I began to do some simple test shots of my subject, to get me thinking about different angles, poses, shots, compositions and so on.
Thursday, 24 April 2014
Photography of Musicians Research
Jim Marshall
James Joseph Marshall (February 3, 1936) was a photographer, often of rock stars. He had extended access to numerous musicians through the 1960s and 1970s, including being the only photographer allowed backstage at The Beatles last concert, and chief photographer at Woodstock.
This photo depicts a 'rock and roll' lifestyle as Johnny Cash gives the camera the middle finger. One of Marshall's most famous photos, it shows a backstage setting where Cash is perhaps about to go on stage. The blur of the finger highlights movement, that this was not a stages image.
Again, depicting the 'rock and roll' theme through the screaming expression of John Fogerty, and the blurred hands suggesting fast, vigorous guitar playing.
The chilled out posture and expression of Keith Richards gives a calmer sense than the other two photographs, but again the cigarette hanging out of his mouth gives the 'rock and roll' theme.
Famous Guitarists
Jimi Hendrix photographs
Hendrix, photo by AMALIE R. ROTHSCHILD
Right photo by Joe Sia, Left from: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/07/18/jimi-hendrix-birthday-exhibition_n_1682075.html
First photo of Hendrix on stage, captures the passion in his facial expression as he sings in to the microphone. Composition includes whole guitar and upper body - emphasis on the instrument. Lighting is only minimal, he seems to be emerging from the darkness creating the feel of a dramatic entrance. Second photo captures Hendrix looking at the camera, perhaps about to go on stage as he holds his guitar and is with another musician. Third photo is a close up of Hendrix, again reflecting the passion for music in his facial expression. Not much of the guitar is seen, yet the guitar is universally known so just the neck and they way Hendrix holds it is enough to let us know what it is. Moreover, the fact that it is Hendrix alone lets us know that it is a guitar that he holds, so the focus need not be on the whole body of the guitar. The low angle gives presence and power to Hendrix, and reflects that he is up on stage whilst the photographer may be in the crowds below.
The photographs are taken whilst Clapton is on stage performing, so the photographer makes use of the lighting from the performance. These kinds of photographs are taken from a low angle as they are taken from the crowd/photographers area which is often below the stage. The low angle helps bring the atmosphere of the gig and emphasizes a big stage presence of Clapton. Fast shutter speeds would have been used to freeze movement, especially the hands which would be moving fast whilst playing guitar.
Portrait Photography Research / Presentation Notes
What is portrait photography?
'Portrait photography or portraiture is photography of a person or group of people that displays the expression, personality, and mood of the subject.
Like other types of portraiture, the focus of the photograph is usually the person's face, although the entire body and the background or context may be included.'
(Wikipedia definition)
How is the genre used?
There are many different sub-genres linked to studio photography.
Fashion photography, candid photography, environmental portraits, lifestyle portraits, conceptual portraits to name a few
A little bit of its history...
Robert Cornelius (1809 - 1893) was an American Pioneer of Photography.
He developed a keen interest in chemistry in his youth, and in 1831 he began working for his father specializing in silver plating and metal polishing. Cornelius was approached by Joseph Saxton to create a silver plate for his daguerreotype of Central High School in Philadelphia. It was this meeting that sparked Cornelius's interest in photography.
Daguerreotype - Invented by Louis Jacques Mande Daguerre, the daguerreotype process was introduced in 1839 and was the first publicly announced photographic process and the first to come into widespread use. The daguerreotype image is formed on a highly polished silver surface, normally Sheffield plate.
'The first light picture ever taken'
-Cornelius' words written on the back of the photograph
This photo was made in 1839 ,using a mid-19th century silver-plated daguerreotype. It is a self-portrait of Robert Cornelius.
On a sunny day in October, Robert Cornelius set up his camera in the back of his father’s gas lamp-importing business on Chestnut Street in Center City, Philadelphia.
After removing the lens cap, he sprinted into the frame, where he sat for more than a minute before covering up the lens.
The picture he produced that day was the first photographic self-portrait. It is also widely considered the first successful photographic portrait of a human being.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/05/worlds-first-selfie-1839-robert-cornelius_n_4392804.html
http://petapixel.com/2011/07/19/the-first-self-portrait-photo-ever-made/
http://parchai.com/blog/%E2%80%9Cthe-first-light-picture-ever-taken-1839%E2%80%9D/
'Portrait photography or portraiture is photography of a person or group of people that displays the expression, personality, and mood of the subject.
Like other types of portraiture, the focus of the photograph is usually the person's face, although the entire body and the background or context may be included.'
(Wikipedia definition)
How is the genre used?
There are many different sub-genres linked to studio photography.
Fashion photography, candid photography, environmental portraits, lifestyle portraits, conceptual portraits to name a few
A little bit of its history...
Robert Cornelius (1809 - 1893) was an American Pioneer of Photography.
He developed a keen interest in chemistry in his youth, and in 1831 he began working for his father specializing in silver plating and metal polishing. Cornelius was approached by Joseph Saxton to create a silver plate for his daguerreotype of Central High School in Philadelphia. It was this meeting that sparked Cornelius's interest in photography.
Daguerreotype - Invented by Louis Jacques Mande Daguerre, the daguerreotype process was introduced in 1839 and was the first publicly announced photographic process and the first to come into widespread use. The daguerreotype image is formed on a highly polished silver surface, normally Sheffield plate.
'The first light picture ever taken'
-Cornelius' words written on the back of the photograph
This photo was made in 1839 ,using a mid-19th century silver-plated daguerreotype. It is a self-portrait of Robert Cornelius.
On a sunny day in October, Robert Cornelius set up his camera in the back of his father’s gas lamp-importing business on Chestnut Street in Center City, Philadelphia.
After removing the lens cap, he sprinted into the frame, where he sat for more than a minute before covering up the lens.
The picture he produced that day was the first photographic self-portrait. It is also widely considered the first successful photographic portrait of a human being.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/05/worlds-first-selfie-1839-robert-cornelius_n_4392804.html
http://petapixel.com/2011/07/19/the-first-self-portrait-photo-ever-made/
http://parchai.com/blog/%E2%80%9Cthe-first-light-picture-ever-taken-1839%E2%80%9D/
Studio / Portrait Photographers
Rankin
Norman Parkinson
Mid-shot profiles, lots of shadow contrasts with the white of the background, adds a sense of mysteriousness.
White-grey backgrounds, fast shutter would be used to capture a jump in mid air. Lighting properly exposes, but isn't flat as there are still shadows that define clothing creases and shape. Jessie J portrait is interesting as she is shining gold. Lighting used highlights the shine and defines muscles/body shapes.
Jamie Fox portrait uses flash from right, shining onto his face. He looks up to the light giving a theme of hope, positiveness and possibly religion. A less strong light is shot from the left, creating a rim on the back of his head. Portrait of Adelle uses a wind machine to create a dramatic effect for her hair. Face is well lit with no shadows, adding to the beauty theme as its skin like a porcelain doll.
Norman Parkinson
Black and white photo has lots of contrast between light and shadows. Car photo is well lit to show model and background/car.
Foreground is out of focus whilst background is in focus, which is usually the other way around. Makes the model seem like a doll with bright skin and red lips. Second photo focuses on models crazy hair style, using a white background helps emphasize the shapes and spikes.
Two very elegant shots, soft lighting has been used to emphasize beauty.
Annie Leibovitz
Again two elegant shots with soft lighting used. Hathaway's portrait almost seems like a painting rather than photograph.
Britney's photo uses pink backdrop to reflect a feminine personality and light hearted shot. The shot of Depp seems more laid back and serious, but with lighting that compliments the 'bad boy' look of the photo.
Outdoor shot of Leo with a flash to the left of camera, and perhaps a weaker one to the right. Shot of queen in regal looking surroundings, seems almost like an old painting.
Yuri Yusada
A commercial photographer I found that I liked the work of, they use lots of different backdrops in their studio set up but I particularly like the ones where the models emerge from the black.
Task 4 - Re-creating Existing Photos
Here are the results from my groups task photo shoot. I felt it was a good practice in using the lights to achieve an exact shot, it took a lot to try and achieve the same lighting style seen in the famous photos!
Monday, 7 April 2014
Idea Generation + Notes
I narrowed down some of my initial ideas to the ones I liked the most/were easiest to do due to availability of the models. I also started to think about what I could convey through photography with these particular themes, such as is their job/profession something they enjoy, or something they hate? Or why do they enjoy their hobby? Is it fun, healthy, relaxing, adrenaline fueled, expensive, etc. What side of the hobby or profession can I show.
Guitarist (Housemate) - Could portray a sense of showmanship/poetic or creative person/ talent/ song writing/ rockstar eg headbanger. Could light the photograph from above to create the look of a stage.
BMX (Housemate) - Portray the healthy aspect, see it as a sport. Or could make it more like a clothing advert, with the different street clothing styles often associated with bmx riders. Could create an image that reflects how the older generation may view youth on bikes ie shadowy, dangerous. Studio or street or skate park?
Shopping addict (Friends from home) - Girly, light, fun. Or comical, include a boy in the background looking fed-up. Highlighting gender stereotypes. White, or brightly coloured backdrop. Or on location, highstreet or shop. Props and costumes considered. Look at fashion photography.
Ballet (Friend from home) - Elegance, body shapes, movement. Could create silhouette images using a white backdrop, lighting behind and shining onto the backdrop.
Guitarist (Housemate) - Could portray a sense of showmanship/poetic or creative person/ talent/ song writing/ rockstar eg headbanger. Could light the photograph from above to create the look of a stage.
BMX (Housemate) - Portray the healthy aspect, see it as a sport. Or could make it more like a clothing advert, with the different street clothing styles often associated with bmx riders. Could create an image that reflects how the older generation may view youth on bikes ie shadowy, dangerous. Studio or street or skate park?
Shopping addict (Friends from home) - Girly, light, fun. Or comical, include a boy in the background looking fed-up. Highlighting gender stereotypes. White, or brightly coloured backdrop. Or on location, highstreet or shop. Props and costumes considered. Look at fashion photography.
Ballet (Friend from home) - Elegance, body shapes, movement. Could create silhouette images using a white backdrop, lighting behind and shining onto the backdrop.
Sunday, 16 March 2014
Main Brief
'Profession or Passion'
Introduction
The studio photographer is responsible for all aspects of the photograph, the props, the
background, the model, the camera settings, and of course the lighting. This project allows
you to explore these issues as well demonstrate you have understood what your
photograph communicates to the viewer, your creativity and your skills with the camera and
studio.
The Brief (both levels)
Take a series of studio photographs (or shots at an interior location using artificial
studio/controlled lighting – this will need tutor approval) that represent an individual’s
passion or profession. You need to find a way of representing and conveying something of
that passion or personality in the shot/s.
The project is split into two parts.
1. A large portrait of the individual with their attire (and appropriate prop if necessary)
showing them, as they would appear when engaged in their profession or passion.
2. A triptych of images showing the ‘tools’ or items used as part of that activity.
Overall I am very excited about this brief, as I have a large variation of ideas for it already. I like that we will have the opportunity to shoot portrait photographs as well as still life, and have enough creative direction to decide whether to shoot in studio or on location using hot lights or flash lights. I wrote down some initial thoughts of who and what to shoot for 'profession or passion' -
Introduction
The studio photographer is responsible for all aspects of the photograph, the props, the
background, the model, the camera settings, and of course the lighting. This project allows
you to explore these issues as well demonstrate you have understood what your
photograph communicates to the viewer, your creativity and your skills with the camera and
studio.
The Brief (both levels)
Take a series of studio photographs (or shots at an interior location using artificial
studio/controlled lighting – this will need tutor approval) that represent an individual’s
passion or profession. You need to find a way of representing and conveying something of
that passion or personality in the shot/s.
The project is split into two parts.
1. A large portrait of the individual with their attire (and appropriate prop if necessary)
showing them, as they would appear when engaged in their profession or passion.
2. A triptych of images showing the ‘tools’ or items used as part of that activity.
Overall I am very excited about this brief, as I have a large variation of ideas for it already. I like that we will have the opportunity to shoot portrait photographs as well as still life, and have enough creative direction to decide whether to shoot in studio or on location using hot lights or flash lights. I wrote down some initial thoughts of who and what to shoot for 'profession or passion' -
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