Why I chose 'women'- Choosing "women" as the subject for my final photography project was a very important decision for me. Being a woman comprises a diverse range of experiences, identities, and expressions, which I hope to explore and appreciate through photography.
I believe that this media has the ability to capture and portray the various aspects of femininity, allowing for a more nuanced study of what it truly means to be a woman. My project will highlight women's power, perseverance, and originality, with an emphasis on the beauty of diversity.
I intend to emphasise many perspectives, personal tales in order to challenge stereotypes and encourage a better understanding of the complexities of women. By incorporating numerous photographic styles and techniques, I intend to create a visual narrative that captures the authenticity and distinctiveness of each woman, adding to a larger language about the complex and shifting nature of femininity.
Development one- juliettelaura.blogspot.com Juliette Laura's artistic efforts to reflect the core qualities of femininity through the expert arrangement of silhouettes and shadows is something that interested me. Her photos generate a sense of mystery and fascination, inviting viewers to investigate the details of the female figure. Inspired by her approach, I hope to incorporate her skills into my own work, applying the interplay of light and shadow to express the beauty and strength that comes from womanhood. Drawing on Laura's knowledge, I understand the need of black and white editing to improve the contrast and depth of my photographs. By removing the colour, I can direct the viewer's attention to the subtle interplay of light and shadow, allowing the curves of the female figure and facial features to take centre stage.
In the studio, I carefully manipulate every part of the lighting to create the right shadows and highlights, structuring the composition for a sense of grace and elegance. Whether it's the warm glow of diffused light or the dramatic contrast of stark shadows, I experiment with different lighting configurations to highlight the natural beauty of femininity.
In editing, I use Photoshop to fine-tune my photographs, increasing contrast and clarity to create compelling narratives. I improve the tonal spectrum by delicately adjusting exposure, curves, and levels in order to create a sense of depth and dimension. By easily blending aspects of light and shadow, I hope to create photos that are both emotive and artistic, expressing the essence of femininity in its purest form.
Finally, through my lens, I hope to showcase femininity's natural elegance and power, demonstrating how shadows and silhouettes can act as powerful symbols of strength, perseverance, and beauty. With each shot, I hope to challenge conventional views of femininity, providing a new perspective that embraces the complex essence of women.
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WWW- Firstly, I drew inspiration from Juliette Laura's work, integrating her techniques of utilising silhouettes and shadows to convey the depth and beauty of femininity. This allowed me to explore new artistic avenues and experiment with different visual storytelling methods. Secondly, I paid careful attention to lighting in the studio, manipulating it to craft shadows and highlights that enhanced the grace and elegance of my subjects. By experimenting with various lighting setups, I was able to evoke different moods and atmospheres, adding to my compositions. Thirdly, my proficiency with editing software like Photoshop enabled me to enhance the visual impact of my photographs. Utilising black and white editing to emphasise contrast and depth, I effectively directed the viewer's attention to the subtle nuances of light and shadow, highlighting the curves and features of the female figure.
EBI- Firstly, I could explore further compositional techniques to add visual interest and depth to my photographs. Experimenting with different angles, framing techniques, and perspectives could help create more dynamic compositions that captivate the viewer's attention. Secondly, enhancing the emotional resonance of my portraits could elevate the impact of my work. Lastly, I could further develop the narrative potential of my photographs by incorporating storytelling elements into my compositions. By using symbolism, gesture, and context, I could convey themes of femininity, strength, and resilience, creating a cohesive narrative arc that guides the viewer through a journey of discovery and reflection.
Development two- Robert Maplethorpe's excellent use of silhouettes and shadows to express the essence of femininity has been a source of great inspiration for me throughout my artistic path. His ability to convey mystery and interest through skillful arrangement struck a chord with me, inspiring me to integrate similar ideas into my own work. Drawing on Maplethorpe's expertise, I've used light and shadow to represent the innate beauty and strength of female.
Recognising the significance of black and white editing, I followed Maplethorpe's advice to improve the contrast and depth of my images. By removing colour, I've focused the viewer's attention on the subtle intricacies of light and shadow, allowing the curves of the female body and facial characteristics to stand out.
In the studio, I deliberately manage lighting to get the ideal mix of shadows and highlights, attempting to give each composition a sense of grace and elegance. Whether it's the lovely, diffused glow of warm light or the dramatic contrast of deep shadows, I play with various configurations to bring out the innate beauty of femininity.
In post-processing, I use Photoshop to fine-tune my images, increasing contrast and clarity to tell captivating stories. I broaden the tonal spectrum with delicate tweaks to exposure, curves, and levels, producing a sense of depth and dimension that adds richness to each image. By smoothly mixing aspects of light and shadow, I hope to create photographs that are both evocative and artistically significant, capturing the essence of femininity in its purest form.
Through my lens, I hope to highlight femininity's inherent elegance and power, showcasing how shadows and silhouettes can act as powerful symbols of strength, perseverance, and beauty. With each photo, I want to challenge traditional views of femininity, providing a new perspective that celebrates women's multidimensional nature.
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WWW- Firstly, my dedication to delving deeper into Maplethorpe's technique allowed me to capture even more intimacy and raw emotion in my portraits. By carefully crafting the lighting setup in the studio and experimenting with different angles and intensities, I successfully accentuated the contours and textures of my subjects' forms, evoking a sense of closeness that invited viewers to intimately connect with the subject. Secondly, my decision to physically position myself closer to the subject intensified the personal connection, resulting in portraits that exuded trust and vulnerability. This enabled me to capture more nuanced expressions and subtle actions, adding layers of complexity and depth to the photographs. In terms of routine, my planning from pre-shoot preparation to post-processing ensured a productive session. Selecting subjects who resonated with the themes I aimed to explore allowed for meaningful collaboration and open communication during the shoot, contributing to the authenticity of the portraits. Lastly, my attention to the interplay of light and shadow during the shoot enabled me to sculpt the subject's features and evoke different moods effectively. By strategically manipulating contrast, I drew the viewer's gaze to specific points of interest while creating a sense of dimensionality in the photographs.
EBI- Firstly, I could further refine my post-processing techniques to enhance the emotional impact of the portraits. Fine-tuning each image with careful attention to balancing tones and enhancing details can elevate the overall quality and resonance of the photographs. Furthermore, I could continue to push the boundaries of traditional notions of femininity and beauty by exploring more diverse perspectives and narratives in my portraits. This ongoing commitment to challenging conventions will allow me to create portraits that truly reflect the complexity and richness of the feminine experience.
Development three- https://www.fubiz.net/2015/08/25/secret-garden-by-slevin-aaron/www.fubiz.net/2015/08/25/secret-garden-by-slevin-aaron/ Slevin Aaron, known for her rare style, creates dreamy images of women immersed in milk baths, with fine traces of paint or clay applied to their faces and melting perfectly into their skin. Her works, which are often enhanced with natural elements such as leaves or flowers, inspire a sense of serene beauty and harmony with the surroundings. Inspired by Aaron's compelling vision, I want to imitate her techniques in my own work, hoping to capture the essence of femininity via the transformational force of water and nature.
In Aaron's images, the milk baths act as a symbolic message, wrapping the subjects in a mystical fog that blurs the line between reality and fantasy. By applying paint or clay to the female faces, she emphasises their natural characteristics while giving the photo an unearthly enchantment. The incorporation of organic components such as leaves strengthens the feeling of connection to the earth, resulting in a symbiotic link between the feminine form and the natural world.
In my own photography, I plan to take Aaron's technique, focusing on the engaging interplay of the female form and the relaxing embrace of the milk bath. Drawing inspiration from her use of paint or clay, I plan to explore with small embellishments that highlight the subjects' features and blend them perfectly with the calm waters. By adding natural motifs such as leaves or flowers, I hope to convey a sense of calm and refreshment, emphasising the link between feminity and nature.
Afterwards, I'll use a soft white palette in Photoshop to generate a sense of purity and tranquilly, highlighting the photographs' airy qualities. I will aim to keep the delicate balance between light and shadow by making small contrast and saturation adjustments, keeping the dreamy air that defines Aaron's art. By embracing a minimalist design, I hope to highlight femininity's eternal beauty, appreciating its inherent grace and calm.
Finally, through this development, I hope to represent the basic bond between women, water, shadow, and environment, allowing audiences to find themselves in a world of femininity. Inspired by Slevin Aaron's imaginative approach and tying in Maplethorpe's intimate photography , I aim to capture the essence of femininity in all of its flexibility and grace, providing a look into a world where boundaries dissolve and the viewer finds refuge in the fragile embrace of water and light.
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WWW- Firstly, I successfully captured Slevin Aaron's dreamy style by incorporating milk baths and subtle embellishments like paint or clay, plants or fruit into my compositions. This allowed me to create an atmosphere that resonated with the femininity present in Aaron's work. Secondly, my post-processing techniques effectively conveyed a sense of purity, aligning with the feminine quality characteristic of Aaron's imagery. By maintaining a delicate balance between light and shadow, I preserved the theme that defines her art. Additionally, my exploration of incorporating natural elements such as fruits into the compositions strengthened the connection between femininity and nature, emphasising the visual narrative and adding depth to the photographs. EBI- I could push the boundaries of Aaron's technique further by experimenting with different materials or textures for detail on the subjects' faces. This could add an additional layer of visual interest and depth to my photographs, enhancing the feminine aspect and bringing a unique perspective to the project. Furthermore, while embracing a minimalist design is effective in highlighting femininity, I want to ensure it doesn't limit my creative expression. Exploring different compositions and visual elements could help enrich the narrative and fully realise my artistic vision.
Development four- https://www.sayakamaruyama.com/ Sayaka Maruyama, known for her emotive photographs of women with flowers, incorporates elements of femininity and nature into her photography. Maruyama's impressive eye for detail captures the delicate balance of power and vulnerability, filling her images with feminine beauty. Inspired by her intriguing approach, I aim to mimic her approaches in my own work, whilst still continuing to involve elements from Maplethorpe's and Slevin Aaron's work to capture the essence of femininity through floral symbolism and shadow.
In Maruyama's portraiture, each flower represents femininity, embodying ideas of development, change, and resilience. Wether lovingly held in the subject's hands or decorating their hair, these floral embellishments become an important part of the story, adding layers of meaning to the image. Maruyama's subjects show calm strength and grace via subtle differences in position and expression, allowing viewers to reflect on the delicate interplay between femininity and nature.
In my own photography, I would like to imitate Maruyama's expressive style, capturing intimate images that create a sense of reflection. Inspired by her use of flowers as symbolic themes, I use floral elements into my compositions to portray the beauty and dedication of femininity. By contrasting the softness of floral textures with the strength of the feminine figure, I hope to create images that honour the diverse essence of women.
In the studio, I slowly build each photo, paying close attention to lighting and composition to create the appropriate mood and the atmosphere. Embracing Maruyama's attraction for grainy black and white imagery, I use Photoshop post-processing techniques to enhance my photographs' raw, expressive appeal. Through minor contrast and texture alterations, I give my images memory ,encouraging viewers to immerse themselves in the intriguing world of femininity.
Finally, through my photography, I hope to recognise femininity's eternal nature by honouring its inherent beauty and dedication. Inspired by Sayaka Maruyama's imaginative style along with Slevin Aaron's shadow technique, I want to make pictures that cross time and space, capturing the essence of womanhood in all her wonderful complexity.
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WWW- Firstly, I successfully incorporated elements of femininity and nature into my photography, inspired by Sayaka Maruyama's emotive portraits. By integrating floral symbolism into my compositions, I was able to add layers of meaning and depth to the images, capturing the delicate balance of power and vulnerability inherent in femininity. Secondly, my attention to detail allowed me to emulate Maruyama's expressive style, capturing intimate moments that invite reflection. By carefully considering lighting and composition in the studio, I was able to create the appropriate mood and atmosphere for each photograph, enhancing the overall narrative and emotional impact. Lastly, my use of post-processing techniques in Photoshop effectively enhanced the raw, expressive appeal of my photographs, aligning with Maruyama's attraction to grainy black and white imagery. Through subtle contrast and texture adjustments, I was able to create images that draw viewers in and encourage them to explore the theme of femininity.
EBI- I could further refine my use of floral symbolism to create stronger visual narratives and deeper emotional responses from viewers. Experimenting with different types of flowers and their placement within the compositions could add additional layers of meaning and complexity to the images.
Development five- Continuing with my recent exploration of flowers, I've focused into capturing them up close, putting myself in their intricate details and unique features. This perspective not only allows me to showcase the beauty of each flower but also provides an opportunity to create a sense of intimacy and connection with the viewer.
To achieve this, I've been careful in my attention to lighting, recognising its power in shaping the mood and atmosphere of the photographs. By experimenting with different lighting setups, I aim to accentuate the natural beauty of the flowers and create a captivating visual experience that draws the viewer in.
Inspired by the quality of black and white photography, I've chosen this editing style to underscore the intimacy and depth of emotion in my images. Converting the photographs to black and white allows me to emphasise the shapes, textures, and contrasts of the flowers, elevating their visual impact and creating a sense of timelessness.
Building upon my previous exploration of unconventional angles and perspectives, such as lying down to capture flowers from a different vantage point, I've continued to push the boundaries of composition. This approach adds a dynamic and fresh element to the photos, inviting viewers to see familiar subjects in a new light.
One particularly innovative technique I've been experimenting with involves layering flower images on top of my main subject, often the face of a peer. By carefully adjusting the opacity levels, I blend the flowers with my peer's features, creating a visually intriguing and thought-provoking composition. This technique not only adds visual interest but also prompts viewers to think about the relationship between femininity and nature, as the flowers intertwine with human features in a symbolic manner.
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WWW- Firstly, my focus on capturing the flowers and my peers up close has allowed me to delve into their intricate details and unique features, showcasing their beauty. This perspective not only highlights the aesthetic appeal of each flower but also creates a sense of intimacy and connection with the viewer, drawing them to the photograph. Secondly, my attention to lighting has been important in shaping the mood and atmosphere of the photographs. By experimenting with different lighting setups, I've successfully pointing out the natural beauty of the flowers, creating a visual experience that engages the viewer on an emotional level. Lastly, my choice of black and white editing style has effectively underscored the intimacy and depth of emotion in my images. Converting the photographs to black and white allows me to emphasise the shapes, textures, and contrasts of the flowers, adding a timeless quality to the compositions. EBI- I could change my technique for layering multiple flower images on top of my main subject to create more compositions. Experimenting with different opacity levels and blending modes could help me achieve a smooth integration of the flowers with my peer's features, enhancing the overall impact of the photographs. Furthermore, I could continue to explore the symbolic relationship between femininity and nature in my compositions. By incorporating elements of nature in creative and meaningful ways, I can deepen the narrative and create a stronger emotional response from viewers.
Development six- In my latest exploration, I've taken my double exposure technique to a new level by focusing entirely on capturing images of women displaying emotions. This decision allows me to delve deeper into femininity, highlighting the range of emotions and experiences that women navigate in their lives. To achieve this, I did a double exposure shoot, using my camera's shutter speed adaptations to create a similar effect as in my previous development. This technique involves overlaying multiple images of women onto each other, resulting in a layered and textured composition that expresses depth and complexity.
By incorporating Slevin Aaron's shadow effects and composition, I aim to enhance the visual impact of the photographs, adding depth and dimensionality to the images. Aaron's use of shadows adds an element of mystery, drawing viewers into the scene and encouraging them to contemplate the emotions portrayed by the subjects. Furthermore, by drawing inspiration from Maplethorpe's intimate nature, I aim to convey a sense of raw emotion and vulnerability in the photographs. Maplethorpe's ability to capture the essence of his subjects allows me to explore the nuanced layers of femininity, from strength and resilience to vulnerability and sensitivity.
This shoot links to my previous developments by building upon the techniques and themes explored in those projects. The focus on double exposure continues my experimentation with innovative photography techniques, while the emphasis on capturing emotions aligns with my exploration of femininity and storytelling through imagery. Additionally, by incorporating elements from Slevin Aaron's and Maplethorpe's work, I aim to create photographs that resonate with viewers on a deeper level, evoking a range of emotions and sparking contemplation about the complexities of femininity. Pinterest board-
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WWW- Firstly, my decision to focus exclusively on capturing images of women displaying emotions allowed me to delve into the experiences of femininity. By making the narrative around the emotional journeys of women, I was able to create photographs that resonate deeply with viewers and create a range of feelings and reflections. Secondly, my use of double exposure techniques, combined with camera shutter speed adaptations, added a layer of complexity and visual interest to the photographs. This technique allowed me to create layered compositions that have depth and texture, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the images. Additionally, by incorporating elements from Slevin Aaron's shadow effects and composition, as well as drawing inspiration from Maplethorpe's intimate approach, I was able to further emphasise the visual and emotional impact of the photographs. These influences added depth and dimensionality to the images, enhancing their overall artistic quality. EBI- I could further refine my use of double exposure techniques to ensure that the layered compositions effectively convey the intended emotions and narratives. Experimenting with different combinations of images and adjusting the exposure settings can help me achieve the desired visual effects and storytelling impact. Furthermore, I could explore additional methods of incorporating Slevin Aaron's shadow effects and composition into my photographs to enhance their visual appeal. Experimenting with different lighting setups and angles can help me achieve the desired atmospheric effects and create a more compelling visual narrative.
Development seven- In this latest stage of my project, I continued to explore the concept of "double exposure," this time focusing on images of women and using my peers as models. Rather than relying on digital manipulation on photoshop to create the double exposure effect, I opted to experiment with my camera settings, specifically adjusting the shutter speed to achieve a similar result. Instead of pasting images onto each other and adjusting opacity, I captured multiple photographs of my peers displaying various emotions such as happiness, laughter, and even intense expressions like screaming. By layering these images through the use of a low shutter speed, I aimed to create a dynamic and visually compelling effect that shows the depth of human emotion.
Incorporating elements from Slevin Aaron's shadow effects and composition, as well as drawing inspiration from Maplethorpe's intimate approach, adds layers of visual and emotional depth to the project. Aaron's use of shadows and composition techniques helps the visual storytelling aspect, while Maplethorpe's emphasis on intimacy allows me to capture the raw and authentic emotions displayed by my subjects.
This approach builds upon my previous developments by expanding my exploration of double exposure techniques and incorporating peer involvement as models. By utilising a low shutter speed to create the double exposure effect, I added a new dimension to the project, further enhancing its visual impact.
Furthermore, linking this project to femininity and 'women' is inherent in the focus on capturing images of women displaying a range of emotions. By exploring the femininity through the lens of human emotion, I aim to challenge conventional stereotypes. Overall, this continuation of my project represents a deeper dive into the exploration of double exposure techniques and emotional storytelling, while also broadening the project. My shoot-
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WWW- In this stage of my project, I'm really pleased with how I've pushed the boundaries of my creative exploration. By focusing on images of women and using my peers as models, I've been able to add a personal touch to the project, bringing a sense of authenticity and relatability to the photographs. Experimenting with my camera settings to achieve the double exposure effect was a challenging but rewarding process. By adjusting the shutter speed instead of relying on digital manipulation in Photoshop, I was able to achieve a more organic and dynamic result. This technique added a new level of depth and complexity to the images, capturing the raw and authentic emotions displayed by my subjects. Incorporating elements from Slevin Aaron's and Maplethorpe's work was also a key aspect of this development. Drawing inspiration from their techniques, such as shadow effects, composition, and emphasis on intimacy, allowed me to enhance the visual and emotional storytelling aspects of the project. These influences added layers of depth and richness to the photographs, elevating the overall impact. EBI- One aspect I'd like to explore further is the refinement of my composition techniques. Experimenting with different angles, framing, and perspectives could help me create even more visually compelling images that effectively show the range of emotions displayed by my subjects. Additionally, I want to continue challenging conventional stereotypes and perceptions of femininity through my work. Exploring a wider range of emotions and experiences, and incorporating diverse perspectives and voices, could help me create a more inclusive portrayal of femininity. Overall, I'm excited about the direction this project is taking and the potential for further growth and exploration. By continuing to experiment, refine, and push myself creatively.
Development eight- Continuing from my last development, where I explored displaying emotions within femininity and shadow, I've now shifted my focus to concealing those emotions. This evolution in my project further links to the influences of artists like Slevin Aaron and Robert Maplethorpe, who have explored the complexity of human emotions and the portrayal of femininity in their work. To achieve this, I developed a method that involved capturing images of my peer, printing them, and then physically ripping them in half. For the second shoot, my peer held up the torn photographs against her face, obscuring her expression and concealing the emotions depicted in the original images. This juxtaposition between the torn photographs and her obscured face creates a contrast.
In post-processing, I opted for a black and white editing style to further emphasise the contrast and a sense of timelessness. The use of black and white also adds a drama to the images, enhancing the emotional impact and allowing viewers to focus on the textures and details of the torn photographs.This project delves into femininity by exploring the notion of concealing emotions. By physically tearing the photographs and obscuring the subject's face, I aim to challenge conventional notions of femininity and invite viewers to consider the internal struggles faced by women.
Overall, this project represents a continuation of my exploration into the multifaceted nature of femininity, drawing inspiration from the works of Slevin Aaron and Robert Maplethorpe while pushing the boundaries of my creative process. Through experimentation and innovation, I want to create images that provoke thought and spark conversations about the diverse experiences of women. Pinterest board-
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WWW- In my latest development, I'm pleased with how I've shifted the focus of my project to explore the concealment of emotions within femininity. Drawing inspiration from artists like Slevin Aaron and Robert Maplethorpe, who have delved into the complexities of human emotions and femininity. I developed a method that involved capturing images of my peer, printing them, and then physically tearing them in half. During the second shoot, my peer held up the torn photographs against her face, effectively obscuring her expression and concealing the emotions depicted in the original images. In post-processing, I opted for a black and white editing style to further enhance the contrast. The monochromatic palette adds a sense of drama to the images, intensifying the emotional impact and allowing viewers to focus on the textures and details of the torn photographs.
EBI- One aspect I'd like to explore further is the refinement of my composition techniques. Experimenting with different angles, framing, and perspectives could help me create even more visually compelling images that effectively convey the complexity of concealed emotions. Additionally, I want to continue challenging conventional notions of femininity. Exploring a wider range of emotions and experiences could help me create a more nuanced and inclusive portrayal of femininity.
Development nine- In this development of my project, I've expanded on the theme of concealing feminine emotion by focusing on hiding my peer's identity completely. This new development still aligns with my overarching approach of exploring femininity and women's experiences, just from a different angle. By using sheets of fabric to wrap up my peer, I aimed to hide her identity while allowing her feminine features to shine through. Pinning the fabric at the back ensured that the contours and curves of my friend's face remained visible, emphasising her femininity even as her identity was concealed.
The use of studio lights in the photography process helped to highlight the textures and details of the fabric, adding depth and dimension to the images. This technique not only created compositions but also enhanced the overall narrative by emphasising the tactile qualities of the fabric. In post-processing, I further enhanced the images by adjusting the exposure, brightness, and contrast to bring out the textures and features of my peer under the cloth. This editing process helped to create images that are interesting, inviting viewers to contemplate the relationship between identity, femininity, and concealment. This new development builds upon my previous development of concealing emotions within femininity by taking the concept a step further and exploring the idea of hiding identity altogether. By expanding the boundaries of my creative process and experimenting with different techniques, I continue to deepen my development on 'femininity' and 'women'. Furthermore, this development is closely related to my past explorations in terms of technique and thematic focus. Just as in my previous developments, I remain committed to using black and white grainy editing, focusing on shadow.Overall, this new development represents a natural progression in my project, allowing me to further explore femininity and identity through creative experimentation and different techniques.
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WWW- In this development of my project, I'm pleased with how I've expanded on the theme of concealing feminine emotion by focusing on hiding my peer's identity completely. It aligns well with my overarching approach of exploring femininity and women's experiences, offering a fresh perspective on the subject. Using sheets of fabric to wrap up my peer was an effective way to hide her identity while still allowing her feminine features to shine through. Pinning the fabric at the back ensured that the details remained visible, highlighting her femininity even as her identity was concealed. This approach added depth to the concept. The use of studio lights during the photography process was particularly successful in highlighting the textures and details of the fabric. It added dimension to the images, enhancing the overall narrative by emphasising the qualities of the fabric. In post-processing, adjusting the exposure, brightness, and contrast further enhanced the images, bringing out the textures and features of my peer under the cloth. This editing process contributed to creating images that are visually interesting.
EBI- Exploring more diverse perspectives and experiences of femininity could add depth to the project, allowing for a more inclusive portrayal of hiding the identity of my peer Experimenting with different editing styles and techniques could also add variety to the visual narrative, enhancing the overall impact of the project. Overall, this new development represents a step forward in my exam of 'women'. By continuing to experiment and refine my techniques, I'm confident that I can further deepen the thematic exploration and create images that resonate with 'women'.
Development ten- Continuing from my previous development of concealing my peer's identity with sheets of fabric, I wanted to further explore the theme of femininity and identity. This time, my aim was to question the audience to consider what defines a woman by obscuring the features traditionally associated with femininity while emphasising other aspects.
By wrapping my peers in sheets, I wanted the viewers to focus on the framing of their feminine features, even though they're covered. This challenges the audience to question what truly makes someone a woman beyond just physical appearance. It's an invitation for a conversation on gender identity. To continue this development, I'll be incorporating a method I've used previously—layering images on top of my work through Photoshop and adjusting opacity levels. The images I plan to use for this layering are ones I captured during a 'girls night out' with my friends. These images further express notions of womanhood and femininity, showcasing different aspects of female identity and experience.
The use of images taken on a film/disposable camera adds a nostalgic and intimate quality to the project, enhancing the overall aesthetic and reinforcing the themes of femininity and identity. By printing them out and scanning them in, I aim to keep the normal feel of the film while integrating them into my digital compositions. This development builds upon my previous development of concealing identity, black and white editing, and femininity. By incorporating layering techniques and introducing additional imagery that reflects different facets of womanhood, I aim to deepen the theme of my exam and create a more interesting portrayal of femininity.
Overall, this process represents a natural evolution of my exam, as I continue to explore the creative process and explore new ways of expressing and interrogating the themes of femininity and identity in 'woman hood'. Through experimentation, I hope to create images that resonate with viewers that can start conversations about gender, identity, and representation. My shoot-
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WWW- I successfully expanded on the theme of concealing feminine emotion by focusing on hiding my peer's identity completely, which aligned well with my overarching approach of exploring femininity and women's experiences. The use of sheets of fabric to obscure my peer's identity while highlighting her feminine features was effective in conveying the theme of questioning identity and femininity. The incorporation of studio lights during the photography process successfully highlighted the textures and details of the fabric, adding depth and dimension to the images and enriching the thematic exploration. Lastly I've added using a different sort of camera, disposable, to my development.
EBI- Exploring more diverse perspectives and experiences of femininity could add more to the project, allowing for a more inclusive portrayal of women. Take more pictures on the disposable camera. Experimenting with different editing styles and techniques could enhance the visual narrative, adding variety and impact to the project overall. Continuing to refine techniques and thematic focus will further strengthen the conceptual depth of my work, ensuring that each element aligns with the overarching exploration of femininity and identity.
Development eleven- Returning to the theme of revealing identities after the previous developments of concealing them, I'm intrigued by the idea of exploring the contrast between these two methods and tying them together in a cohesive way. In this phase of my project, I've chosen to conceal the bodies of my peers by wrapping them in fabric, creating a visual juxtaposition between the concealed form and the revealed identity, their face.
Using my peers as models, I wrapped them in fabric and utilised intense studio lighting to capture the textures and details of the cloth. This helped not only highlights the materiality of the fabric but also adds a layer of grain to the images. In post-processing, I edited the pictures in Photoshop, adding a low exposure to enhance the details of the cloth and emphasise its detail. To further make a new dimension to my development, I plan to print out the edited images and puncture them with pinholes using a needle. This addition of physical manipulation adds a tactile and interactive element to the project, inviting viewers to engage with the images in a more immersive way. By placing the punctured images onto a light source, I aim to create a bright effect where the pinholes shine through, illuminating the concealed bodies beneath the fabric.
This approach still links back to my past developments of concealing identities with fabric, as it builds upon the theme of exploring the relationship between concealment and revelation. Additionally, by incorporating intense lighting and physical manipulation of the images, I'm expanding on my exploration of femininity by highlighting the themes of identity within 'woman hood'. The addition of lights to the images serves as an effective new step in the project, as it adds a dynamic visual element that enhances the thematic exploration of 'femininity' and 'woman'.
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WWW- The decision to explore the contrast between concealing and revealing identities added depth and complexity to the project, creating a cohesive narrative that builds upon previous developments. Utilising intense studio lighting effectively highlighted the textures and details of the fabric, enhancing the visual impact of the images and contributing to the thematic exploration. The idea of puncturing the printed images with pinholes using a needle added a unique and interactive element to the project, inviting viewers to engage with the images in a tactile way. EBI- Exploring additional methods of physical manipulation or incorporating different materials could further enhance the tactile and interactive aspect of the project. Experimenting with different lighting techniques or angles could add variety and visual interest to the images, enhancing the overall impact of the project. Continuously refining the thematic focus and ensuring that each element of the project aligns cohesively with the exploration of femininity and identity will further strengthen the concept of the work.
Final piece, development twelve- For my final piece, I've decided to shift the focus to the feminine features of my peers while once again concealing their identities. To achieve this with a twist, I plan to layer a baby picture onto each of them during a studio photoshoot. This approach adds a layer of their past by juxtaposing the innocence and vulnerability associated with childhood against the maturity of femininity. During the studio shoot, I'll carefully capture images of my peers, ensuring that their feminine features are highlighted and emphasised. By using lighting techniques to enhance shadows and contours, I aim to create visually striking portraits that evoke a sense of femininity and identity. In post-processing, I'll use Photoshop to manipulate the images, adjusting the opacity and exposure of the baby pictures overlaid onto my peers. This editing process serves to blur the lines between past and present, childhood and adulthood, inviting viewers to contemplate the journey of femininity and the evolution of identity over time. Lastly I will print these pictures out and pinhole the pictures as I have done in my last development.
This approach builds upon my past developments by continuing to explore the themes of concealment and revelation within femininity. By concealing the identities of my peers while focusing on the feminine features of their past, I aim to challenge conventional notions of identity and invite viewers to consider their childhood transforming into womanhood. Overall, this final piece serves as a finish of my exploration into femininity and identity, weaving together elements of concealment, vulnerability, and growth.
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Final edited pieces before poking with needle-
Final edited pieces after poking with needle-
WWW- In my final piece, I'm pleased with how I've shifted the focus to the feminine features of my peers while still hiding their identities. Layering baby pictures onto them during the studio photoshoot was a creative twist that added depth and complexity to the concept. It effectively juxtaposes the innocence and vulnerability of childhood with the maturity of femininity, inviting viewers to contemplate the journey from past to present. During the studio shoot, I carefully captured images of my peers, ensuring that their feminine features were highlighted and emphasised. Using lighting techniques to enhance shadows and contours helped me create visually striking portraits that evoke a strong sense of femininity and identity. In post-processing, manipulating the images in Photoshop by adjusting the opacity and exposure of the baby pictures overlaid onto my peers was a pivotal step. This editing process blurred the lines between past and present, childhood and adulthood, enriching the narrative and inviting viewers to reflect on the evolution of identity over time. Printing out the final images and pin holing them added a tactile element that further engaged viewers with the artwork. It provided a tangible connection to the themes of concealment, vulnerability, and growth explored throughout the project. This final piece builds upon my previous developments by continuing to explore the themes of concealment and revelation within femininity. By concealing the identities of my peers while focusing on their feminine features from the past, I aimed to challenge conventional notions of identity and invite viewers to consider the transformative journey from childhood to womanhood.
EBI- Looking ahead, one aspect I could improve upon is experimenting with different printing techniques or presentation methods to enhance the overall impact of the artwork. Additionally, further refining the editing aspect of the project could help deepen the emotional connection with the audience. Overall, this final piece represents the summary of my exploration into femininity and identity, weaving together elements of concealment, vulnerability, shadow, and growth into artwork.