In this photoshoot I focused on taking photographs with the femininity outlook and played around with props and item such as e.g. perfume and makeup. My subject experimented with this “girly” outlook and how it can come across as being soft, playful and appear bubbly like. I also looked at perfume and specially female advertisements and how they appeared to look like with the perfume bottle, on some of my photographs these ideologies and experiments can be presented.
The things at work well in the photoshoot was that I knew what I wanted to photograph and how, I knew how I wanted to position the subject in front of the lens with the prop, as well as the subject in front of the mirror and from what angles would look good to appear well in the lens. The vision I had for the photographs was accurately translated I would say.
If I were to change anything in the photoshoot I would add a white background/backdrop to contrast with the individual as most of the photos can appear quite dark. Other than that I would say that the photographs worked well and that I could have increased the ISO so the photographs and in general appeared brighter. Something else that I would have included if I had thought more broader about the photoshoot would have been too included more items that were feminine like and potentially included items that appeared more masculine like and create that diversity between the subject itself in the photographs and the item that they are positioned with or holding.
In this first photoshoot I focused on taking photographs centralised on females and the female body/features, things that can be considered more feminine like and more stereotypical. We used different lightning to contrast and to play around with the differences and how to highlight different elements to make them much more vibrant and bold.
In this photo shoot, I focused on emphasizing and including the different features of the female body and general features that aren’t generally “highlighted” (in the photo and metaphorically). In the photograph, the chest and lower stomach are emphasized with the bright blue lighting presented in the specific area. This bright blue lighting can alternately show thoughts of the stereotypical outlook on gender with colors of pink being used for females and blue for boys, this contrast between the harsh and brightly lit blue lighting being emphasized on a female body, especially on more highlighted parts linking to femininity and feminine insecurities creates this collision between feminity and masculinity. This collision presents the differences that can be shown in both genders and makes these “binary opposites” more understood.
The three photographs above all present the model’s skin and different textures of skin presented under different angles, different lighting, and different positions. I believe the photographs add even more under the term femininity as many females would be uncomfortable and less likely to present their stomach so freely and unde “harsh” and “unflattering” lighting as it is uncommon in this day and age for “uncomplimentary” photographs to be shown so freely publicly due to feminine insecurities and personal problems and issues with young girls bodies and the way they are portrayed.
In the photographs above the model is positioned in a “masculine-like” way, this term can be described as “man’s spreading” typically done and presented on a male body and approach, this gender identity can opposed where the female subject performs this with her body highlighting this opposition, as well as the lighting and “contrast” as the two similar photographs appear to have a bitter tone of red on the face. The subject puts on a “fearless” and bold/brave face as the light appears more red-toned but as the photograph appears darker and bluer on the right the subject looks more relaxed, joyful, and bubbly. The variation between the lighting and how it can affect the way a person can be influenced to “behave” and “look the part” can show links between strength vs weakness as the different lighting can change whether an individual “looks” more intimidating yet “stronger”.
In these photographs, the subject is another female recreating similar outlooks from before. The difference between the red and blue pairs well together especially in the second photograph when there is a clear split between the tonalities. In the first photograph, the subject is smiling and appears very bubbly. This contrasts with the other subjects under similar outlooks but the other subjects looked in a more “masculine” and bolder way.
In this photograph I positioned myself so my “hip dips” can be clearer to see and present. I made sure that they look highlighted behind the light and angled. I like how the colourful light looks and how it focuses on that specific part making it look important and the main symbol.
In this photoshoot my friends and I took photos inspired by Cindy Sherman and her 1950s inspired housewife untitled stills. We created and took inspiration form Cindy Sherman when creating these photographs, by taking photos by the kitchen e.g floors, sinks, cabinets, stove or on the bed. Things that worked well in the photoshoot was taking photographs inspired on the bed and positioning the model similarly to how Cindy Sherman did in her own work.
I tried recreating the crying/ physically abused Cindy Sherman untitled still by creating a makeup smeared appearance on myself and my other subject in the photograph below.
I looked at her work and found the location to be similar e.g. bookcase. Many if not all Cindy Sherman’s photographs are in black and white with a slight orange/brown hue/photo filter to added to the old fashioned look.
When choosing the subjects facial expressions in the photographs many of the Cindy Sherman’s look innocent, hurt, scare yet confused at the same time, I tried to recreate that in my photographs.
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.
