The photographer being photographed-Manuel

I used the macro ring flash again and it has worked very well with the darker complexion of the model. It overexposed the images in some cases and gave some strong shadows in others. 

Working with Abbie

These first few images with the dark background is using a disposable camera. The prints that came with the negatives were too cropped so I have scanned the negatives to give me more to work with. The artists I have researched mostly use white or light backgrounds though so I don't think that I can use them.

Whilst working with Abbie she allowed me to experimented with different types of lighting and create some very strong images. 

These last images was using a DSLR and a macro ring flash which was a possible method that photographers I have researched had used. However I don't think it was that effective because a double shadow has been made on both sides of the model which isn't what I was aiming for.

A photoshoot with Kelly

I have used the DSLR for this shoot because I also wanted to try making some movement shots. However They have not turned out as strong as I hoped and the best images are the ones where I made the model look frail or fragile. Also using minimal flash with an external head had a strong effect on the models complexion.

David being a model

Here I have attempted to use both external flash and built in flash. Some of the images with the red shirt are using built in flash however I think that I haven't composed the image well. However some of the other images using external flash are well composed and are relaxing to look at.

Shooting with Callum

The last 8 images of these contacts are using the compact and the others are DSLR. The style again is accurate however the detail isn't as strong as the DSLR. 

A photoshoot with Abby

First I decided to use the DSLR again because of the advanced quality that came with it.

I feel like I should also use another type of camera to make the image look more grungy. using digital is a lot faster and easier to edit so I think that a compact camera might do the trick. 

Using the compact camera actually gives it a very similar effect to Terry Richardson and I got more strong images from this small amount compared to the dslr.

A photoshoot with Lucy

The last 6 images on this contact sheet was with an Olympus OM10 35mm camera. I found this quite awkward because the only speed I have is 400 so I had to use high f numbers to get a good exposure. 

 The rest of the images are using a Nikon D610 DSLR which was really flexible because of the adjustable ISO and high quality full frame sensor. 

This shoot was relatively successful. I got some strong images and I now know that in this location the flooring does not enhance any image. This could be somewhat troublesome in the future. 

The difference between photography books and fashion magazines

A 'photo book' is by definition a book where images are the main source for material inside.

Magazines are defined as periodical instalments to a publication which includes articles and creative artwork. Often aimed at a specific target audience or on a specific subject.

I am going to look at and discuss two hugely popular pieces of material from both in order to compare and let me decide on how I want to display my work potentially. 

This is Eggleston's Guide which was publish alongside his first exhibition. The cover shows a hardback book which is to protect the paper on the inside. This means that the book is intended to survive a long time. An image is also a main subject on the cover which gives the viewer a taste as to what the work is all about on the inside. Also having his name on the front as part of the title makes his name into a brand directly linked to this work.

The inside is very simple and makes the viewer focus on the single images that he placed on one side of the book. When you turn the page this layout makes the viewer feel that each and every image is important and should be treated the same even though some of them won't be as strong as others. A large white border has also been used which is very clean and encompasses the image. There is a small amount of text on the opposite page which states where the image was taken and what page it is. This makes me question whether I really need a large amount of text in my own book.

The front image and layout is very different to the photography book. The image covers the whole page  and the text is actually used over it, emphasising that the image actually isn't the most important part of it. Using text in this way is a destructive way of editing an image because now parts of the image aren't visible. The cover is also soft back maiming that it's something that isn't meant to last forever. The audience is expected to throw it away because as soon as it is released it technically isn't fashion; this style is now in the past.

This shows the basic layout of this magazine. It uses minimalist text for clothing, model and photographer. The images are then centrally placed on the page with a large border the emphasise how clean the images are. 

I think that I can use several bits from both resources in order to make my book. I would like to create an A4 soft back book similar to the magazine, but use singular images over two page spread with a large border similar to the photography book. For my front cover I think I will use an image to cover a large portion of the page but still retain a small border. However I will also use my text with the image to give it a headline title sort of feel. Both of these sources uses white borders so I might do the same.

Karl Lagerfeld

Born 1933; Lagerfeld was the son of a wealthy German businessman. The wealth his farther had allowed him to study in Paris at the age of just 14 and become an artist as well as designer. Since his 30's he has been taking part in prestigious competitions and worked for many top designer brands like Chloe and Vogue. He also used his own fashion and style to produce his own label which he eventually sold but kept all design control of.

This image is very classical however suggestive because of the underlying truth of the models personality. The holy beads and the nun association to the unsexualised purity that they believe in would have made this image very innocent and a very simple portrait. However Lagerfeld has given us as the viewer a little more information about the about the scene. It opens our eyes to how some women act and portray themselves in public compared to other situations. This image suggests that all women, no matter who they are, don't always act they way that they are thinking. It could also suggest that the model wishes for one thing and can't always stay true to what she believes.

The lighting for this image is very simple. Instead of using lighting that is often used for fashion Lagerfeld has used straight on flash from above the camera with a diffusing adaptor to even out the light over the whole image. It also looks like he has used two other lights with soft boxes for the background on each side; which suggests why there is no vignetting which is often created by straight on single flash.

 The model in this image is Abbey Lee, one of the most sort after models of the fashion industry. With recent work being completed for the likes of Hugo Boss and Gucci. To me this image feels like Lagerfeld is trying to make Lee look fragile and delicate. A lot like a china doll. Her bleach blond hair is decorated with an array of flowers and translucent materials. Gold has been used as the main jewellery material probably to match the hair and similar pale yellow tone of her skin. The reds and purples used for the lipstick also matches other areas of the image including the cloth she is wrapping herself in and dark tones of the eyeshadow used. 

I think that Lagerfeld has used two lights to create this image. It looks like a snoot was used on the light for the background due to the gradual fading in tone outwards from the centre of the dense area. I also think that he has used a form of flash ring that has created two clear lines down the face and their reflection is visible in the models eyes.

Lagerfeld does not state what cameras he uses to take his photos however the quality of both these images would suggest that a DSLR was used. This would explain the easy use of a ring flash.

David Bailey

David Bailey is a hugely successful photographer especially during the 60' at the same time as Brian Duffy. His work was first discovered when he was an apprentice and not only did people love his work but also him because he came from a working class family.

 

The model in this image has been portrayed as a strong woman. Bailey uses her hands by placing them on the lower part of her body and the top to connect the whole image together. In these positions; a line is created down the centre of the image which the models body lines up with. The clothing that she is wearing looks like the upper part of a backless leotard suggesting that the model is actually a dancer. She would have to be strong to be able to put up with the strain that the body has to go through. Naturally she is also trained to hold some very awkward positions for long periods of time so she could easily allow Bailey to create any image he wanted. When he photographs women he likes to make them feel comfortable; asking them to tell him a story or show him a movement. Which would get them into a completely natural state for when he takes the photograph. The model looks very still and the edges are well defined. The hair however has movement this would suggest that Bailey has used something to keep it moving whilst the shot was taken. I think that two lights would have been used for this image. One would have been positioned above the camera, facing down at the model and the other would be from the left focusing on the backdrop.

This photograph goes against the common conception that models used for fashion photography are made to look almost perfect. The make up was done to a very high standard which is to be expected, the eyes and lips are the main focus points looking at the face. The hair however if a complete mess. This may have been done in order to portray that nobody is perfect, that everyone has something about them that they wish could be better. Imagery like this might not have been perceived this way at the time; however at the present a lot of the magazines are being criticised because of the amount of photoshop is used on a model and how they are "idolised" as perfection even though it is impossible to achieve.

I think that several lights may have been used in this image. Two or maybe three could have been used on the background in order to completely eradicate all shadow and make it a completely clean white background. Then I think that a single light was placed infront of the model and slightly above the height of her head in order to create the shadow under the nose, jaw and cheakbones. However I think that this light used a softbox diffuser because the reflection in the models eyes are square which would explain the even coverage across her face and hair.

Numbers and film borders are visible around the image 

Brian Duffy

During the 60's he was one of the most influential photographers in Britain. However one day he just gave it all up and burnt most of his work in his back garden. Recently his son has discovered what was left of his work and this inspired him to take it up again.

This image was taken during the 1960's. The model is Joanna Lumley who at the time was a struggling model and single mum.  Prior to this image being taken Lumley had become one of Duffy's favourite models and as soon as he found out she was a mother he told her to bring her son with her. I find this image very strange to look at because Duffy has used contrasting clothes for the two models and the hair colour is different. Lumley is also wearing quite dark eyeshadow. This amount of dark areas in the image is surrounding the face of the young boy; which is emphasising his importance in this image. The fact that Lumley is holding the boy close to her and to her face is also showing the emotional attachment that a mother would have for their son and the importance that they have in their lives.

The lighting looks like it was used to not only illuminate the models faces but also make the white backdrop very clean. This use of space would also help to make the models the main subject. I think that a main light would have been used from above and in front of the models due to the shadow that is under the arm. However this wouldn't illuminate the faces how it has, so I also think that another was used from the right just for that purpose which is what the young boy is looking at. I also think that two other lights are focusing on the background in order to diminish the shadow from the first flash. However the light on the left is less intense; I think this because of the difference in density of the shadow behind the body and the feet. The shape of this image is square which isn't completely visible however this suggests that Duffy has used a medium format film camera.

 Taken in 1965; this image shows John Lennon looking very relaxed and happy for the image. The black jumper is the classic look for all the members of the Beatles. Whilst they were on stage they would also wear dark suits. The background looks like it would have been a dark colour as well; using the right lighting even a dark backdrop can be used to create tonal variance that looks really smooth for black and white photography. The simplicity of this image and casual feel to it would suggest to me that it might have been used in a magazine as the image for an interview with the singer/song writer. 

I think that three lights were used; two for the model and the other for the background. The light used for Lennon would have been positioned above and to the right. You can see this with the shadow that is formed underneath the jaw and the nose. However there is a light reflection in Lennon's eyes and the side of the hand is also visible which wouldn't be possible with just the one. This suggests that Duffy has used a camera mounted flash to create more of a shape to the model instead of using soft lighting to blend him in to the background. The background looks like it is only lit with one light from the right; however this is very intense and makes the darkness of the models jumper stand out clearly against the background. I am lead to believe that due to the shape of this print and the time period it is from that Duffy would have used a medium format camera.

Artifactuprising.com

Artifact Uprising is an American publishing and printing website. Offering hardback and softback book, prints, cards and a platform for you to sell your work. The website is simplistic and uses mostly monochrome tone contrast between different areas of the page and the text is compliant with this. All text is in capitals and evenly spaced. The logo is the same as the website, simplistic; however it looks elegant and strong. This all suggests that it is aimed at the professional or the upper class. The prices of the books also support this.

 

Firstly you need to select the type of book you would like, I have chosen the soft back because it was similar to that of a magazine. It then goes on to ask what size I would like so I chose an A4 page size.

 

Again the editing window is all online allowing you to save projects and also use other online picture services like Instagram so you have access to all your images. The main two tools are along the bottom, uploading images and changing templates. To move images from the uploader you simply drag and drop to the template area; changing the template style is the same except to the page. A special feature they provide is the blank page. At first I thought it might just be for if you want a blank page with no images however I accidentally dropped an image on to it and you are given freedom to do what you like. You can change the sizes and positioning of the images in any way. 

I have decided to use this website for my book due to it's professionalism, versatility and customisation. Although their products are quite expensive they have very good quality paper and are a recognised brand for publishing.

Photobooks from Yophoto.com

Yophoto is a proud to be british photobook publisher. Boasting relevantly cheap prices I thought that I should check them out. From the home page I can see that they haven't tried to do anything spectacular with the layout of the page. A lot of the images on these pages look like stock images, cheap ones at that. It follows a very standard template from top to bottom with logo, menu bar, revolving offers then basic information about their services. In the top right corner it states they do next day delivery which might be very attractive to people that need the book quick.

 

Looking through their products these are the only four types of photobooks that they make. They are all hardback and there is a massive price jump if you need a more professional looking book.

 

When you select the type of book you want it transfers to another page which tells you to tells you to download their software to create the book. 

This is very impracticle for any user especially when there are other websites like Lulu and Blurb where you can do it instantly and cheaper in some cases. I also dislike downloading software from websites that dont look professional/secure. So I refused to use this website further.

Self Publishing on Lulu.com

Lulu has a very simply layout for their website making it user friendly. As well as being able to create and publish your book they will also sell your book on their website which is probably an extra fee.

Featuring physical and digital medias it allows different target markets to be aimed at due to preferences between the two.

Similar to other websites the main options of paper quality, size and cover type is kept on a single page and the price will then change accordingly.

































Once these settings are all chosen you click on the "Make this book" button and a new window will open as the editor and the cover selection screen.

The available choices for the cover seem very basic and more suited towards families. With the images they have selected from stock I presume that this is the alternative to the family photo albums that you would place images in yourself.

Once selected, it will transfer straight to the editor window. Using this software looks very simple with basic controls like save, undo, add image, add text and change colours. You seem to be restricted to the templates that Lulu provide, however there is a large amount compared to other publishers. Other controls are very simple, drag and drop images onto the template and there is an overview of the pages along the bottom.

I personally dislike this style because I feel to restricted. This makes me feel that my book is going to be similar to someone elses because of the lack of freedom.

Terry Richardson

Richardson is a very controversial photographer because of the relations he has with the pornography industry. He funds the operation of a pornography website and often is accused of bribing/convincing amateur models to take part in his own productions. His first book Terryworld showed images of himself, friends and models undertaking sexual acts. Even with this background and reputation he has become one of the most sort after photographer of the A list celebrities.

The model is Cara Delevingne who is often portrayed as a fashion and beauty icon. However in this image she has been directed to pull a funny face, this gives us as the viewer an insight into her personality. With the image being black and white it takes away more of the beauty aspect because Delevingne is blond. This is often worked with massively in magazines because that is a main form of 'mainstream' beauty. Wearing a very baggy jumper is very contemporary with 'comfy clothes' that young adults and teens would wear; this shows that she is a modern woman. The jumper also hides a lot of the models skin which is often a large focus point for fashion magazines; questioning what is the normal fashion. A crisp, sharp shadow can be seen behind the hand meaning that the light used is very harsh and directional towards the model from the left of the image. This light might have been created by a flashgun since as the light is directional. This also suggests that the camera he might have used is a DSLR because of the hot shoe adaptability. The glasses resemble that of Richardson's, this may have been done to recreate his own presence in the image without actually being there.

 

This image of president Obama shows him looking a little more relaxed instead of the very formal and professional man we know. His sleeves rolled up, the tie very slightly loosened, hands in pockets and leaning against the wall are all indications that he doesn't have any worries and feeling quite relaxed. However the flash angled from the right creates a strong shadow behind him, the shadow is only this small because he is standing so close to the wall. This might be representing how he always has his responsibilities with him and is never far away. All this may have been done to show the people he is trying to communicate with that he's actually a very down to earth guy, that he's a man of the people. The subject is centralised and Richardson uses the background to blend the model into it, making it look pure and clean. The distance of the shadow would suggest that the light wouldn't be too far away from the camera so I think that either a DSLR with a flash gun or a compact camera was used.

 

Once again an A list celebrity models for Richardson however this time the image seems to be more orientated towards the use in a magazine or online article. I think this because clothing with the American flag on is very popular in modern fashion and the use of minimal clothing could be used to also attract other audiences that isn't the primary target to read the article or campaign. The salute also shows her dedication to her country which makes her relate-able to many American audiences. I feel that this image is trying to humanise the person who many would consider 'better' than the everyday. Richardson has still played with the sexual subject of Nicki Minaj's bum. He has angled the light above the subject and to the left which only creates shadow behind her thigh and bum making it look bigger and more 'idealistic'. I think that to make this image Richardson has used an external flash so that he could angle the light at the models face. From this I think that the DSLR was used with a wireless sync. The stretching of the vest shirt also leaves little to the imagination and reveals a fair amount of her bust; which also sexualises her more. However the flag enveloping her would suggest that you cant touch/remove it as it would be desecration of the flag.

Using Blurb.com

Blurb is a very basic tool to organise your images and design your book. The front page of Blurb looks very professional and uses a graphic design approuch in the bordering of the website. this makes it look more professional.

The simplest way to create a book is to open 'Bookify' and use the already made templates, this also allows you to add text and design the front and back covers. They provide several book sizes to choose from including small and large square, standard and large landscape and standard portrait. Several different quality paper options is also available which will boost the price up if you choose the premium ones. They also provide hardback and softback books which will also effect the price. A single book comes with the standard 20 pages to work with, any more and the price will increase again.

When you select your desired style Bookify will open and you can create your book using their software.

I have photographed a selection of things around Burton-Upon-Trent based on the theme of cracks. I am going to use these images in 'Bookify' to test how easy it is to use.

I find that it is quite restrictive in how I can use my images. None of the templates I have looked at allows me to make a double page spread with one image and you cant go to the edge with the image which sometimes effects the viewing of the image. If you simply wanted the image in the centre of the page or several images on one page I would find this method satisfactory. However this makes me want to make my own designs on Adobe Indesign or use a more expensive competitor for more flexibility.