Daily Archives: April 26, 2018

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Planning

Magazine Specification

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For my final exam product, I will be creating a magazine which I have started production of. The magazine will display all my bets images in a typical fashion/music/arts magazine format and I have taken inspiration from exiting titles such as i-D, Dazed and PUSH. Below is a specification of my magazine and how I want it to feel/look and its narrative, concept and design. 

how you want your magazine to look and feel
I want my magazine to look professional and quite minimalist in its design features. It will have a clear and simple layout and sequencing with both a combination of images and text, the text being question and answers from my discussion with each model. Both images and text will coincide with each other and work as a pair to bring the whole magazine together. The magazine will consist of full bleed pages that complement other smaller images and text and I want it to be colourful and vibrant as well as quite bold which will be achieved through colours of text boxes, page backgrounds and actual photos. However, it minimalism will also hopefully present a more subtle tone.

format, size and orientation
the orientation of my magazine will be portrait as this is the best effective for the orientation of my actual images and will allow my images to be presented in the largest format and this is quite important to me considering I have used a 50mm lens for the whole project and this has allowed em to capture intricate and crisp which can be emphasised through large full bleed prints on portrait.

design and layout
the design of my magazine is quite simple as already pressed. The front and back cover show the most design features as it has lots f text and although this is the same inside the magazine, the font and back covers is what you see first and so I have made this as effective as possible. The layout will be made up of around 6 pages for each ‘character’ and throughout these 6 pages, there will be a sequence of images and text in between. I want to keep the layout very self-explanatory and logical to follow and so that readers can choose a page at random and read from any point in the magazine as their own accord – it doesn’t have to be read from start to finish because it is divided into sections.

rhythm and sequencing
the rhythm and sequencing of my book will be white basic and as I have already stated, the book will divided into each ‘character’ and for each character, I will present 6 images and these will be in any order, however, if there are two images that are deliberately meant to go together as a diptych then this will be evident and I have trued to place Lucy as the only female in the middle of the magazine to maintain this notion of a male’s gaze. 

structure and architecture
I will range my photos from full page photos without a border to maybe one or two double page spreads and lots of smaller images that take up half a page and the rest will be text. As well, I may find that the effect of overlapping an image on top of another may work well. I have briefly stated a layout I aim to follow for the magazine in a previous blog post and I am sticking to this so far. 

narrative
the narrative follows what may look like a quite free and muddled narrative at first glance but this is because the message I want to show is quite subtle. It is obvious that the magazine is focused on males, males behaviour and male fashion and how a boys look and persona can impact on the people around him. I want to try and get across a typical boys boisterous and mischievous persona but show this as an underlying theme in which a more vulnerable and timid character may be seen primarily. I will explore through my questions, the reason for the what the models dress and their opinions on how boys are supposed to develop in adolescence when there are inevitable reassures on them and how expression through fashion can help this. Like my previous project, All My Love, this project still addresses quite tender subjects that do not get spoken about often. As well, it is a collaborative project that requires huge input from my subjects to provide meaning and context. I use the portraits and faces I have been capturing in this project to tell a story about boys and their nature as they develop from boys to men. 

title
the title of my magazine is Boys Will Be Boys. I have named it this because I find it very fitting and as well, it is quite catchy and memorable because of it is already  a known phrase that was used much more a few decades ago than it is now. Boys Will Be Boys is a phrase that was often used my mums in the 70s/80s/90s when their boys had been misbehaving my doing something mischievous or naughty and all they can say is ‘boys will be boys’ because boys have this stereotype that ahs developed over several decades of being quite mischievous through their adventurous natures when young. It is a title that I think fits the message I am trying to portray. 

images and text
there will be both images and text in my magazine and they will coincide with each other to create meaning. The images come form the shoots I have carried out over the exam process an the text comes from the answers that each model has provided me with as responses to the questions I asked them. 

colour and black and white (or a mix)
my magazine will be a mix of colour and black and white photographs but there will be more colour than black and white and when I have used black and white images, the contrasts and shadows are not harsh and instead, the image are made up of light grey tones and light blacks.

paper and ink
the magazine I will be suing form the Blurb/BookWright options is called ‘premium’. This has a high-end look from a semi-gloss cover and vibrant printing on matte, velvet-finish paper. Premium magazines also have a heavier cover (216 GSM) for protection. The paper inside is 118 GSM.

Presenting, Recording, Research

Lucy’s Q&A

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After creating my questions to ask each of the characters in my project, I sent each of the eight questions through to them digitally on social media either using Messenger or Instagram to message them with the questions outlining my intentions from them and that I would like them to answer as honestly as possible. In each of these blog posts I will post the questions and answers of each model from what they have sent back to me in reply to my message which included the questions. These questions and answers will be presented throughout each segment for each ‘character’ of the story. I am slotting the magazine up into a section for each of them and this text will be dispersed throughout in between the images. My aim from these questions was to find out more about who the model’s fashion is informed and where they taken inspiration for from it, what they would describe their fashion as and why they dress the way they do. It provides more context to the magazine than just visuals. 

what would you describe your style of fashion as?

Lucy: comfy, classic and maybe a little random. I love a good jean and top combo. Something that is quite neutral so I can combine a bold lipstick with it. I don’t think I’m trendy, I just like to keep things simple.

if you could wear one brand for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Lucy: Lazy oaf. Their clothes are just so cute and fun. This is the type of clothing that really stands out to me as all their clothes are oversized and comfy. I love the way they advertise and collaborate with other brands.

do you go for comfort over style or style over comfort?

Lucy: 100% comfort over style – even on a night out I would definitely prefer to wear my pyjamas over a dress. I’m on my feet all day so comfort is my priority. I try to incorporate trendiness into my comfort.

do you feel as though there is a certain pressure on boys to fit in to a society even though there are the inevitable stresses that come with adolescence?

Lucy: Yes, I do. Like girls, everyone wants to look better than other people, to look ‘cool’. To have better, more expensive clothes.

why do you dress the way you do?

Lucy: It just suits me and make me feel confident. I don’t particularly like standing out from the crowd. I often use make-up to inform my fashion choices and may base an outfit around the type of makeup I’m wearing.  

would you say you take pride in your appearance and make an effort each day to dress well?

Lucy: Yes, as a hairdresser image is so important. My make-up is the most important because if I have nice make-up I feel as though you can get away with unwashed hair in a messy bun! I have key items in my wardrobe, so I tend to just mix and match. Take each day as it comes.

do you feel like you can express yourself through the clothes you wear? if so, why?

Lucy: Definitely, it’s your first impression to a client. You should aim to give a person so many ideas of you as soon as they see you through what you’re wearing.  

does dressing the way you do give you a sense of comfort in your own skin? a means of expression as such…

Lucy: Yes, otherwise I wouldn’t wear it. I wouldn’t put myself into something that doesn’t make me comfortable or confident. It makes your day rubbish.

Analysis, Evaluating, Research

Water Research

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In this blog post, I want to look at the distinctive properties that water holds itself.  In doing this,I want to establish the scientific properties that are found which I can relate and compare to spiritual properties pf water based on my observations with a viewpoint from someone who is also trying to translate his faith in his work by finding not just the beauty, but also the dynamics of why change in nature occurs which from  a creationist point of view, is all linked back to the book of Genesis.  Therefore in this post, I also hope to contrast this by providing factual information on water properties, but also to give you the viewer a viewpoint on the alternative side of water.  Within my images of water, I have wanted to include elements that relate to both the scientific but also the spiritual depths of the realms of this world which include close up elements, showing how they function.  Then by comparison, I have taken a wider spread, zoomed out landscape to show and explore how these elements make up the whole environment as one which allows us to compare each elements role within the natural cycle of life.  This relates to evolution because it explores how the process of change occurs whereas from a spiritual/creationist point of view, these underwater images are also a clear demonstration that by observing the beauty, magnificence, awe and wonder that is surrounded engulfs nature, this could mean that change in nature occurs because the Earth is going somewhere, somewhere similar to where its been before which could be why evolution occurs – linking both theories together.

Water is a transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance is crucial in providing and ensuring life on earth through survival.  It is interesting how scientific properties of water provide life which in itself is hard to be scientifically defined as life is arguably something on the border of the spiritual realms.  This is backed up by the fact that all life has water contained in their biological cells which allows for chemical reactions to take place, that are part of the processes for change within nature.  These chemical reactions include within animal bodies of metabolism and anabolism, catabolism – all processes that break down, distribute and regulate the amount of molecules and acids within the body as one.  This here is the argument for creationism that every individual element is so well coordinated that the creator is still in action to this moment.  Water is also essential for the photosynthesis and respiration to occur – where the sun’s energy combined with the water allows for plant life to multiply.  Therefore it appears that all the chemical elements (representing the how) are all working towards a common place (representing the why).  Although we don’t the specific reasons for why, by examining the beauty and power of nature, can we understand that we are not an accident but have our purpose to be spiritually connected and in tune with nature and if we do that, we can also have greater involvement for the process for change in nature for the better.

The sea’s force is overwhelmingly powerful, how is it that chemical bonds all acting in coordination, can be so lethal?  I believe that many humans are unaware of the power and dynamism of the sea.  As it is one of the most powerful forces in the world, the sea plays a great role in the process of change within the natural environment on this Earth – breeding and also ending lives.  Floods and Tsunamis have killed countless lives throughout the history of mankind.  The randomness and chaos that evolves around free moving particles are very interesting as despite the idea that all particles are coordinated, there are arguments that the randomness of the seas reflect how evolution itself is the why in which change occurs and that is that.  The sheer range from sharp, crystal whites to plunging dark depths of the deep sea, I have also tried to include in my work as well which highlight the endless power of the sea.  However also in doing this I wanted to show the importance of the sea as well, symbolizing as humans are increasingly reliant on it, the rules of the sea will always dictate and influence the way nature occurs whether that is by spiritual reasons or by accident.

Image result for water

Image result for water

Image result for water

For centuries humans have held suspicions of what the sea actually accommodates in terms of myths, exploring the facts vs the fiction.  71% of the Earth’s surface is made up of water, allowing for unknown life to exist.  This is important to recognize and note within my project because the spiritual realm doesn’t have boundaries, and as nature is so well connected with the spiritual forces dictating how change occurs, this reflects not only the endless power of nature, but also most importantly how we will never know the reasons for change and thus shall never be able to fully as humans influence nature as much as spiritualism does.  This sense of mystery and the unknown is strongly linked to the title “Freedoms and Limitations” because we don’t know the depths of spirituality, but we do know its power and intervention within nature.  Likewise we know how change occurs, but contrastingly we don’t know what the purpose for change to occur is in the end.

 

Presenting, Recording, Research

Alex and Charlie’s Q&A

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After creating my questions to ask each of the characters in my project, I sent each of the eight questions through to them digitally on social media either using Messenger or Instagram to message them with the questions outlining my intentions from them and that I would like them to answer as honestly as possible. In each of these blog posts I will post the questions and answers of each model from what they have sent back to me in reply to my message which included the questions. These questions and answers will be presented throughout each segment for each ‘character’ of the story. I am slotting the magazine up into a section for each of them and this text will be dispersed throughout in between the images. My aim from these questions was to find out more about who the model’s fashion is informed and where they taken inspiration for from it, what they would describe their fashion as and why they dress the way they do. It provides more context to the magazine than just visuals. 

what would you describe your style of fashion as?

Alex: I would describe my fashion more by who it’s inspired by – people like Tyler, The Creator and A$AP Rocky. I wear looser fitting, usually bright clothing that’s out of the normal trends. It alternates between comfy loose fitting and also more fitting, upmarket prices. I would usually describe my fashion sense as a charity shop as that’s where the best pieces are found.

Charlie: I personally would describe my style of fashion as street wear, this including skate and surf brands. I like to go for the brands like Santa Cruz, Enjoi, Patagonia and Thrasher. This being because I enjoy wearing simple t-shirts and jumpers with colourful logos. It allows me to express who I am as a person, someone outgoing and always up for anything, the clothes I wear ensures that I will be dressed for any sort of occasion, no matter what it could be. I also enjoy wearing vintage shirts on top of t-shirts which enables me to go from a simple outfit to something I could go out to town in.

if you could wear one brand for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Alex: The one brand I would wear forever would be Carhartt as it’s cool and super functional.

Charlie: I think if I could wear one brand for the rest of my life it would be Thrasher. Thrasher is not only a clothing brand but it is also skateboard magazine which I have been reading ever since secondary school, I have always had a passion for skating and being outdoors so it suits me well. Thrasher not only being a fashionable brand is also very practical and comfy. I have probably 4 thrasher jumpers at the moment, a handful of t-shirts and a cap.

do you go for comfort over style or style over comfort?

Alex: Comfort all the way but it obviously depends on the occasion but I always like to keep it comfortable and casual.

Charlie: Hmm! This is a hard one, but I think I go for a comfort over style. It depends what sort of occasion it is, if it is an everyday outfit I definitely go for comfort as I like to be able to move freely.

do you feel as though there is a certain pressure on boys to fit in to a society even though there are the inevitable stresses that come with adolescence?

Alex: In certain situations, of course, there is a pressure to dress the part but sometimes not dressing the way others do makes you stand out more.

why do you dress the way you do?

Alex: I dress the way I do because of the influence whether that be artists or rappers. I feel like they set trend and regarded as fashionable as hey are mostly sponsored by clothing companies so they get stuff early and set looks earlier than anyone else.

would you say you take pride in your appearance and make an effort each day to dress well?

Alex: Some days when I’m a bit tired ill not really bother and just suit up in the loosest, comfiest clothes I can find but I do like to take ride in what others think of my look for sure – it’s important to make an impression.

do you feel like you can express yourself through the clothes you wear? if so, why?

Alex: I feel like I can express myself through art more than fashion although is probably the best outlet t express yourself as it’s the first thing people see and they can make an immediate judgement about you from what you wear. Wearing something that reflects how you feel or act can have a great impact on people.

does dressing the way you do give you a sense of comfort in your own skin? a means of expression as such…

Alex: Personally, I am very confident and comfortable in my own skin anyway. I have come to terms with how I look, although if I’m not wearing a good outfit that makes me look good and makes me comfortable in myself, I’m always thinking about what others way think of me. A good outfit really just clears my mind and gives me confidence.

 

Presenting, Recording, Research

Max’s Q&A

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After creating my questions to ask each of the characters in my project, I sent each of the eight questions through to them digitally on social media either using Messenger or Instagram to message them with the questions outlining my intentions from them and that I would like them to answer as honestly as possible. In each of these blog posts I will post the questions and answers of each model from what they have sent back to me in reply to my message which included the questions. These questions and answers will be presented throughout each segment for each ‘character’ of the story. I am slotting the magazine up into a section for each of them and this text will be dispersed throughout in between the images. My aim from these questions was to find out more about who the model’s fashion is informed and where they taken inspiration for from it, what they would describe their fashion as and why they dress the way they do. It provides more context to the magazine than just visuals. 

what would you describe your style of fashion as?

Max: My fashion style is relaxed, vintage and casual.

if you could wear one brand for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Max: Tommy Hilfiger.

do you go for comfort over style or style over comfort?

Max: I go for comfort over style most of the time.

do you feel as though there is a certain pressure on boys to fit in to a society even though there are the inevitable stresses that come with adolescence?

Max: I find there are stresses on guys our age to fit in, males tend to be overlooked on this subject because of the stereotypical pressure on females. Males my age have the pressure of looking like the guys in the music videos etc. To be attractive and stylish is a major pressure for many.

why do you dress the way you do?

Max: I dress the way I do because it can reflect personality. I wish to be seen as slightly bold and outgoing.

would you say you take pride in your appearance and make an effort each day to dress well?

Max: I have a certain amount of pride in my appearance but I am not obsessed at all. My efforts are minimal on a day to day basis.

do you feel like you can express yourself through the clothes you wear? if so, why?

Max: I do feel like I can express myself through the way I dress because it reflects mood and personality; if I wear a bright pink hoodie I come across different to if I was in all black.

does dressing the way you do give you a sense of comfort in your own skin? a means of expression as such…

Max: I find dressing the way I want makes me more comfortable in my own skin, I don’t feel any pressure to impress anyone I just like to do what I want.

Planning

Photo Book Specification

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How you want your book to look and feel

I want my book to have a limited amount of words in it, very similar to Stephen Gills books “Talking to Ants” and  “Best Before End”. In these books there are little to no words with most of the photo taking up most of the page. I want my book to look fairly plain in the front then when opened it reveals a series of extremely colorful photos.

Format, size and orientation

My book is going to be portrait with mostly landscape photos in it with a few portrait photos to break the pattern and make it more interesting.

Design and layout

The front cover will be one of my photos of a pole. Most of the photo is one color apart from one green pole in the middle. This does not show up on the front and back cover but it can be seen on the spine of the book. I like this as in itself it is very mysterious.

Rhythm and sequencing

The photos that will be in my book are full of vibrant colors. This is why the order is very important as I want to place my photos in a sequence that doesn’t bore but interest. I did this by separating similar colored photos but also in some cases grouping them. Also the majority of the nature photos are at the beginning of the book and the more industrial ones are at the end. There were some exceptions to this rule as I did not want my book to feel legalistic. I wanted my book to feel free and placed together with care but not placed together where is feels like I’ve grouped photos together and completely separated them.

Structure and architecture

The photos will be presented like a a normal book. However the majority of the photos will be full page spread with no boarders.

Narrative

My narrative is built into the images. Recently I’ve studied the link between spirituality and color. I have found there is a clear link. I collected information from Kandinsky’s book and shared it in a previous blog post. This is the narrative of the book however, I share this using only photos. I am hoping the photos will speak for itself. I wanted to give these images new life showing how a photo with different colors can be exciting and interesting. In some cases it may cause a person to feel uncomfortable or upset.

Title 

The title of my book will either be Baptism, Baptizien or Immerse. This is due to the nature of the book. I want the reader to be completely immersed and effected by the colors. Giving these photos new life washing away the other colors and giving them new ones. Very similar to Baptism. I also want the book to feel somewhat spiritual having a name like Baptism may be a good indicator to story I want to be told. Baptizien is the original Greek word for baptism and it’s actually other direct translation of the word is immerse.

Images and text

There will no text in my book as I feel like it will take away rhythm and simplicity of the book. It will be all photos.

Colour and B&W (or a mix)

My book is completely about color, every photo is in color.