seeing a lot of commercial photography around me which was advertising festive foods and items. I decided to place the mince pie on a bed of fake snow to give the photograph a more festive feel as well as creating a contrast against the golden coloured mince pies. When positioning the mince pie, i chose to pile them on top of each other in order to create depth in the photograph by showing that the objects were 3D. When looking at the rule of thirds, i decided to place the mince pies within the centre and right hand side of the composition. This gives the sense of the eyes being able to lead up to the mince pie as we read from left to right. The colours which are running through the photograph are warm which links to the fact that they are to be consumed at home on a cold winters day. 

If i was to improve this shoot, i would consider including a model to make the photograph more realistic and in a life like setting. 

What influenced me to do this shoot?
I was influenced to do this shoot by looking back at my personal image bank as well as this being something which I have wanted to look at from the beginning of my project

As a resukt of this shoot, I feel that I have added more diversity to my work however I do not feel that this is soemhting that I will continue to look at as I feel that my previoius has been better.

Future shoot
In a future shoot I would like to look at at something different such as hair as this was something that I noticed when looking back at my personal image bank therefore I wanted to incorporate into my project.




Thursday, 11 December 2014

Personal Shoot No.10 Work Diary

In this photograph I have chosen to only show half of the models face as this creates room for the audience to imagine the other half and what she is looking at. I also chose to use a bright red lipstick as this stands out from the black background and the models skin as well as giving her a sophisticated appearance. Also the model appears to be glowing which works very well with a commercial makeup photograph as it gives the audience the sense that this make up make your skin glow. 

In this photograph I once again chose to only show part of the face however this was to emphasise the eye and mascara.  The black background allows the bright yellow mascara to stand out and be the main focal point of the photograph. The eye is placed on the centre line of the composition. The photograph uses the rule of thirds by positioning the end of the mascara in the first third of the photograph. In the last third is the eye in which the mascara is being applied this allows the audience to look at the photograph from left to right as a book would be read.


If I were to do this shoot again, to improve it I would look at other make up products and consider doing a before and after style shoot to show the effect of using the particular product. I would look at photographing the product alone in order to create a range of advertising techniques.

What influenced me to do this shoot?
I was influenced to do this shoot by two of my previous shoots lokkingbat commercail make up photograph. I have already look at photographing the product and video therfore this time I wanted to look at showing the model wearing and applying the product.

As a result of this shoot, I feel that I have done all I can with make up therefore I would like to continue to look at something different

Future shoot
In a future shoot I would like to look at a different approach to commercial photography such as food as this is an idea which I was interested in looking at from the beginning.

Tuesday, 2 December 2014

Connecting Essay Two

This photograph is advertising Absolut Vodka. The bottle has been surrounded by cubes of ice to portray the freshness of the drink. A blue tint has been added to whole photograph, to give it more of a young appeal and fit in with the night life in which we expect it to be drank. This blue tint also matches the company logo which is blue therefore this becomes the iconic colour for this companies product. The effect that has been added to this photograph, makes it look almost as if it is glowing under the fluorescent lights which you would expect to see in a night club.






This photograph was taken by me and is advertising Smirnoff Vodka. The bottle can be seen in the centre of the composition surrounded by large cubes of ice. By doing this, it portrays the drink to be refreshing and ice cold. The red parts of the drink are able to standout from the rest of the photograph due to it contrasting against the transparent ice cubes. The company logo is in the centre of the whole photograph which ensures that it is the main focus within the photograph because when thinking of the purpose of the photograph, it is to tell this companies product therefore the logo has to be easily established.









Both of these photographs connect in a way in which that they are both advertising a alcoholic spirit therefore the producers have the same intention. This would be to make it look appetising therefore both photographs show the bottle surrounded by ice cubes to imply that the drink is refreshing opposed to the negative connotation which come with alcohol. Also in both photographs, there is a colour scheme which links to the company logo for example in the first example the logo is blue therefore the colours scheme is blue and in the second example the logo is red and white therefore the colour scheme is red and white.

Connecting Essay One

This fashion photograph is in black and white which links to the monochrome trend which apparent in todays society but also shows the 50s look. The model can be seen in the centre of the composition with a rigid posture making her appear almost plastic. However the use of the directional lighting shows the form as well as showing the audience that this is a 3D subject and defining specific facial features such as the cheek bones and her jaw line. The model can be seen to be smoking a cigarette which in the 50s would show sophistication and independence. Also when looking at the clothing, they appear to fairly masculine due to the blazer like coat. This is therefore showing an alternative type of fashion photography as stereotypically women are shown to be feminine by having them wearing figure hugging dresses to show their female body features.
This is an example of my own work and it is part my exploration of commercial fashion photography. The model can be seen in the centre of the composition, looking directly at the camera. This i feel allow the audience to connect with the model as he is seen to be looking at them. This photograph is in black and white which gives it the 50s look as well as fitting with the current monochrome trend. When looking at the models posture, he appears to show sophistication and independence as well as power. The sense of him having power can also be seen through the masculine clothing in which he is wearing which carries connotation of power and authority.











Both of these photographs connect as they both create a 1950s look by being in black and white along with the dark clothing adding the current monochrome  trend to both of the photographs. Also both models in each photograph show a sense of independence and sophistication. This is shown in the first photograph by the women holding a cigarette and having a very strong posture and in the second photograph this is shown by the model looking directly at the camera, having a strong posture and wearing clothing with connotation of power and authority.