2.0 Statement of Intent - Product Studio Shoot

Title of Theme: Capturing Nostalgia


Statement of Application
The pictures will be used to promote the Toy Museum by 'Toys of Yesteryear' at Barton Marina, Barton under Needwood, Staffordshire. Initially I liked the idea of taking studio shots of the toys - purely to meet the needs of the C&G L3 criteria.


Having had a good look around the museum the ideas started to take shape. I noticed a c1970's Subbuteo set and immediately got the pangs of nostalgia (mini leagues involving friends from my community with home and away games at each others homes, knock out competitions, players getting broken and glued together again, the relatively huge ball and endless dispute about flicking techniques).


If seeing he box set could have that effect on me - could a series of images stir the same nostalgic feelings in others. That became the purpose.


I am fascinated by the 'tilt shift' technique - see blog 2.5 The Best of Tilt Shift Images and became interested in the idea of using this technique for use with actual miniature toys/models. 

Following discussions with Steve Davies (our Tutor) and fellow students the 'proposal' started to evolve. Simulating 'real life' scenarios with the subbuteo set and then merging with images from 'real life' football stadia would be a development of the tilt shift genre. Some of the Tilt shift techniques would be applied to this shoot (depth of field and post shoot editing) see blog 2.6 Tilt Shift Trial - Photoshop Method

Equipment Used
A full description of the equipment used can be found on Blog 2.2 Equipment and details of my experience with lighting on blog 2.4 Studio Trial - Product Shoot - Toys


Technique Used
For details of the lighting, shooting and post shoot techniques used please see blog 2.5 Subbuteo Shoot.


Lighting Application and Control
Learning about the use and control of lighting is covered in blogs 2.3 Studio Photography With Household Lights & 2.4 Studio Trial - Product Shoot - Toys. A discussion about the lighting actually used is covered in blog 3.0 Subbuteo Shoot.


Health & Safety Considerations
A review of H&S considerations and assessment of risks is covered in blog 9.0 Health & Safety

4.0 Statement of Intent - Potrait Shoot - CANCELLED

Following research and discussions with the tutor I decided that this project was too ambitious for the time available and my current ability. See the 'UPDATED' version of this post for the revised statement of intent.

Title of Theme: You Bring The Colour


Statement of Application
The influences behind my choice are included in blog 4.1 My Portrait Theme Choice. 

My vision for the final outcome is to produce 10 shots that could be used in a promotional campaign for a travel company. Thinking laterally they could equally be used in a promotional sense for  camera company - but that is not the purpose.


I have collected a series of images from a number of sources that provide the storyboard for the shoot.

Equipment Used
A full description of the equipment used can be found on Blog 4.2 Equipment and details of my experience with lighting on blog 4.4 Studio Trial - Portrait Shoot - Family


Technique Used
For details of the lighting, shooting and post shoot techniques used please see blog 4.5 Family Shoot.


Lighting Application and Control
Learning about the use and control of lighting is covered in blogs 4.3 Studio Lighting Set Ups & 4.4 Studio Trial - Portrait Shoot - Family


A discussion about the lighting actually used is covered in blog 5.0 Portrait Shoot.


Health & Safety Considerations
A review of H&S considerations and assessment of risks is covered in blog 9.0 Health & Safety

4.1 My Portrait Theme Choice - CANCELLED

These influences have lead to my portrait theme choice "You Bring It To Life".

The underlying idea is a 'travel advertising' shoot. Using shadows/silhouettes to depict iconic locations e.g. the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and safari animals. By introducing people in full colour, in typical holiday regalia, the contrast then supports the tag line "you bring it to life".

What is a Silhouette? - well according to the fountain of all knowledge - Wikipedia "A silhouette is a view of an object or scene consisting of the outline and a featureless interior, with the silhouetted object usually being black. The term was initially applied in the 18th century to portraits or other pictorial representations cut from thin black card". Perfect.


The term has also (from the same source) "....been extended to describe the sight or image of a person, object or scene that is back lit, and appears dark against a lighter background. Double perfect (if a man can say such a thing).


This effect has been used to create a very specific genre of theatre "shadow". Its history can be dated beyond the 13th century in China. Today there are over 20 countries with 'troupes' performing the genre.' Pilobolus' are an American troupe originating from New York City. Following widespread exposure on US TV, they have since appeared around the world, featuring on
the UK's Royal Variety Performance show of 2009.


The following images show how the effect can be created.



Because a silhouette emphasises the outline, the word has also been used in the fields of fashion and fitness to describe the shape of a person's body or the shape created by wearing clothing of a particular style or period.

Because of the limitations of studio space I will need to back light 'small' silhouettes to then projected 'larger' shadows on to a white background.

4.1.2 Portrait Shoot Planning & Storyboard

The storyboard consists, of the following 10 shots.

In order of shoot, they will be re-arranged for the storyboard after the shoot (see comments at end of list);

1. Model standing in traditional dress facing forward (for half and half image - both face and full length) - Also capture hard/defined shadow.
2. Model sitting on chair in traditional dress (face forward)
3. Model sitting on chair in traditional dress (side on)
4. Model walking in traditional dress (towards future self) (towards camera)
5. Model walking in traditional dress (towards future self) (sideways to camera - left to right)
6. Model making traditional greeting (towards future self)
7. Model, in traditional dress, holding hands with future self
8. Model disrobing traditional dress e.g. removing headscarf or letting hair down, as she walks towards future self
9. Model standing leaning against white wall, in business dress (face forward and side on)
10. Model walking in business dress (towards future self) (towards camera)
11. Model walking in business dress (towards future self) (sideways to camera - left to right)
12. Model, in business dress, making handshake with future self
13. Model, in business dress, holding hands with future self 
    
14. Model standing in business dress facing forward (for half and half image - both face and full length)
15. Shot of traditional shoes (table required)
16. Shot of business shoes (table required)
17. Shot of business bag (table required)
18. Shot of business phone e.g. Blackberry (table required)

Comments
Positioning for shots 1&14, 6&13 and 7&12 will be critical for matching up. Same focal point, distance from lens and lighting.

The model may choose to start in business dress and then move to traditional dress so the order of shots will need to be flexible (considerations of make-up etc). I could ask in advance of course, however, its part of my plan to help the model feel comfortable on the day by involving her in the shoot. Naturally, I'll be taking advice from her as regards to the 'poses' to be adopted. The model is a passionate member of 'Women In Logistics' and as such is 'surrogate client'.

4.1.1 Potrait Shoot Statement of Intent UPDATED

Title of Theme: Women In Business


Statement of Application
The influences behind my choice are included in blog 4.1.1 My Portrait Theme Choice. 


My vision for the final outcome is to produce 10 shots that could be used in a promotional campaign for a fictitious organisation 'Women In Business, loosely based on the real organisation 'Women In Logistics'. The shoot needs to produce images that could/would/will be used in an advertising campaign in business journals and websites.


The common theme relates to the challenge/s  of the duality of culture, heritage and the expectations/requirements of an increasingly global business world. 


The fictitious organisation would understand the unique challenges that women face and offer to be there to support them, not just as business people but, as the unique and individual person that each woman is.


The approach contrasts a Woman in traditional Indian dress with the same woman in typical western business dress. In this way the theme also touches on (without making direct reference to) the additional challenges of culture and race.



Equipment Used
A full description of the equipment used can be found on the Blogs relating to lighting and equipment.


Health & Safety Considerations
A review of H&S considerations and assessment of risks is covered in blog 9.0 Health & Safety.