Textured Montage

 

Yesterday, whilst shooting in the studio for some fashion photography, I took this shot of Bezma by accient but quite liked it and thought it could be used for something else. I forgot to adjust my camera settings, so this image was taken with a shutter speed of 4 seconds.

 

 

 

 

I added two textures that I took whilst on a trip out in Manchester the other week.

I changed the colours in the textures and layered them on to the image, decreasing the opacity so you can still the image underneath a little bit. With each texture, I added a layer mask and painted over where Bezma is so she's not been covered too much by the textures. I increased the opacity of the brush when going over her face and then decreased it a little bit whilst going over some space around here and then left the outsides. I then flattened the image but then tried something else on it. I duplicated the layer twice and on the middle layer, I increased the contrast and decreased the brightness so it looked darker. Then on the top layer, I created a layer mask and then painted around the edges of the images, revealing the darker image underneath.

 

 

I quite like the textures but not sure if they really go with the image as they are different colours so I tried it all again but tried to use all the same colours.

 

 

 

Health & Safety

Everyone needs to be health and safety aware in all jobs and just general day to day life. We are always risk assessing in everything we do.

 

In this post I will explain what I know about being able to use photographic media, techniques and technology safely.

 

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

 

When shooting in film, a darkroom and different kinds of chemicals are required to develop the negatives. When using these chemicals, you need to be aware of COSHH (Control of substances hazardous to health) and the COSHH logos. All chemical containers should be labelled with COSHH symbols that identify how hazardous they are; whether they are an irritant, harmful, toxic etc. Understanding these symbols are important so that you can take the right precautions when using them.

 

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

 

Because I shoot in digital, I need to be aware of the health & safety regulations of the use of work equipment.

 

• PAT testing must be up to date and done annually. This is a test to ensure that electrical equipment is safe for use.
• If working in a studio and ladders are required, they must only be used by people who have received adequate training to use them safely.



 

Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

 

 

With digital photography, a computer is required for editing. Computer workstations or equipment can be associated with neck, shoulder, back or arm pain, as well as with fatigue and eyestrain, therefor health and safety regulations need to be taken when using one.

 

• screen glare - the screen shouldn't be too bright
• the chair should be able to be adjusted to help with posture, preventing strain on the back or arms
• you should look away from the screen at least once every 15 minutes to prevent eyestrain and headaches
• ergonomic wrist rests should be used to prevent strain on the wrist

 

 

Risk assessment

 

In all workplaces, risks must be assessed. To carry out a risk assessment you must;

 

• identify any hazards
• decide who might be harmed and how
• evaluate risks and decide on precautions
• record your findings and implement them
• review assessment regularly and update If needed

 

Here is a basic risk assessment I have conducted for working in a portrait studio:

 

• wires for lighting equipment - these could be a tripping hazard to adults and children so can be taped down to the floor
• studio lights are heavy and would be dangerous should it fall on somebody - should have a weight at the bottom making it harder to be knocked over
• plug sockets - children will be in the studio and could possibly try to tamper with plug sockets so should have a protective socket cover when not in use
• lights can get hot and can burn - make sure they are out of reach of children
• some light modifiers can be sharp such as barn doors - keep away from children
• rooms with lighting equipment that can be sharp or dangerous if they fall on someone - lock doors where equipment is kept

 

 



Research in a different way

I chose to go to some farmlands near where I live for this task. These are the pictures and notes a took whilst I was sat there for 15 minutes. The pictures were just taken on my iPhone without any editing.

 

It's very cold and windy. It is overcast but the sun is trying to push through.

 

There are a couple of trees around with no leaves.

 

I'm leant against an old wooden fence/ post thing.

 

There is a giant pile of logs.

 

There are wood chippings and mud on the ground.

 

 

 

I can see buildings and moving cars in the far distance.

 

I can very slightly hear the cars in the distance.

 

 

 

There are farming vehicles around. Some look like they're not used anymore

 

There are tractor tyre tracks in the mud on the ground. 

 

Nothing different is happening. There is no one to be seen. I can hear the wind, the trees rustling in the wind, birds tweeting and the faint sound of cars in the distance.

 

It is quite peaceful and serene but feels deserted.

 

I can't smell much, just fresh green air is how I'd describe it.

 

Here is a video of the location.

 

 

 

Some images I took on my SLR and a 10-20mm wide angle lens that Andy kindly let me borrow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fashion Photography - Research - Horst P Horst

Horst P Horst, 1906 - 1999

A German American photographer best known for his photos of women and fashion. He photographed the likes of Bette Davis and other celebrities. In 1937 he met Coco Chanel and then photographed her fashion for 30 years after. His images appeared in Vogue and other fashion magazines.

He created one of the most iconic images of the 20th century for Vogue, "The Mainbocher Corset". 

 

 

In Madonna's music video for 'Vogue', she re-creates some of Horst's iconic images, including this one.

 

 

Horst's use of studio lighting gave strong lines, shapes and contrast and most of his work is typically black and white which I think makes them more powerful. He was influenced by Edward Steichen who's work also uses very strong lighting and is influenced by art deco and surrealism.  


Here is some more of Horst's work...

I would describe his work as classy, elegant and artistic. I like the shapes that he creates with the models and contrast between the blacks and whites in the image.

This style of fashion photography is quite the opposite to the style I want to go for as its very classic. I intend on doing something quite natural and a little bit grungey.

 

Research - Manchester & Music

Today we walked around the Nothern Quarter in Manchester to photograph the links between Music and Manchester and how the are celebrated. We also visited an exhibition  of photos of Morrissey and The Smiths by Kevin Cummins at Manchester Photographic.

 

Manchester has been ranked as the second city of the UK, which has a lot to do with the influential culture scene. It is known for it's architecture, art, theatre, and music.

 

Manchester was home to some of the most influential and major bands in the industry's history and the people of the city are clearly proud of it! Bands like Joy Division, New Order, The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays and The Charlatans were all formed in Manchester. 

 

 The "Madchester" music scene brought much media attention to the city from the late 1980s to the beginning of the 1990s. Also at this time, Manchester was home to what was labelled 'the most famous nightclub in the world', The Hacienda.

 

Walking through the Nothern Quarter today, I noticed that everywhere I looked, I saw some sort of reference to music and to these famous Manchester bands. Music posters outside bars and on walls, stickers, flyers, record shops and even song lyrics on the ground.

 

Here are some images I took today using my Canon EOS 500D with my 50mm and 18-55mm lenses....

 

(Some of the images have nothing to do with music but I've put them up anyway because they give the vibe of the place)

 

 

 

There were lots of Vinyl shops with old and new music.

 

 

 

There were band stickers on every lamp post I walked past! This one caught my eye because I saw this band at the Manchester Apollo last year and actually have this sticker myself!

 

 

 

 

 

 

More old and new records and record shops.

 

 

 

 

Ex Stone Roses frontman, Ian Brown. I saw his face a few times today!

 

 

 

 

Oasis, of course, a very successful Manchester band.

 

 

Morrissey, frontman of Manchester band The Smiths.

 

 

 

 

 

 

At first, I thought that these were song lyrics in the pavement but have since been told by my fellow student Andy, that they're actually parts of a poem called 'Flags' by Lemn Sissay.

 

Bars and small music venues.

 

Chase. A music shop selling different instruments.

 

 

The next few images are taken from in and around Afleck's palace which is an indoor market with lots of independent stalls and boutiques. During the 1990s 'Madchester Summer of Love' period – when local bands like The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays and Inspiral Carpets were at the height of their popularity, Affleck's Palace was a fashionable spot to get oversized flared jeans and tie dyed t-shirts. The store is still full of creative design, bright young things, vintage clothing, vinyl and LOTS of music posters.

 

 

 

This is the last of my images from the day, bringing me onto the exhibition we visited at the Manchester Photographic gallery. The exhibition featured photographs of Morrissey and The Smiths taken by photographer, Kevin Cummins.

 

Cummins is a British Photographer from Manchester, most known for his photography of rock bands and musicians. He has photographed legendary musicians such as Joy Division, Sex Pistols, U2, REM, Oasis, Foo Fighters and The Smiths.