Anastasia jobson
stuff she has said on her website about her –
“A little about me and what I do… I am a bit of a rolling stone, I have lived and worked in four different countries. Formerly a professional dancer, now I’m a professional photographer and video creator operating in Birmingham, West Midlands. I am really excited to see where my craft takes me next!”
“Simply put, I love working with people, hence why portrait photography is my passion.“
“As a former professional dancer and choreographer, I understand the way the body moves. I have transposed this skillset into my photography; I can instruct my clients to make subtle body adjustments that will transform an image in a spectacular fashion!”
“I’ve been studying posing for years and I believe there’s no “one pose fits all”. To me, effective posing requires a personal approach. I work with every single client by studying their body language, in order to find the flattering shapes, angles and poses specifically for them, and the personality they are trying to project.”
“I deeply believe that every single person I photograph should love their portrait, especially when it comes to a professional headshot/business portrait. I know how frustrating it can feel having a photo that you’re not particularly happy with, on a public display representing you. “
examples of her work – on a photoshoot of roller-skating –
analysis –
Visual Analysis
This black-and-white portrait exudes a sense of joy, individuality, and empowerment.
• Composition: The subject is positioned in a relaxed, squatting pose, which feels natural and inviting. Her smile and gaze directed away from the camera suggest spontaneity and an effortless connection with her surroundings.
• Lighting: Soft, natural light emphasizes the subject’s features, creating contrast against the smooth marble backdrop. The shadows cast by her figure and braids add depth and texture to the image.
• Contrast and Tonal Range: The monochrome palette enhances the interplay of light and shadow, drawing attention to the subject’s expression and the texture of her braids, denim jacket, and the marble wall.
• Textures and Details: The mix of soft and sharp textures—the smoothness of the marble, the braided hair, the denim fabric, and the sneakers—creates a dynamic visual experience.
Technical Analysis
The photographer has carefully balanced the technical elements to highlight the subject’s personality and style.
• Framing: The tight crop ensures the subject is the focal point, while the diagonal lines created by her posture and shadows guide the viewer’s eye through the composition.
• Depth and Focus: The shallow depth of field keeps the subject sharp and detailed while softening the background, further emphasizing her presence.
• Lighting and Shadow Play: The direct sunlight creates crisp shadows that enhance the three-dimensionality of the image while maintaining a flattering softness on the subject’s face.
• Monochrome Choice: The decision to render the image in black and white eliminates distractions and focuses attention on form, texture, and emotion.
Conceptual Analysis
This photograph captures themes of individuality, freedom, and self-expression.
• Representation of Identity: The subject’s confident pose and vibrant smile suggest a celebration of individuality. Her braids, denim jacket, and roller skates express her personal style and evoke a sense of youth and freedom.
• Timelessness: The monochrome aesthetic lends the image a classic, timeless quality, allowing it to transcend specific eras and connect universally with themes of joy and authenticity.
• Movement and Energy: The roller skates hint at mobility and playfulness, while her relaxed yet dynamic posture conveys a sense of ease and energy.
Contextual Analysis
The image’s cultural and stylistic elements provide deeper context:
• Cultural Identity: The subject’s braided hairstyle and casual attire suggest a celebration of cultural heritage and individuality.
• Urban and Contemporary Aesthetic: The roller skates and denim jacket speak to modern, urban fashion and lifestyle trends, emphasizing a connection to contemporary youth culture.
• Symbol of Liberation: Roller skating is often associated with freedom and self-expression, further reinforcing the photograph’s uplifting and empowering tone.
Evaluation
This photograph is a striking example of how simplicity can convey depth. The combination of visual, technical, conceptual, and contextual elements creates a portrait that feels both personal and universally relatable. Its balance of light and shadow, relaxed composition, and joyous energy make it a celebration of individuality, self-confidence, and freedom.
also one other artist which more links in with the previous artist reference, which showed femininity and masculinity –
Ilse Bing –
a pioneering German-born photographer known for her innovative work and use of the Leica camera. Often referred to as the “Queen of the Leica,” Bing played a significant role in modernist photography, blending artistic creativity with technical mastery. This passage highlights her early life, academic pursuits, and eventual pivot to photography, which became her lifelong passion and career.
examples of her work –
analysis-
visual Analysis
This self-portrait by Ilse Bing presents a layered and reflective composition that draws the viewer into its complexity.
• Composition: The image is carefully framed to include multiple perspectives of Bing, with her reflection in the mirror to the left and her direct gaze toward the camera lens. This interplay of reflections creates a fragmented yet intimate atmosphere.
• Lighting: Soft, natural lighting enters from the left, casting subtle shadows and emphasizing Bing’s facial structure. The highlights on the camera’s metallic surface provide a focal contrast in the otherwise muted tones.
• Contrast: The black-and-white tonal range enhances the drama, with deep blacks in her clothing contrasting with the brighter, overexposed window in the background.
• Focus: The sharpness of Bing’s face contrasts with the softer, blurred edges of her mirrored reflection, further emphasizing her direct engagement with the viewer.
Technical Analysis
Ilse Bing’s technical mastery is evident in her use of innovative techniques for the time.
• Camera and Equipment: Bing holds a Leica camera, a symbol of modernity and mobility in the 1930s. Its inclusion in the image reflects her identity as a pioneering photographer.
• Framing and Depth: The use of mirrors introduces layers of depth, making the viewer question what is “real” versus a reflection. This effect also speaks to her technical precision in controlling multiple focal planes.
• Exposure: Bing skilfully balances the light to avoid overexposure of the reflective surfaces while maintaining detail in her face and the camera.
• Self-Portraiture Technique: Using a mirror and tripod, Bing constructs a self-portrait that feels both candid and deliberate, showcasing her dual roles as both subject and creator.
Conceptual Analysis
Conceptually, the photograph explores identity, perception, and the role of the photographer.
• Themes of Reflection: The use of mirrors signifies introspection and the multifaceted nature of selfhood. Bing presents herself not just as an individual but as an artist in control of her image.
• Breaking the Fourth Wall: By directly engaging the viewer through her gaze, Bing asserts her presence, creating an intimate yet authoritative connection.
• Photography as Art: The inclusion of her camera within the composition blurs the line between the act of creation and the creator, emphasizing her role in redefining photography as an art form.
• Modernist Ideals: The image reflects modernist influences, with its focus on technology, innovation, and a rejection of traditional portraiture.
Contextual Analysis
Understanding the historical and cultural context deepens the appreciation of this work.
• Cultural Context: Taken in 1931, this photograph situates itself within the interwar period, a time of significant technological advancements and shifts in artistic expression. Bing’s work is emblematic of the avant-garde movement, which sought to challenge conventional forms.
• Artistic Influences: Bing was known as the “Queen of the Leica,” and her work aligns with contemporaries such as Man Ray and László Moholy-Nagy, who explored experimental and abstract photography.
• Feminism and Identity: As a woman photographer in a male-dominated field, this self-portrait can be interpreted as an assertion of autonomy and professional identity, with Bing presenting herself as both subject and creator.
• Personal Context: Bing’s use of the Leica camera not only symbolizes technological progress but also represents her personal connection to her craft, making the photograph a testament to her innovation and artistry.
Evaluation
Ilse Bing’s 1931 self-portrait is a remarkable fusion of visual, technical, conceptual, and contextual elements. Its layered composition, technical precision, and conceptual depth challenge the boundaries of self-portraiture and photography itself. Through reflections, lighting, and her direct gaze, Bing captures not only her physical presence but also her identity as a pioneering photographer and artist.
While minimalist in its setting, the photograph is rich in meaning, serving as a testament to Bing’s ability to combine personal expression with innovative techniques, making it a landmark in modern photography.