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.