Final Evaluation
When creating these pieces I gathered many reference images and inspirational artwork to base my images off. For props I decided to use a jug, some flowers, face paint and a white t-shirt. These props allowed me to achieve my desired effect. I chose to decorate the jug as it was plain. I chose a pattern that I felt represented the Memphis style. In addition I decided that the model should wear a white shirt as it would allow me to edit the colour, pattern, style in Photoshop. Rather than restricting myself with a coloured shirt or a patterned one, I am able to edit it. I chose to use some face paint within this project as I believe it embodies 'fun'. As face paint is often used at fairs and fates I decided to use it within my images. Also, at festivals face paint is now commonly used. Moreover festivals are becoming more common within modern society therefore I wanted to reflect this within these pieces. Within the studio I decided to keep the background white and isolate the model/objects so I could edit them within Photoshop. This enabled me to experiment with compositions and colours without being limited to one photo. Moreover in the studio I made sure that there were various lights eliminating the shadows cast by the model/objects. This helped to keep a pure background which made it easier to drop colours and patterns into. In addition I decided to increase the ISO to help with this effect as well. This made the images brighter and more crisp.
Within these images I edited them in Photoshop. For the first image I decided to create a story board like image which told a story. I added various patterns such as 'Bacterio' by Ettore Scottsass within the images. I chose to do this as I was inspired by this pattern and wanted to incorporate it in my photos. In addition I added grass to the image to make the idea make sense. Also I decided to add shadows behind the models as they appeared flat within the image. This allowed the models to standout from the background and appear to be leaping from the page.
Within the following images I chose contrasting patterns to fill the background to make each image 'pop'. Moreover I chose to define the models again with the shadows to make them leap off the page. Also I decided to only use a portrait of each model as the image would have been distant.
The idea that I planned was the first image. I chose this idea as I thought it was playful and cheery whilst still representing that Memphis is with the patterns and poses. Also when doing the impromptu shoot I was able to use other people's props and create a shoot completely different from my final outcome. I prefer the final outcome over the impromptu shoot as I believe this shoot is more playful and cheery compared to the test shoots. By working with this process I am able to gain experience on how to set up a studio, direct models and capture quality images within a time frame. This relates to working in the industry as there are deadlines to meet with various projects and employment. By working like this within college I will be able to recognise these situations and act accordingly based on personal experience. My most successful images were the head shots as I could use them for various experimental ideas. With these images I could further them by making them animated or change the colour scheme depending on the brief. These images are successful because they represent what the Memphis Group's style was and their atmosphere when creating their ideas. Moreover, I was able to successfully adapt them for a modern audience.
I believe my images relate to my research on the Memphis Group as I have been able to keep the child-like and playful atmosphere throughout my images. As Memphis Group aimed to be non-functional and break the 'norm' within society. My images also relate to the group as they used various vivid, pastel colours throughout their work. I chose various colour schemes to tie in with their ideas and furniture. In addition I decided to use multiple patterns throughout each image. Natalie Du Pasqueir was a member of the Memphis Group and was a textile designer. Within the catalogue there are multiple of her patterns listed.
When capturing these images, I needed to make sure they were relevant to a modern audience. In doing so I decided to use modern clothing, makeup, hair styles, process etc... As we live within a modern society with technology readily available to us, I was able to edit my images within Photoshop. This enables me to change colours, enlighten the images, enhance the colours etc... Moreover I chose to represent makeup that would be commonly seen at festivals and group events. By doing this I am able to relate to a wider audience as music is a common aspect of people's daily lives. In addition people attend concerts to see their favourite pop-star in person. This goes against the functionality of technology today as music can be found on platforms such as Spotify, YouTube and other platform. By seeing their icon in person presents challenges and blockades such as transport, money, tickets, booking. These processes question to functionally of festival like Memphis Group questioned the functionality of everyday furniture.
Also my images could be used in various advertisements, videos and could be made into gifs. As each of my pieces are able to be changed into various colours, movements and positioning, they are bale to be used in different ways depending on the brief. When animating these images I could either animate the background so the patterns move. Or additionally the shadows behind the model could switch between colours or be used on a cycle.
When creating these pieces of work, I encounter few problems as from previous projects I had experience with what could happen. With this experience I was able to avoid unnecessary set backs and interruptions. However, there were a few mishaps such as shadows were still visible and props being missing. To counter these problems, I was able to edit various aspects in Photoshop which allowed me to insert missing objects and remove shadows. If I were to repeat this shoot, I would include more studio lights to reduce the amount of time spent on editing the images. Also I would like to explore the idea of just shooting still life to see what ideas and outcomes I could generate with a different subject.
Compared to the other projects previously, I enjoyed shooting this one as I was able to direct the model to achieve what I desired. Also this shoot was fun and airy as the atmosphere was cheerful and playful which I believed helped to make these images work when working with the model. Moreover being able to take a child-like approach to a shoot was a delightful change to the sombre, cold mood within the other shoots like Baroque as they dealt with serious subjects and ideas. In addition, I believe that this shoot was easier to complete due to the desired outcome as we are young therefore we understand what its like to defy what others want you to appear as. However when it came to editing the other shoots were easier such as the Surrealist shoot and the OP Art shoot due to ideas i generated and the circumstances on the day.
