L I G H T A N D R E F L E C T

Here are some unedited images from my most recent shoot. I have used LED lights and captured certain movement, whilst I have used foil and formed it to create specific shapes and reflection on the face. I did try to create the concept of LED lights in a previous shoot however was unable to shoot as a fuse blew in the lights. This proved problematic as new red LED lights were required. Fortunately I managed to find some and was able to create the look I originally had in mind. I wanted the lights to represent the idea of veins which is why I chose the colour I did. Veins born externally? 

The foil worked really well and formed a subtle mask over the face. The material was perfect, reflecting the blue light and capturing movement. When planning this shoot I intended to capture close ups of the foil with no body parts visible. But when actually shooting I felt it looked more effective and stronger as a concept with the shoulders of the model visible. Out of all my images so far I am most pleased with the lighting in the foil images as I believe it shows the blue tones but touching softly on the skin. 

These are my 2 chosen images and will be used as my final pieces.

Photography, concept and stylist:

Lauren Banner

T R I B E S

Mother and child figure represents the female ancestor taking care of her descendants. This commemorative figure would have been used to honor the maternal spirit who in turn brings prosperity and fertility. Among the Kongo people, the woman is considered as the chief of the family. Thus, the female ancestor is the guarantor of the fecundity and continuity of the clan or family. Such sculptures would be kept on a family or local shrine where she would be receive sacrifices and offerings.

Article and image taken from, http://sm76626.wordpress.com/category/african-tribes-objects/

A F R I C A N A D O R N M E N T

Research has been ongoing throughout this project and has in turn helped me with the development of my shoots. I have carried out considerable editorial, architectural, makeup and modern design research, however something I felt a closer insight into cultural and tribal research would be useful. As you can see from the images below African tribes take on adornment of the face and body to represent their particular tribe and culture. 

Images taken from google

T E X T U R E S A N D L A Y E R S

This week I completed two more of my shoots that haven't been re-touched and included below. Both concepts look at texture and growth with the idea of the body being taken over with a loss of control. Overall I am happy with both shoots and, importantly, will be in-keeping with my other images. Despite this it proved difficult in creating an image which featured flesh coloured paint dripping down the neck and onto the body. The visible layers of paint was in turn the most difficult but also most important factor in my image. I took some initial photographs and decide to add more paint when looking over the images which proved a good decision as I was able to create layers and a more prominent texture. I also tried range of styles when photographing, including close up as well as the capture of movement thus giving me a wider range of images.

My second shoot was successful and went according to plan. I had a small amount of time to complete the look and by keeping the makeup simple and clean enabled me to keep well within my time limit. I used white foam clay around the chest, neck and face of the model in order to express the idea of growth on the body. The unedited images below from my shoot are actually two of my favourites, however the model has a certain facial expression that, although not overpowering, I feel does not keep continuity with my other images. Therefore I've chosen not to use either image in my book.

Please see below for the chosen images edited and ready to be published. These images were chosen as I felt they are most fitting n regard to the photos as a collection. They both seem to demonstrate textures and layers in an intended futuristic approach. Therefore I chose these two images to represent my theme and concept most clearly, and I am please with the outcome.

Photography, Concept and MUA:
Lauren Banner

Assistant:

 Allie Meek

P R I N T E R S

As stated a few weeks ago I was in contact with a printers called Mimeo. However after thinking about the style and purpose of my book I have decided to look at other printers who may be better suited to accommodate my original design idea. 

After further background research  I discovered the company Blurb. Blurb appear to suit the requirements of my book to a greater specification.

B U D G E T

It is important to stay within my original budget plan, included in my project proposal. However as my project has altered throughout the process this has in turn resulted in the budget also changing.  As my budget initially left enough money for the possible commission of jewellery I should have stayed well within it. Below is the original budget plan.

Although my outgoings have stayed within this budget, the materials used and other overheads have varied greatly. I have calculated how much I have spent so far and the categories I have covered within my budget. I'm really pleased with the outcome however as my main and initial concern with these type of project related directly to its costs. Project expenses have included materials I have used in all photoshoots to create an adorned face and body, makeup, and photography, as well as equipment such as a hot shoe and larger memory card.  

Travel:  £0

Models: £0

Research materials: £20

Photoshoot materials: £70

Total (so far): £90

I R V I N G P E N N A N D I S S E Y M I Y A K E

A 13 year collaboration between Japanese designer Issey Miyake and American photographer Irving Penn led to some fantastic pieces of work that explore and combine aspects of fashion, photography, art and design. The use of colour and style in the two images below stood out in particular. 

L U C Y M C R A E

A beautiful insight into the creative mind of Lucy McRae. Lucy looks at merging the human body with technology and science creating visually stunning designs.  For an insight into her inspirations and the ideas behind her imaginative work please watch the video below.

Video taken from http://www.ted.com/

P A I N T

Paint takes on a life of its own and snakes across the human body in this stop-motion animation by French graphics studio Tenas. The project took three people five days and incorporates 1500 photos. 

L I G H T S A N D F O I L

I have been concentrating on moodboards for my shoots today. So far my moodboards have helped me greatly when creating a specific look. Please see below the two moodboards developed for a further two shoots that will be taking place the end of this week. I have set myself quite a challenge completing the next 5 shoots this week, and the moodboard designs are an imperative aspect in ensuring that my focus is maintained throughout.

For the first shoot I will be using LED lights to express the emotion and feeling. Worn on the skin these lights will capture this emotion through the movement of the model. For my second shoot I shall be using crumpled and well textured tin foil whilst utilising the face to emphasise identity and the idea of the mask.