Sian Davey (Looking for Alice & Project Martha)

Sian Davey was born in Brighton and later went to Bath academy of Fine Art where she studied fine art painting in 1985. she also went on to obtain an MA and an MFA in photography between the years 2014 to 2016. Sian has a daughter called Alice and a teenage Step-daughter called Martha. Sian Davey was greatly inspired by Louise Bourgeois retrospective. After visiting Tate Modern, London in 2007 she instantly loved the style of the photographs. After Martha’s 16th birthday, she questioned why Sian doesn’t take photos of her anymore. Sian had earlier assumed that Martha was becoming uninterested in being involved in the photography and wanted to give her space to grow up as she is a teenager. While she stopped taking photos of Martha, she took other photos of her youngest Alice where she created the project

‘Looking For Alice’

The context of this particular project highlights the meanings of Love and Family. Sian Davey focusses this project on her daughter Alice as she was born with down syndrome and she explains her struggles and the importance that her “imperfect baby” feels what everyone else feels.

Visually, This image gives off a dark tone but it is also a very warming photograph. The overload of patterns works well especially with the dark background as it doesn’t make it overly crazy. You can easily tell that the girl is the viewpoint of the image and i like how the use of a brighter colour outfit compared to the blankets and pillows works well to stand her out. It contrasts with the colours and patterns of red/pinks and greens on the pillows and blankets and is very eye catching in contrast to the background. It also adds a really effective aspect to the image.

In technical terms, I think the lighting in this particular image works really well and I love how the natural light shines on Alice’s face. it is very intensely shining on the left side of Alice’s face and therefore making that side have a glow. The aperture has been adjusted to full focus on Alice and the bedding around her as the background is not visible at all.

I think this photo also works well as an Environmental Portrait piece as Davey has said, the conceptual view of this photo shows that though Alice has down syndrome, she is like any other child who loves to explore their surroundings and go on adventures to places such as in the photo.

Visually, The viewpoint is immediately the centre of the image and the add of height to Alice creates more a focus on her, this could also be seen as her being in the centre box of a rule of thirds. In addition to this, the use of colour contrast in terms of Alice’s clothing also adds to the fact that she is the main focus as she differs from the rest of the image.

The technical aspects of this photo includes the use of the natural lighting. Though its clear that there are clouds cover the sky the light is still able to pass through and create a warming light

Project Martha

After Davey was asked the question by Martha, She then went on to begin her newest project called ‘Project Martha’ which involved being apart of her daughters teenage life with her friends. Sian expressed how she had to allow her friends to trust her and have her basically in the friend group to be able to capture these photos. She says the quote

‘I am always there as the photographer, as her step-mother, as mentor and friend, but where I am and where I place myself is harder to place as she grows and moves further away from her childhood.‘

These were photos like the ones below

I think Davey’s photographs are very powerful because as well as capturing Martha’s teenage life with her friends, she is also expressing the relationship between herself and her step-daughter and the trust they have in each other. I think the bright colours that are in every photograph of Martha’s friend group makes the photo have a large feeling of happiness and memories being made, whereas, if she decided to make her photos black and white it wouldn’t have the same effect that it does. I think this point is greatly evident in the 2nd image below. I really like how natural Davey’s photos are. In the first image, I think the use of only Martha being aware and looking directly at the camera works really well to show that its a document of her life and what she does. the use of the friends not being aware of the photo also adds to how naturalistic the image is. The colours In almost all of her photographs are soft and bright and bring across a feeling of warmth.

Some of the photos from ‘Project Martha’

What is an environmental portrait?
An environmental portrait is where the photo is produced in the persons natural environment. this could be places such as their home or the place they work. In a portrait such as this, it is not only the person that is important, it is also crucial that the background of your image contributes to the viewers understanding of the persons profession. For example, the photo of the Chef above explains this well. though he is wearing a chefs outfit, the profession needs to be clear even if it didn’t involve the aspect of objects that relate to that profession. As it is clear there is a kitchen behind the man, this means the the photograph is clear and is a good demonstration of environmental photography. These photographs are also powerful pieces that could share a deeper story about the persons life

As well as a work profession, environmental portraits can be taken at home as it is the persons natural environment. Rooms such as the living room or someone’s bedroom works really well for this type of portrait as it demonstrates where the person spends most of their time.

at the beginning of this project I wasn’t skilled with adjusting the settings of the camera, I learnt how to do this and I could tell how a lot of my images increased in quality. The use of the studio gave me a chance to experiment with different lighting techniques and angles. I made sure to involve different levels into my photographs by using the objects provides such as plain boxes. I think my nostalgia project differs from the rest as I experimented more in this photoshoot and I think it turned out well. If I were to do this project again, I would try and involve different nostalgic which would be more interesting to photograph.

I really liked how my Tools photoshoot turned out as well. I used three different ways of photographing these by using the bird eye view using the set up in the studio. As well as this, I used the coloured transparent plastic to add different colours to my images which make it more interesting and make the, stand out form the rest. The third technique I used was using the light box. Like the first, this was also taken at bird eye view. If I were to do this photoshoot again, I would aim to take more photos than I did and make the photos more unique than just the basic object.

At the end of my photoshoots I created a phot gallery of both my photoshoots. First I did this on photoshoot which I didn’t really like as it was difficult to get the angles right on the walls and it doesn’t have the aspect of walking around like Artsteps does. I like how my gallery turned out on Artsteps. I like the gallery space I chose as I have a lot of areas to choose from and add my images to. I prefer this more than photoshop as it’s an easier process and on photoshop the angles of the images sometimes don’t turn out right or look the wrong angle.

These are the photos that I picked out of each of my photoshoots because I thought they were the best ones.

Photoshoot 1:

Photoshoot 2:

Photoshoot 3:

Photoshoot 4:

Photoshoot 5:

Photoshoot 6:

Photoshoots 7:

Photoshoot 8:

These one I have picked because I liked them the best and plan to edit them.

who is Vanessa Winship?

Vanessa Winship was born 1960 and is a British photographer who works on a series of long term projects of portrait, landscape, reportage and documentary photography.

Vanessa Winship studied film before teaching photography in London. She shortly joined Agence VU’ in 2005 and then began long-term projects in the Balkans with her husband, who is also a photographer called Georges Gerogiou. She prefers black and white and portrait format because it represents a bare and frontal. tone. She became known for her series on Anatolian schoolgirls in uniform, published in the book Sweet Nothings. Her work is raw, she doesn’t show this sweet and fluffy side to school girl, she extremely and methodically frames little girls who pose seriously, with serious eyes, clearly showing the backgrounds, etc classroom and mountainous.

In 2011, she began a trip to the United States that lead to the publication of the book ‘She Dances on Jackson’, whose title refers to a missed photograph. It was description of a scene she was unable to capture. Portraits, landscapes and urban views follow one another to form a poetic and melancholic vision of the country, made of details and interstices.

These projects have mainly been in the Eastern European part of the world but also in the USA. Vanessa created lots of books and some include Schwarzes Meer (2007), Sweet Nothings (2008) and She Dances on Jackson (2013).

Her first exhibition was at Fundación Mapfre gallery in Madrid in 2014. Her actual first major in UK solo exhibition was at a famous Barbican Art Gallery in London (2018) Her work has also been exhibited twice in the National Portrait Gallery in London and noticeably in Rencontres d’Arles in France.

Vanessa has won two World Press Photo Awards, ‘Photographer of the Year’ at the Sony World Photography Awards, the HCB Award (the first woman to do so) and in 2018 an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society. She is a member of Agence Vu photography agency.

Mood board

An environmental portrait is a portrait that captures a subject in their natural surroundings, such as their homes or workplaces.

here are some examples of environmental portraiture:

Enviromental portraiture is full of emotion and can display more of a story than the average photo. this allows the view to create stories and fantasise about the lives of the people in them.

This photo is an excellent example. it shows an older man sitting of a rowboat, possibly waiting for someone or resting before going out or bringing the boat in.

What is Environmental portrait?

An environmental portrait is a photograph that depicts a person within their natural or chosen surroundings. The surroundings in the photograph play a vital role in showcasing the personality, character, or profession of the subject. These portraits aim to capture not only the physical appearance of the person but also their connection to the environment.

Why are environmental portraits important?

Environmental portraits are important for several reasons:

1. Context and Storytelling: By placing the subject within their surroundings, environmental portraits provide viewers with a better understanding of who the person is and what their life is like. The surroundings offer valuable context and help to tell a visual story.

2. Personality and Identity: Environmental portraits capture the subject’s personality and identity by showcasing them in a setting that is important to them. This can reveal aspects of their interests, profession, lifestyle, or cultural background.

3. Authenticity and Connection: Environmental portraits can create a deeper connection between the viewer and the subject by showing them in a familiar or relatable setting. It helps to establish a sense of authenticity and allows the viewer to relate to the subject’s experiences.

4. Visual Interest: Including the environment in the photograph adds visual interest and depth to the composition. It provides additional elements such as textures, colors, or patterns that can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the image.

5. Emotional Impact: By focusing on the subject and their environment, environmental portraits have the potential to evoke emotions. They can evoke a sense of nostalgia, admiration, curiosity, or empathy by capturing moments that reflect the subject’s emotions or experiences in their surroundings.

Overall, environmental portraits offer a unique and engaging way to visually represent people within their natural or chosen environment, providing a more comprehensive understanding of their lives and stories.

Mood Board

Mind Map

How do we use environmental portraits?

Environmental portraits can be used in various ways, depending on the context and purpose.

1. Editorial and Documentary Photography: Environmental portraits are often used in magazines, newspapers, and documentaries to accompany articles or stories. They help to bring the subject’s experiences and surroundings to life, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.

2. Corporate and Professional Portraits: Environmental portraits are frequently used in corporate settings to showcase employees, executives, or professionals in their work environment. They can be used for company websites, marketing materials, or professional profiles, providing a more personal and relatable representation of individuals within their professional context.

3. Personal Portraiture: Environmental portraits can be used for personal purposes, such as capturing family members, friends, or oneself in meaningful locations. This allows individuals to showcase their personal character, interests, or relationships within their chosen environments.

4. Artistic Expression: Environmental portraits can also be a tool for artistic expression. Photographers can use unique locations, lighting, and compositions to create visually stunning portraits that convey emotions, stories, or conceptual ideas.

What can environmental portraits say about us?

1. Interests and Hobbies: The choice of environment in an environmental portrait can reveal a person’s interests, hobbies, or passions. For example, a portrait taken in a workshop filled with tools may suggest that the subject is a skilled craftsman or artist.

2. Profession and Expertise: Environmental portraits in a work setting can indicate a person’s profession or area of expertise. For instance, a portrait taken in a laboratory may suggest that the subject is a scientist or researcher.

3. Cultural Identity: The environment and props within an environmental portrait can reflect a person’s cultural identity. Elements such as traditional clothing, artifacts, or symbolic objects can provide insights into a person’s heritage or cultural background.

4. Lifestyle and Personality: Environmental portraits can convey aspects of a person’s lifestyle or personality. For example, a portrait taken in a cozy living room full of books and plants might indicate a love for reading and a preference for a relaxed and nurturing environment.

5. Relationships and Connections: Environmental portraits that include other people or significant objects can communicate relationships and connections. A portrait taken with family members, friends, or beloved pets can show the importance of these relationships to the subject’s life.

6. Environment and Values: Environmental portraits can reflect a person’s values and beliefs. For instance, a portrait taken in a natural landscape may suggest a deep appreciation for nature and environmental conservation.

7. Emotional State: The environment and composition of an environmental portrait can sometimes reveal the subject’s emotional state. Elements such as lighting, facial expressions, and body language combined with the surroundings can convey emotions like joy, solitude, or contemplation.

Where am I taking the photos?

My plan is to take the photos in multiple places because we need to take 100-200 photos. Some places I have picked are;

• Basketball court
• Office
• Rugby field
• Market stores
• Dojo
• Dj set

What do I want my subject to do in the photoshoot?

From the inspiration of other environmental portraits I looked at, I want the person to stand in the middle of the frame with their environment clearly behind them, I am going to take quite a few and also want some where the person is very close and clear to the camera but the background is blurred.

Other photos I want to take are of the person looking at the camera because I saw most environmental portraits where like that but also some where the person is actually doing their environment like rolling out the pizza in a kitchen.

What do I like about environmental portraits

Some of my favourite things in environmental portraits I want to try are;

• black and white (once edited)
• looking away from the camera
• natural lighting
• matching clothes
• matching tools

Who will I photograph?

• Friends
• Family
• Work colleagues
• Strangers

I will take my photos;

• Over the weekend
• Half term

An environmental portrait is a portrait executed in the subject’s usual environment, such as in their home or workplace, and typically illuminates the subject’s life and surroundings. It also should resemble if they like their job by facial expressions or how hygienic the workspace is by using effects such as B/W.

It isn’t made in a studio with a simple background. Instead, the subject is photographed in a particular environment, perhaps the place where they work, their home, or anywhere that relates to who they are. Done well, the environmental portrait should give us further insight into the life or character of the subject.

In this photo it shows how the man is working in these poor, hot conditions, where his clothes look dirty and used, and he’s also wearing sandals which means he could damage his feet easily. The use of black and white makes him look sad or old wheres the image below doesn’t.

Whereas this image shows the man looking happy with all the colours popping with the two knife/metal sticks as the main subject but the shaper knife has been blurred. This photo shows how he is happy and enjoys his workspace as it looks like he is cutting meat and other animals in a market which is outdoor, talkative, and friendly to customers.

Arnold Newman, Newman was an American photographer born in 1918 and passed away in 2006. Arnold Newman was well known for his portraits of high-profile individuals such as artists, politicians and celebrities. He is usually acknowledged with making the environmental portraits popular, a style of photography which places the subject in a context or background relevant to their work or personality.

Newman`s portraits normally use a strong sense of composition and he would pay careful attention towards the lighting and the surroundings. Most of Newmans work is in monochrome (black and white) which i really like because it gives off the feeling of nostalgia and it also makes the images alot more dramatic. Arnold Newmans participation to photography and his unique style of portraiture has made himself one of the most important people in the history of photography.

here are some of Arnold Newman`s Images:

Arnold Newman has various museum collections and exhibitions such as: “The great British”, “Five Decades”, “Arnold Newman`s americans” and many more which can be found here, https://arnoldnewman.com/biography.html

Image Analysis

Alfried Krupp, industrialist, Essen, Germany, 1963, Arnold Newman

Visual: The man is the main subject in this image, the background is pretty dark with white artificial lighting which makes it look like a cold environment, its in a industrial place and it has leading lines towards the back of the photo which gives more depth and perception to the image. The train station/factory looks abandoned due to the graffiti on the walls and the overall look of the place.

emotional: Intimidated, cold , serious. these are the feelings I get from this image because the man is staring straight at the viewers and he is in a dark place.

Technical: the photo has a sense of balance because the image uses symmetry this is done with the two pillars being either side of him which makes the image more central and puts the focus on him. the lighting is also done from the top to the bottom and we cant properly see the mans face so this could be to create a sense of anonymous.

Context– Arnold Newman is a Jewish American photographer who took this photo and in the image is Alfred Klupp who is a German who owned many factories in Germany. Arnold Newman did not want to take the photograph at first because Alfred Krupp helped the Germans, but in the end he went through with the job.