I began exploring this idea in the studio with the strobes, showing the models themselves, who are not actually dating. I then tried to incorporate shadows and showing this concept using only body language shown through the shadows. I also experimented a little with showing one subject and the shadow of the other.
For my second shoot I took my models outside and took images of them and their shadows on different backgrounds and textures. I had some trouble in the studio getting the shadows fully defined because of the defused lighting the strobes give off, and the direct sunlight worked very well to define the figures. I thought that the different contexts help show the progression of the relationship.
Kayleigh, I really like the story you are trying to portray. I think you are getting better results in the studio shots. Although, I think an environmental setting works better for this (just a personal opinion). I like the second to last image with her looking out the window at her "boyfriend". It really shows a struggle between the two, especially the struggles that some couples go through when they live together (if it's made to look that way). If you decide to go with the studio, stick with what you're doing, the depth of field was working well, and it looks like you had good interactions with your models. [ just a side note, I don't think the shadow images are working as well as your other ones. ]
ReplyDeleteI really like your idea and concept. I like the pictures that you took outside better than the studio photos. It made the situations seem more realistic. But on the other hand I enjoy the studio photos because it gets your concept across better. I also really like the depth of field from your studio photos. Maybe for your next shoot you can take it outside again but bring the studio qualities of depth of field and the close up emotions to it. Also, maybe you could show more emotions of the guy and not just the female.
ReplyDeleteI think you have really great models. I would have to say that I like the shadow photo's a lot better. They are really interseting. I especially think they work whe you have a textural background like the tile. The framing of most of them is great, there is only one photo where the framing is very distracting. It's the first shadow photo you are showing. I think it's the best when you have one figure and one shadow, the interaction between the two is intriguing, it raises the questions of if the person is alive or no longer with her. Maybe explore that more. GREAT JOB!
ReplyDeleteThe story you are portraying is a great idea. I liked the studio shots because of the depth of field, but I think the environment shots help to portray the story better. The shadow photos are nice, but I like seeing the expressions on the models faces better. You can see that there is distance between them where as in the shadow photos it is only obvious by gestures.
ReplyDeleteGood work! I Could feel tension and emotion in some of the photographs. I think it would interesting if you played around with more high and low angle shots. You did this a little in the third photo in the outdoors series. These angles would help to show a power struggle which would interesting to explore, maybe play around with one character dominating the other more. There is very little on how the guy feels, showing both side of the story could bring in another element to the series. I don't know if you'd want to do this but maybe play with shooting at night and the shadows that can happen during that time or shadows at early morning.
ReplyDeleteKaleigh,
ReplyDeleteI love the tortured torment feeling we can all sometimes feel in relationships, I understand the concept yo are trying to convey in the artwork. You can feel the emotion in the shadows as well as the figures. Great job.
-TSmolak
I think your concept is very strong and came across well in your photographs. I really like images from both of your shoots. I think if you take pictures in both styles and mix them you will be very successful. I would try and play around with contrast more and different angles. I also think the pictures with the changes in depth of field are much stronger then your other images. Good work!
ReplyDeleteI think your getting your concept across more with your images including people rather than shadows. The images with shadows are interesting and create great shapes and textures, but there not as intimate as the images that actually show the people. I think that moving out of the studio and turning this into an environmental project could be very strong but I think it will push your concept more in actual situations couples are in, like fighting in the kitchen, or her yelling at him for leaving the toilet seat up as apposed to being at the lake or in front of Lanighan hall. Your studio shots are beautiful, and your concept is being portrayed strongly.
ReplyDeleteI really like your first shoot, but that could be because I love the studio. I would maybe consider using their dress to signify a little more that they just don't belong together. I feel like you might be getting too cliche, which is why even though I love those studio shots, your shadows work better for your idea. I would also maybe consider having a 'tough' girl with a 'straight-lace' guy to switch it up a little bit. If you think it wouldn't detract from your idea, also maybe consider same-sex couples. I also think that showing multiple couples having a hard time being in a healthy relationship would be effective as well because it opens you up to a range of possibilities. Good Luck! Beth
ReplyDeleteVery interesting concept and nice photos. Like others, I believe the shadow idea is the strongest. The environment also helps out a lot. The studio is just too bland. I would like to see a shadow shot down by the lake, the rocks have very interesting forms that I think will help add to the emotion you are trying to get across.
ReplyDeleteI really like the silouettes you did with them outside, the environmental portrait is working really well with them especially the 2nd and forth photos in your re shoot. I think you should explore the environmental photography more and continue using the silouettes. I like the color its working well because you are so aware of your background and framing, that it doesn't get too busy.
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