Initial Photo Shoots

Below shows a selective sample of contact sheets from three photo shoot I produced over the last week. As you can see my models vary in height age and ethnicity. I did not choose my models as a way of tokenising them just to suit the theme of diversity, but I chose them to compliment each individual piece in a unique way based on their unique appearance. The green sample is complemented by a young female model with short hair and quirky tattoos, her pale skin and short hair compliment the form and colour of the piece. In this particular session I decided to experiment with some reflective material in order to emphasise and celebrate the colour of the garment. I feel that the idea could have worked well but as it was a last-minute decision, the space I photographed in was not complimentary of the reflective material. Following this shoot, I decided to cast a very tall and elegant female model, to complement a long slender dress. Using the failed method of reflective material from the previous shoot I decided to experiment with it one more time. This time I decided to place it on the floor so that the oranges and yellows of the dress could be reflected, I think it worked really well reflecting colours onto the floor rather than the backdrop. As this is the only finalised garment in my shoot, I decided that I could show its diversity by adorning the body with the dress in an unconventional way.  I challenge my own preconception of a "dress" and experimented with styling the model in different ways using it. The idea that seem to work the best, which we discovered quite quickly, was to let the dress hang around the neck as if it had not been put on properly or only halfway. Learning that single garment can be placed on the body in multiple ways has led to visualise my final outcome.  I would like my four models to display one garment or sample in two very different ways, this way I will be demonstrating the theme of diversity through the garments. At this point I have also decided that I would prefer to shoot just female models for my final outcome, have experimented with using male models and it seemed that the male physique does not complements the samples as much as the female figure does. I have plans for two full body compositions that I would like to photograph in my final shoot. I think this composition will complement the specific garment perfectly, and with this in mind I decided that it would be mandatory to shoot head shots for my third shoot. Unintentionally, but undoubtably aesthetically pleasing, my third model also had short hair, which compliments all of the garments and samples. I used an orange collar to accentuate and compliment the texture and colour of my models hair and skin tone. I am yet to discover what shot i would like to use this model for again, but for now I have a great head shot that works with the other final images flawlessly.

(Photography, Authors Own - Knitwear, Karen Moore - Model, Nelly Smith)

(Photography, Authors Own - Knitwear, Karen Moore)

(Photography, Authors Own - Knitwear, Karen Moore - Model, Cynthia Granfield)

At first I decided that I would use simple white paint across the eyes to show purity and freshness.  I didn't want my imagery to be too contrived or to be seen as tokenising the idea of African tribal body art,  so this simple makeup technique seemed appropriate. When I composed the first shoot with the green garment and tattooed female model I forgot to apply the white paint around the eyes, at first I was disappointed and wanted to shoot again with makeup,  but as I began to upload images on my computer to edit them in photo shop I actually preferred this natural look. Although the model wearing the orange collar was not one of my first, I didn't intend to apply makeup to her as I wanted to keep her looking natural and celebrate her age and identity.

Styling - Ideas and Suggestions

This week we had the pleasure of working with stylist and creative director namalee Bolle. She gave us loads of great ideas on how to style an image and creating looks that poetry atmosphere, mood and meaning. This workshop helped me particularly, because I was confused and unsure of how to style my fabric samples. Two tasks that we were given were, to style a white shirt in an unconventional way and to dress a punk. Dressing a punk was a good task for me because it helped me to excessively  adorn the body in jewellery and accessories, this not being my usual style encouraged me to be over the top rather than subtle. The challenge to style a white shirt in an unconventional way was also helpful to me, it encouraged me to be experimental in the way in which I dressed the body with such an iconic piece of clothing. Both of these tasks challenged my preconceptions of the styling I want to use in my shoot. 

In light of this workshop I decided to style the garments on the human female body.  Due to the curvy and flowing nature of the samples, I discovered that they work well with the curvy nature of the female figure. I experimented with three garments and dressed them in ways that seemed impossible. Because of  the diverse shape of the samples you're able to twist and turn them in ways to create new shapes.With some of the smaller samples I decided to carry out a similar styling task, instead of using them for their original purpose of sleeves or cuffs I decided to turn them into a full garment.  Using a miniature mannequin i used the samples to create various outfits. I positioned the miniature mannequin in natural positions so that my models can replicate them in the studio.

Prompt 2 - Photo shoot Portraying Designers Initial Felt Emotion - 1205

As a group we had to determine an emotion or feeling that can relate to our assigned designer's work. The aim was to create 5-6 photographic images to represent the work in relation to this chosen emotion or feeling. .

(Authors Own Moodboard - iImages Google)

To begin with, as a group, we came up with a bunch of words we instantly thought of when looking at Paula Gerbase' work. The general consensus was that the monochrome tones and simple photography used to promote her collections, gave it a melancholic feel. We also came to an agreement that the collection wasn't particularly sad or depressing but it was calm and comforting with a sombre approach. We considered most of the initial words, trying to criticise each one constructively until we found the perfect medium between comfort, relaxing, solemn, quiet etc… The outcome was the word Tranquility...

We conducted a photo shoot soon after we agreed on an emotion/feeling. We took inspiration from different imagery, looking closely at interiors, photo shoots and textiles. We each brought images we thought related and created a mood board that would help direct us in the studio. To make sure the shoot represented 1205's aesthetic we went on a shopping trip to Westfield and purchased clothes (to return) that would demonstrate this. We made sure each person in our group had a part to play in the final outcome. Whilst everyone had a go at taking some shots, we decided that it would be more efficient to give everyone individual roles too:

• Guy too responsibility of lighting and mood 
• Yoon helped with makeup, Hair and photography
• Anushka took charge of photography and location
• Seunghee and I styled the outfits and modelled 

Prior  to the photo shoot I visited luxury heritage fashion retailer Browns on South Molten street to see 1205's collection. I thought it would really help me to get a feel for the brand and experience the garments. I tried some of the items on so I could analyse quality, fit and style. The visit was really helpful and insightful, the clothes are a very modern and organic twist on tailoring and they are beautifully crafted using unusual materials. Visiting the store has inspired me to create a shoot on location with new garments. I have recently ordered some clothes on the online store Asos so that I can create this experimental shoot i have in mind

I think the majority of our images strongly related to Gerbase' work, but we had to narrow 380 images down to 5 to meet the brief criteria. Everyone chose 5 images out of the 380 taken and edited them to their own personal standard. We shared the images and deliberated as a team what worked well together as a series. To our advantage most of us had similar ideas so it wasn't difficult to decide. To the right were some of the images I edited myself, I decided that maybe the monochrome outcome would be too obvious. Instead I experimented with creating a sense of tranquility though blue tones whilst sticking to the theme and aesthetic of 1205.

It was difficult being in front of the camera rather that behind it where I am more comfortable, but to our groups advantage I knew the desired appearance of the shoot. Knowing exactly what we required made it slightly easier to define poses and necessary props / lighting. Something else I found difficult was not being able to have my creative input on the framing of some shots. Overall I think the images we have presented as our finals represent the Designer and the word perfectly.

Final Images:

(Authors Own Editing, Styling & Photography of image 1&3)