Ideas for My New Set of Photos

As I have totally changed my idea for this assignment, I need to change my ideas and get them down before I start taking more photos. Here are the ideas I have so far:

Overall Concept:

From my research on this topic in Graphics, I have found that there are several key factors that cause young girls to grow up so fast these days. These include the media, advertising, TV and movies, parenting and idols. In turn, these factors have reactions such as teenage pregnancy, anorexia, obesity, violence, text/cyber bullying, drinking, smoking, taking drugs, premature sexuality, anxiety and depression. I would like to deal with several of these issues in a photographic manner, dealing with what the child is doing, what has caused them to do this (this could just be an object that shows what they are doing) and perhaps a metaphorical image that represents it. It would also be quite cool to include brand names or logos that represent each issue and also consumerism.

Putting it Together/Presentation:

I want to use pieces of OHT in a layered way and print one photo on each layer so that when they are put together, they form a photo-montage or collage effect (For example, the image of the child will be on the first layer, the cause on the second layer and the metaphorical image on the third layer... and so on). I would like to put these sheets together in a photo frame that has a clear back on it so you can see through both sides. If these frames were then hung on a white gallery wall (for example), you would be able to see all the detail of the images. I'm not sure yet whether I will get these frames made for me at Polytech or buy them. It depends if I choose to stagger the layers of OHT so that there is a space between each layer, or if they are butted up flat on each other. I chose to use OHT sheets because it is something different and I will be able to explore my use of colour over several layers in one overall image. I also like the idea that they are transparent so images could overlap. Transparency is also, i think, quite relevant to my theme because these young girls don't realize that what they are doing is turning them into people of no substance and superficial.

Ideas for Each Photo-montage:

1. Dieting/Caring about their body image: Child= Measuring the size of their waist or standing on the scales (this will be a cropped image where you will only see the section of the body but not the girls face). Cause/Object= Barbie dolls (unrealistic body proportions). Metaphor= Spindly/withered trees or food that is going off because it hasn't been eaten. Logo= Barbie.
2. Wearing too much makeup: Child= Putting on red lipstick or heavy eyeliner/mascara (this again would be a cropped image where you can just see the features of the face). Cause/Object= Makeup palette or group of products. Metaphor= Thick icing on a cake or something beautiful and pure that is covered up by something that isn't (such as an aspect of nature that has been tagged on or covered with rubbish). Logo= Cover Girl.
3. Internet over-usage: Child= Typing on a keyboard or using the mouse on a desktop or laptop computer. Cause/Object= School computer room or parts of a computer. Metaphor= Spider web (could have a spider in it to represent the dangers). Logo: Second Life/iMac.
4. "Tween" shoppers: Child= Hands holding lots of shopping bags that are full of purchases. Cause/Object= Mall or wallet/credit cards . Metaphor= Burning or throwing away money. Logo= Cotton On Kids.
5. Underage drinking: Child= Holding a martini glass. Cause/Object= Bottles of alcohol/Fake IDs. Metaphor= Pulling out the plug from a sink/bathtub, water going down the drain. Logo= Pure Blonde.

I think I will need to create at least five of these photo-montages to complete the requirements for this assignment which calls for about 15 photographs in total.

Photographic Design: Rob and Craig Shields

Rob Shields

Craig Shields

I'm not sure if these two designers/photographers are related, but they have the same last name and their work is very similar. I love this type of work. I feel like it really appeals to me because it has both a photographic and graphic approach, who as a Viscom student, is exactly what I love and am involved in. Most of the models in these images appear to have been styled and posed in a fashion manner and have added graphic devices applied afterwards. I really like the movement and colour that is achieved, giving the images a luminosity and vibrance which definately grabs your attention. I also like how text is incorporated into several of the images, such as "forget the past, look to the future," and "someday the paid will be useful to you." They almost have a supernatural feel, while also having an advertising approach as well. I think that this type of design on top of photography would take quite a long time to complete and I think that if I tried to do something similar to this that I would end up copying it, something I definately don't want to do. Therefore, I will use these images soley as inspiration.

Research into Experimental Photography

I thought that I'd take a step back from my theme for a moment and take a look at experimental photography to give me inspiration. I really liked what I found. Most of these photos deal with texture and colour which I think is really interesting.

I especially like what appears to be the reflection of a building on another building's windows where the lit apartments create a colourful pattern.

The photo below it is quite interesting as well, the idea of projecting images onto something else. I think it would be quite interesting to try taking several photos of different things and printing them onto OHT paper and overlaying them on a scanner or light box to see how the images work together as one. each photo could relate in some way or be completely random, where the final product comes together in an unexpected way. Here, I could explore the use of colour, contrast and composition in a really original way.

The photo below this appears to be the view inside a glass, but also gave me the idea of photographing through a surface or object to create an interesting viewpoint. For instance, looking through a glass or a fishbowl would totally skew the shape of the image.

I think the image of the buildings in a kind of over-exposed manner is also really effective. If I chose to work with the OHT idea, it could be quite interesting to play with the idea of over-exposure and negative images.

The final image I have here really appealed to me when I saw it. I really like the smooth texture it seems to have, almost an illustrative look. I also really like the use of colour and the unusual viewpoint.

This little bit of extra research has given me a few ideas as to where I can go from here. I am really interested in looking into the OHT idea. I think that a series of these photos held in glass frames with no backing and a frame holding them together could be a really professional way of displaying them. I just need to decide whether I want to deal with the same subject matter through these layered compositions, or totally change my original idea.

More Research into Child Photography

This photo is really cute. I like the idea of placing the child in unusual surroundings like this.

I love this photo, an image like this would be so difficult to capture. Although this image appeals to me, I am not interested in just taking photos of cute kids. I want my photos to say more than that.

I like the idea of using close-up or cropped shots like this. If I chose to run with my theme, it could be quite interesting (for instance) to show a close-up of a child's foot inside an adult's high heeled shoe or something along those lines. This would be a more subtle or abstract way of showing my theme.

This photo fits in with my theme in a different way, dressing a child to look like an adult. I really like the angle of this photo and angles are something I should definately look into when shooting my next photos. Looking down on the child in this way makes them look smaller, which I think works really well.

I really like the lighting of this photograph and the ambiguity of it. You wouldn't really know what it was about or what the child was looking at unless it was part of a series or had a caption attached. I like the idea of photography that makes you think and is not really obvious.

Once again, I like the idea of the close-up shot on body parts. I think this photo has a really interesting viewpoint and I like the use of colour. At first, I thought it might be nice to use really bright colours and high contrast in my photographs, but I would also like to explore the option of using black and white, photo filters or a selected colour range in my series of photographs.

This is also a very cute photograph, but I really like the lighting that is used. It creates a really soft effect which is very appropriate to young children. I also think the use of colour (or lack of) works really well.

Conclusions From My First Photo Shoot

Overall, I am a bit disappointed with my first attempt at this subject. I didn't realise that it would be so hard to photograph children, especially ones as young as Aerika. I got a few photos that I like, but I think I need to work more on working with the whole space, such as the backgrounds or at least using a plain backdrop that will be easier for me to mask out where necessary.

From here, I am not sure if I want to either stick with the same subject matter and re-shoot it, stick with the same subject matter but approach it in a different way, or completely abandon this subject to work on something different. I will explore all options and do some more research to help me decide where to go from here.

Photos From My First Photo Shoot

Taylah surrounded by bags and receipts, gasping at one of the reciepts from the amount of money she has spent. I quite like this photograph as it is, but I would like to look at using a different background. I would like to re-shoot the couch in the background and replace the blanket and the scarf with more bags, receipts and purchases to expand on my idea.

Taylah listening to an MP3. I might re-shoot this photo and get her to dance around or appear to be singing instead. I want to Photoshop in the album art of a band that use explicit language, something that she shouldn't be listening to. If I was to use this photo I would replace the background so you can't see my sister walking through.

Taylah dressed up to look like a famous person, in this case Lady Gaga. I think this photo is really cute and she really enjoyed doing it. I would like to replace the background with a shot of a bedroom wall that is plastered with Lady Gaga posters and memorabilia.

Aerika getting her hair straightened. I think this photo is quite cute, but I don't think it really says a lot. Probably wouldn't use the same subject matter in my final portfolio.

Aerika trying on high heels. For this photo she became really difficult and wouldn't get in the photo unless my sister was sitting next to her (you can see her dressing gown on the left hand side. My original idea was to have her sitting in the closet with a lot of shoes surrounding her which I think would've been a lot better. Could re-shoot with Taylah.

Aerika drinking milk out of a martini glass. This is probably one of the best shots I got. I think she looks really cute and innocent with her missing teeth showing, which also helps to show her age. If I was to use this photo I would use a different background (if it is possible to mask it out).

Aerika using my laptop. If I was to use this photo I would Photoshop in the image of a website that she shouldn't be looking at at her age. I would also mask out the background a bit.

My First Photo Shoot Experience

I called up my friend Amanda and arranged a time for her to bring her two children, Aerika and Taylah, around to my house for my first photo shoot. I had an AIPA (Advertising and Illustrative Photographers Association) form for each child for Amanda to read and sign to give me permission to photograph her children and use the photos for my portfolio and other applications over the next two years.

I wrote up a list of ideas for each child as a guide to what I would photograph. The list is as follows:

Taylah:

• Wearing makeup, looking in the mirror at herself
• Taking a pxt of herself, maybe sending it off where you can see the image on another cellphone
• Reading a Cosmopolitan magazine or a book like this that is too old for her
• Listening to an MP3 where you can see the album art of and artist who uses explicit lyrics
• Surrounded by receipts and shopping bags from spending a lot of money
• Wearing heavily labelled clothing
• Wearing a lot of jewellery, big earrings, etc

Aerika:

• Using my laptop to look up inappropriate things or using a webcam
• Pulling a top out of a drawer wondering what to wear, top has inappropriate saying or image on it
• Watching TV/movies that are too old for her
• Drinking milk out of a wine/martini glass
• Sitting in the bottom of a closet trying on high heels, surrounded in shoes
• Hugging a photo of a boy or kissing a poster of a famous person
• Straightening her hair
• Hair dyed (using Photoshop in post-production)

I began to work with Aerika first who was the younger of the sisters at age 6. I found her unbelievably hard to photograph. At first she would seem really excited to get ready for a photo but as soon as I got her in front of the camera she would refuse to do anything I asked her to do and nearly started crying at one point. Due to this, I cut her part of it short and only got her to do a few of the ideas I had come up with.

I then moved on to working with Taylah who is the older sister at age 9. She was a lot easier to work with and even helped me with Aerika during her photographs. Taylah was easy to direct and had fun doing it which made photographing her very easy.

The kids started to get a bit restless so I decided to call it a day and arrange for another time to take photos once I was back at tech. From here I will be able to look at the photos I have and re-shoot the ones I am not happy with and continue to work through my list of ideas. I will probably just work with Taylah on the rest of the photographs since she is a lot easier to work with and because of her age, is easier to get her to pose.