Back

I have photographed a friend's back, lighting it to highlight and exaggerate her scar and scoliosis. I've done this as part of my appearance theme because people can often have harsh opinions on things like this, that are different. 

The back was lit with two Bowens lights with soft boxes attached, one in front to the left and one behind to the right. There was also a black reflector at either side to create dark shadows on each side of the model, which I think worked incredibly well. The detail in the skin and the figure of the model is highlighted really well, whilst having subtle shadows all over her back.

I really like how these have turned out, and would definitely like to photograph similar things in this way, but I would like to try using a macro lens to get in close and really highlight every 'imperfection'

Portraits

These are some portraits taken in the studio, for these, I used two Bowens lights with soft boxes equipped, with two black reflectors. The first light was placed in front of the model to the left, and the second was across from the first, behind the model, this was to light both front and back of the model. The reflectors were placed either side of the model to create dark definition on either side of the face.

I've done these photographs this way to capture people in their natural state, I've not made anyone pose, they were only asked to sit in the middle of the set up, then the photographs were taken when they didn't expect it to maintain a naturalness to their expressions. 

I like how these photographs have turned out, the lighting makes the model look soft, whilst having defined shadows on the face. Aswell as this, there's a lot of detail in the faces and hair of all the models, it's definitely something I'd use again.

These two are probably my favourite from the shoot, there's a great range of grey tones on the models face, which slowly fade into black. I really like both the composition and the lighting in the photographs, and I like that the model is oblivious to the photograph being taken.

In the rest of the photographs, I've turned the light on the left hand side down slightly, making the model's faces look less over exposed, which makes the faces look a lot softer. I prefer the light being turned down in some of the photographs, but at the same time the over exposed skin looks great in some.

I thought these were interesting, because she was the first model not to look into the camera straight away. 

Theme Change - Appearance

For my work, I have decided to change my theme from landscapes to 'appearance'. Within this, I'll be looking at all aspects, including beauty (not just in people, but in landscapes and materialistic things), discrimination, and getting people's thoughts on different matters. I think the previous work with landscapes links in well with my new theme, although it's not literal like portraits or photographs of people, the natural beauty of the landscapes are a big part in 'appearance'. I will probably shoot some more landscapes, because they are related to my theme, but I will be focusing on a broader range of subjects.
I will have more ideas as I go on, but I think it's a good change, mainly because it allows me to create a broader range of work. Aswell as that, I have much stronger opinions on things based around appearance than I do about landscapes, so my work will be much stronger and much more meaningful, which is definitely a positive step forward. I'd like to shoot a range, including portraits and still life, and do a lot of writing (mainly opinions and thoughts) based around the photographs I'm presenting.

Photoshopped Landscapes

HDR Detail + Conrast

Desaturated, Vingette, Black and White and HDR

HDR and Black and White