Baroque Final Photo

Baroque Final Image

When creating my final image, I used various lights and props to create my desired effect. Firstly, we used a black backdrop to emphasize and darken the image entirely to imitate the Baroque style. Moreover, I used the studio lights with various additions such as the snoot. This allowed me to direct the light to highlight areas of importance. In addition, I took the photo portrait as landscape enlarged the Trump head, shrinking Mahanaz.  

Within this photo we used various props to create a modern twist the Baroque painting I chose to recreate. We used a Trump mask, a serving plate and a head scarf. This reference my chosen image as the woman in question has a headdress on and is carrying a severed head on a plate. This directly reference my final image as we took a political twist on this Baroque painting. We chose to do this as the media is focused on Trump's actions on refugees. In addition we chose Trump as he is widely recognized around the world. Using a head scarf references not only the woman int he painting but the crisis between Trump and refugees in currant time. By adapting it in this way, I have been able to add a modern twist onto a painting whilst still keeping its defining features. Moreover, by using modern clothing, a hoodie, we have directed this at the modern age as this is item of clothing is commonly seen in the streets of Britain. In addition, I used a detailed platter that had intricate designs. I chose this as nowadays we are able to afford luxury items and decorate various objects. Whereas back then the luxury was only for the rich and royalty. 

By taking a political twist on this painting, I have been able to create a serious tone throughout the image. The photo has become evocative most likely the reaction at the time as well. Some would argue that this piece could be extreme but I believe it shows an consequence of future actions. This relates to the Baroque style as at the time mainly political/religious events were painted by artists. By choosing a mixture of political and religious elements into my final photo, I was able to create a piece that would have been acceptable at the time. 

Whilst creating this photo, I ran into various problems along the way. Some of these included finding the right shutter speed, Mahanaz constantly taking breaks due to the platter being heavy and angles of the camera to hide the stuffing in Trump's mask. As I originally took the test photos with the shutter speed at 1/8th of a second, these were too bright in the final shoot. Therefore I tested various shutter speeds to find the perfect timing. I tested 1/20th, 1/40th, 1/50th and 1/60th. I played around with 1/40th, 1/50th and 1/60th but finally decided 1/50th was the best shutter speed for my final photo. However, when it came to the tray, the best solution was to take regular breaks and take a few photos between each one. Moreover, as I used a mask for Trump's face, I had to stuff the mask to make it stand up on the platter. By doing this it limited the amount of angles I could have taken the photo at, as the stuffing (which was black) would have been visible. Within my test shots this can seen.    

Overall I think the final photo relates directly to the painting we chose. I think this because, whilst only really changing the clothing, everything stayed relatively the same. With this final photo there are flaws that don't relate to the painting such as the position of hands under the tray. Moreover, I believe this final image relates to the Baroque movement as a whole as I kept the key characteristics in mind whilst creating this photo, the dark background, dulled colours and political/religious meaning.  

If I were to do this shoot again, I would study the body position of the woman in the painting to try to create a direct interpretation of the painting. Moreover, I would try various other clothing that is popular in fashion to contrast more against the painting. Also, I would add various objects around Trump's head that relates to him. This would add more depth tot he image as well as making it more interesting. In addition, it would remove the blank space around the head due to the size of the platter and the absence of clothing unlike the painting.