PROFESSIONAL PHOTO MAGAZINE "ISSUE 114" 2015

Kalem Duffus-Mckenzie (19 HND Year 2 student).

I first started my photographic career as a hobby, which eventually lead on to a further subject of interest from the beginning of year 10 of secondary school and as a GCSE subject that ended in year 11. Based on my intentions, I further took photography for my A-levels for 2 years in sixth-form. As a result, I proceeded on to study the art form in college as a HNC commercial photography student and has recently progressed and completed as a HND student.

My intentions for the future would be to study a final degrees course to become a fully qualified photographer. As a photographer, I like shooting portraits, although the subjects that I like to photograph are either models or products. What I aspire to be shooting future wise would be to work commercially for a well-known fashion magazine. Experience wise on shooting within a studio would be 3-4 years in total, however I have been very limited in terms of studio gear and use of equipment.

The preparation that I made before I arrived, was to gather as much information as I could, that might help exceed my thoughts in what I would like to shoot for the cover. My approach for doing this was first, researching trending fashion for Autumn 2015 -16. As for the email that I had received for this cover shoot, strongly suggested to think about what I would like to shoot for the day, I took it upon myself to not just find any idea that I’d like to photograph, but instead to find ideas that would be current for the present year we were in, as well as the season. What first came to mind in terms of this, which was most important, was the style of clothing. A lot of trending fashion that I researched from the autumn fall of 2015 and from other companies, presented either fur, leather, metallic, platforms, knee high boots, 60’s\70’s style and finger jewellery. In addition to this, I wrote a list to bring as a reminder for the day; I also researched the trending colour palates, as it has a certain degree of importance that may inspire my shoot. I found out that either pink or red is the main colour palate for this year.

In relation to the shoot, I took this on board and first tried to achieve the correct lighting for the first model I’d be shooting with, after I engaged with analysing my photo of inspiration. I wanted a modelling light (beauty dish) to show of the models facial region and a light directed on the backdrop, so that the model and her clothing would not be lost within a deep grey background as I knew dark clothing would be worn. Before shooting, I ensured that I had spoken to the model and the make-up artist, as I wanted to achieve the correct make-up style. Looking at my inspirational image my first choice looking at her lipstick was blue, but after referring to the list I wrote down out of the two colour palates of pink and red, I chose red. For both models, morning and afternoon, I tried to achieve and portray a 60’s\70’s look just from the models head to waist, as I had to keep in mind for the amount of space I had to stick too because of the layout of the cover magazine. Baring this in mind, I decided to take precautions on this day by buying a couple of props encase there was a limited variety or none. The prop I bought to suit the 60’s\70’s look that I thought could have an interesting twist was a dimmed down version of "steam punk" glasses.

To achieve and add to this style, I also asked if there were any hats that I could use, which I was in luck with two choices and for the jewellery the models wore. Another prop I though may be useful after glancing around the area was the old fashioned one seated green chair which I asked the carpenter there, if I could borrow. Working with the Hasselblad camera and Bron-colour kit was a real privilege in my perspective and perceived as quite brilliant with precision, detail, sharpness and accuracy. I felt I coped quite well using the kit and Hasselblad as the controls were not difficult once shown how to use a couple of times for a run through.

I believe I coped successfully with the entire shoot, as I did take precautions on styling and what is current and latest fashion. I was pleased that I was able to use some of the listed clothing/make-up trends e.g. Red lipstick, leather jacket, fur, and jewellery. What I learnt on Monday the day of the shoot, was more life skills, more experience with the Hasselblad camera, improvisation and observational skills in terms of achieving visual aspects within my shoot. Given another opportunity, what I would do differently and having the expense to do it, I would purchase more items to add more visual clues into my shoot and search the perimeter of the location of the studio.