Evaluation

I have enjoyed most aspects of digital image during this module. I really like the brief and the chance to start off easy and create these images. I feel like it has been a good way to introduce myself to the studios and this side of the industry as I have never previously done anything like it before. I feel I have learnt the basics and been given my own time and space to explore differently inside the studios. I really like Chris’ style of teaching and feel like I can easily talk to him during lessons.

My downfall to this is, because I have had no previous experience in a studio or with a camera, I felt like a complete beginner and often felt a bit lost with what I was doing. In a class that is reasonably big and rather quiet, it can be hard to get any help of anyone. This put me a bit behind on planning my photo shoot because I didn’t feel ready to do it.

I am pleased with my pictures although I do wish I had more time to perfect them as I would like to experiment more with different settings. On the plus side, I am quite proud to have gone from knowing absolutely nothing to being able to set up a studio on my own and create these images. I will also have time to experiment in future projects. 

Final mood board

As this is a natural beauty shoot, I really wanted to just enhance what we naturally have already as humans. Pink lips, smooth skin with a soft brown tint and big beautiful eyes.

Natural beauty to me is more a day to day look and nothing too complicated. I found some images to create my moodboard with although I would like to take different aspects from each image to create my final look.

 

Photoshoot plan

High Key and Low Key

We took a look at high key and low key images and how they effect the mood of pictures.

As you can see from the picture above you will notice straight away that it is bright with a lack of shadowing. When trying to create a high key image its important not to over expose the picture otherwise you wont be able to make out what is actually going on.
We can see that the picture has a general happy vibe to it and positive emotions. I would imagine you could make a nice mysterious dream like shoot with high key!

This picture shows a lot more emotion and drama due to it being so dark in comparison to high key. I like how a low key picture picks up any highlighted parts and emphasises them. I feel like low key could connect to someone more emotionally.


http://www.digitalpicturezone.com/types-of-photography/low-key-and-high-key-photography-whats-the-difference/

https://strongphotography.wordpress.com/2010/03/17/todays-tutorial-low-key-lighting-at-home/low-key-home/

Studio Practice

So in this practical today, we tested our photography skills in the studios. This was to not only test lighting and angles but learn how to direct a model and be directed yourself.

This was the first time I had been in studios properly. I hold my hands up and admit that I know absolutely nothing about photography. I was shown different light fittings to give different looks to a photograph. As I have no experience in studios I had no idea how these lights made a difference but after a while of messing around changing the settings and angles I realised how much of a difference it can make. Below are some examples of what I noticed.

It really helped to practice this as I now have some ideas for my beauty shot assignment. I realise that different lighting and settings work slightly differently on different people so my next step would be to test out with different people or even my chosen model.

Being the photographer felt a bit uncomfortable to begin with as I wasn't familiar with the camera or how it worked. To begin with the camera was set up as told (apt 100, raw,) to test out the lighting. I noticed how turning the lamp up or down really affected a picture. We then tested with reflectors and how they can bounce the light into a different position. To be the photographer was difficult to also tell the model what to do especially when you run out of ideas. We had a lot of uncontrollable laughing fits due to models feeling awkward but after a while it does settle. Some models are different. When shooting head shots of Annabel, she listened to what was asked of her. Em was more embarrassed so I had to catch the shots when she didn't notice. Philippa had a natural instinct to pout on every picture so it was hard to break her out of that.

As for being the model, I felt so uncomfortable and unnatural to start with. I usually hate my picture being taken and laughed a lot when we started. After becoming used to being in front of the camera and also seeing a couple of decent pictures of myself it became a bit more natural. I think I found it easier to do my own thing and mess around while the photographer snaps away.

This practical really helped me and has made me feel more positive about my up coming project as I haven't been in studios much, especially being on the photographers side.

Final Images

Monochromatic Beauty

Colour Beauty

Who do you think you are? David Bailey?

David Bailey

When given his first Voigtlander camera by his brother, David Bailey acquired a huge inspiration for photography. He has had over 30 years experience including David Bailey Photography which launched in 1994.

I looked into a few of his more iconic pictures as well and I personally much prefer this work. They look a lot more dramatic and like they have a story behind just the picture.

I really like how the eyes are the main focus in these pictures. I also really like the different moods created in each picture.

http://www.davidbaileyphotography.com/