Shoot 8 - Work Diary

Evaluation

Following on from my previous shoot, I decided to use the same model but contrast it with blue colour gels and makeup. As a result of this, I had to reposition the lights as the blue was too strong on one side. Therefore, I used two different shades of blue. On the left hand side, there is a much lighter blue than the dark that emits on the right hand side. The lighting in this shoot was studio lighting with a reflector, there was also a honeycomb filter diffusing the light to make it softer.

This same blue was explored within the makeup, by using a blue mascara and eyeliner and a blue glitter on the lips. Although it may seem like there was a lot of blue used, I like the streaks of lights which emit the colour on the dark background and also the way in which it lights up the sides of her hair. I decided to place the two images below in this work diary, to help explain the way I edited the image. The one on left shows the edited image, in which it is clear I have cropped the image so that there is less blank space. I also enhanced the colour of blue, on her lips - sharpening her face and adding a colour filter to make it appear more natural. One of the biggest differences in these images is the colour of the top. As the red top in this image doesn't relate to the blue colour gels - I decided to change the colour to a light blue. This compliments her skin and the other tones. In the future, if I was to recreate a shoot using the blue - I would use a model with lighter hair and place one of the lights on the front so that it reflects the blue lighting on her face.

Progression

To progress, I want to use the knowledge which I have taken from the two previous shoots with Connie and apply them to work that you would find in a magazine. Having looked up campaigns for MAC and Anastasia Beverly Hills, I have analysed the different shots that they use and the way in which they situate their models while highlighting the product they are trying to sell. I will take on board the different positioning of the model.

Shoot 10 - Contact Sheets

Shoot 11 - Straight Images

Shoot 11 - Contact Sheets

Shoot 7 - Work Diary

Evaluation

During Shoot 7, I had an ambition in my head to create images which were striking. The way I opted to do this was by using a black background, highlighting the back of my model with a red colour gel on each side - and using strong makeup. In this shoot, I set up the studio so that I had two lights behind the model at either side - but so that they were slightly in the shot. This enabled me to get the flare of the light in some images. I positioned the model in front of the lights and the black backdrop. In front of the model, I decided to use a beauty dish above her shining down. This creates a natural skin tone and makes her face appear more natural. It also eliminates the harsh tones and the shadows which come from the Red colour gels I placed over the lights at the back. Underneath the beauty dish, I placed a soft box facing upwards. This highlighted the clothing of the model so that she didn't fade out in the shot and blend into the background. I placed my camera on manual, with a f/16 and a shutter speed of 1/100.

One of my favourite images from the shoots is this one. The composition of the image creates a mysterious feeling among the audience who see the model looking away from the audience - however, one of the reasons I like this so much is that she is looking down. This emphasises her makeup and is also a different way of positioning the model to work I have done before. The colour is extremely vibrant on the models hair - which sets her aside from the background. Red is the strongest colour, which is a huge contrast to the black background. This has been exaggerated through the models Red clothing, and her black and red beaded lips.

Another one of the images I like from this shoot is this one below. It shows Connie situated on a white background, with little evidence of any colour gels present. I decided to make the model appear vulnerable in this shot - and I did so by creating a mid shot. By doing so, we are able to see more of the model being alone in the shot. She is creating a positive relation with the audience as she is staring directly at the camera. I feel like tying the models hair up, makes her appear more vulnerable which is enhanced by her sombre facial expression. I love the strong contrast between this image and the others in the shoot, and if I was to use the red colour gels again I would create more images like this. 

Progression
In the next shoot, I want to use the same model - but experiment with this style of beauty photography with different colours. I want to see if the difference in colours, for example - using a yellow to exhibit happiness and using a blue to exhibit calm and tranquility.

Shoot 6 - Work Diary

Evaluation

Previously, in my work I have studied the topic of beauty and applied its themes and conventions to models. I have taught myself how to airbrush like the industry expects, and applied different styles such as using glitter and gems. In this shoot, I didn't want to contribute to much with makeup - instead I wanted to enhance one of the facial features. I opted for the lips, purely for the fact that they're seen as sensual and beautiful - and much like the eyes, are highlighted strongly in the media industry. Therefore in this shoot, I kept the makeup on the face subtle, and applied a bright red lipstick to the face - as this wasn't enough at the time and it didn't stand out, I decided to take this one step further and apply a red glitter over the lips. This stands out to me as it is much stronger, and is a nice contrast between this and her soft skin tone. Should the model have been pale, I feel the contrast would have been to strong and I therefore would've used a nude colour. In terms of composition, I set the model up on a white background and turned the strength of the lights down, this enabled shadows to form and to further highlight the face.

The image above is my favourite from the shoot due to the colours it emits. I changed the colour on Photoshop so that it their is a subtle tinge on the left hand side of the image - which illuminates her hair and creates a small gradient. I like the composition on this image, as she is seen looking directly into the camera and creating a connection with the audience. This is a stance often used in the beauty industry and on editorial images. One of my least favourite images from the shoot is this one below. One of the reasons I don't like this image is due to the composition of the model and her positioning. Taking away from the fact that this image is blurry, I do not feel a connection with the audience. In this image, the lighting with highlighting her face - whereas in the image above it it also illuminates the background to take away shadows and highlight her hair. In the future, I want to continue experimenting with these images - but I will do so without overexposing the model like is in this image.

Progression
In my next shoot I wish too continue experimenting with colour gels - but create a theme. By doing so, I will be able to relate the makeup used with a darker background. In doing so, I aim to highlight the back of the shot with a strong colour, which will conform to the makeup used. I have yet to use a black background in my images, as it is not something commonly used in editorial work I have studied. However, I feel in doing so with a striking colour and a range of different lights I will be able to create some experimental images.

Shoot 10 - Straight Images