Art Photography

Application 

When I think of the word 'art', I immediately think of an array of vibrant colours that really stand out from one and another. I also think of some extreme works of art, such as people, which have been deformed through the use of paint. Art photography itself can count for a number of different styles. A lot of these photographs can be of real people and not paintings/cartoons like the word 'art' may suggest. One such art photographer that uses real people for models is Sally Mann:

 
 An example of Mann's work.

Context

The context has a major impact on art photography. A majority of the surroundings are outside locations although some photographs would have been taken inside a studio. The surroundings can really change the emphasis of the image. Many effects can be added to the surroundings, such as extensive lighting techniques. The way the images are displayed can also change the context. Some pictures are displayed within a frame whereas others are just pinned to the wall. 

Techniques 

Many different techniques have gone on to produce the images that are shown to people in art galleries, many of which can be found in Brighton. A lot of images would have been produced by a combination of set design and studio. Some images though will be projected so that they can look bigger than the normal gallery size. A majority of the pictures are printed on paper, which can be many different styles of paper. As I mentioned before, many images can be projected onto a wall which can look great.




An example of images being projected onto a wall.

Fashion Photography

Introduction

Fashion has been one of the most popular forms of photography since the early 1900s. This genre of photography is generally devoted to displaying clothing and other fashion items. Images have changed significantly through the different time periods. As with the times, images used to consist of two-tone black and white. Images gradually became more colourful such as the psychadelic 1960s. A majority of the models will be slim and attractive females, hardly ever the opposite.



An image of psychadelic clothing, very popular, especially in London during the 'swinging' 60s.

Adolph de Meyer (1st September 1868 - 6th January 1949) has been regarded as the founder of fashion photography. He was also the first person to be appointed as photographer for Vogue magazine.



Adolph de Meyer

Fashion magazines have become a popular way to view fashion photography. The most popular of these magazines would be Vogue magazine. Many female celebrities have featured on the front cover of the magazine for years.



These covers feature cover celebrities Victoria Beckham, Keira Knightley, and Beyonce.

Despite being popular magazines, much controversy has been discussed about the models used in the phototgraphy. Many people have complained that the models look far too skinny and many are using the size 0 clothing fit.

Techniques

One of the most popular photographers to influence the fashion industry was Cecil Beaton. He influenced the fashion styles seen in My Fair Lady. He said in an interview that "visual guides my life" and went on to say "I created a fantasy". His work mates said that he was clearly the boss but never bossed anyone around. Beaton had a tremendous backing from his crew. Everyone involved in the crew would be ready before Beaton arrived.

Technology itself had a big influence on the styles in which photographers worked. Many photographers use studios for their photographs, although many fashion shoots will feature outside locations. The main set-up of these studios will feature a background curtain and an extensive lighing crew to insure the best quality. A majority of the backgrounds will feature white curtains.



This is a stereotypical image of a studio set-up.

Context

Fashion photography has been exposed to the public in a number of different ways. The most common of these would be fashion magazines such as Vogue. The worlds top fashion photographers work for these top magazines where you have to be the best of the best to get a job there. Billboards are a common place to find fashion photography, normally when showing an advert for a clothing line/shop. Television adverts are also a common place to find fashion photography.



A billboard advert for Calvin Klein jeans.