Exam Brief: 'Same But different'.
AO1: Contextual Understanding.
_Developing ideas through sustained and focused investigations
informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical ad
critical understanding.
Brainstorm.
It was difficult to come up with Landscape ideas for the brief 'same but different' other than naturistic interpretations and time of day. And from this i realised there was not much intelligence within it, i"d be taking pictures of plants that look different with no real in depth meaning or analysis to it. Portraiture photography is really interesting as you can do whatever you want wth the model; you have more control. I've decided to start of by looking at how siblings can look the same even though they are different people, and then I would like to bring in different races and culturesand compare these as well. |
Photographer Research.
_François Brunelle.
In this exhibit, François Brunelle photographed pairs of people, though looking alike, are not actually related to one another. Through his photos we are able to understand just how remarkable our faces and features can be and just how uncanny the resemblance between the people are in the photos. By dressing them similarly or the same contributes to the identical look as well as focuses us just on their features themselves.
In this photo I find it amazing just how alike these two people look, but then by looking at their age they look more like father and son rather than twins. In comparison to the other photos these two are wearing very different types of clothing, which I think brings through their personalities as well as their ages. The one in the back in the suit, shows more sophistication while the older looking one in the front displays more of a calm and laid back lifestyle, though really their jobs an personalities are open to interpretation. I think its due to their positioning in this photo that makes them look like a father and son, the son holding onto their fathers shoulders,like an actual father holding up his son.
_Tony Parsons.
Tony Parsons is an award winning caricature artist based in Brighton. For over 12 years he has been creating caricatures and was concerned with keeping a subjects likeness. He said that 'Anyone that tells you a caricature isn't supposed to look like the subject has missed the point or doesn't possess the skill required! An accurate and well crafted caricature should be funny yet be more accurate than the subjects own reflection.'
I think the whole art of caricatures is interesting. The fact that we are able to influence the uniqueness of a person to the extent that it look different but the same is a skill that of which shows intelligence and creativity. At first glance anyone who knows Boris Johnson will know that this is a caricature of Boris, as he has the uniqueness which is easily recognisable; the big, bright blonde hair, the big nose and mouth, the character which is portrayed through the image which we can align and identify as Boris.
My own Attempt.
I made an attempt at creating my own caricature. From looking at the previous image many people who know the model and possibly some who may not can identify certain traits to which the model has. He has eyes that are slightly bent to normal, and therefore i exaggerated this further. His mouth and nose in turn are also quite large so i influenced these as well. A huge part of caricature art is that when the final is produced it is humorous as well as intelligent. And many people who know him have seen this and known it was him at first look, because they can recognise what they know about them and align it to him.
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Andrzej Dragan.
I think Andrej Dragans work is really explicit and precise. The way he is able to capture the detail in a persons face is really beautiful. Though the areas surrounding the person may be dull and dark, he has brought the face as separate from the background, as if they shouldn't even be there. But I think it is important to note and recognise the textures he creates, its as if they are there in front of us. And also the way he creates a lot more of a contrast and removes many mid-tones is really well done and creates a cinematic look to whatever the image may be. This portrait on the left also reminds me of the work by Martin Schoeller, and how he is able to capture the true definition of a person face, without over exposure.
I tried doing my own style of Andre Dragans work, ad did my own attempts of changing backgrounds to something either full toned or fading. I also changed the picture to monochrome black and white to see if the detail would be expressed more fluently, but I realised that while there is some expression of the detail, I think the hue in a persons face help to influence this more.
Nancy Burson. - Human Race Machine.
I think the race machine is a really unique way of exploring equality through race and ethnicity as it is the same model shown in these different caste's. It would be really interesting to explore this further, without copying her.
AO2: Creative Making.
_Experiment with and select appropriate resources,media,
materials,techniques and processes,reviewing and refining ides as work
develops.
I wanted to focus on the specific features of twins, so by getting them to wear white plain t-shirts against a white plan backdrop it makes it a lot easier to focus on their appearance. I think it is up to the person looking at the images to pick out the differences between them and similarities, especially if people do not know them, it would be difficult. Apart from the ear piercings distinguishing them from each other, I can spot many differences between these two people. I also tried to incorporate some of François Brunelle's work in this shoot, showing them as close and loving towards each other.
_I then decided to use black t-shirts against a black background which I
found to work so much more than the white background as shadows were not
visible, and creases in the sheet were not easily seen. I think through
the simplicity and flatness that comes from this we are able to focus
on their appearances even more, as it frames their faces, as if they're
just floating heads. I think with the black backdrop and t-shirts it may
be a lot simpler for the audience to pick out the differences between
the two of them.
After looking at how twins may look similar or different, i decided to take some portraits of siblings in general, this time of a different race to show the variety through ethnic races, how its doesn't need to be twins that look very similar or probably the same, but siblings on their own, can sometimes look more alike than non-identical twins.
Experimenting Ways of Manipulation.
The caricature idea has left me thinking of different ways in which a face can be changed for whatever reason. Whether it be combining faces, highlighting features or looking generally at the face of a person, I want to explore these things to achieve more of an understanding of faces and features and traits.
1. Changing features.
I started off by layering the photo of my models face onto the other image. I had to change the opacity to make sure that the features were all lined up together. I then rubbed put any parts of the models face that i didnt need. But then i realised how the two models have different skin colours and the hues in both images were nowhere near similar, so using the hue and saturation toolsas well as the eraser tool, to make it blend in together more, I was able to combine the images together. |
I dont think this idea will further my development of human characteristics and race. As i merely changed somebodies features, and it doesnt really have any message behind it.
2. Reflecting the face.
Using Photo-shop I flipped the image of the model, to display the difference between one half of the face to the other. By comparing the original face to the symmetrical one, it is apparent that this models face is not completely the same on both sides. There is a theory that the more symmetrical your face is, the better looking you are, but who is to say what is beautiful, and what if there is a division. What if one group of people of a certain race, is more symmetrical than another? Does this make them better because of their race or is it just a coincidence?
I also tried the symmetrical face on Photo-shop with two more models. And what I discovered while creating these images is that they sometimes ending up like new people, slightly. By looking at the photos and edited photos, the originals are by far better looking than the symmetrical images.
3. Putting faces together.
On Photo-shop i decided to look at features and how we all have the same features. I.e the concept of a nose, two eyes and a mouth. But it is evident that we all have these features in different shapes, colours and sizes. and by cutting these photos together, I was able to explore how different these things are. through most of my investigations I've noticed that white skinned people tend to have a smaller nose and thinner head shapes, while Asian people tend to have slightly wider noses, dark eyes and slightly rounder heads. But though these are only the people whom I have investigated. It does not mean that all white people will have a thinner head shape, and I would like to explore this further. By aligning a certain characteristic to a specific race, we immediately shut ourselves from actually focusing on what race a person may be, as our observations get the better of us sometimes. |
4. HDR effect.
_(left image) Like Andrzej Dragans work I
tried experimenting on photo shop how to create a high dynamic range
effect to a photo. The HDR effect exaggerates the contrast in the photo
thus allows a higher and more noticeable difference between light and
dark in the photo and this creates an artistic effect. I also find the
HDR effect to be really dark and mysterious (in this case), and I like
the clear contrasts that are created from doing this.
(right image) I duplicated the image to create 2 layers on photo shop. On one of the images I put the 'High pass' effect on to it, for when I layer on top of it with the same image again. The High Pass filter technique is used for sharpening images as any areas in the image which are not an edge are left untouched. The only areas that have sharpening applied to them are the edges and therefore we are able to bring in the real shape of the subject (in this case the models head), and then the image will not come out with roughly drawn out, non-sharp and not produce a better contrast in the image. This effect is a great tool to bring out the edges as so to create a contrast.
(right image) I duplicated the image to create 2 layers on photo shop. On one of the images I put the 'High pass' effect on to it, for when I layer on top of it with the same image again. The High Pass filter technique is used for sharpening images as any areas in the image which are not an edge are left untouched. The only areas that have sharpening applied to them are the edges and therefore we are able to bring in the real shape of the subject (in this case the models head), and then the image will not come out with roughly drawn out, non-sharp and not produce a better contrast in the image. This effect is a great tool to bring out the edges as so to create a contrast.
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(top left image) I then went back to the top layer and chose the 'Overlay' option and it produced this image. However i felt it was too dark and still needed some more editing to create a higher range of contrast between the light and dark; having less mid-tones. (top right image) I think de-saturating the photo slightly, contributes to the successful effect in the contrasting, as if were brighter and different hues then it would not look professional and it would look very tacky unless it was intended to look comical and cartoon-like. However this is not the effect I was approaching. (bottom left image) I started to play around with levels and curves to achieve more of a contrast. Though in this image it looks quite heavenly and glowing, in the actual image it did not look this way. I think it was good to have more natural tones rather than colourful tones to come through. |
(left image) I used the burn tool to darken some parts of the face that were over exposed, so that it looks more natural and not overly contrasted, though I was aiming to achieve a high difference in tones.
(right image) I like how the skin texture came out, it doesn't look flat and I think the high pass effect helped to achieve this as it helped it to become more defined. I looked at the models eyes and felt they needed to be lighter and less dull, so by using the dodge tool I was able to achieve this.
(right image) I like how the skin texture came out, it doesn't look flat and I think the high pass effect helped to achieve this as it helped it to become more defined. I looked at the models eyes and felt they needed to be lighter and less dull, so by using the dodge tool I was able to achieve this.
I think the HDR effect is really good at creating a cinematic look to an image, after creating the image on the left, I again tried to see how it would look in black and white hues. I think in terms of creating a cinematic look, the left image is alot better than the right, however through this technique and effect, the model looks very textured, while the black and white image does look slightly smoother and depending on the desired effect, I feel both images are satisfactory.
What if I were to make this image even more cut down?
After looking at the previous images, I started to think of a way to make the models features and skin tone more visible, so on photo-shop i cropped the image and blacked it out more around the face so that the actual focus is all on the model right in the centre of the image. However in doing this i realised that this way of cropping looks a bit eerie and the way i raised the contrast and brightness a bit does not make the model any more flattering than before. |
Idea 1.
I have an idea inspired by Nancy Bursons 'human race machine'. I want to play around with ethnicity and change different people from one ethnic group to another. I will be using mainly make-up and then photo-shopping features, as by looking at different ethnic groups, we can perceive and pick out specific features the ethnic group has. For example Oriental Asian people have smaller eyes, and Black African people have fuller lips and wider noses.
Latina/ Hispanic.
I noticed that when looking through these images, the models nose was completely different to that of a hispanic woman, so on photo-shop I will be reducing the sixe of her nose, and editing some photos in different ways to see what shows their features
Chinese.
I decided to disregard this idea as now that I have put it into practise, I have realised that this method of exploration of race and ethnicity does not in fact show anything intelligent about the exploration of ethnic groups.
AO3: Reflective Recording.
_Record in visual and/or other forms ideas, observations, and
insights relevant to intentions demonstrating an ability to reflect on
work and progress.
Idea 2.
I've discovered that by looking at different ethnicity's and features, there are an amazing amount of comparisons between everyone in the world as well as very distinct and specific differences. This is not only to do with features, but skin colours as well. I want to carry on with Nancy Bursons idea but take it in more of a different approach rather than using one model and changing the races using photoshop and make-up. I think that when we see people in everyday life, we immediately align them to a specific race but for all we know they could be a mix of 3 or four races, and this immediate thought of someones race has been given to us through our observations, it is interesting to point out that we may inherit more of a specific characteristic from one parent rather than the other, for example someone may appear to be fully asian, but unless you ask them, for all we know they could be half white half Asian. Two people may have almost the same skin colour and one could be half White/ half Black and the other could just be naturally quite tanned in colour. As i live in a very diverse ethnic area I feel that I should take the opportunity to capture different people and simply take a very stripped down image and have a whole selection of different people, and leave the audience to have their own perceptions of the people.
I took some practise shoots to start off my idea before i take the real, higher quality shots and chose just a few to display here to emphasize the kind of look I am going for with my final piece, by stripping back the clothing and the background to match each other, the person looking at the images has the ability to take in the persons face for what they can see and interpret it how they wish and for what they think the persons race is.
Practise Shoots
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Real Shoots.
The lighting in all of these shoots were the same: 3 sources of light positioned around the model. The images may not look as if they have the same lighting but this is only because of the different face shapes of the models, the light hits some models in certain places that it doesnt in others. I chose this style of lighting so that on side of the face is lit, in a symbolic way to show their true skin tone, race and ethnicity, while the other side is much darker, almost black, to show a similarity between all of these people, achieving a sense of same but different. |
I chose this model as he is dark skinned and Somalian. When asked, some people say he does not look like what people may consider a 'typical Somalian' person as his characteristics are apparently different to others. For this reason I chose him, as my concept is to not align a person -through observation- as a certain race when you don't actually know. Some people think he is just of some other Black heritage.
Process of editing for final piece.
I started off by duplicating the image to two layers, and on on of them i selected the high pass filter and put it to 3.6 pixels of definition.
Then on the other layer I selected the overlay filter, so that the colors and tones of the model would come through and they in turn will be alot more defined and there will be a more cinematic effect. To further this effect I used the curves tool to lighten and darken any midtones so they dont look dull and plain.
Lastly, I used the brightness and contrast tools as well as the dodge tools to lighten some part of the image, for example the whites of the eyes, so that the picture is more captivating and interesting.
I continued the same process with my other pieces. I initially thought that I should use the same amount of brightness and contrasting and curves when I come to edit them all. But then i realised that what amount of contrast may work with one skin tone better, it wouldnt for another, and so I will be using whichever contrasting and brightness effects make the look good as well as similar with eachother.
I continued the same process with my other pieces. I initially thought that I should use the same amount of brightness and contrasting and curves when I come to edit them all. But then i realised that what amount of contrast may work with one skin tone better, it wouldnt for another, and so I will be using whichever contrasting and brightness effects make the look good as well as similar with eachother.
I chose this model to show a side of asian race. She is quite fair skinned amongst other brown skinned people and so for all we know she could easily be of some middle eastern race and heritage.
When looking at this model, we asscociate him as being of white british heritage, when in fact, he is not english at all. He is half Algerian half Irish and i thik he is a perfect example of what my concept is. By looking at this model, we genuinely feel as though he is full british.
In contrast with the previous model, this model is actually of a full English-White heritage. Many people though, consider her to be polish, as she does attain the characteristics we may asscociate with a Polish person: blonde and blue eyed, with fair skin. This model much like the previous one are misconstrued as a race they are not. just because our observations of prevous encounters tell us what we think we may know.
I chose this model to compare with the next one. The model is mix raced and the comparison I have chosen to make within the other model aswell is that the two have very or nearly exactly the same skin colour, but they are both different races. The compromising of a dark person and a light person, evidentally is similar to the conjoining of two mid-tone skin coloured people. This is yet another way of exploring my concept: two people who look the same race, come from different parts of the world.
This model, from observation of her features, for example her eyes; have made questions of her race and ethnic background. The size and shape of them almost make her look slightly oriental, when in fact her race is primarily black african. It is plausible though to consider maybe a sort of gene was carried through generations and thats why she has slightly smaller eyes, or we can comprehend that she just looks like this.
AO4: Personal Presentation.
_Present a personal, informed and meaningful response
demonstrating critical understanding, realising intentions and, where
appropriate, making connections between visual, written, oral or other
elements