Critical Appraisal: The Body (300 words)

The concept behind my portrait was to photograph a colourful personality and style. Shooting black and white allowed me to get across her own perception of herself and not mine as much as possible. My intention was for the viewer to really see her, not just how she looks. As well as this, I had almost no input in my models choice of styling or her expression; I simply posed her in conjunction with my reference.

I drew my inspiration mainly from Paolo Roversi - the posture and lighting choice from this image of the actress Tilda Swinton. 

I admired the gradient background and highlights. Having decided this was what I’d work with; I looked into the lighting set up. I also appreciated Rembrandt lighting and managed to incorporate this too into my photograph. The most important factor I have learnt from my reference has to be how to achieve certain lighting and how it can transform the mood of a portrait. For example, the highlight and triangle of lighting I have achieved on my model’s face comes across to me as particularly expressive.

I tried to prepare as much as possible before the shoot date. I found my visual reference early on and I did a lighting test before the real shoot, which allowed me to view changes that needed to be made before my model arrived. I believe I should reflect upon my studio set up which quite often becomes more complicated than I imagine it and I should always cater to that possibility. Capturing my models best side, best feature and the most natural and comfortable pose from my contact sheet overcame issues relating to the Body. The most significant challenge was achieving the right effect with my lighting choice and I am pleased with my outcome. 


My Portrait: (soft scan)

The Body Project: Initial Ideas

My model's style is very unique, colourful and outgoing. Despite my portrait being black and white I think I can convey this still through her interesting clothing and possibly props of her choice. My approach to this project is to ask her opinion concerning artistic aspects and shoot these if I agree with them.

The most effective way to take her portrait I feel would be to really showcase who she is; how she perceives herself. I want to make it real and expressive so it is captivating for an audience.

Inspiration: Paolo Roversi

This portrait utilises an unusual and flattering pose with bright lighting and little shadow. In the case of facial expression and emotion it is not easy to see this because the photograph is of the woman’s profile which I feel is a slight drawback. I want to make the most of emotion in my portrait.

I have chosen this side on view of only the face because it is an interesting angle and an interesting take on a portrait. For my model particularly with a shaved and short hairstyle and various ear piercings this will really showcase her style.

I admire the soft diffused lighting in the last portrait and the emotive pose. This seems really genuine and I’d possibly like my portrait to be the same. The painterly style ties in with the emotion, softening the whole image.

Each pose Roversi has shot his subjects in could work for my shoot – showcasing my model’s style. I’m still deciding what kind of pose to shoot.