I also think that the rule of three's comes in to play and makes the image look more out of place and less staged. I did feel as though the image did not look complete so I wanted to try with different rolls of thread.

My first reaction to this image was wow, I love the use of the dark feathers and the dark outfit worn by Elizabeth Taylor. The mood of the image is very dark and gloomy Elizabeth has a very moody expression on her face and see seems almost bored.

The message of the photo was success is a way to cover up past mistakes. I really love the way that this is shown through the use of feathers to replace Elizabeths hair. This shows she is concealing her real hair in the image.

Context and Description:

The image is a portrait of Elizabeth Taylor, the image is black and white with a high contrast of her white skin and dark black clothing and hair.

Richard Avedon named the image "there is no deodorant like success" This makes you see the image differently as the feathers in elizabeths hair show that she is covering her hair and the feathers are replacing her hair.

Visual Analysis:

The first thing that I look at in the image in the darkness of Elizabeth Taylors eyes and eyebrows. Because of the way the feathers have been place your eyes are drawn around the image in a circler motion this makes it so that you look at the entire image and not just the centre. The image is made up of lots of different shapes, circles and lines shown in the feathers and the straight lines of the eyebrows.

Process :

The direction of light was straight forward to create shadows around the model. Artificial light was also used in a studio the creates a really crisp image. There are lots of different textures in the image. There is texture in the feathers and in the outfit she is wearing. There is also a lot of texture in Elizabeths eyebrows this gives a very nice effect to show she is a real person not just a celebrity and she also has imperfections just the same as any normal person.

My first reaction was wow, I love the hand placement and the positioning of the hair.The mood of the photo was very dark but with Zendayas face quite bright. I really love the positioning and the darkness contrast of the outfit and the hair.

visual analysis:

My eyes are initially drawn to the hair in the image, it almost gives the effect of a halo. I really love the shapes in the image the circular motion of the hair and the straight lines from her fingers. The tone of the photo was very plane and very bland. This really makes the sparkles of the dress stand out.

process:

The direction of the light is straight forward, this gives a very direct look and highlights the face and collarbones on Zendaya. The depth of field is very short and the shutter speed is slow. There are lots of different textures in the image the textures of the hair is really impactful as it looks very unnatural. There is also lots of texture from the dress and from the skin in the image.

F8: SHUTTER SPEED :

We used the standing flash in one direction to create a shadow effect. We also used the remote flash trigger so that when we took the image the flash on the stand flashed at the same time. This creates a lovely effect of lighting from one side and creates shadows behind the model.

I also love the way that the lighting illuminates the models cheekbones and her jewellery this makes them the focal point of the image.

The image is shot portrait this is very impactful as it shows a very controversial figure Kanye West being portrayed as a religious being, The image is shot in colour and has very muted tones for the background.

The image is called ‘The passion of the Christ’ this name further solidifies the meaning of Jesus and the thorn crown which was worn on the cross. This connotates ideas that Kanye West is often crucified for his racist remarks.

Form/visual :

My eyes are initially drawn to the yellow/red background of the image as well as the crown on his head. My eyes are lead around the frame initially in a circular motion following from the centre. The lines in the photograph are quite contrasting as the lines on the crown are going in lots of different direction but the outline of his body are going in a circular motion.

Week 9

Alan Sill7d

David LaChapelle - Ring Flash - Practical

Practical Exercises (25 minutes)

Split into groups of 3-4, rotating roles:

1. Bold Color Exercise (8 minutes)

   • Photograph subject against bright backdrop

   • Emphasize LaChapelle's saturated color aesthetic

   • Experiment with colored gels on ring flash

2. Catchlight Control (8 minutes)

   • Practice controlling the signature ring catchlight

   • Vary distance and angle for different effects

   • Focus on eye placement and reflection

3. Creative Portrait (9 minutes)

   • Combine techniques

   • Add props and styling elements

   • Create dramatic, magazine-style portraits

The washed out colours in the image give a drained out feel to the image. The muted tones really make the image feel less busy and quite dulled down.

When looking at the image you first look at the groups of people rather than the monument. You're eyes were led around the image from the two groups of people up to the monument in the background. The image is composed of different shaped and lines a lot of the lines match up from the lines of the people as well as the straight lines on the monument. The direction of light was a flash taken from the front. The different textures in the image are shown in the sand in the front of the image as well as the textures on the peoples clothing as well as the textures on the hair and the faces of the people

The mood of the photo feels like the ladies are waiting for something to happen almost as if the image was taken right before something happened. This makes you think why are the women standing there? It also makes you think was this image planned? or was it simply the right place and the right time.

I feel the lack of colour in the image makes you feel calm and almost as if the busy world has been paused just for this image.

I think you first look at the ladies in the centre of the image. My eyes are also drawn around the image due to the squares in the background. I also love the way the shadows are composed as this really reflects the stance of the ladies. I also really love the use of natural light and the shadow cast this creates. Because of how the lighting is it also creates a lot of leading lines In the image which again I also very satisfying to the eye.

The textures in the image are quite contrasting as the wall behind the women is very smooth and soft where the clothes on the women the texture is quite hard and inconsistent.

My first reaction of the image is that she looks very powerful she looks almost out of place because there is an image of a man behind her it feel as though she shouldn't be there. The mod of the photo, like a lot of her photos, is dark and moody she looks quite emotionless and almost blank. I like the use of her positioning in the image, she is sat in a very feminine way with her legs crossed but she is smoking which was often seen as very masculine. This shows that she did not want to follow the rules and she wanted to do her own thing.

Content/ description :

The image is a self portrait taken by Cindy, she is positioned with quite a plain background just the image of the older gentlemen looking over her shoulder. This show the femininity of the image as often times men would look disapprovingly over women's shoulders watching their every move. The type of photo is black and white. This again shows the mood of the image is quite dull and plain, again making it easier to disassociate from the person herself and rather just see her as a woman.

Visual analysis :

Your eyes are initially drawn to the bored look upon her face and from there the eyes are drawn around the image to her hand, which is holding the cigarette, then to the image of the gentleman in the background, then finally to her other hand where she is holding an ashtray for the cigarette. The image is quite highly contrasting as show in the darkness of her hair and her outfit with the light and bright walls in the background. The lines in the image are show in quite high contrast, the line of the chair and the lines on the carpet, this helps draw your eyes to different focal points in the image. The line of the chair lead your eyes up to Cindy but similarly the line on the carpet lead your eyes to the framed picture of the gentlemen.

Process :

The direction of the light was slightly off to the right of the image as there are shadows cast over to the left of the image. The patterns and textures are shown in the texture of the carpet is quite striking as the rest of the image is quite smooth. The photograph makes you question why has she chosen to do that and why does she look so unbothered ?

This makes you feel like she will do what she wants not matter what anyone says.

The image is a portrait style photo created to be propaganda for the second world war. The content of the image is a woman displaying her strength encouraging women to join in. The colour of the image is blue, yellow and red this is very pleasing to the eye and draws you're eyes to different parts of the image.

Visual Analysis : Your eyes are first drawn to the eyes of the woman, she looks very encouraging and very serious. This gives the impression from the image that what she is saying is very important. You're eyes are lead around the image from the woman's face to her clothing and then up to the title of the image. The lines in the image are very harsh and sharp as shown in the outline of the women and the outline on the title.

Personal opinion :

My first reaction of the image was it feels very impactful, The image makes me feel like I want to do as she is saying and I want to follow with her. The mood of the photo is very serious It feels as though she is trying to send a message of everyone sticking together and being a team. I like the bright colours and the animation in the image. I also love the way my eyes are lead around the image in a circular motion. This gives a very rounded and well thought out feel to the image.

My first reaction was I love the image, I really like the composition with the fierce look in Kates eyes and the overpowering jewellery all around her. The mood of the photo feels very sad and forced it feels as though she isn't very happy and is feeling down and that is radiating through the image. The message of the photo was Annie was trying to show that although she was in the fashion industry she wanted to show that not everything is perfect and the fashion industry is a lot of the time very overpowering.

content/ description-

The image is a portrait of Kate Moss, the image is showing how overbearing the fashion industry can be. Because the image is black and white it really makes it feel a lot more serious it also gives a slight darker feel.

Form/ Visual analysis-

when you first look at the image you look at the large items of jewellery, and the beautiful headpiece. You're eyes are lead around the image by the jewellery, because it is so big and bold it leads you're eyes from the top all the way around both sides. It also really affects the image that there is no negative space as this could show that the fashion industry is all consuming and there isn't room for anything else.

Process-

The light that was used was very soft studio lighting to create a darker and more gloomy image. The texture in the image is absolutely outstanding each piece of jewellery and each stone gives such depth in the image as really makes the image very satisfy to the eye.

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbubblegumclub.co.za%2Fphotography%2Fannie-leibovitz-vogue-us-deconstructing-dynamics-of-the-dated-lens%2F&psig=AOvVaw2WbZArYeVIq_CmM_9c1667&ust=1734719415260000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCMDPwtK7tIoDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAL

Personal opinion :

My initial reaction was shocked, I felt it was very impactful as it shows and angel standing on a devil which are two very contrasting things. The mood of the photo seems quite dark and gloomy but a small pop of colour. The message of the photo in my opinion is good overpowers evil. I really like the pop of colour from the devil as well as the shines of the jacket on Micheal. There are lots of different textures in the image shown on the rocks and the wings on the angel. There is also lots of texture in the snake and the sword.

Form / visual analysis

I first look at the wings on Micheal, I am also drawn to the devil and the position he is in. My eyes are lead around the image quite harshly as I first look at the middle then down to the bottom then all around the edges. The photograph is quite harsh with lots of different colours and textures all clashing together .

Practical Exercises (25 minutes)

Split into groups of 3-4, rotating roles:

1. Bold Color Exercise (8 minutes)

   • Photograph subject against bright backdrop

   • Emphasize LaChapelle's saturated color aesthetic

   • Experiment with colored gels on ring flash

2. Catchlight Control (8 minutes)

   • Practice controlling the signature ring catchlight

   • Vary distance and angle for different effects

   • Focus on eye placement and reflection

3. Creative Portrait (9 minutes)

   • Combine techniques

   • Add props and styling elements

   • Create dramatic, magazine-style portraits

We then took the image with a high ISO and posed the model in a unique way to get the desired effect. When taking my images I had my ISO too low so my images turned out too dark. If I was to do this again I would ensure that my ISO was higher and my image was in focus.

I love the way this image turned out the lighting from the soft box makes the model really stand out. The lighting from the background also really accentuates the silhouette of the model. I also love the way the light is used directionally to created a cast of light.

My first reaction was how amazingly detailed the image is. I love the way Adams uses the depth of field to show the focus throughout the entire mage. The mood of the image is very open and bright the lighting is very natural and clean. The photograph makes me feel isolated and alone, I believe because of the dept of field it makes you really immerse into the image and makes you feel as thigh you are really there and you're all alone.

Content/Description -

The image is a landscape photograph taken with a wide depth of field. The image is very open and feels very still.

Thanks Alan

What went well :

I feel as though both of my photoshoots were very successful I feel as though it really helped me build my confidence taking photos in public place with a lot of pressure. I also feel as though I learnt a lot about planning and understanding the need to have everything organised before attending the location of the shoot.

What I could improve:

I feel I would go to my shoot location before I the day of the shoot so that I can understand the lighting and where i will be positioned. I feel this would help as i would know how to to set up my camera before hand and this would save me lots of time. I also feel I would choose a different topic (possibly location ) as I feel this would give me even more freedom as I would be able to go at my own pace rather than waiting for people to become available and not be under as much pressure.

The recent EQA feedback highlighted the importance of showcasing your learning journey in photography, not just the final results. This means including evidence of the processes you went through, the shots you took that may not have worked perfectly, and your reflections on those choices.

Here's how to adapt your assignment to incorporate this feedback:

1. Process Shots:

• Capture the Journey: Take photographs throughout your project, not just the final images. This could include:

  • Setting up your camera and lighting.

  • Trying different compositions and angles.

  • Capturing behind-the-scenes moments during your shoot.

2. Annotations:

• Reflect on Your Work: Annotate your photographs, either digitally or with handwritten notes on a separate sheet. This can include:

  • Technical details: Aperture, shutter speed, ISO used for each shot.

  • Creative choices: Why you chose a particular composition or lighting.

  • Successes: What worked well in a particular shot.

  • Areas for improvement: What you might do differently next time.

3. Padlet for Self-Review:

• Create a dedicated space: Use a platform like Padlet to create a separate space for your project. This will be your personal learning portfolio, separate from your tutor's work. You can include:

  • Process shots: Upload the images you captured during your project.

  • Annotated final images: Upload your final photographs with your handwritten notes or digital annotations.

  • Reflective text: Write a short text summarizing your learning experience, the challenges you faced, and your overall takeaways from the project.

Remember:

• Focus on Learning: The goal is to demonstrate your understanding of the photographic process, not just showcase perfect final images.

• Embrace Experimentation: Don't be afraid to include shots that didn't quite work out as planned. These can be valuable learning tools.

• Be Honest in Your Reflections: Acknowledge what worked well and what you could improve on. This shows critical thinking and a willingness to learn.

By incorporating these steps, you'll create a richer learning portfolio that reflects your photographic journey and provides valuable evidence for your NCFE Level 1 assessment.