Paul M Smith is course director for the BA Hons Photography at Coventry University. He originally studied Fine Art at Coventry University and as part of his course he undertook a research project into contemporary art which included living on an Aboriginal reserve for four months.
After completing his degree at Coventry he completed a Masters degree in Photography at the Royal College of Art. During this time he examined the meaning and construction of masculinity, concentrating on the cultural and visual creation of various alpha male identities.
Smith’s commissioned work includes pieces for Channel 4, Matterson’s, and the CD cover for Robbie Williams’ Sing when you’re winning. His work has been shown at the Saatchi Gallery, Museo de Arte Carrillo Gil in Mexico City, The National Portrait Gallery, The Photographers Gallery, Technisches Museum Wien in Austria the Australian Centre for Photography.
In 2004 Goliath published ‘Paul M Smith, Photographs’. This book catalogued his work from 1997–2004. Smith’s work can also be found in ‘Digital Art’ published by Thames and Hudson.
Clare Rae
she said: I’m an artist I also teach in photography and I’ve been making artwork for about nearly 20 years that utilizes my body in relation to architectural space.
In her photographic practice Clare explores ideas of performance and gesture to interrogate and subvert dominant modes of representation. Her work is informed by feminist theory, and presents an alternate and often awkward experience of subjectivity and the female body, usually the artists’ own.
A central interest within her practice is the exploration of performance documentation, specifically how the camera can act as a collaborator, rather than mute witness, to the performer.
Known for her engagement with domestic and institutional spaces, recently Clare’s work has been captured and exhibited in locations such as the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA), the National Gallery of Victoria, Monash University, the Abbotsford Convent, Sutton Project Space and the Substation, Melbourne.
In 2020 Clare began a PhD at the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne. She completed a Master of Arts by research in 2014 at Monash University, and received first class Honours in Fine Art in 2009 at RMIT University. Her work is held in public and private collections nationally, including Art bank, The National Gallery of Victoria, Monash University, RMIT University.
with the photography I took its been baced on 2 artist Anastasia jobson and Ilse Bing, the photos in green I used the style of self portraiture which Ilse Bing and I involved roller skates like some of the photos which Anastasia jobson, and I also do similar with the photos which are highlighted in blue via the roller skates and similar poses. with this photo shoot I will be taking more photos because there wasn’t as many good usable ones available and haven’t tried taking photos out in the street. which would relate more to Anastasia Jobson.
which the best raw photos are flagged
best raw photos –
with this photos I took it quite like Anastasia jobson but the facial expression is more so like Ilse Bing
these photos are inspired by Ilse Bing by the they have been taken as self portrait mirror selfie.
Another photo shoot –
within this photos shoot, which relate a lot to Anastasia jobson with roller-skating within an environment that you wouldn’t normally see people doing that type of activity and in some of the photos relates to her because of the facial expressions which my subject is given with in some of the photos. however with some of her images is quite bland which relates to Ilse Bing
“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.
Hands are unique because they combine dexterity, strength, and precision in a way that few other body parts do. The human hand’s ability to perform fine motor tasks, like writing or playing an instrument, is unmatched in the animal kingdom. The thumb allows for gripping, manipulating, and creating tools, which has been essential to human evolution and culture. The complex arrangement of bones, muscles, and tendons in the hand also enables a vast range of movements, from delicate gestures to powerful actions, making it a remarkable feature of human anatomy.
Family is important to me because they provide love and support. The people surrounding me also give me a sense of belonging, helping me push through life’s challenges and celebrate my successes.
Identity is important because it shapes how we understand ourselves and our place in the world. It influences our values, decisions, and relationships, helping us navigate with a sense of purpose and direction. A strong sense of identity fosters confidence, self-acceptance, and resilience. Ultimately, understanding who we are enables us to live authentically and connect fully with others.
Love is important because it forms the foundation of human connection, empathy, trust, and understanding. It provides emotional support, helping us through life’s struggles and amplifying its joys. Love nurtures personal growth, encourages kindness, and strengthens relationships, creating a sense of belonging and security. Love is what binds us together, making life richer and more meaningful.
Studio Lighting is any form of lighting equipment used when taking photos. It’s also used by photographers, often when working in a photography studio, to enhance their photography. Most professional photographers have different light kits they use depending on the situation they find themselves shooting in.
The purpose of studio lighting to illuminate their images and videos. Lighting is a very important tool when it comes to controlling the image. And using studio lights in an effective way is an art in itself.
The Three different types of point lighting are:
Key Light – 1 point lighting
Fill Light – 2 point lighting
Backlight – 3 point lighting
One-point lighting would involve just one light and this would be illustrated as the key light. The way in which we would utilise this light effectively would be to use a softbox in order to convert the light into a powerful diffusion light source.
Two-point lighting is a basic lighting technique used in film and photography that involves the use of two light sources to illuminate a subject. This setup creates depth and dimension, enhancing the visual appeal by casting shadows and highlights that define shapes.
Three-point video lighting is all about creating a three-dimensional look. By placing three light sources at strategic points around the subject, each light source illuminates a separate dimension of the subject and creates an image with greater representation of height, width, and depth.
Rembrandt Lighting, Butterfly lighting, Chiaroscuro
Rembrandt lighting is characterized by an illuminated triangle (also called “Rembrandt patch”) under the eye of the subject on the less illuminated side of the face. It is named for the Dutch painter Rembrandt, who occasionally used this type of lighting.
Butterfly lighting is a lighting pattern used in portrait photography where the key light is placed above and pointing down on the subject’s face. This creates a dramatic shadow under the nose and chin that looks like a butterfly.
Chiaroscuro lighting refers to the intentional employment of highlights and shadows to draw attention to the shape of the subject. In order to produce striking contrasts, this approach usually entails employing a single light source — such as a lamp or window — positioned at a certain angle.
Rembrandt lighting
Butterfly lighting
Chiaroscuro lighting
Artist Research:
David Bailey is an English fashion photographer best known for his images of celebrities, models, and musicians. Born on January 2, 1938 in London, United Kingdom, Bailey dropped out of high school to serve in the Royal Air Force where he developed an interest in the photography of Henri Cartier-Bresson. Over the course of the 1960s and 70s, the artist gained attention from the press after a string of high-profile marriages to Jean Shrimpton, Catherine Deneuve, and Marie Helvin. In 1965, he published his first photography book Box of Pin-Ups, a collection of black-and-white images portraying Mick Jagger, The Beatles, Twiggy, and Andy Warhol, along with several other celebrity figures.
David Bowie, 1982., printed: 2012John and Paul, 1965Paul McCartney, 1965., printed: 2009
Bailey has gone on to receive the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire from Queen Elizabeth II, and in 2016 a Lifetime Achievement award from the International Center of Photography in New York. The artist’s photographs are held in the collections of the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Technical: the lighting is artificial as the photo was taken in a studio where the flash was used as the lighting technique used is split lighting, where half of the face is lit up whilst the other half isn’t. The level of contrast in the face is not that major as the right eye is still very visible and bright, although the right side of the blazer is a much lighter grey than the right shows that the light was more angled at the blazer. A reflector could of been used to create the lighter right eye so the viewer would be able to see a full face. The ISO seems at a low sensitivity as the image isn’t grainy so it doesn’t show that much texture but enough to see it on the blazer. The shutter speed seems quite fast because enough light has entered where it’s not over-exposed but also not under-exposed. The white balance was probably set to daylight as the photographer used a flash trigger.
Visual: the image has been set to black and white to show its tone and contrast better. This also gives a darker, moodier feel to the photo which adds character to it and makes it not boring. You’re able to see the texture of the jacket showing depth . The model is in the centre of the lens which means he is in the middle ground.
Contextual: the photographer normally took pictures of famous singers of the time so Mick Jagger was a perfect model as he was in The Rolling Stones. At the time british rock music was popular so bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones and singers like David Bowie would be good candidates.
MOOD BOARD
My aim is to achieve at least 3 good photos with each technique whilst being in different poses and using different colour gels. This would get me a good range of photos to edit as I would have a nice variety to post. I’ll also use the reflector to bounce the light onto the models face to see what that would look like and see what effect is created and with doing that I’d also do a range of different shots and angles: close-ups, rule of thirds, low angle etc this would allow me to get images like David Bailey whom I’m getting inspiration from.
Please check your email or information on ALTERNATIVE ROOMINGS for Mon – Thurs
Your unique task for this week is to create a short but engaging presentation that can be shared with your class…
You can work as a pair or three for this challenge….
Your topic isLandscape Photography and Romanticism
You must include in your presentation the following…
A definition of what romanticism is…
A fact-file about romanticism (think who, what, where, when, how and why…)
An explanation of what The Sublime is
A section based on the importance of the British painters JMW Turner and John Constable
Key word and terms associated with romanticism
Good luck !
Next:
If you click here you will have a better understanding of some of the roots of landscape as a genre in contemporary photography….
You should create a timeline showing your understanding of how Landscapes evolved as a Genre.
Blog Posts:
Blog post 1: ‘Landscapes’
What does Landscape mean?
When did landscape emerge as a genre in western culture?
When did classical landscapes emerge as a genre?
What prompted the rise of Landscape Art during the late 18th / 19th century?
When did landscape photography originate?
Blog post 2: Romanticism’
What is Romanticism? Include: What are the ideals / characteristics of Romanticism, What was Romanticism a reaction against? Research Enlightenment? How did the Industrial Revolution have an impact on Romanticism?
Give an example of Romantic Artists – John Constable is a good one to use. (I will go through an analysis of their work in a later lesson.
What is The Sublime? Include a quote from Edmund Burke. Explain in your words what is mean by the sublime in terms of landscapes. Consider how are sublime landscapes depicted? How can something be both terrifying and awe inspiring? Can you relate this to a landscape you are familiar with? The ocean? Mountains etc?
Give an example of a sublime artist – J.M.W Turner is a good examples.
To me, Identity means how you are perceived by yourself and others. I think it is made up of your characteristics, values, appearance, actions, interests and experiences.
Ideas
Female Stereotype’s–
I want to explore women’s stereotypes in my identity project because these roles are such a powerful reflection of how society shapes expectations. Women have historically been placed into narrowly defined categories—like the housewife, the beauty queen, or the caretaker. They each carry specific expectations about how they should look, act, and live. By focusing on these stereotypes, I can examine how these roles influence identities and challenge the idea that they are ‘natural’ or ‘instinctive.’
Mood Board
Photoshoot Ideas and How They Explore Identity
Household Chores
A woman hoovering, washing dishes, or ironing in a slightly exaggerated 1950s-inspired setting.
Exploration: Highlights the societal expectation of women as caretakers and homemakers. Contrasts the idealized image with subtle expressions of frustration or detachment to question the performative nature of these roles.
Beauty Routine
Scene: A woman sitting at a vanity mirror doing her hair or makeup with excessive products and tools scattered around.
Exploration: Examines the pressure on women to maintain appearances and conform to beauty standards. Smudged makeup or an overwhelmed expression could reflect the emotional toll of these expectations.
“Looking Pretty” Pose
Scene: A woman dressed glamorously, posed on a couch or chair with a staged, magazine-like elegance.
Exploration: Critiques the stereotype of women as objects of visual pleasure. A stiff or overly dramatic pose could emphasize the artificiality of this role.
Overworked Multitasker
Scene: A woman juggling multiple tasks—cooking, holding a baby, typing on a laptop—all at once.
Exploration: Represents the modern “superwoman” stereotype and the unrealistic expectations placed on women to balance career, home, and personal life seamlessly
Mirror Reflection
Scene: A woman looking at her reflection in a mirror, but the reflection shows a different, stereotyped version of herself (e.g., a housewife, beauty queen, or businesswoman).
Exploration: Represents the tension between personal identity and societal roles, asking who defines a woman’s identity herself or the expectations placed on her.
For my photoshoot, I will take inspiration from some of Cindy Sherman’s work and explore gender stereotypes and societal norms/expectations towards each gender.
Who? – My parents.
What? – Hands (stereotypically, male hands bruised dirty from work and female clean), stereotypic environments + outfits + expectations (e.g. boy’s don’t cry, women must cook and clean) – in black and white to give older impression and highlight how stereotypes supress and influence identity.
Where? – Stereotypic environments (male at work, female in kitchen).
Why? – Explore how stereotypes as well as social expectations affect identity, self-perception and emotions (focus on social/gender identity).
Initial Photo Ideas:
1 – Juxtapose photo of my dad’s hands with photo of my mum’s hands, male hands will be significantly more worn because in their time period in Portugal stereotypes such as males being the ‘breadwinners’ and workers whereas women cooked and cleaned were deeply rooted into society. Contrast side by side and present in black and white to create a more serious tone as well as highlighting differences in each hand much more clearly, showing how the social expectations and stereotypes of their time has influenced them physically and therefore shaped their identity/self-perception even now.
2 – Juxtapose stereotypic outfits/environments of males and females, e.g. have my dad in a work environment dressed in construction gear/a suit and contrast with my mum dressed in an apron/cleaning gear in a kitchen. Explore how gender stereotypes have influenced their identity, both their social identity and gender identity due to societal expectations – dull/bleak atmosphere, environmental portraits with a neutral face and presented in black and white. Could also contrast elements of each stereotypic environment, e.g. compare construction gear vs cleaning materials and suit texture vs cleaning gear texture.
3 – Juxtapose social expectations from each gender with each other, e.g. contrast males being frowned upon for crying and expected to be ‘manly’ with females being seen as more vulnerable, emotional and only good for cleaning etc. Could photograph dad in a restricted/uncomfortable environment appearing to be holding back tears to present how these expectations restrict and shape identity.
