Pre Shoot: Looking at Photographers

Rankin

When looking for inspiration for lighting techniques and composition I looked at Fashion Photographer, Rankin's work. A lot of his work especially his portraits are studio based and he uses a range of lighting techniques to capture different atmospheres and moods.
I really admire the lighting techniques used in the photograph to the right, much like my own images Rankin's model wears a black veil. I like the fact that there is only a glimpse of light on the models face, giving the image a mysterious feel. I also aim to have my image as a side profile beauty shot similar to this, however, I will use a beauty dish directly in front and above the models face so that only her veil and face are lit, as well as the slight detail on her corset. I want to experiment with lighting up the back of the models head also, possibly suggesting that she is in complete darkness and hiding from the world, with her back turned on reality.
I aim to also use a black backdrop similar to how Rankin has used this here, to make it seem as though she image could have been taken at night and the moon is lighting up slight details on the model.


ELLEN ROGERS

I really like the intensity of photographer Ellen Rogers' work. She seems to use film and shoot mainly outdoors in isolated eery areas. I took inspiration from her techniques she has used in a few of her series. This particular shot I found quite striking because of its composition and the atmosphere she has created within the shot. The woman in the image looks lost with a sense of vulnerability in her pose, surrounded by quite a dark and isolated place. Ellen Rogers' work has helped me develop my own ideas further, especially when looking more in depth at my final concepts.

Further Inspirational Portraiture


The image to the right is by Burt Glinn and is an image of Twiggy taken in 1966. I was attracted to this image immidietly because I think it holds some similarities to my FMP. Twiggy's composition makes her look quite vulnerable and child like, and the lighting choices almost make it look as though is staring out into the distance possibly at night or twilight. I like the dramatic shadows that have been created on only one side of her face and body, it gives a sense of mystery to the image, almost making it look like a film noir shot. I was aiming to create this sort of effect with my imagery, almost as though I have cut half way through a filming shot and I have captured my character in full emotion.