ONE DAY BRIEF

This was a one day brief we were set. We had to create a fashion editorial in groups. My group consisted of myself, Anna, Tom and Ben. We chose American Apparel as though it would appear in I-D magazine. The challenge was to also use a flash gun. Luckily Anna had a good selection of American Apparel clothing so we researched typical AA ad campaigns to see how the model was styled, compositions, locations etc and incorporated this in our images but tried to input or own touch such as the slogans. It was a successful shoot, location was Hyde Park. We used a Canon 30DSLR with manual settings. We kept post production to a minimal just altering the contrast and brightness. I really enjoyed this brief. It was interesting working as a team, we worked well together - this is a skill I now know I can continue to build on in the future.

SAGA SIG

Saga Sig is one my favourite contemporary fashion photographers. Her work is fresh, magical and always interesting. She creates fashion stories that captivate you. I like that she uses colour film a lot even though her work is extremely in the now. She takes a lot of influence from historical and contemporary photographers such as Manray or Nan Goldin - which is interesting as her work seems so fresh. I want to focus on this style of photography in 2nd year onwards and work towards creating my own fashion stories with expressive colour as I am always drawn to black and white. I also want to push to use more film.

120MM

We had the chance to take out medium format camera for a one day brief at the start of the year.

I have previously use the RB67 so chose this one rather than the 645 – I prefer the square format.

I have used a lot of digital this year when I much prefer to use film and prefer the results so this is something I want to push next year. These images are the result of approaching people I liked the look of around the student area – I am really pleased with them especially the top right image – the depth of field is great.

VICES AND VIRTUES

Studio brief. This was my favourite brief of the year as my favorite area of photography is portraiture, especially with fashion/fantasy elements – and I have overcome my fear of the studio so it was a chance to challenge myself technically. I used Ellen Von Unwerth (one of my favourite photographers) as an influence and her take on erotic feminitiy. It challenged me using two models.

The results in terms of lighting could have been better but I still feel I have a lot to learn which I am

looking forward to tackling in 2nd year.

LOOKBOOK

These are images from a Lookbook I did for a 3rd Year fashion student - Hannah Gower. We collaborated several times - one in which I modelled for her in location. Then she asked if I could produce her studio images for her lookbook. It was great fun and anothe opportunity for me to work in the studio which is the area I am most keen to expand on. Also with my favourite area of photography being portraiture it was another chance to work with a model and direct the shoot.

WEDDING

I photographed a wedding in February.

It was very challenging and at the time I felt it was the worst day I’ve had as a photographer!

But when I looked back over the results to edit, I was surprised how many good shots I had.

The pressure of the fact that it is someones special day and they are relying on you for the shots is a great deal – but I guess it makes you work harder and consider everything.

I learnt a lot from doing this – for instance I’ll always remember to check if the lens is set to AF or MF as I nearly ruined the full group shot for not checking first!

35MM.

Introduction to 35mm.

We were each given a roll of BW 35mm film and sent out to take photos around Leeds centre, or anywhere of interest really. We had the option of borrowing colleges Pentax's or our own 35mm if we owned one. I have an Olympus OM10 so I chose to use this as I am familiar with the settings and how it works for me.

At first I wasn't really sure what I want to document. I began on Briggate, the main shopping street in Leeds where there is always a large crowd of people. I took a few shots of what was around me but wasn't really satisfied and could sense they weren't great results. So I headed round towards the Corn Exchange and decided to document the vintage store windows and things of interest around that area.

I developed the film the next day at Vernon Street darkroom and created a contact print. Later I scanned the images that I like and re-touched them slightly by adjusting the brightness and contrast.

I've selected my favourite...