Conclusion

I decided pretty much straight away that I wanted to do something fashion related for this project. This is because I am really interested in Fashion Photography and what can be done within it's walls. Something had been bugging me for some time now, which was the quality of clothes and their decline. With this fresh in my head, I decided to go on ahead with my project which I very quickly dubbed "Fashion is Rubbish". I got to work, researching different types of materials, different photographers who are highly influencial in my fashion industry and who I thought were interesting and their work could help shape mine, photographers I could take inspiration from and use it to power my own imagination. I decided on some basic starter materials, Tin Foil, Cling Film and Newspaper. I did a test shoot, just to see how the paper and tin foil would look under the studio lights, I shot this in my home, with the lights and backdrop I own. These shots aren't fantastic, but they were just for me to see how the materials would look, whether it'd be worth using them in the shoot. Thankfully, they looked great, especially the paper, with all the colours in the articles and the ads really showing up. I decided then that I was going to submit my work as a book, I thought this would go down well, as this is a concept that would suit a book layout, with a back story, and showing my progression.
 When I was ready for my first shoot, I sent out a casting call via a website called Model Mayhem. I had a large amount of interest, but I managed to whittle it down to 2 female models and a male model. This was exciting, as it could show diversity, having the 2 genders showing off the concept. I arranged the date and place with the models, but made the grave mistake of not getting their phone numbers. I also managed to arrange with the local hair dressing department of the college for a hairstylist to come and assist with the shoot, aswell as a make up artist I had booked by myself. When the morning arrived, all 3 of the models that I had booked didn't turn up, which was heartbreaking. Especially since I had to tell my hairstylists and make up artist they had to go home...
 I didn't let this set me back for long, I went straight online and found a local modelling agency who wanted to help me. We got one shoot done and dusted and under the belt, using a team of 2 hairstylists, 3 models, a make up artist and a fashion designer. This was a nice number, we had the same amount of models as I did looks, so I could just have one girl coming onto the backdrop, as the other was heading off, this added a fluid movement to the shoot, meaning I wasn't standing there doing nothing, I could keep busy shooting. I had brought a long some make up ideas, some hair ideas and pose ideas, so everyone had an idea of what I was looking for. After the shoot was finished, I got my book mocked up and ordered, I didn't think I would be doing another shoot, since I was getting close to the cut off date for the book ordering, I didn't know if it would turn up before deadline date. After a tutorial with my tutor, I decided to go ahead an arrange another shoot.
 I arranged another shoot, managing to get another 4 models and a fashion designer. Since I had more models this time, I decided to get more make up artists and I decided to go down and ask the girls in the beauty department of the college.  The original plan of this shoot was to use crisp packets, cardboard and bin bags. When we thought about it and I spoke with the fashion designer, we decided that just focussing on the binbags would be a better idea, as she could do a lot with just them.  Low and behold, I am really happy with the shots I got from the second shoot also, I was really skeptical at first, I didn't think that I'd be able to pull an entire shoot off using just bin bags, but my fashion designer managed to pull through and make some amazing outfits.
 I am really happy with the shots I got from both of the shoots I managed to get done, I feel proud of myself that I managed to bring such a big shoot together, arranging times and places with so many different people. There are a few things I would change, for instance, had the first shoot I booked not been cancelled due to no show models, I feel that I would have been able to display my work a lot better, both sets of images would be in the book, and I wouldn't be submitting a book and prints. This would have also saved me some money and time. I feel in the first shoot, I would have changed some of the make up ideas, I wouldn't had the model in the tin foil look have such a heavy amount of tin foil on her face. I liked the tin foil on her eyes, but I feel it was a bit over the top on her lips.
 I have received some mixed reviews, people have said they liked the shots, and one person has said they weren't sure, as the rubbish looked "too much" like clothing, and according to them, which they said defeated the object. I like hearing the opinions of others, but in my own opinion I really like the images and I feel they show off my concept well.

Artists' Statement!

You may have noticed, just like me, that the over the past couple of years, the quality of clothing has been declining. Clothes that were once warm, hard wearing and long lasting are now thin, fading fast and not lasting in the washing machines. You may also have noticed that we're not being charged any less for these "lesser" items, we're just being fed that they are "pre shrunk" or perhaps "Pre faded" when in reality, this is a lie... They're just plain old rubbish.
 Since Fashion Photography is something that I really want to go into, and that I'm interested in, I decided to use this project that was interesting to me, and make it into my own Fashion photo shoot! I first started with research into photographers that really caught my attention with their work in Fashion, photographers that are well known and published. These included Testino and Knight, I then needed to move on to research the rate of decline... Did others feel the same way as me? The articles I came across were amazing... This then gave me my fodder to go ahead with my project.
 I had a vision of what I wanted them to look like, clean crisp background (In contrast) and the models wearing items we would usually consider "rubbish" such as Cling Film, Tin Foil, Paper and Bin bags. Playing up to my title "Fashion is rubbish".

Settings etc

This is the set up I used for the 2nd photoshoot I did. As you can see, the settings are around the same as the last shoot I did. However, I did TRY and get the lights at the same F stop, but this was proving difficult considering both lights were a different age & make. Oh well! I don't think this matters, as I actually love the shots we managed to get anyway.

  Model: Beccy Kelly.
I didn't want the shots to be samey or boring, so I decided to have some interactive shots. This is made up to look like she is either unravelling her dress, or doing her own dress. What I find strikes me more, is the blue of her nail varnish.

Model: Laura Hughes
Again, we wanted some shots were the model was lying down, or on the floor, doing something other than sranding there. I like this shotm because the model has a different facial expression and she is doing something good with her hands. The lighting is also slightly duller here, so you can see the proper colour of the bags that were used.

Model: Simone Marr
This was one of my favorite looks. I like the way we lose her dress into the background, this wasn't intentional, but when I saw what was happening, I fell in love with it and made no move to change it. So we'll call this a "happy accident". This shot doesn't actually tie in with my concept (in my opinion) but I do love the way she looks!

Fashion is Rubbish - Shoot 2

  These are some of the Portrait orientation images from today's shoot. This is my 2nd shoot in my "Fashion is Rubbish" series. For this shoot we concentrated on using Plastic Bin Bags, which we discovered come in a varying array of colours. Amazing! Who would have guessed you'd get such pretty coloured bin bags?! My designer also had the amazing idea to use Egg Trays for accessories, something which again, you see on a daily basis, but you never look at and think of.
I think this unusual look went down really well, giving something interesting to look at with the model in the white bin bag.

The final photo is of my entire team (minus one make up artist) Top: Emma Lynch, Beccy Louise Kelly, Laura Hughes, Hollie Lynch & Jessica Geraghty
Bottom: Sami Lou, Simone Marr & Lesley Mizij Jackson.

I will be adding more shots up, I just thought I'd get the first ones uploaded so you can have a look at them!
Thanks!

-Sarah

Make up!

 Sooooo, since I updated with my clothing idea's, I thought I'd update with some makeup idea's to go with the new styles.


1. This one I thought was quite "Gothy" I liked the idea of "goth" for the Black Bin Bag look, but trying to keep it "high fashion". If I was to use this look, I think I'd make it more black than red.

 2. This is an Alex Box make up style. I actually fell in love with this as soon as I saw it... A little dark, but I think it would tie in with the bin bag look! Alex Box is a famous MUA who has worked with famous Photographers such as Testino.

 3. This is a watered down goth look, this was the first look I found, but this might be a more high fashion look... However, I don't think this would be bending the rules... This might be staying safe. Staying safe doesn't tie in with this concept!














4. I'm in love with this look too..

 5.  I actually love this, I think it'd look brilliant with the crisp packets and sweet wrappers, since they're colourful. This could be a look just like my "paper" look.

4. This again is gorgeous! However, where as this is purple, I think I'd go a bit more adventurous... Bright, colourful,  bold. Looking at the colours of the wrappers we have and using them as guidence. This is another Alex Box style.











Well, thats all my make up ideas for now, I'll be showing these to my MUA and we'll discuss what can be done, and what she thinks.
Thanks for looking!


Bibliography:

1. The Goth Guide 15: Make Up Makes the Man. 2012.  [ONLINE] Available at: http://redxvelvet.hubpages.com/hub/redvelvet015makeupmakestheman. [Accessed 28 November 2012].

2. alex box | Tumblr on we heart it / visual bookmark #35449374. 2012. . [ONLINE] Available at: http://weheartit.com/entry/35449374#. [Accessed 28 November 2012].

3. MissChievous.tv: Fashion inspired Gothic Makeup. 2012. . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.misschievous.tv/2009/08/fashion-inspired-gothic-makeup.html. [Accessed 28 November 2012].

4. Alex Box // Community Blog Topics - Bloggers. 2012. [ONLINE] Available at: http://bloggers.com/topics/alex+box. [Accessed 28 November 2012].

5. Fantasy Clown – Beauty and Make Up Pictures . 2012. . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.eyeshadowlipstick.com/1983/fantasy-clown/. [Accessed 28 November 2012].

6. Bobby Tank/Surplex TV. 2012.. [ONLINE] Available at: http://pinterest.com/kategillmua/bobby-tank-surplex-tv/. [Accessed 28 November 2012].

Clothing ideas

So here are some of the ideas I'm looking at for the second shoot in my Fashion is Rubbish Series. I decided to expand on my idea, and add other items, which are more "Trash" like. I am going to be using Cardboard, Bin Bags and Crisp packets. I think these are items that everyone sees on a daily basis.

I asked some friends what they thought of my images from the last shoot, I got many positive reviews, but apparently they look "too much" like real clothes, and I need to get away from that. I'm unsure about what to think of this, I liked the fact the rubbish looks just like clothing, tying in tightly with my concept of clothing being rubbish and not lasting. However, this was just one person, and I'm sure they don't speak for everyone.

I have hired the same MUA as last time, Natalie Middlehurst, we're talking about what make up would suit the styles for this shoot.

I have a mixture of models for this shoot, some girls are traditional models, keeping their bodies clean and working towards the glamour/Fashion look, but again, I have hired more alt (alternative) girls. I do like the alt look, I think it gives another dimension to the images, and gives decoration the rubbish clothing doesn't.

 1. Cardboard Dress

2. Cardboard Dress 2

3. Crisp Packets

4. Crisp Packets & Paper

5. Skittles Wrapper

6. Black Bin Bags.


Bibliography of Images:

1. best interior design ideas: strode college: cardboard catwalk: recycled costumes. 2012. . [ONLINE] Available at: http://interiordesignideas-albert.blogspot.co.uk/2009/11/strode-college-cardboard-catwalk.html. [Accessed 28 November 2012].

2. Do The Green Thing: Unusual, Odd And Wonderful Upcycled Fashion. 2012. . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.dothegreenthing.com/blog/unusual_odd_and_wonderful_upcycled_fashion. [Accessed 28 November 2012].

3. Crisp Packet Dress by ~aw4foxache on deviantART. 2012. . [ONLINE] Available at: http://aw4foxache.deviantart.com/art/Crisp-Packet-Dress-142710559. [Accessed 28 November 2012
4. Recycled Dress by ~Alyssa-Melissa on deviantART. 2012.  [ONLINE] Available at: http://alyssa-melissa.deviantart.com/art/Recycled-Dress-196882537. [Accessed 28 November 2012].

5. Top 10 Weirdest Dresses Ever - Session Magazine. 2012.  [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.sessionmagazine.com/top-10-weirdest-dresses-ever/. [Accessed 28 November 2012].

6. Taking Out the Trash Never Looked So Good ~ Trend de la Creme - Trends in fashion, style, beauty, design, and popular culture.. 2012. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.trenddelacreme.com/2008/11/taking-out-trash-never-looked-so-good.html. [Accessed 28 November 2012].

Review of current standing.

Original Set Up

Set up including the help we got for "Comic book Rain"

So I'd thought I'd do another review and a conclusion, with where I am up to at the moment.

Shoot:

7th November was my first shoot with this style. I managed to get some models from the "To be Confirmed" agency. They arrived promptly, which was amazing, especially since I was let down the week before! They arrived and I talked them through what we would be doing. They established who would be wearing what look. Once that was done, we could get into hair and make up. Thankfully whilst that was being done, I had time to set up the lights and make sure the settings were up to scratch.   (You can see my diagram above, crudely drawn in Paint!)
Thankfully, Sami, the "boss" of the agency was with us, she was the most experienced model of the group. She helped out with the other 2 girls, helping them pose themselves and work on their facial expressions. Sami also brought a refreshing take to the shoot, helping to expand on my original ideas, and changing them to help them flow. We shot the Tin foil look first. Personally, I loved this look, Sami and MiziJ managed to get the look just right, something which I couldn't have done on my own. The make up was wonderful, however, I think if I was to shoot this again, I would have left the tin foil off the lips, perhaps making them coloured red, to tie in with the tattoo on Ami's side.
In my opinion, this would have been really dynamic, being the only colour in the shot.

After Ami was finished, she agreed to stay in her crazy foil get up, so that we could get a group photo at the end, I felt so sorry for her, she was stuck like the tin man!

Lesley and Sami were more experienced than Ami and we managed to get through the rest of the shoot quite quickly, although we didn't scrimp on ideas! Sami, Lesley, Ami and Ami's Mum helped us with some of the photos, especially the execution of the "comic book rain", we needed every spare hand we could get! (I liked how they all conveniently had other things to do when clean up time arrived, haha!)


Things I'd have changed:

x. I noticed after the shoot, that one of my lights was brighter than the other, this made the right hand side of the photos brighter than the left, which lead to some awkward editing. If I could do this shoot again, I'd ensure both lights were the same brightness.
x. I'd have changed the make up on Ami, only slightly. I noticed she had a beautiful red rose tattoo on her side, since all the other models were very alternative, I feel like her tattoo was overlooked. I'd have made her lips red, to bring out the colour of the tattoo.

x. I'd have tried different backgrounds also. I had a black backdrop available for use. Even though I am very happy with the shots on the white backdrop, had I of tried the black, I feel that the foil and perhaps the cling film would have had a different depth to them and a different feel.


Things I am doing again:

x. I am doing another shoot, expanding on my idea, trying out Wrapping Paper, (Christmas or Birthday? I haven't decided) Crisp Packets (Different brands and flavors) and bin bags (Black, Green, White?). This shows I can still hire models and work my time accordingly.

x. I am doing another shoot, this time I am going to use a different set of models, make up artist and hair stylists, this shows I can go out and get more contacts, not just working with the same people. This also builds up my reputation. 
x. For this shoot, I am going to be printing the images for display, since I have already completed my book, I feel submitting these prints will make the book stand out more, and continue with the "Story" and the concept.


Anyway, that's all for now. Thought I'd keep this updated, since I can put things here that wouldn't go in my workbook. Thanks for looking, don't forget you can always view all of my photos, including this series, on my Facebook page!

www.facebook.com/SarahGibsonPhotography

-Sarah

MOAR PIX!

Here are the pics that will be making an appearence in my book. Only a small number will be published in the book, since I do have to ensure my Introduction, Conclusion and Bibliography are up to scratch. I am planning another shoot, going further with the project and expanding.

I'd love to have some creative critique, I always take comments on board.

Comic Rain

I actually feel like this is the best shot that has come from this shoot. I love everything about it.
I know some people would class this as a tad "busy" but I feel it works.

If you have any critique or comments you'd like to add, please don't hesitate.

Model: Lesley Jackson
MUA: Natalie Middlehurst
Hairstylists: Bethany Coogan & Katie Peel
Designer: MiziJ
Agency: "To be Confirmed"
Edit: Barbara Hoban

The Team!

My wonderful hairstylists!
Katie Peel & Bethany Coogan

My Models and MUA!
(L to R)
Ami Garrity, Sami Lou, Natalie Middlehurst and Lesley Jackson

Fashion is Rubbish - Shoot

Here are some of my favorite images from the shoot today. I've included a portrait picture of each style we managed to get through. I love them all, I think they all work really well.

I'd love to say a massive thank you to the following people!

Natalie Middlehurst for turning up and providing amazing insight to make up.
Beth & Friend for the hairstyles and offering to give up their lunch and class times for us. Dedicated!
Ami Garrity, Lesley Jackson & Sami Lou for amazing modelling, creative styling and artistic direction. Without you guys, this shoot wouldn't have happened.... Thank you!


I'd love to hear everyones opinions, so let me know!

Sarah.

Make up Ideas

So I decided to look at some make up styles I would consider using. I looked at a well known make up blog, Jangsara. I decided I quite liked this make up style, but instead of using eyeliner, I would rather have it done using eyeshadow, so that it goes higher and is visable.
This would be worn with the newspaper look.

More examples of the colourful looks that might go well with the newspaper/comic book look I have planned.

I found this look and thought it would go perfectly with the tin foil look I have planned. The gold could be interesting in relation to the silver foil.
The silver would also go really well, but would be really repetative.










Bibliography
Image 1, 2 & 3: Makeup your Jangsara: Tutorial: Rainbow li(me cri)m/ner. 2012. [ONLINE] Available at: http://jangsara.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/tutorial-rainbow-lime-crimner.html. [Accessed 11 November 2012].

Image 4:
. 2012. . [ONLINE] Available at: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwOZfw7AuQOq_7kLfcu854jZ3KHJ2Siq5OpkWUo2yYnhLONcvb42du-gU4aoQZt0oBNcZNyAYD-ZjBSbL_Z3sl1hl1eiYTiBdMr3x-5JPKTppLj3CBE-xYVQbjDr2IhkjB5pJ0X_Nwzw/s1600/fendi-spring-2012-gold-silver-foil-eye-makeup.jpg. [Accessed 11 November 2012].

Poses!

 I've been looking at some poses, that I thought would go well with my concept.
Here are some images that i've found and I like, I'm going to be using these as reference images for my shoot.

I currently have 3 models that have certainly confirmed, and another that might turn up. I'm liking the amount I have, this way I can have the shoot carry on, and have the costume changes and Make up changes flow.

 I really like this pose, it has a good use of the hands, and body positioning, it interacts with the hair, (Which I want BIG and WILD)

Bibliography:

Image 1:
. 2012. . [ONLINE] Available at: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJMCTq-546ZpfsFXEPmAbjlOC1zmcHB8B6nJAw1lGw_h6T_Mb2p_eJ4TTUPWoUxXbYZqHqi395hFtn_Uk4wyKFa8B5Rp7d2plgKCJo4S5zt_noMh2Pfl65A7DnfHLmmqTdjxy64bwU0tm/s1600/damn+modeling+pose.JPEG. [Accessed 11 November 2012].

Image 2:
. 2012. . [ONLINE] Available at: http://i.istockimg.com/file_thumbview_approve/19070706/2/stock-photo-19070706-high-fashion-model-poses-yellow-pants.jpg. [Accessed 11 November 2012].



Image 3:
. 2012. . [ONLINE] Available at: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmXdkIDnMKiYMVEoIr23WGdIHZSwTL7bccIvh89u6kKYu-dWQuW__Yc8DwcnILsVb1EHm37AqCdW7yVG4UvIXxwfnBFo7YJaAPaJuZlu0g4PBlBc0eHNFTuVOyGZqBEsXcTIKt-BfaR8/s1600/High+fashion+model+poses.jpg. [Accessed 11 November 2012].

Test Images - sheets

Here are the contact images from the test shoot I did about my Fashion is Rubbish assignment. I have only done the Tin Foil and the newspaper right now. Although I do have more materials planned.

• Bin Bags - Black or White?
• Tin Foil - The reflections and the shadows are interesting.
• Newspaper - I like the array of different colours that are brought by the articals and the adverts
• Comic Books - With the newspaper being so interesting, I thought the bright bold colours might be interesting..
• Cling Film - Something different, which could create an interesting effect.
  
  
  So these are the things that I like the sound of... Any opinions?
  
  Have I come against any problems?
  
• Time management - With a big shoot planned (7.11.12) that went wrong... Every single model didn't turn up, which meant the shoot was cancelled. I had to tell my MUA and hairstylists' to go home, which made me feel bad. This has put a delay in my images and work. I have re-booked the shoot, using a modelling agency. I have re-arranged for 14.11.12. I am looking forward to this shoot... I also have to manage my time more effectively, as my desired output is obviously my book from Blurb, which can take anywhere from 7-10 days for delivery AFTER printing... So this is something that needs to be seriously considered. I do have a back up plan if this does fail.
  
• The materials - Where as these are really easy materials to come across, getting them onto the models, keeping them there and making them look like clothing was proving to be hard. On the above images, I used selotape on the newspaper to keep it attached. Although this wasn't too good, since the paper didn't manage to cover much, and you can see her underwear, (oops!). Other than the selotape and the newspaper, the tin foil was proving to be very itchy on the models skin, actually going as far as to scratch... So this is going to be a problem..
  
• How do I intend on fixing these problems? - I am intending on going round charity shops, or to Primark and purchasing some cheap skirts and vest tops, and attaching the materials to these. I would only need to attach the foil and paper, since cling film can easily be attached to the skin. However, this might take away from the point I am trying to make. Especially with me buying into the concept of "cheap clothes". This is something I need to consider when making my decisions.
  
  
  Well, thats all for now, next update will probably be when I've done my shoot and I'm showing you guys some of the images from there.
  
  Thanks for reading!
  

Wednesday

So, I have a shoot planned for Wednesday. One of the biggest I have ever arranged in my entire life, and i've got to say, it is one of the most stressful things I have ever done.

 It's all fine and dandy to have the studio space booked, but that is a dedicated time slot which then must be filled, and I'm struggling finding models who will commit to a dedicated time. Many are willing to say "Yeah, I like the sound of that" but then when it comes to them actually saying "Yes, I'll be there, here is my number" none of them are willing to commit.
 That worries me... Where are the professional models who are willing to say this? I have my outside help booked, (The MUA and the Hairstylist) but I'm finding that models are the hardest! They think everything should be down to them and their ways... Well, they should wish it worked that way!

I'm hoping this shoot is going to wield the results I'm after. I'm using this as a sort of "prequel" to another, but if the shots are good enough, I will be using some of these too... I am going to need a few to bulk out my book and show my workings!

Anyway, I'll do another update on Wednesday, once the shoot is complete, showing some of my initial images, and hopefully I'll get some feedback.

See ya soon!

Cupcakes made easy

Thought I'd throw this on here anyway. I know it isn't part of my Personal Project, but it is photography work, something I've been hired to do.
I've decided Product photography is something I'd want to go into, I find it interesting and know that there is many jobs out there that can come from it.

This has been part of my Professional Development work.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cupcakes-Made-Easy/367735433277204
This is their Facebook, they're available for Cupcakes, Wedding Cakes & Cake Classes, (Including learning to bake, and decorating!)

Thanks for looking! Make sure to give their page a view, and a like if you're interested!

Sarah.

More inspiring images

 Some more examples of dresses and stuff I like, that I'm taking inspiration from.