I started off by creating two moodboard for simple and complex images to help get a clearer idea of the style of photography i wanted to incorporate into my work. I ended up producing two moodboards that featured different ends of documentary-style photography,
SIMPLE
Simple moodboard – Insider perspective, isolated, staged, singular focus, dark surroundings, dimly lit areas, vibrant lighting, devoid of any background noise.
COMPLEX
Complex moodboard – Outsider perspective, candid, chaotic scenes, bright colour, multiple viewpoints, bright areas
For my simple vs. complex project I want to play on the idea of insider. vs outsider through different lighting and setting – now I am 18, i am thinking of taking a camera along with me into clubs or bars and documenting my night out through cinematic-style photography, incorporating elements of both candid and staged photography to represent the insider. vs outsider theme. Using different coloured lighting as a main focus of my photo creates emotion and will help in communicating my theme, e.g red light for chaos, excitement, adrenaline, or blue light for peace, calm, tranquility.
I then brainstormed and researched photographers to build a more solid structure of what exactly i wanted to photograph. For the complex side of my project, I am heavily inspired by documentation of different cultures and eras in photography, especially 90’s/00’s photography of the rave and club scene of Britain and Berlin, as they feature gritty, unfiltered images depicting a chaotic and gritty atmosphere through candid, blurred photography with bold, strong lighting, whereas for the simple side of my project, i drew inspiration from staged images that feature a singular subject in an often peaceful setting, as i felt it was a good binary opposite from the complex side and could easily communicate a story through such staged images. Below are some artists that caught my eye and showcase the insider vs. outsider perspective.