Photographers

Miles Aldridge

Miles Aldridge is an British fashion, beauty and editorial photographer. He has worked with many well established magazines and brands including Vogue and MAC. He is renown for his polished, highly colour saturated images. I have chosen to look deeper into his work as I really like his eccentric, bold styles in which he shows his ideas and how his work makes the models appear almost like mannequins due to their position, colours used, and how flawless they appear.

 This image relates to my project theme as it shows both fashion and beauty. I chose to include this image as I really like how the model stands out against the shocking pink background, and how she looks slightly intimidating due to the all the harsh edges. I really like how there is no colour used on the model at all as it helps her to stand out well against the pink. I also like all the corners and edges seen in the image, for example the sharp lines on the models dress, her pose and the choppy hair. This along with the model looking down on the camera creates a powerful, strong image that goes well with the fashion and beauty ideas shown.

What I think is most important about this image is the models pose. If she was slouching or the camera was at eye level with her, the overall image would not look so harsh and would not show off the fashion and beauty ideas in the image. I think the photographer took this to show fitted, harsh, edgy fashion.

This image relates to my project as it shows beauty themes. What caught my eye about this is how dangerous it looks and how lifeless the model looks. I really like how the model is blindfolded to keep the attention on the models impeccable hair and dark lips, making them the focus. I also like how the photograph has not been taken straight on but rather at an angle and looking up very slightly. This makes her seem in control even though she seems quite vulnerable due to being blindfolded. I also like how it is deasturated yet still very vivid, which gives the image a surreal effect. 

I think the most important factor in this image is the use of the blindfold. This is because it not only keeps the attention on the hair and lips, but also gives the image a dangerous feel. I think the photographer took this to show beauty and the use of the blindfold. 

This image relates to my project as it shows both fashion and beauty. I chose to include this image as the contrast in the way the two models look, yet still looking similar caught my eye. I really like how the two models completely contrast each other, with the male showing street fashion, and the female showing classier, more formal styles. I also like how perfect and neat the models look, for instance the woman hair looks almost fake as it does not show any imperfections. Something else that caught my eye is the smoke in the background as it gives the image a surreal, dream like effect. 

The most important thing about this image is the models poses, as it emphasizes the contrasts between them, for example the woman is expressionless, and the male looks slightly confused. I think the photographer took this to show fashion. 

This relates to my project as it shows beauty. I chose to include this image as I like how the lighting and colours have cool, blue tints which give it a surreal, city night time effect. I also like how the lips are almost glowing. I really like how the colours and lighting used show blue tints, this creates an almost alien look that goes well with the ideas shown in the image. I also really like how the lips stand out and are bright and vivid, making it clear they are the focus. 

I think the most important part of the image is the sunglasses, as they take the attention away from the rest of the face, making it clear the lips are the focal point. I think that the photographers aim was to show the eccentric lipstick trend. 

Influence 
I chose to look into Miles Aldridge due to how his work was very bold, not only visually but in terms of the ideas and concepts that the image is showing and based on. This is something that really attracted me to his work and has inspired me in various shoots through this unit. For example, a few of my shoots have been based on conceptual ideas and creating a visual story through the use of props and more theatrical poses and expressions. This is something I have taken from his work. This is particularly evident in my shoot showing
female power through the idea of a woman being more powerful than men using the idea of murder. Another idea I have looked at of Miles Aldridge's is how his models look porcelain, almost like dolls and quite expressionless. This is something else I have experimented in a few shoots and during editing.

Summary
Overall, I have referred back to Mile's Aldridge's work continuously throughout this unit, as he focuses on ideas around fashion and beauty. I have gained a lot of inspiration in how to represent my ideas clearly and creatively to make my work stand out in a bold and expressive way similar to his. My interest in his work has grown through this project and I plan on referring back to him when planning future shoots. 

Alex James

Alex James is a London based fashion, celebrity and advertising photographer. His clients include, Pauls Boutique, and celebrities such as Emma Watson and One Direction. I have chosen to look at this photographers work more closely as I really like the way he presents his subject, showing them in quite an intimate way and I like the overall look of his work.

This photograph relates to my personal project theme of Fashion and Beauty as it is showing both of those elements, through the use of the model. I chose this photograph due to the strong shadow of the model on the background as it looks quite powerful and caught my eye. I like the way the shadow helps intensify the image and fills the composition, effectively helping to draw attention to the model. I also like how neutral the colours are as it does not make it look harsh and forced, instead giving a warmer, more intimate image. The models position also helps the image seem more relaxed as she is sitting in a natural and informal pose. 

The most important thing about this image is the shadow, as it is what grabs your attention. If the shadow was not there, the composition would look a bit empty and there would be too much space surrounding the model, making her seem more vulnerable. I think that the photographer took this image to show the model in a personal, and relaxed way. 

This photograph relates to my project as it clearly shows fashion.  What caught my eye about this image was all the space around the model and the colours. The space around the model could overpower the model, but in this case, it works in framing the model. I also like how the pattern at the top of the wall is included as it adds some depth to the image, instead of just having the white wall. The colours in this help point out the sophisticated styles shown that the model is wearing, as the slightly faded, yet strong colours give the image a classy, vintage feel. 

I think that the most important part of this image is the composition, with the model not filling it yet, still obvious that she is the focus. I think the photographer took this image to show the classy, yet dressed down clothes the model is wearing. 

This relates to my project theme as it shows fashion. I chose to include this image as I really like how all the various objects work well together to create more of a story with the image, rather than just showing the outfit in a studio. I like how all the colours work well together creating a glamorous, yet slightly ruined effect. This is intensified by by the contrast of the high fashion style the model is wearing and the decaying location. I also like how she is off centre rather than in the centre as it fills up the blank space more rather than having everything crammed to one side of the composition. 

The most important thing about this image is the location, as it the model and outfit was shot in a studio, you would not get such an intense, and deep result. I think the photographer took this image to show the dress that the model is wearing. 

This image relates to my project theme as it shows mens fashion. I chose to include this image as I like how dark and shadowy the image is. This intense shadowy look creates a mysterious feel which goes well the the formal fashion shown. The models position and him looking intently out the window adds to this slightly edgy, mysterious look. I quite like that you can see out the window to the street as it looks normal which contrasts slightly with the formal fashion shown and makes it seem more realistic and less set up. 

I think the most important part about this is the shadows. Although this image would look good if it had a lot of light and brighter colours, you would not get the same dramatic, mysterious effect overall. I think the photographer took this to show formal menswear. 

Influence

Alex James' work has influenced me in a few shoots, due to the way he uses the studio and lighting well to create classy, simple, yet bold images that have a overall good finish. For the most part, I have been looking at how he creates strong shadow and fills compositions. This has been evident throughout the majority of my work in the studio, experimenting with creating shadow and using light in different ways throughout my shoots by changing the lighting. This helps to show ideas in a certain way and can instantly change the the feel the image gives off. The shoot where his influence is most prominent is when I done a fashion and advertising style shoot showing classy, feminine style. This shoot took inspiration from some of James' work.               

 Summary                                                                            

Overall, his work has been present in my research for shoots in the studio almost continuously, regardless of the themes behind the shoot due to the way he uses the studio and lighting can be applied to various different ideas. Although I have referred to his work a lot throughout this project - and will continue to do so - his work has become a bit irrelevant in the actual ideas behind my shoots as I prefer creating bolder, more conceptual ideas. 

Patrick Demarchelier

Patrick Demearchelier is a French fashion and beauty photographer. Mainly doing editiorial work for magazines such as British Vogue, but was also personal photographer for Princess Diana as well as working for fashion house Dior. His work tends to use desaturated colours and pastels to relflect quite Parisian fashion ideas and create a very feminine look. I have chosen to look at his work in more depth as I really like his use of colour as it gives a strong, mysterious effect. 

This image relates to my project as it shows fashion. I have chosen to include this image as I really like the composition and the colours. I like the composition as it is full, yet it is clear that the model in the middle is the focus not only because her different outfit, but the way the other models are positioned around her in a way that makes her appear superior. I really like the colours as they are quite soft to go with the ballet ideas, but the fact the colours are desaturated give it a more mysterious, grungy effect while keeping to the high fashion themes. Another thing I like is the centre models expression, as she is looking straight at the camera which asserts her dominance in the composition.

I think the most important thing is the models positions as they are clearly indicating that the one in the middle is the focus. I think the photographer took this to show the dress that the model is wearing and wanted to show it in quite a classy, feminine way. 

I have included this image as it relates to both fashion and beauty. What I really like about this is how theatrical the entire image is, which is achieved by various factors in the image. First I think the models positions are quite important as they look quite stiff and surreal, giving them the effect of being mannequins. I also like their blank, emotionless faces which add to this puppet like effect. The clothes really catch my eye as well as they create a circus, renaissance feel. The desaturated colour also dramatizes this and gives it a slight vintage feel.

What I think is most important about this image is the models poses. If they were not as stiff and emotionless, the effect would not be the same and the image would not stand out as much and create such an impact. I think that the photographer was trying to show fashion trends and chose to show them in a very dramatic, stylised way.

 This photograph relates to both my themes of fashion and beauty. I really like this advert for Dior shot by Demarchelier as I like how elegant and expensive it looks. I think the colours and the way the light halo’s around the model creates a really glamorous and beautiful image. I really like the composition, as the model fills it top to bottom, with the space around her linking in with her and what she is wearing to create a story behind the point of the image. What really caught my attention is the golden tones used as they help create a really beautiful, elegant and rich image which reflects the perfume and Dior, which therefore helps sell it.

I think the most important part about this is the models pose and where she is in the position. Herr straight, long dress keeps her central to the composition and keeps it elegant. The fact she is facing away from the camera creates mystery as well. The photographer took this image to advertise Dior Ja'dore perfume. 

I have included this image as it relates to the theme of beauty. What caught my eye most about this is the high contrast black and white and the angle the image was taken at. The high contrast black and white creates a very dramatic and dark look. I also like how well the strong contrast shows form and the shapes and volume of her hair. The angle this was taken at makes the model look powerful and in control as it is looking up at her.  This angle also adds to strong contrast and form that is shown. I also like how the image has a slight sixties feel, due to the chunky necklace, big hair and pattern that is just visible on the models top.

I think the most important thing about this image is the models pose and the angle of the camera combined as they work together well to create an powerful image showing the model as in control and important. I think the photographer took this to show the sixties inspired fashion and beauty. 

Influence
I looked at Demarchelier's work in more detail as I liked how sophisticated, elegant, and slightly vintage his work looks creating beautiful timeless images. When looking at his work, I look at what factors are put into creating such photographs such as colour and lighting which is what I have tried to recreate in some of my images and shoots. I also like how his work really shows the subject and their emotion as well as creating visual stories in some images. I have also looked into how he uses composition effectively. The shoot his influence is most prominent in is a shoot I done showing fashion and beauty inspired by 60's themes where I focused on showing the models emotion in a intimate way and portraying the ideas in a classy, feminine way. 

Summary
The more I have looked into Patrick Demarchelier's work, the more it has come to inspire me due to its classic, timeless finish. I have referred back to his work and looked into it in more detail throughout the unit and will continue to do so with future shoots.I have become more interested in his work the more I have looked into it. 

Diego Uchitel 

Diego Uchitel is a South American photographer who covers a range of different areas of photography including portrait, advertising, and landscapes. Although his work covers a broad area of photography, he does focus on photography that revolves around fashion and beauty such as advertising and portraiture. His high quality, perfected images has given him a massive client list full of world renown names such as Microsoft, Vanity Fair, Halle Berry and Christian Bale. I have decided to look at this photographer in more detail as I really like the overall finish of his images, and it is clear to see that everything has been planned precisely with each factor corresponding each other perfectly to get a perfect image portraying the subject. 

This image relates to my project as it is portraying beauty. I chose to include this image as I really like the composition, and how feminine it looks while at the same time showing the model as quite powerful. I like the composition as although the model is positioned to the right, she still fills it with her hair being blow into the left side of the composition. The model looks flawless with perfect skin. This is partially due to the lighting that is showing minimal shadow and creating no shadow on the background which could be the product of the use of a ring flash. The image looks feminine as it is quite soft and showing quite natural beauty through the use of neutral colours. It looks strong as well though due to her position and the way she is staring directly at the camera which give the image a bold and powerful effect. 

What I think is most important about this image is the lighting. This is because it creates minimal shadow, and show the model in a flawless way giving her a sort of glow as well. If the lighting was harsher creating more shadow, the feminine aspects of this would be lost. I think that the photographer took this to show the ideas of beauty. 

This image relates to my project as it is showing the ideas of beauty. I chose to include this image as I really like how light it is which creates a really feminine, dream like effect. I really like the lighting with this as the whole composition looks illuminated and bright which creates the dream like effect. I also like how the lips are the clear focus of this as they stand out strong with the use of bright pinks and diamonds in comparison to the barely there make up on the rest of the model. I also really like how the butterfly has been included as it helps to fill the composition. It also adds to the dreamy look of the image. 

What I think is the most important thing about this image is the bare make up on the model as it emphasizes the focus on the lips. I think the photographer is trying to show the idea of having the lips being bold and the focus in comparison to the rest of the make up. 

This image relates to my project as it is showing beauty. I chose to include this image as I like how the lines going across the composition distorts the image and gives it the effect that the viewer is looking in on a private moment which creates a more intimate feel. I really like how the lines and the lighting behind them contrasts, with the lines being very light and the lighting behind being quite low and creating a lot of shadow. I also like how the lines  - potentially blinds - create more depth in the image. I also like the models expression  as she looks like shes unaware the photo is being taken  which makes the image seem more personal/ 

The most important thing about this is the fact the model is being caught off guard, as if she was looking directly at the camera it would not give the same, natural effect. I think the aim of the photographer was to take a personal portrait of the subject model.

This image relates to my project as it shows both fashion and beauty. I chose to include this as I really like the retro, vintage feel the image has due to colour, and how the model looks. I really like the composition as although the model is not filling it edge to edge, she is still clearly the focus and it central. The rest of the composition is filled well with the location which works well with how the model looks. I really like how the model looks like someone out of the 50's or 60's due to the shape and colour of the coat and her massive hair. I like how the model stands out due to the bright red contrasting well with the lighter colours of the location. 

I think that the most important thing about this image is the location, as if there was no setting or location, then the composition would look a bit empty. I also think that the colours in the background/location is crucial as the desaturated tones makes the red stand out. I think the photographer took this to show retro inspired fashion.

Influence

I have looked into his work more as referred back to it throughout my project as I like how he classically puts forward fashion and beauty ideas, as well as how he visually presents these ideas. Such factors that go into his work that I have looked to and admire is how he creates soft, light images showing his female models in a very feminine and delicate way, as well as at the same time showing them in a powerful way. I also like how he uses composition well, filling it entirely with the model or filling empty space with things or location relevant to the subject. This shoot where his influence is most evident is my balloon shoot as the resulting images look soft, feminine and yet still show the model is a powerful way, not showing her as weak. I also during this shoot filled empty space around the model with balloons. 

Summary

In conclusion, I have looked back to his work quite a lot throughout this project, referring back to it mostly when I wanted to create soft, feminine images. I will look at his work in future as well due to his classic style. After looking at his work and referencing it when planning shoots, I still like and appreciate it.

Chuck Grant
Chuck Grant is an American photographer based in New York. Her main areas of photography are portraiture, editorial and documentary. She works very closely with singer Lana Del Rey, doing the majority of her promotional photography including stills for her 2013 short film Tropico. She has also worked with New York Magazine and Vanity Fair. I have decided to look at her work in more detail as I really like the intimate, classy images she produces mainly on film camera which is evident. I also like how she captures and puts across the purpose and ideas of the image.

This relates to my project theme as it shows the ideas of fashion and beauty. I chose to look at this image as I like how intimate and personal this looks, almost like a personal scrapbook/photo album image. I like how messy the setting looks which adds some chaos to the image which contrasts with how relaxed and calm Lana Del Rey looks. I also really like how Lana is sitting facing the left of the composition and just turning her head towards camera, with a distant, tired look. This creates quite a strong image documenting a moment in time rather than a composed false image. 

What I think is most important about this image is the way Lana looks, she looks quite vulnerable due to her pose, the white clothing and teddy in comparison to how she normally looks which creates a very personal feel to the image. I think this photo was taken to capture the moment of calm in what appears to be chaos. 

This relates to my project as it shows fashion and beauty. I chose to include this as it really stands out to me in terms of technical factors such as colour/light contrast, and composition. I really like how bright and natural the model in the image looks in contrasts to the dark, surreal looking background which creates a strong contrast and give the image a 3D effect. Another thing I like is the composition as the model fills up almost exactly half of the composition and there is s "border" around her head so that she is clearly the focus but is not looking suffocated which helps to keep it very natural and relaxed. These factors together create a elegant, yet informal portrait. 

What I think is most important about this image is the contrast in colour/light as it is what makes the model stand out, presenting it in a stronger way making the image bolder. I think the photographer took this to take a natural, documentary/portrait style image of the subject. 

This relates to my project as it strongly shows fashion and some elements of beauty. I chose to include this image as I think it looks quite powerful, showing the subject in a feminine, yet powerful way. What I like about this is the camera angle, I think this is significant as well as the camera is looking up at the model which makes her appear superior. I also like what she is wearing which is the point of the image. I like how flamboyantly dressed she is, which gives the image a funner, softer look which contrasts to the more high end, expensive feel to the image. These elements together are what creates a very strong, fun image. 

What I  think is the most important element in this image is the camera angle looking up at the model as it creates good composition and shows her very in a very powerful way. I think the reason this image was taken was to show feminine power and high end eccentric fashion and lifestyle. 

This image relates to my project as it shows elements of fashion and beauty. I chose to include this as I like how it seems realistic and window into someones life, while at the same time looking slightly planned and staged. I really like the location/setting as everything on the wall and the books creates a more personal feel, giving ideas about what the person featured is like. I also like how the person looks in some respects quite innocent due to her white dress and blonde hair but the camera angle contradicts this by looking up at her making her seem more powerful. These elements together create a set up fly on the wall style image showing the viewer what the person is like in a natural and composed way.

What I think is most important about this is the setting. Without it, the image would look empty and not tell as much of a story. This was taken to show ideas on what this person is like, maybe to contrast peoples existing views on her. 

Influence

I chose to look into Chuck Grant's work mainly due to the intimate ways she shows her subjects and her use of film camera instead of digital which gives the images a more personal and slightly vintage effect. Both of these elements have influenced me continuously during my project. In terms of the personal way she shows her subject, this has influenced me through all shoots, especially when doing portrait works where I wanted to get a more relaxed and intimate image. I have also used film cameras in two of my shoots, and really liked the effect and how entirely different it is compared to shooting with digital. I used film both on location and in the studio, both times giving good effects. For example, on my motel shoot I used a film camera and it gave a more vivid, vintage feel and the shutter speed gave some good blurred effects which worked well with my ideas. 

Summary

Overall, I have constantly referred back to Chuck Grants work throughout my project. I have got a lot of inspiration from her ideas behind the shoots, the way she shows them and her use of location and film camera. I have also looked at her natural, yet strong and contrasting use of colour. My interest in her work has grown through this project and I will refer back to her work in future shoots and projects - especially ones on location.