Link to photography competition that i entered

Exposures photography competition

http://www.gcro.ac.za/photocompetition

Other awesome blogs to check out

Enjoyed my blog?? Check out these other fabulous blogs that you will definitely enjoy!

http://twinpeas.com/wordpress/personal-growth/73/73/

http://www.beautifulyoubyjulie.com/2010/03/love-your-flaws-2/

http://loveyourflawz.com/

Inspiring photographers

Jodi Bieber- Real Beauty, The Bibi Aisha fund
Website: www.jodibieber.com

Figure 1: Jodi Bieber (photographer), The Bibi Aisha Fund, 2010 (www.jodibieber.com).

David Jay- The scar Project

Website: www.thescarproject.org

Figure 2: David Jay (photographer), The Scar Project, 2011 (www.thescarproject.org).

Anthea Pokroy- I collect gingers

Website: www.icollectgingers.com

Figure 3: Anthea Pokroy (photographer), 0394 Nadia, (icollectgingers.com).

Research and Brainstorming

In order to come up with my manifesto and my final projects, I had to go through specific steps. These steps were to ensure that my brainstorming was thorough so that I  could end up with a satisfactory final product. At first, I wrote down a list of topics that i am extremely passionate about. After reading through the list, I narrowed it down to 3 topics. I then ranked the 3 topics in order of importance. Finally i had the topic that I was most passionate about, this topic being self acceptance and embracing ones flaws.

My next step was to actually write out the manifesto. At first, i thought that this would be easy but boy oh boy, was I wrong! I had to come up with a suitable title (which took ages) and then i had to come up with the manifesto itself! After writing, editing, rewriting, editing, gaining useful pointers from my lecturer and writing again, I finally ended up with "The flawed Manifesto", which is pretty well written, if I do say so myself.

Once my manifesto was finalised , i had to brainstorm ways of depicting my message visually , through my blog and photographs. I first went on the Internet and searched for photographers and pictures that might inspire the look and feel of my blog. Once I found the desired images, I then took to create two look and feel boards for blog. Out of the two, I finally selected the theme that i thought best suited my manifesto. A very bold, plain and simple theme that is predominantly black and white.

When i selected the them I had to finally start thinking about my photo shoots. Once again I went back to pen and paper and started scamping and brainstorming in order to come up with an effective concept.

After all of the brainstorming, i finally came up with 3 projects. I though that i was ready to shoot but then something just clicked, I realised that I wasn't completely happy with my ideas , as a result I went back to brainstorming! eventually I came up with 3 projects that I was happy with. At this point i started scamping and sketching ideas for poses that the models would do in each shoot. 

Project 1- Scamps and sketch (Refinement of idea)

Project 2- Scamps and sketch (Refinement of idea)

Project 3- Scamps and sketch (Refinement of idea)

The final step before conducting my photo shoot was planning the actual shoots. This plan included all of the essentials needed to do the photo shoot , such As lighting

Photo shoot plan - Project 1

Photo shoot plan - Project 2

 

ImMortal

Inspired by: Anthea Pockroy - I collect gingers

Concept: Scamps, sketches, brainstorming and photo shoot plan

                                       

Contact Sheet: A few pictures from the conducted photo shoot

Chosen Final Photograph

Model: Kayleigh Mackrell

Synopsis: Ask a "real" person (model) to expose her "flaws"

Aim: To expose the majestic beauty that lies within our flaws

Outcome: To produce simple, bold photographs that is emotion evoking

Participants: Photographer (me) and the model

Photographic subjects: Model (focal point)

Activities that lead up to the photo shoot: 

Set up lighting

Test shots

Test exposure settings (changing ISO , Shutter speed, Aperture)

Compose model

Direct Model

Shoot

Link to Manifesto and other projects: All three projects are black and white portraits of different people. These portraits are extremely simple, yet bold. The continuation of the black and white photographic style and the white backdrop links all of the projects. In these portraits different people are portrayed exposing their "flaws", however these people look attractive and glamorise. This then links to my manifesto which encourages people to find the beauty within themselves, no matter their flaws

Reflection

This photo shoot was probably the easiest out of the three projects. My model was easy to work with and she had a good aura. At this point in the project i was extremely comfortable with my camera and shooting on manual. This shoot took the least amount of time to do and the outcome was brilliant. The photograph that i have chosen truly reflects the effortless beauty of Kayleigh and how she celebrates having freckles. She seems extremely confident yet the photograph has a sense of sweet femininity.Like the previous photographs, this was taken in a studio. Kayleighs white top and the white background, draws the viewers attention to the Kayleigh. The model is depicted, looking straight at the camera. Her facial expression , as well as her soft, delicate smile suggests that she is content . "Content", the perfect word to describe how Kayleigh feels about herself. Her "flaw" is the fact that she has freckles. These freckles make Kayleigh who she is, they give her character and individuality. The fact that  Kayliegh embraces her flaw makes her even more gorgeous as a person. This photograph is extremely natural yet it has a subtle hint of picturesque glamour to it. 

My overall experience while doing this shoot was amazing.It is so pleasant for a photographer to work with a model that has a good attitude and that has no hang ups. It is my belief that a good relationship between the model and the photographer can only result in an amazing photograph. Doing this shoot made me  truly see the progression and growth in myself  from an insecure photographer (project 1) to a fairly confident photographer (project 3).

ImPerfect

Inspired by: Jodi Bieber-Real Beauty

Concept: Scamps, sketches, brainstorming and photo shoot plan

Contact sheet: A few pictures from the conducted photo shoot

Chosen Final Photograph

Model: Joy Joaquim

Synopsis: Ask a "real" person (model) to expose his "flaws"

Aim: To expose the majestic beauty that lies within our flaws

Outcome: To produce simple, bold photographs that is emotion evoking

Participants: Photographer (me) and the model

Photographic subjects: Model (focal point)

Activities that lead up to the photo shoot: 

Set up lighting

Test shots

Test exposure settings (changing ISO , Shutter speed, Aperture)

Compose model

Direct Model

Shoot

Link to Manifesto and other projects: All three projects are black and white portraits of different people. These portraits are extremely simple, yet bold. The continuation of the black and white photographic style and the white backdrop links all of the projects. In these portraits different people are portrayed exposing their "flaws", however these people look attractive and glamorise. This then links to my manifesto which encourages people to find the beauty within themselves, no matter their flaws

Reflection

This photo shoot was much easier than the previous one. I was well prepared, and i had back up plans in case anything went wrong. It was a pleasure shooting Joy because he was very cooperative and he is extremely photogenic.However, he was extremely shy at first. This shoot was a bit faster to do than the previous one, this is because I knew how to handle myself better. I also directed the model in such a way that he was comfortable and natural at the same time. In the photo shoot I moved around more freely and i wasn't afraid to try out different angles when shooting. At times, the light in the studio was a bit challenging to work with, but with the help of a large aperture and slower shutter speed, i got the lighting correct.The photograph was taken in a studio. The white background emphasises Joy's face, thus his "flaw" is fully exposed. This photograph is extremely close up and thus it becomes intimate.In Joy's case, his "flaw" is the flesh moles on his face. Because this photograph is o bold, the "flaw" is emphasised. Many people used to tease and shun Joy. Joy is extremely shy yet he is happy with himself. Its his self love that makes him beautiful inside and out. Joy's distant gaze makes the viewer wonder what he is looking up. Since he is looking up, one could assume that he is looking up to God, which gives the photography a very pure/innocent feel to it. . The photograph is also very angelic and has a soft mood to it. This mood is suitable to describe Joy's personality

The vibe during the photo shoot was quite relaxed , this was probably because I've known my model for 5 years already. Joy said that doing the shoot helped him accept who he is and how he looks.It also gave him the courage to break out of his shell a bit. He said that it was a halfway house for his journey to complete self love and acceptance.

ImProper

Project 1

Inspired By : David Jay - The Scar Project


Concept:  Scamps, sketches , brainstorming and photo shoot plan

Contact Sheet: A few pictures take from the conducted Photo shoot

Chosen final photograph

Model: Annelisa Govind

Synopsis: Ask a "real" person (model) to expose her "flaws"

Aim: To expose the majestic beauty that lies within our flaws

Outcome: To produce simple, bold photographs that is emotion evoking

Participants: Photographer (me) and the model

Photographic subjects: Model (focal point)

Activities that lead up to the photo shoot: 

Set up lighting

Test shots

Test exposure settings (changing ISO , Shutter speed, Aperture)

Compose model

Direct Model

Shoot

Link to Manifesto and other projects: All three projects are black and white portraits of different people. These portraits are extremely simple, yet bold. The continuation of the black and white photographic style and the white backdrop links all of the projects. In these portraits different people are portrayed exposing their "flaws", however these people look attractive and glamorise. This then links to my manifesto which encourages people to find the beauty within themselves, no matter their flaws

Reflection

This was the first photo shoot that i conducted. It was quite challenging at first because it was my first time shooting on manual. There were quite a few hiccups along the way, such as my fluorescent light breaking, blurry photographs and out of focus photographs. After some quick thinking, experimenting and improvising i finally seemed to be comfortable with all of the elements while shooting. All of the problems that i experienced made me aware of what to look for before doing my next photo shoot and how to fix these issues. While shooting, a lot of the information and lectures on manual photography that we did in class came back to me. This also helped me figure out ways to fix or alter each problem.In the end i think that i took some amazing photographs that really captured the essence of my manifesto. This photograph in particular, was taken in a studio. I selected this specific simply because Annelisa looks ironically flawless her, even though her "flaw is in full view of the audience. In this instance the models "flaw" is 3rd degree burns.  I took the photo against the white wall in the studio so that Annelisa was the focal point. It is a close up photograph, and in essence is extremely personal and intimate.  Annelisa's flaw is emphasised and  in full view.  Many people would cover this up and feel insecure about it, however, Annelisa is completely comfortable with her  "flaw" which has now become a part of her body. Even though society would see the burn as an ugly imperfection that should be hidden,  it is actually extremely beautiful. Her "flaw" emphasises that she is a real person and that she has a story to tell. Her flaw does not take away from her beauty, but rather adds to it.

Doing the actual photo shoot was extremely inspiring. I was amazed at Annelisa's bravery and courage. She has been through so much and yet she has come such a long way. Although there has been obstacles she manages to be an outstanding young woman who takes the world head on. She was a breeze to shoot, a complete natural! According to Annelisa , she gained more confidence and felt even more gorgeous after doing the photo shoot. It warms my heart to know that i helped somebody gain a bit of self confidence. Overall, my first real photo shoot was quite memorable. I feel as if i can only move forward.

About the Blog

 All my life there has been something that cruel individuals have mocked me about. If I wasnt the one with the big red target on my back, it was some other defenseless person. Many of us are subjected to teaasing and over bearing people who think of themselves as being "perfect". It is my mission to try and alter societies views , as well as our own view on the non-traditional beauties out there. The flawed beauties...

How many of us just sit ,silently hating the way that we look? How many of us have walls built around us, too scared to let people in, in fear that theh will hurt us? How many of us feel too ugly to even take a photograph? The main aim of my blog is to empower and encourage individuals like me. Individuals with insecurities, imperfections and flaws. Individuals who sat in the dark and cried, because some jerk broke them down.It is my goal to expose the truth! To expose the true beauty of our flaws. The flaws that make us who we are. The flaws that tell our stories.

This blog is targeted at people with insecurities (pretty much every single person in existence). Those who are bullies because of their insecurities, and those who are the victims of these bullies. I want my blog to be a platform for people to share their stories, views and ideals. All the flawed brothers and sisters should unite, show each other love and support. You are not alone, there are many like us. This is your starting point. A marker that can asist you in loving yourself, loving your flaws. Together we can change the stereotypical view of beauty!

The Flawed Manifesto

Imperfection. Who are they to say that we do not belong? Shunned, scorned and mocked. Yes we are different, our flaws more visible to the naked eye. Does that make us any less human? No! We are real, more human than they would ever be.

Our bodies, branded by trials, tribulations and Mother Nature. Dressed in scars, burns, imperfections and marks. Flawed . Our war scars, evidence that we are survivors, conquerors, warriors! How dare they suggest that we should dwell in the shadows? Hide our stories? Cover up our experiences? They herd us into a stable, filled with others like us. The beasts of society.  Rogues who dare to be different. 

They think that we are broken. We are not. We are unique. We are strong. We are outlandishly beautiful. Maybe if they took a moment to look closely and study every contour. Maybe if they took the time to look beyond the surface.  Maybe then they would see what we see, the beauty in the beast.