Exploring the human figure within environments

Photography Personal Investigation

Exploring the human figure within environments

Candidate Number: 6472

Ruby Gordon

This project will encompass the theme of ‘Now You See Me’, investigating the concept of rejecting born given labels and prejudices to voice the silenced. I have refined my idea to photographing my brother Lewis and his story, celebrating his youth and lifestyle with the intention to humanise a statistic. This concept is personal to both myself and Lewis. Growing up as a middle-classed, light skinned black boy, Lewis was told he was one of “the good ones” not like “the bad ones.” These backhanded and discriminative comments stung my brother, and now with the benefit of maturity and exposure, he understands why it hurt. The truth is, his skin is light, he dresses in a blazer and tie for school, his manner of speech betrays a large degree of assimilation into the white British mainstream society. However, no matter how hard my brother attempts to appease British standards, he will never be shielded from racism. Therefore, within my investigation I intend to photograph my brother unapologetically being himself.

PROCESS

Lewis gradually became increasingly integral to my investigation. As my project developed, my concept refined, focusing on empowering his story as a tool for social change. As I would be working closely with the model it was important for me to know my subject personally as otherwise, I don't believe my images would ooze with authenticity or connect with the viewer. The images I produce will present my brother's truth and will undoubtedly be influenced visually and contextually by a body of research. Moreover, to intertwine my newly found interest for documentary styled photography, I transferred from a digital lens to a legacy lens. This enabled my photographs to adopt character, grain and a hazy final effect inspired by photographer, Gordon Parks. Photographers who have influenced me captured images from a range of time era’s, often producing black and white images. This influenced me to produce both black and white, and colored images in post-production to evidence a connection between my work and theirs.

CONTEXT

To focus my investigation, I researched a range of artists whose work explores exposing mis/underrepresented groups. This research led me to discover a range of photographic genres varying from fashion photography to documentary styled work. I became fond of candidly photographing subjects in environments they felt comfortable in. This was a pivotal shift within my investigation as my project developed from posed, artificial work in the studio to on location, naturally documenting images. Further research would include past or trending media scandals and finding a link between the artist and narrative. I am familiar with the work of Micaiah Carter who creates an honest dialogue within his work, and which has been an inspiration to my theme. Similarly, to Carters work, I too capture images of Black family members. Additionally, Dorothea Lange perpetually impacted documentary photography and humanized the consequences of the dust bowl. Drawing elements from each of these photographers will allow my work to have a timeless quality.

Phase 1

EXPLORING THE HUMAN FIGURE

FASHION PHOTOGRAHY

I am interested in exploring fashion photography, an art movement that can be described as a branch of fine art photography and is seen as "a most fantastic barometer of the time”. Historically fashion photography was regarded as ephemeral and commercial, two styles I intend to weave within my own investigation. Fashion Photography blurs the lines between commerce and art,

the conflict brings a creative tension that makes the movement unique. This movement is closely linked to celebrity culture and creates styles and trends, and is often claimed by high end fashion culture. Exploring the ‘human figure’

I was drawn to the concept of capturing identity within my investigation and using clothing as a key tool for this.

elliott erwitt

tom hunter

alex prager

nick knight

martin parr

PHOTOSHOOT INSPIRATION

My initial interest in fashion photography led me to experiment with the subject by trialing different body positions, facial expressions, angles and viewpoint, whilst accentuating the model's outfit. To evidence the art movement I am influenced by, I will undertake a styled photoshoot in the studio.

PHOTOSHOOT 1

Inspired by my research I have produced a series of images with a simple chair prop. These are successful because I was able to both capture the intense shadowing as well as experimenting with different angles and body language to create an engaging image. In post-production I increased the contrast on the images making the temperature cooler, creating an eerie atmosphere and an eyecatching series of photographs.​

RESEARCH

I researched fashion photography throughout the decades to see how it has developed to the present day. My favourite era of fashion photography is the 1960s and 1980s. I feel these decades have immense potential to explore colour, outfit choice, makeup and hair. This has Influenced me to attempt a vintage styled photoshoot.

Henry Clarke: 60s

Tony Boase and James Wedge: 70s

Richard Corman: 80s

Arthur Elgort and Linda Evangelista: 90s

Danielle Levitt and magazines: 00s

RESPONSE

I have produced a series of 1960s inspired photographs in response to researching fashion throughout the decades. I attempted to evoke an innocent and house wife atmosphere typical of 1960s style through a 21st centaury lens.

I chose warm ambient lighting to compliment my models skin and costume whilst following the rule of thirds technique to ensure the composition balanced as I intended to create a sense of serenity.

PHOTOSHOOT 3

INTENTION

To replicate themes of 1980’s styled fashion photography I experimented with coloured lighting gels. Blue and red were most successful, adding striking colour to my images. I trialled positioning the subject in different poses and adjusting the viewpoint. I found the most effective images were the sitting positions as the models vintage styled outfit was more exposed.

I am happy with the outcomes that I produced. In post-production I darkened the backdrop to make the contrast between my subject and the background more dramatic and saturated the colours.

Fashion is a way that we express ourselves and play around with our identity. These powerful and inspirational pictures show celebrity, Harry Styles rebelling against gender norms.

SURREALISM FASHION

Makeup can be used as fashion and identity. It is an easy way to express yourself

Looking into queer fashion photography was most interesting because it is diverse and bold.

CLOTHING

IDENTITY MOODBOARD

CONFIDENCE

Your fashion choices form your identity. Here I have explored realms within this photographic style that I am influenced by.

Confidence can be shown through the amount you wear, the colours you wear or how your outfit is styled

PHOTOSHOOT 4

Responding to my clothing identity research, I was inspired to do a shoot based on confidence. I wanted a clean look; the simple but bold background enabled the foreground to appear more alluring. I intentionally presented my subject as empowered by using open body language and addressing the camera. In postproduction I saturated the colours especially red as it is bold and increased the vignette. The contrast between the black jacket and the white brick is effective in evoking texture and clarity. I also like the ambient bright yellow spotlights as they warm the subject's complexion.

MEDIA SCANDALS

To refine the concept of my personal investigation, I intend to focus on current media scandals. I am particularly drawn to the contrast in how the media have presented Megan Markle compared to Kate Middleton. For example, how the media reported Markle’s choice of flowers for her wedding negatively in comparison to Middleton’s choice of a similar bouquet.

“Megan Markle's flowers put Princess Charlotte's life at Risk”

“Kate Middleton’s homegrown bouquet of Lily of the Valley follows Royal Code”

I will complete a series of shoots influenced by the bouquet of flowers and the negative media portrayal. My images will offer a subtle inference to Markle’s experience.

Responding to the works of Micaiah Carter, I will use a natural beam on the subject to warm her skin tone and avoid diverting focus. Carter’s work is deeply relatable to some and emotive and, therefore, I too wish to create an image that stirs the viewer's core. I will create an angelic image by costuming the subject to wear light colours, preferably white depicting the stereotypical, but questionable, image of white as good and pure.

“Kate Middleton's homegrown bouquet of lily of the valley follows royal code”

“How Megan Markle’s flowers may have put Princess Charlotte at risk”

RESEARCH

I sourced these images from Pinterest. I was drawn to the regal pose of the model, and also the celebration of culture and heritage within these images. This inspired me to embody these elements within my own work.

I like how the colours are complimentary to each other; they're all muted, green, beige, white and brown. The composition in all 3 follow rule of thirds. Positioning the model in the centre of the frame, the layout is shaped to look calm and balanced.

The photos were taken in the studio, using a digital camera, at different ranges away from each other. I prefer the close ups meaning the focal point is clear.

PHOTOSHOOT 5

INTENTION

In response to my research, I used a spotlight on the bouquet of flowers as it made the images appear more interesting. I trialled shooting from a range of distances and angles to explore what details I could capture; I found the zoomed in photographs were less distracting. The further away shots exposed imperfections; eg the fabric of the gloves gathering or too much of the models’ arm being exposed. In post-production I will attempt to fix this.

PHOTOSHOOT 6

INTENTION

Following on from the previous shoot, I directed the subject to hold the same bouquet of flowers evidencing a link. The concept I wish to convey is to challenge the negative press narrative received by Markle, changing the narrative to positive.

The expressions, composition, costuming and props worked effectively. However, my model was supposed to be a person of colour, but a suitable model was unavailable.

THE STROMZY PROJECT PLAN

Researching the micro-aggressions present in our society sparked my interest in empowering minorities. Therefore, I have further refined the focus of my project to The Stormzy Project, observing how race is presented in the media and capturing these powerful messages within my work. Photographing models of colour in their everyday life, to subvert and challenge the norms and stereotypes of the ethnic minorities. I will research the 1970’s ‘Black is beautiful’ movement to challenge language. I will explore the implicit meanings of black and white. The colour black having negative connotations, whilst the colour white having positive connotations. British rapper, Stormzy introduced the ‘The Stormzy Scholarship’ where he gifted scholarships to black students to enable them to attend Cambridge University. My upcoming photoshoots will take inspiration from Stormzy’s song lyrics.

In my mock photobook, each image will be supported by a song lyric from Rapper Stormzy

MEDIA SCANDALS

MY IDEA

The focus of my project is “Black excellence”

Candidly photographing models of colour in their daily life

Researching the ‘Black is beautiful’ movement – a 1970’s movement to challenge language - looking into implicit meanings of the words black and white. Black being used as a metaphor for bad whilst the colour white is a metaphor for good, purity and morality. Eg: black witch, black soul, black cloud, black day, black Friday, black lies, blacklisted VS Lily white, whitelisted, white lies, white as snow, white knight. These phrases create subconscious connections between what is good and bad.

INSPIRATION

British rapper, Stormzy introduced the idea of The Stormzy Scholarship; gifting scholarships to black students to attend Cambridge University. My upcoming photoshoots will take inspiration from Stormzy’s song lyrics. I was inspired by Stormzy’s project, and this will influence my own project and final idea.

THE STORMZY PROJECT

STORMZY LYRICS TO INFLUENCE MY PHOTOSHOOTS

“If I could do better than I’ll be better”​

“I could tell you stories ‘bout my life”​

“Now I’m in a better place”​

“You came and saved me”​

“Lord knows that I’ve earned this”​

“Life has it’s lessons I tried to be grateful and count all my blessings”

RESEARCH

• Gordon Parks is a photographer with a unique style; his signature work was photographing his models in motion rather than still poses.

• He developed his style while photographing for Vogue.

• The inspiration behind his work was being a humanitarian and having a strong interest in social justice.

• His work is motivated by African American culture from the 1940s – 2000s.

• Parks shoots portraiture photographs and edits them in black and white.

• I like these ideas as it keeps the images consistent and creates a signature look.

• In these images the subjects are all looking away from the camera which leads the viewer to question why this decision has been made.

GORDON PARKS INFLUENCED

PHOTOSHOOT 7

Stormzy

“I’m blinded by your grace”

MICAIAH CARTER

RESEARCH

INSPIRATION

• Micaiah Carter is a contemporary American photographer. His signature work is shooting youth culture, fine art and street style models with the hope of showing black representation as a force for change.

• The inspiration behind his work is his Father who passed away in 2021, leading Carter to turn to photography to help with the grief he was facing.

• In these images the subject's faces are either cropped so you can’t see their entire face, or they have been hidden and blocked.

• I like this idea as the viewer isn’t let in fully and must investigate the photograph further to create their own narrative about his work.

• This contrasts to the way he uses a warm lighting which creates a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

MICAIAH CARTER INFLUENCED

PHOTOSHOOT 8

“now i’m in a better place” stormzy

RESEARCH

INSPIRATION

• Source: Pinterest, artist unknown

• For my next photoshoot I want to capture my brother looking into the river to see his reflection to symbolise researching for “the answers”

• Inspired by the Stormzy quote, “If you knew my story you’d be horrified”, with the intention of showing my model reflecting on their ‘story’

• Water has the potential to reflect lighting and bring forward interesting colours and textures and so I want to trial capturing these elements within my images.

RESEARCH

INSPIRATION

• Carter’s work creates dialogue to spark different viewpoints of the black community, breaking down barriers of what blackness is showing we are people rather than a trend.

• The lighting in these images is a warm artificial source to expose the shadows of model, Zendaya, in different angles creating a soft atmosphere to the images.

• I like how Carter uses different angles, in particular low angles to represent Zendaya as empowered.

• The colours in these images compliment each other – the cream blazer suit against the stone background and with Zandaya’s subtle makeup.

• The highlighter on her cheeks compliments the shimmer of the cream suit.

PHOTOSHOOT 10 –

“they ain’t never taking your crown

RESEARCH

INSPIRATION

• Tyler Mitchell is an American photographer based in Brooklyn

• He was inspired by Spike Jonze to learn how to make videos and taught himself how to edit through YouTube tutorials.

• He is best known for photographing Beyoncé for the cover of Vogue.

I am inspired by Mitchell to utilise the rich and dynamic colours of vegetation. I like how the models warm skin tones compliment the setting around them.

Mitchell uses nature as a subtle barrier between the subject and viewer as it slightly conceals the model(s.)

For my upcoming photoshoot, I will embrace my surroundings and natural lighting to explore different techniques.

PHOTOSHOOT 11

INSPIRATION

Here are a series of photographs I took of my cousin, London Jones. In this shoot I explored the themes of black excellence in the style of Tyler Mitchell. Mitchell tends to take pictures of his subject behind leaves to create a feeling of depth. To do this I had to adjust the focus lenses to blur the foreground and highlight my subject. In postproduction I am going to brighten the images and edit the hue of the leaves to create a rain forest look. The lighting looks artificial and is intriguing to the eye.

PHOTOSHOOT 12

INSPIRATION

Here I have produced a sequence of moving images. I experimented with shutter speeds to capture the moving train in focus rather than blurred - resulting in using a higher ISO. I like the in-motion moving effect that I was able to achieve which makes these images more interesting.

The reasoning for this shoot was to trial including a sequence in my photobook, and to add variation within my outcome.

PHOTOSHOOT 13

INSPIRATION

Here I have completed a photoshoot that encompasses the theme, streetwear – and the idea that what you wear reflects your identity. I photographed my brother wearing a large coat which conceals his torso and some of his face, to represent how he feels within British society. The Stormzy line that inspired this shoot from was “Man knows that I’ve earnt this sh*t.” During the shoot I directed my model to remove his hood and spread his arms confidently and unapologetically. The direct address empowers my brother as he dominates the frame. In addition, the use of eye contact shows emotion, eyes are often referred to as the ‘windows to the soul’. Furthermore in this photoshoot I tried to capture his power and frustration towards the media as they create a negative portrayal of black youth.

PHASE 1 FINAL IMAGES

Here are my phase 1 final images. Each photograph is influenced by a lyric sourced from rapper, Stormzy. Additionally, I used techniques and styles from artists I found inspiring. For example, I enjoyed photographing outside of the studio and taking advantage of interesting location spots, including nature and how different times of the day will produce a change in atmosphere and expose the subject in a range of ways creating variety. I believe my images creates a boundary for the viewer, allowing room for perception.

OUTCOME TEST + LAYOUT

Preferably handwritten text as my project is personal this will be more authentic

Page number

Background made of a collage of the same image.

I like this experiment as it adds dimensions

Image

landscape/portrait/square format

OUTCOME 1

This photobook empowers ethnic culture, with each image supported by a song lyric from Rapper Stormzy. I photographed family members in a range of locations to create a narrative to their unfinished stories, emphasising not to judge a book by it’s cover. However, moving into phase 2 of my investigation, I will refine my project and focus on the idea of ‘black excellence’, concentrating my focus on photographing one subject.

Phase 2

DISPELLING THE NEGATIVE CONNOTATIONS OF BEING YOUNG AND BLACK, EMPOWERING THE BLACK VOICE AND UNPACKING THE TRUTH

‘Now You See Me’

A tool for self-empowerment and social change documenting my brother’s truth

CHURCH

PHOTOHOOT 1

INTENTION

As I commenced my refined concept, I asked my brother where he feels comfortable. He answered during Church services. Here I have produced a series of images which focuses on my church during a baptism service. I candidly photographed members of the Church during worship. Resulting in authentic and real representations of a Pentecostal service.

ABANDONED CHURCH

PHOTOSHOOT 1

The location choice made in this shoot was inspired by my brother. I asked Lewis in what environment he feels most comfortable, and he answered when he’s in church. I took these images in derelict church adjacent to our church. The aged red bricks and overgrown vegetation make this an interesting location. Viewpoint was a key factor in this photoshoot as I shot from a lower angle or at eye level to present my model as significant and powerful.

LOCATION RESEARCH

During Summer 2022 I undertook location research of areas that inspire me. Here are a series of images shot beside a train station. I like rustic and urban locations. I am drawn to the purple and yellow tones that compliment each other and create an ambient atmosphere.

As trains went by, I adjusted the shutter speed resulting in different outcomes. Top right was my strongest attempt as you can clearly see the train.

The shots are:

• Low angled

• Portrait and landscape

• ‘Stairway to Heaven’

• Sunset golden hour creating shadows onto stairs

LIGHTING EXPERIMENTS

PHOTOSHOOT 2

Here I have produced a series of images using the sunlight coming through a crack in the curtain. I experimented with aperture. Concluding my trials, I found using a larger aperture made my images more successful. I visually prefer the shallow depth of field I achieve. I also like how it increases the dimensions in my photography and makes my focal point clear by isolating the subject from a distracting background.

DOROTHEA LANGE

I am inspired by the works of Dorothea Lange. Her work has influenced me in the way she captures emotive images of people both looking away from the camera and directly addressing the camera. I will replicate both methods within my own work. I will see if it effects my aim which is to photograph the contrast in how my brother is stereotyped versus who he really is.

Viewpoint effects whether the audience are accepted into viewing the picture or rejected. I aim to block viewers seeing the false perception of my brother by having him look away.

I have taken inspiration from these meaningful and dynamic poses which I will adapt in my own photoshoot trialling how hands covering the face change perspective. I also enjoy working in black and white and will experiment further with this.

PHOTOSHOOT 3

INTENTION + REFLECTIONS

Here I have produced a series of images inspired by photographer, Dorothea Lange and Pinterest. The concept behind this photoshoot was photographing my brother in an urban location to further enforce the stereotype I am trying to expose. I believe I successfully used Lange’s techniques of looking away from the camera and directly addressing the camera, whilst also including elements of Pinterest inspiration.

I trialled using both a small and wide aperture and I am happy with both results. The wider aperture allowed me to capture strong detail on my focal point and draw out saturated colours. However, the smaller aperture made my image look sharper as I captured fine detail within my shots.

To achieve my intentions, I dressed my brother in cool colours to compliment the plain background. I also captured the images from a lower angle to empower my model.

RESPONSE

PHOTOSHOOT 4

INTENTION: To further explore my documentary styled photography I choose a location my brother visits in everyday life to get to school. This lifestyle photoshoot is made interesting through artificial lighting and grunge graffiti background.

INSPIRATION : I was inspired by Micaiah Carter’s work as his work utilises interesting backgrounds, artificial lighting, exploring creating narratives through posing.

REFLECTIONS : Concluding my work I am happy with the range of textures and the incorporation of brick art. This photoshoot has positively progressed my project as I further explore photographing my brothers lifestyle.

RESPONSE

REFLECTIONS

Here I have selected my strongest images from my photoshoot. In postproduction I trailed creating a saturated, tinted and monochrome outcome. I don’t believe these images are outcome quality however this photoshoot allowed me to explore gesture, viewpoint, camera angles and lighting. Therefore, I will continue developing these skills and will possibly return to this location for a reshoot.

SILHOUETTE RESEARCH

INTENTION: For my upcoming photoshoot I aim to photograph my brothers head as it’s the most vulnerable part of the body and I want to use the potential of the shallow depth of field a legacy lens can create.

INSPIRATION: Here I have sourced a series of Pinterest images that I will draw elements from aesthetically. I like the contrast between the white illuminating background against the warm darker skinned models and will push myself to create a successful outcome.

REFLECTIONS:

• Muted colours used

• No direct address to camera

• Simple black and white

• Close ups of heads

• Dynamic poses

PHOTOSHOOT 5

INTENTION

Here I have produced a series of images inspired by capturing silhouettes of head shapes.

I took advantage of my brother having short hair and dark features contrasting against the exposing white background.

I followed the concept of rejecting the audience by directing my brother to look away. Keeping my photographs coherent in theme.

I am interested in this style of photography as heads are the most vulnerable part of the body. Which is how I intend to present my subject, isolated and surrounded by negative space.

I like the texture captured in my photographs making the location setting seem realistic and adding character to the images.

RESPONSE

REFLECTIONS

I chose to utilise the negative space around my subject by not cropping it as I could create a dramatized vignette around the focal point of my image. I have included both the monochrome and colour outcome as I am drawn to different elements in both pictures. Both natural and artificial lighting made my image look crisp and successful as I brightened the background and highlighted my brother’s face where the street-lights beamed on him. Furthermore, I believe my outcome has been successful in the way I candidly photographed my brother

a captivating position

similarly to Park’s work.

Phase 3

INVESTIGATION AND EMPOWERING ETHNIC CULTURE THROUGH USE OF 35MM FILM AND LEGACY LENS

PHOTOSHOOT 6

INTENTION

Here I have produced images celebrating and empowering black culture using an everyday item as a prop for this photoshoot. I wanted to convey the message of Lewis unapologetically presenting himself and his heritage with a sharp look addressing the camera.

INSPIRATION

I took inspiration from Carter’s work in exploring the clean however effective look using a dynamic background that works well as it’s interesting however doesn’t draw attention away from the focal point of the image.

REFLECTIONS

Concluding this photoshoot, I will receive feedback from my peers and teachers for improvements and reshoot in the same location as it is successful however could be a higher quality.

Conceptually, this shoot is strong however I want to reshoot with clearer intentions to improve the overall image

PHOTOSHOOT 7

INTENTION

When I was walking through Cambridge I spotted this interesting location. I was drawn to the vivid colours and texture created and took my brother there the next day for a shoot! I wanted to convey messages of silencing society and owning who you are. For example, I positioned him blocking his ears to ‘silence the voices’ of society.

INSPIRATION

I directed him to stand casually taking inspiration from my personal study artists whom candidly capture their subject matter.

REFLECTIONS

I am happy with my outcomes, I experimented with distancing my lens, using appropriate camera settings and costuming, what colours look right for my choice of location? Will it clash?

I will utilise the sequence potential this photoshoot has in my outcome

REFLECTIONS

OUTCOME EXPERIMENTATION

To ensure my photobook is engaging for the viewer, I will include variation within my presented images. Here I saw the opportunity to include sequence, I like the image created of Lewis looking away in the first photograph to directly addressing the camera in the second image, it enforces the documentary and voyeuristic aspect of my project. In addition, the colours and textures caught are so rich and dynamic it would be more appropriate to stay in colour. Therefore, in my photobook I will use both coloured and monochrome images.

PRIMARY RESEARCH:V&A

INTENTION

When walking through the Victoria and Albert Museum I found this beautiful exhibition and directed Lewis to stand in the spotlighted lighting to see how it would look. The rich colours captured through the lens created dynamic dimensions and produced strong final outcomes.

This shoot reflects the many dimensions of my brother, he can be seen in a tracksuit yet also in a suit and still obtain the same human values and rights without prejudice.

INSPIRATION

I was influenced by Park’s work to create a candid shot of Lewis midway through buttoning his cuffs.

REFLECTIONS

I like the way I used a shallow depth of field to blur the illustrative background resulting in a dreamy effect and making the photograph intriguing.

INTENTION

This photoshoot shows my brother looking at himself through the reflection of a mirror, symbolising searching for the truth. We trialled different facial expressions as I was uncertain whether I wanted to convey serious thought contemplation or longing for his true identity.

INSPIRATION

I was inspired by my surroundings to take a shot in such grand settings. The colour scheme of the room contrasted against my brothers outfit, however complementing the complexion of his skin through the harmonious rich colours.

REFLECTIONS

Concluding this photoshoot, I like the range of angles I caught. Through experimentation I created strong outcomes that relate strongly to my project.

PHOTOSHOOT 10

INTENTION

From a religious aspect I want to continue a threaded motif of Christianity throughout my project. Therefore, during our trip to the V&A I looked in particular for this angelic statue as it’s shaped to flatter the human body. I directed Lewis to stand slightly to the side of the statue with his arm spanned parallel to the statue.

The second shoot, was more spontaneous as I liked the location and wanted to further explore my surroundings.

INSPIRATION

My friend visited the V&A and shared her pictures with me. I was drawn to the sculptures and portraitures of humans and thought it would be an insightful trip to further my primary research.

REFLECTIONS

I am pleased with this photoshoot and hope it will link nicely.

RESPONSES

PHOTOSHOOT 11

INTENTION I wanted to explore taking candid shots alike Gordon Park’s work. Here I took Lewis to the basketball court as every Saturday we play together and it’s special location for both of us.

REFLECTIONS This is progressing my photography in the right direction. My camera battery died midway through the shoot and so these images were taken on my iPhone and I will come back to reshoot after gaining valuable feedback to improve my photography. I edited these images on VSCO and I really like the nostalgic aesthetic created.

EXPLORING THE ‘CLAUSTRAPHOBIC MEDIA’

RESEARCH

INTENTION

For my upcoming photoshoot, I intend to tie in my early ideas of our current 'Media Scandals' with my now further refined concept, 'Now You See Me.' To do this, I will photograph my brother reading through a magazine. I want to trial experimenting using both a legacy and digital lens to evidence exploration. This photoshoot will push me into utilising my creativity skills by making my own DIY studio space.

In addition, in my personal study I reference growing up black is alike being raised under ‘the claustrophobic glare of the police, and a media industrial complex that casts them as villains.’ Therefore, I wanted to provide a visual bridge between my practical and theoretical studies by wrapping Lewis's face in print paper and utilising camera angles to make him seem insignificant to the viewer.

INSPIRATION

These images are a collation of Pinterest photos that stood out to me to draw out elements for my own work

PHOTOSHOOT 12 THE

RESPONSE

I am happy with the quality in my images and the message conveyed through the choice of representing the media through reading a magazine. However, to make this shoot more personal and meaningful to my project I will do a reshoot and print off relevant articles to strongly link my conceptual theme. Furthermore, after receiving feedback I won't hide my brother's face as it's "unnecessary" instead I will brainstorm how I wish to present him.

RESEARCH

INTENTION

For my upcoming photoshoot my intentions are to utilize the location of the Barbers, a cultural and meaningful routine aspect of my brother’s life. Hair, especially black hair, shapes your identity, it is the part of your body you can design.

INSPIRATION

These images are sourced from Pinterest influenced by the contemporary modern style of Gordon Parks. I was drawn to the lifestyle activity and wanted to incorporate this idea into my own work.

PHOTOSHOOT 13

INTENTION & REFLECTION

Here I have documented a candid shot of Lewis’s lifestyle by entering his world at the Barbers, a weekly routine he looks forward to. I believe my edited outcome pushes towards my vision by capturing realism as Lewis’s eyes forlornly doze off.

PHOTOSHOOT 14

INTENTION

Reviewing my previous photoshoot, I returned to the Barber’s with a clear and concise vision

I wanted to evidence progression by experimenting with depth of field, angle types and trialling a flash gun

INSPIRATION

I was influenced by Gordon Parks as his work follows a documentary styled theme which is appropriate for my own work

REFLECTIONS

As my images are so versatile from using different angles there’s potential for a sequence in my outcome

Through a legacy lens the colours extracted from the scene are hazy and authentic

Sequence – Barbers 11/12/22

TONAL RANGE RESEARCH

REFLECTION

Approaching my final submission, I wanted to improve my image quality in post-production.

Therefore, I researched black and white imagery which made me realise to refine in quality and make my photographs more interesting, I will use the ‘Raw Processer’ in Photoshop, which will offer appropriate setting controls to enhance the tonal range and create contrast.

OUTCOME EXPERIMENTATION

OUTCOME EXPERIMENTATION

Here I have trailed with two different page formats for my photobook. I liked the simplicity of my first experiment, it was interesting utilizing a shrunken image alongside a full page image. I also created a sequence layout inspired by exemplars along with typography to decipher between handwritten text and online fonts.

To help prevent my page designs becoming too similar, I completed this mock-up using three documentary styled photographs inspired by the works of Gordon Parks.

RESEARCH

INTENTION

Following my success from the Barber’s outcome, for my upcoming photoshoots, I aim to photograph simple daily routines of Lewis’s. This in turn, will develop my concept by presenting my brother’s truth in a way he wishes to be seen.

INSPIRATION

These images are a collation of Pinterest photos both candidly taken and staged that I felt a connection to and wish to recreate within my own work.

INTENTION & REFLECTION

To further show Lewis's truth I photographed his innocence as a school boy during the morning rush. I like my greyscale outcome as we positioned the tie to create depth within the image inspired by the technique, leading lines.

REFLECTION

After receiving feedback from my peers comparing both images I have concluded the ‘Raw Processor’ draws out texture, tone and creates dimesons alternatively to a flat image which will be the process I use to refine my final selected images.

PHOTOSHOOT 16

Play video:

INTENTION & REFLECTION

Approaching my final outcome submission I have researched design ideas. I am drawn to moving image sequences and echoed this technique within my own investigation alongside a video. Reviewing my work it would have been useful to merge both videography and moving image. For example recording my brother on a tripod and screen shotting moments.

I will edit the video on Adobe Premier Pro.

PHOTOSHOOT 16

INTENTION

Here I produced another photoshoot in response to Gordon Parks. For this shoot I chose to continue the theme of documentary capturing images of Lewis's lifestyle and routine.

INSPIRATION

Reviewing my work, I have realised less is more. Therefore, I was inspired by Gordon Parks to thoughtfully brainstorm a location that is personal and meaningful to my brother. We both commute to school via train, share many memories here, good and bad.

REFLECTIONS

I produced two monochromatic outcomes from this photoshoot. Following peer reviews, I received the feedback my images looked flat and lost dimension in black and white. Therefore, to refrain from this mistake I added a green tint in postproduction to age the images more.

RESPONSES

PHOTOSHOOT 17

INTENTION & REFLECTION

Here I have documented the comfort and warmth to the community aspect of family. On Christmas Day I photographed the table layout and my brother making tea for my Mum. I choose to light candles to create an ambient atmosphere as the flicker of light softly reflected against the glasses.

OUTCOME FINAL IMAGES

PAGE DESIGN RESEARCH

Prior to my final submission, I decided to refine my outcome by further studies. As the majority of my selected final images are portrait format, I researched how I could dynamically layout my page design. Moreover, referencing the artists that have influenced my investigation, I wanted to incorporate their commercial and clean look within my outcome. These outcomes I am drawn to showcase, page bleeds, sequence and thoughtful backgrounds. I particularly like the idea of a page bleed alongside a smaller image – this gives me the chance to include text.

OUTCOME RESEARCH

Developing my outcome, I will revise existing pages with the intention to add more, typography and page format. Here I explored other layout designs that inspired me, Rodney Smith and Leslie Smolan’s publication of The Hat Book has greatly impacted my improved final outcome.

I like the simplicity of this photobook as it ensures the images are the focal point of the design. Whilst I still want to include a short quotation by Lewis and appropriate lyrics to empower his voice on the opposite page. I want to experiment with page bleeds and shrinking images in my own work.

OUTCOME RESEARCH

To justify the journey I have undertook over the past year, I have explored multiple variations of how to layout my outcome. Here, I discovered an effective page layout. I particularly am influenced by the use of borders along with text, as the majority of my images are a portrait format this aesthetic and clean design caught my eye and has heavily impacted my own photobook.

I found ‘Portrait of Britain, volume 3’ which presented a series of portraits in a relatively simplistic fashion. I think their photobook’s present both portrait and landscape images in a successful manner and give me a vivid idea of the way I wish to present my work

OUTCOME DEVELOPMENT - BORDERS

Here, I have produced this outcome design using my own image in the style of Portrait of Britain – Vol 3, a collation of images from 200 photographers that intend to capture the face of a changing nation, linking similarly to myself. I initially developed these images in post-production cropping them to a 2:3 layout. I do feel my images suit this layout as it has a modern quality by the crisp and clean format contrasting to the handwritten message.

OUTCOME EXPERIMENTATION

Here I trailed with page format and typography to decide if I will prefer handwritten quotations or fonts for my upcoming outcome. Whilst I do like the online fonts I prefer the handwritten quote as it’s more authentic and creates a personal connection between my brother and the viewer

Here I have experimented with Lewis’ fingerprint for my final outcome. This authentic approach creates a personal and direct link between himself and my images. Below I produced a draft front cover for my final submission. Next, I will experiment with text, producing handwritten notes from my brother’s words to amplify and empower Lewis’ voice.

TITLE PAGE EXPERIMENTATION

To empower my brother’s voice and make him feel seen I decided to make him write the project title, ‘Now you see me’ in his own handwriting, evidencing his identity.

Now you see me – Bradley Hand ITC

Now you see me – Comic Sans

Now you see me – Consolas

Now you see me – Lucida Calligraphy

Now you see me – Segoe Script

Now you see me – Segoe Print

For my outcome I explored fonts available on Microsoft as I wanted to trial which would look most effective regarding the concept of my personal investigation. I like the aspect of having a font that is non distracting and also easy to read, reserving the focus on my images. Here, I experimented with sans serif and serif font, I varied between aged and dated fonts to clean and simple that give the illusion of a handwritten note.

However to enhance the personal connection between viewer and

subject I have chosen to use the handwritten form for quotes by Lewis, whilst also using fonts for lyric inspiration.

OUTCOME DEVELOPMENT - VARIETY

I also decided to include 2 sequence images in my outcome as I feel my idea of combining both monochrome and coloured images works successfully here, whilst differentiating from the rest of my photobook. This in turn will ensure my outcome engages the viewer. Sequence images have been an important element to my investigation, exploring documentary photography pushed me to capture different frames of the subject and from reviewing my work I found images looked stronger with more than one.

I appropriately sprinkled text throughout, to add texture and a brief quote Lewis used to describe this aspect of his life.

OUTCOME LAYOUT

Lyrics used: Black - Dave

Keep Ya Head Up – Tupac

For my final outcome, I included lyrics from black artists, Dave and Tupac, to support my images by providing context, this also enabled my outcome to have variation by using both handwritten and online fonts. Additionally, this idea tied in my earlier themes from phase 1 of quoting Stormzy’s songs.

https://issuu.com/rg137994/docs/fin255alpptx.pptx