In this photoshoot, I focused on taking photographs outside with my subject. Lauren Withrow’s photographs can relate to themes of mystery and loneliness therefore I placed my subject in an abandoned/ non-sociable environment. Places Lauren Withrow photographs her subjects are places such as beaches, fields, and natural landscapes.
If I were to change anything in my photographs and overall in my photoshoot I would try and experiment with photographs on the actual beach as Lauren has some of her photographs like it. So therefore I would try to recreate these photographs instead of presenting the subject near the beach and sea walls.
In these photographs the subject is positioned on the grass below, I believe these photographs reveal similarities between Lauren Withorw’s photography and my inspiration towards that. Lauren Withrow’s photographs generally involve only one subject in an isolated and unusual background/positioned freely and swiftly. This softness and playfulness can be demonstrated in both the photographs above when the subject comfortably positions themselves.
In these photographs, the subject appears to be in a similar setting as the photographs above. Either way despite the background having the sky unlike the photographs above the background and nature-like setting the setting is still unknown and mysterious to the audience as it appears that it could be anywhere. I believe that the photographs especially made in this setting did not require any flash and I think the lighting the lighting and darkness are at the right level as they’re not too much.
American Artist Cindy Sherman (born in 1954) plays around with her photographs that “depict herself dressed and made up as different female characters”. Her photographs can often be shown as feminist art as he works can raise questions regarding the objectification of women through the “male gaze” and how females as a gender can be constructed.
Cindy Sherman’s perspectives can be carried out into the famous essay written by Laura Mulvey. Laura’s perspectives can be explained in the “subconscious way we see women” and how they can be seen and examined in Hollywood movies from the 1930s to the 50s.
Laura “argues” that the interpretation of women in these Hollywood films can give a perspective through the objectification of the female body.
Speaking from her perspective films being produced in those ears can even more reinforce ideas of portrayals of women and things to be looked and presented for the pleasure of men.
Image Analysis
In this photograph the subject is in the centre of it. The female come across as vulnerable, afraid of something in front of her and very upset as the females tears are highlighted/bold and are clear to see. The female also appears to look abused and it looks like she has “bruises”/marks on her face. It may be a combination of smudged and wet makeup dripping down her face as well as marks on her face, this photograph and the subject can bring up themes of 1950-60s housewife. Half of the face is split (“split lighting”) representing this unknown element : is the woman in the image being abused? is her husband behind the photograph?
Half of her face appears to be beaten and worried whereas the other side as well showing these qualities is hidden but the features are still visible a bit potentially showing the idea that despite her abuse and hurt being hidden away, it is still there despite how much she may want to try hide it away/ignore it. The image can be examined and portrayed in many ways as it’s most left to the imagination as there is no description especially with the factor that Cindy Sherman name it “untitled” (not labelling it meaning it being unknown/secretive and a mystery).
In the background of the photograph it appears to be a white background with two closed windows both pitch black when looked through.
The photograph is black & white as well most if not all of Cindy Sherman’s “untitled stills”. This element of monochrome editing adds to the effect of sadness/damage and weakness.
“The only purpose of women is to represent an object, they carry no real meaning or have any importance on their own.”
Cindy Sherman’s series of “Untitled Film Stills” are reminiscent of the movies from the 1930s to 1950s. They outline her as she “portrays” stereotypical women in different roles with the use of costumes, makeup and wigs”. In these different poses she poses to imitate the portrayal of sexualised and passive women that comply with those fantasies. Some of her other artworks can present women lying in a passive position often seductively presenting their bodies in bodies or dressed in feminised like outfits. The way the images are classed in an art context instead of cinema as well as Cindy’s active role in them presents that these images highlight the critism against the male gaze. Whether she was the one to release the camera’s shutter or not, Cindy is considered the author of the photographs. The “Untitled Film Stills aren’t considered to be self-portraits.
These various and general female film character can be described as:
Ingenue (innocent or unsophisticated young woman playing in a play or film)
Lauren Withrow (“Born & raised in Texas, Withrow began photographing at the age of 15. Now based out of New York City, her portrait and fashion images are heavily influenced by cinematic themes”).
She focuses her work on documenting stories, places, and creating cinematic worlds that dive into personal feelings of growing up queer, expectations of womanhood, and the relationship we have with others”.
Her work “begs investigation” (given the mysterious and abandoned look). Lauren says that the effect New York has had on her work is the “adjusting to locations”. She says that she finds that she focuses “even more so than I used to on the personality of the individual I’m shooting”. Due to Lauren’s move, she describes the difference in mood in her work from New York versus Texas as “getting much darker in my content. My overall attitude in New York is much more fast-paced, much more…, because it has changed”.
Lauren claims that, in terms of feeling the mood change in her photos ” I don’t think it’s changed, at least not drastically. The most that’s changed, in general, has to do with the previous question, in the sense that the atmosphere of the location has changed. The person is still the same. There might be more energy coming from that person since they’re not interacting necessarily with the landscape, or a beautiful sunset in the valley, or whatever. It’s just, I would say it has become more emotional because that’s what I have to focus on versus the scenery.” The photographer claims that it’s “fascinating” because it is the “exploring other avenues in my work” and how she can “connect with my subjects”.
In her photoshoots, she says she likes to have the “narrative in mind” improvised between herself and the subject and therefore let it “determine how I want it to go”.
She describes it as “if you plan this narrative and it’s all great in your head, but your model or subject just can’t bring that across and you have to find a way to switch that up, so I find it better not to have too much already in mind and just let it happen naturally”.
Her “self” portraits work overall gives off a mysterious vibe. When observing it looks like your almost intruding or experiencing like a “runaway teenager” sort of outlook on her work. She includes many typical and dry atmospheres of places like e.g. fields, bushes, roads, beaches, bedrooms. Lauren’s work is very individual, she doesn’t pair subject with many others and creates a large, broad and/or busy perspective. It’s very minimalistic and she concentrates on individuality and how it can look like with connotations of “self” and “being alone”.
Image Analysis
In this particular photograph, I see the female figure in the centre that appears to look childishly and playfully, her arms are spreads, and appear to be jumping with her head down. The female’s arms appear to be cut and distanced from the rest of the body in the centre, this creates an ominous and mysterious under tone and creates an uncomfortable sensation for the audience as the figure looks deformed and un-human-like. The image may be about childhood and how part of her nostalgia and child like memories were “cut off”. There aren’t any other people in the image =, just the singular woman adding contrast and confusing as it’s an odd number, an odd variety.
The dark tones from the bottom edges of the photograph look almost like as the photograph gets darker then it’s almost like a danger zone, something to be aware of as the figure in positioned in the centre where it appears to be brighter than the other corners of the photograph so it’s almost like the figure is not touching the grassy area of the photograph as it “can’t be touched”/ something to be afraid/cautious . The female subject isn’t making eye contact with the lens, she is facing down meaning either she’s afraid or self-conscious, she feels closed off and lonely potentially. Themes of abandonment, fright, confusion and intimidation may be questioned when looking at the photograph.
The image can be looked at in different ways as one individual may think it is an innocent girl playing around in a field like environment or another may think it’s is a possessed woman in form of a young girl haunting the people around her. The uneasy darkened background makes the atmosphere seem disturbing and on edge as we question why the female subject is positioned in the way and place she is.
I noticed that all the pictures Lauren creates turn out with colourful tones, colour and the focus on the image looks full of emotions.
Masculinities and femininities are structured and expressed through other axes of identity such as class, race, ethnicity, age, and sexuality.
Feminine-“set of attributes, behaviours and roles generally associated with women and girls”.
Feminine behaviours can be described as naive, sexually inexperienced, soft, flirtatious, nurturing (like a mother), careful and accepting.
“The strength behind power lies within feelings and emotions“.
Allows for vulnerability and understanding.
Masculinity can be defined by the “social expectations of being a man”. The term “masculinity” can refer to the behaviours/roles that are “considered appropriate for boys & men in a given society”.
“Masculinity is constructed and defined socially, historically and politically, rather than being biologically driven.”
Masculinity and stereotypes can be included in such as strength, well-built, muscular, courage, independence, leadership, and assertiveness.
Binary Opposites
Masculinity and Femininity are binary opposites (same as good vs evil) meaning that in the system “two theoretical opposites are strictly defined and set off against one another”.
My view on identity politics is that everyone should represent and express the way that they feel they want to, if that’s through “social background, sexual orientation, race and nationality etc.”. I believe that it’s good that “identity politics” are a thing as it allows support and a range of ideas throughout people’s mindsets (Jersey moving in English Language despite loosing identity in Jerrias). In terms of culture wars, I think social media can influence the way media present these “culture wars” e.g George Floyd BLM, Winston Churchill statue in Parliament Square, EU Referendum (Brexit), Oprah Winfrey Interview with Harry and Meghan etc.
Culture Wars are “cultural conflicts” between these social groups and the struggle for dominance of their values, beliefs, and practices. Examples of this can be the 2020 culture wars of BLM, abortion laws, gay rights and/or gun control.
General Societal Disagreement & Polarization in social values is seen. The terms are often used to describe the politics of “contemporary” in western democracies with political issues like abortion, homosexuality, transgender, pornography, multiculturalism, racial viewpoints.
These “identity politics” can impact society through the division of people’s opinion for example on the LGBTQ+ community.
Some of the positive aspects of groups harnessing their shared identity and political views as it can allow individuals to be parts of a larger scale and have a sense of belonging, confidence and community in their “social world”.
The danger of tribalism dividing communities is that groups will break apart meaning their will be a division of thoughts/ideas within the media being controversial there may be outbreaks, arguments and potential assaults.
Within a global perspective there would be a lot of disagreement and discussion ex. social media apps like Twitter (X) where opinions can be shared freely and a quicker reach.
Within a local perspective, the extent of disagreement won’t be too at a large extent like globally as opinions have to be brought from one place specifically.
How identity can be influenced by “place”, or belonging environment, or upbringing regarding
gender identity
How an individual portrays and feels about their gender/ their own individual experience of gender. A person gender may or may not be the same as “or different from their birth assigned sex”.
cultural identity
It is a part of a person’s identity, it’s the feeling that you belong and feel a part of a group of people like you. Shared qualities may be like birthplace, traditions, practices and beliefs. As well as music, art, food can also “shape” your cultural identity.
social identity
Social identity groups are usually defined by some physical, social and mental characteristics of individuals. Examples of these can be: gender, your sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, class/socioeconomic status, disabilities and religion/religious beliefs.
geographical identity
A person’s or a groups’s sense of attachment to the country, region, city or village they live in/ belong to.
political identity
a form of a social identity marking membership of certain groups that share a common struggle for a certain form of power.
lack of / loss of identity
feeling disconnected from who they have been and/or no sense as to who they will become next
stereotypes
a fixed general image or set of characteristics that a lot of people believe represent a particular type of person.
prejudices
a preconceived/ generally negatively opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.
Her other photoshoots that focus on female stereotypes were taken in a time where its a little different now so I will focus on keeping the theme in the years hers were taken and attempt a recreation. As well as this, I could also show the photos in a different perspective and contrast what it was like then to now. These photos can be taken at home or can be taken in the studio and I can bring in props/costumes. For some photos, they will just focus on the basic stereotypes, For example, football and basketball are commonly seen as embodying masculinity, while dance and gymnastics are feminized. I am planning on getting a friend to show the stereotypical girl sport of dance by using the studio and having her wear her dance outfit.
2. Inspired by Cindy Sherman Face Distortion
Cindy Sherman has many photoshoots that focus on the female stereotypes. She also has more recent photos that focus on the face. In these photographs, she replaces parts if the face with someone else’s to create a more abstract image. I am going to try and create my own photoshoots with both of these ideas.
For creating the photoshoot such as the one above, I am going to aim to take portraits of people in the studio. I am going to involve a minimum of two people. However, I could also focus on the same person but experiment with the colour by adding black and white aspects rather than completely switch part of a face with someone else’s. This photoshoot would be straightforward as it would just mean taking simple portraits which would then be edited on photoshop.
3. Opposites
Another idea I had was to picture women in the usual roles of men. this could be by profession or activities that would be a typical masculine job. For example, if you think of an important business person who’s very high up and important the majority of people would picture a man. So in my photos I want to reverse the general stereotypes. These photos can be taken at home or can be taken in the studio and I can bring in props/costumes.
4. Duane Michals inspired: Reflections with multiple photos:
I am going to focus this photoshoot on the femininity theme and also make most of them self portraits. I am going to aim to take photos using a mirror doing usual girl stuff, eg applying mascara. I will have to take these photos in different stages because in the example above, the subject is moving her head in different directions to make sure each photo if different to the rest. So I will have to think of ways each of my own photos can be different.
5. Duane Michals inspiredDouble Exposure
I also want to do a shoot like this which is also inspired by Michals. I am going to do one of myself and then possibly another one of the opposite gender.
This photoshoot wont be taken in the studio and will be taken at home as it’ll need to be in a natural setting.
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Photoshop attemptsof what I want to do (Photoshoot 2)
Michals first made significant, creative strides in the field of photography during the 1960s. He was famously known for his cinematic frame-by-frame format within his images. The Morgan Library and Museum in New York exhibited a career retrospective of Michals’ work The Illusions of the Photographer: Duane Michals at the Morgan. Michals received a BA from the University of Denver in 1953 and worked as a graphic designer until his involvement with photography deepened in the late 1950s. His work was created in an era heavily influenced by photojournalism. He wasn’t interested i being the usual photographer with a studio and employees, he took his photos in his own settings. He said “I was the cottage industry, I liked small scale, I do small scale photographs”
“My pictures are more about questions, not about answers.”
Michals was a unique photographer who aimed to be different from the rest with the way he created his artworks. The thought of created films with small snapshots on a camera as appealing to him to create a story behind the photos and leave the interpretations to the viewer.
For these 2 photos, I have put them together to reference the contrasts between them. Michals has created many film shoots that surround death but using double exposure to add another person. My conceptual thoughts on these photos together link to the theme of masculinity and femininity a huge amount. In my opinion i perceive these images together as a representation of the stereotypes of the make and female individual. In the first photo, the woman can be seen to rise from her body and stay looking at it for what seems like a while. whereas, in the second photo, the male sits up and walks away fairly confidently. This would link to the theme of stereotypes by showing how stereotypical emotions affect an individual. Woman could be seen to be more accepting to being emotional and seen normal to attach to things an take longer to let go. In contrast, I view the man as showing the stereotype of being strong as he confidently rises and walks away without a look back.
The technical side of the images such as the lighting has a good impact on the images. Michal has used the use of natural light from the window to create a more natural feeling to the image to show death is a natural cause. The position of the lighting is also powerful as it is only focussing on the individual. The blank spaces and dark tone make the image feel colder as well.
The tone of the image is very clearly a dark tone. with the use of black and white and the one source of light, it can make the viewer show emotions such as sadness. The space in the images are very large and there is no cluster of objects in sight. this makes the viewer only focus on the main point which are the two individuals.
Cahun lived in jersey for a large amount of time which is now the home to her collection of art which can be found in the museums.
Claude Cahun was a French surrealist photographer, sculptor, and writer. But was known mostly for her photography work where she would dress up as different people to create different stories within her photos. Cahun presents herself in a variety of guises, adopting different personas and exploring the fluidity of identity. She dresses as both men and women when exploring the theme of identity and gender roles. A quote she said was:
“Masculine? Feminine? It depends on the situation. Neuter is the only gender that always suits me.”
This shows her link with the theme of masculinity and femininity as she does not care which identity she takes and in a few of her photos you can see her looking more feminine than others.
This particular photograph created by Claude Cahun was named “under this mask, another mask”. Cahun can be seen to use the technique of double exposure to create a double of herself. Back then there wouldn’t have been technology to edit this on a computer. Cahun would have to take the first photo an then rewind the film in the camera to create the second photo of her in a different position. The effect of this technique could show the viewer a conceptual view of Cahun having a struggle with her identity and how she may have needed to put on a “mask” to disguise her true self.
the lighting in the photo could be natural or artificial but her use of black background contrasts well to her skin tone as the light makes her bright so with the darker background, the lighting is evened out.
With the use of black and white, this makes the image give off a dark tone as there is no bright colours in use.
This image shows Cahun standing in front of a mirror where it creates a reflection. the inclusion of a mirror in art was used as a convenient way to expose two enticing views of a female subject or to shine emphasis on a woman’s vanity. The photo is also showing Cahuns opposing personalities by the differences shown in the two versions. In the mirror reflection, she knowingly reveals her neck whereas on the closer version, it’s hidden with the raised collar. The versions shows one more confident and carefree and the other coy and somehow caged. In my opinion, I really like the hidden meaning behind this photograph as you need to look closely to be able to find the links to identity and femininity.
I have experimented with a bunch of photos from both of my photoshoots by using photoshop.
On most of my photos I have created a blur affect in different sections of the images. I had also tried to experiment with the theme of identity when editing the images.
Evaluation
I was inspired by Claude Cahun’s work and her photographs that show her wearing exaggerated/bold makeup, I wanted to incorporate this into my work, as well as images that use a mirror to create a double portrait and self portraiture.
I wanted to include bold makeup to convey the ideas of beauty standards within modern society. I had drawn on a fake mole next to my lip because in some places it represents beauty and I wanted to use it’s meaning to represent how many people still believe that women must be beautiful.
I have aimed to play around with masculine and feminine stereotypes, I’ve done this by using lipstick and stereotyped feminine poses to represent femininity, a fake beard and stereotyped masculine poses for masculinity. I’ve also tried to contrast the lipstick with masculine poses and the beard with feminine poses.
In my first photoshoot I wanted to use my younger brother as he has quite an androgynous face which can easily be manipulated by makeup and I had planned to use a younger model to represent the idea of gender ideas changing and being more accepting in this generation compared to previous ones.
In my second photoshoot I had experimented with self portraiture and makeup to play around with the role of femininity. I have used objects like a cage represent the idea of women still being trapped behind female stereotypes and discrimination. I’ve used a glass orb and a piece of paper with a question mark on it because it adds to the idea of femininity being questioned.
In one of my images, I have also used a clock in the background, It is meant to represent how time has changed but the idea of femininity is still being questioned. I have also made my pictures a bit blurry to add to this idea.
