Models : Erika Tarlow & Christoph Babka
Photographs & Post Processing : Jennifer Keany
P.S. Can someone other than me post something please??
Monday, April 26, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Editorial Project - JRK
First shoot for our Editorial Project
Model : Alena Summ
Hair & Makeup : Nikk Noir
Styling : Nicoletta Marie
Photography & Post Processing : Jennifer Keany
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Fashion Lifestyle
Great job with this assignment! Everybody came up with something good. What I am particularly pleased about is, in going over your proof sheets and CDs, for the most part you seem to be identifying your best shots for in-class critique. However, there were a handful that caught my eye that you may have missed.
This shot of Catherine by Carly has a bit more context and action than the shot she offered in class (which was very good!). She is positioned nicely in relation to the light so the face is evenly illuminated. What is missing is the sizzling burgers and steaks on the grill and a spatula in her hand. These elements were all present in the shot of Kasey by Jen on the roof of the MIT frat house, but the light was not right in that one.
The criticism that I offered in class of Elizabeth’s photos was that they felt more like portraits. The tighter croppings tend to minimize the fashion content as does the desaturation of the color. In this shot the fashion content is better displayed in a good composition with a strong graphic and color design.
Though I did like the shot she did of Kasey in the filtered sunlight, here is one in the same location where the filtered light does not fall on the face. I feel the more open light displays the fashion content better. Not to mention the eye contact is very arresting.
This one of Kasey by Jen caught my eye. As I have stated numerous times I have a penchant for the wider composition which tends to put the emphasis on the word “photograph” in the phrase fashion photograph.
What initially grabbed my attention was the face and hair. With the chin up the face is beautifully lit and the closed/squinting eyes look like she’s just enjoying the sun. The hair flip creates a splash pattern that I see mirrored in the vines crawling up the opposite wall. Also notice how the simulated stitching lines in the dress are again mirrored in the vine patterns.
And since I've mentioned Jen, what a great post! And although, yes, only one was actually "lifestyle," they're all strong. I particularly liked the way you juxtaposed the shot of Catherine against the shadowed wall with another shot of just shadows. This is a good example of including non-fashion content in a fashion layout. Very smart!
Here are a couple more of my favorites from the day.
How could I not offer a review of the day without mentioning our new best buddies, the frat boys. What grabs me about this shot by Zofeen is Staci's hands. The way she is delicately stroking his chin and the directness of her gaze is quite mesmerizing. And the lighting is just right. Here is an example where gesture and expression outweigh everything else. Very nice, Zofeen!
And now, my No.1, favorite of the week.....
Now this is "lifestyle." Way to go, Mattie! And even though the model is making eye contact with the camera, she is clearly in the world and in a context. The contrast between her stillness and the blur of the bike rider keeps the eye oscillating between the two forms which complement and define each other. I love it!
Overall, I thought this was a very productive shoot with everyone capturing some strong shots. I just delivered the CDs to Crystal earlier this evening and she is absolutely thrilled! And, I gotta tell ya, it feels good when your clients are happy. It's one of the reasons I keep doin' what I'm doin'. 'Cause happiness is good! I'd like to thank her and our models Kasey, Staci, Kristen, and Catherine for their essential contribution to our efforts, to our art form, and to our happiness.
This shot of Catherine by Carly has a bit more context and action than the shot she offered in class (which was very good!). She is positioned nicely in relation to the light so the face is evenly illuminated. What is missing is the sizzling burgers and steaks on the grill and a spatula in her hand. These elements were all present in the shot of Kasey by Jen on the roof of the MIT frat house, but the light was not right in that one.
The criticism that I offered in class of Elizabeth’s photos was that they felt more like portraits. The tighter croppings tend to minimize the fashion content as does the desaturation of the color. In this shot the fashion content is better displayed in a good composition with a strong graphic and color design.
Though I did like the shot she did of Kasey in the filtered sunlight, here is one in the same location where the filtered light does not fall on the face. I feel the more open light displays the fashion content better. Not to mention the eye contact is very arresting.
This one of Kasey by Jen caught my eye. As I have stated numerous times I have a penchant for the wider composition which tends to put the emphasis on the word “photograph” in the phrase fashion photograph.
What initially grabbed my attention was the face and hair. With the chin up the face is beautifully lit and the closed/squinting eyes look like she’s just enjoying the sun. The hair flip creates a splash pattern that I see mirrored in the vines crawling up the opposite wall. Also notice how the simulated stitching lines in the dress are again mirrored in the vine patterns.
And since I've mentioned Jen, what a great post! And although, yes, only one was actually "lifestyle," they're all strong. I particularly liked the way you juxtaposed the shot of Catherine against the shadowed wall with another shot of just shadows. This is a good example of including non-fashion content in a fashion layout. Very smart!
Here are a couple more of my favorites from the day.
How could I not offer a review of the day without mentioning our new best buddies, the frat boys. What grabs me about this shot by Zofeen is Staci's hands. The way she is delicately stroking his chin and the directness of her gaze is quite mesmerizing. And the lighting is just right. Here is an example where gesture and expression outweigh everything else. Very nice, Zofeen!
And now, my No.1, favorite of the week.....
Now this is "lifestyle." Way to go, Mattie! And even though the model is making eye contact with the camera, she is clearly in the world and in a context. The contrast between her stillness and the blur of the bike rider keeps the eye oscillating between the two forms which complement and define each other. I love it!
Overall, I thought this was a very productive shoot with everyone capturing some strong shots. I just delivered the CDs to Crystal earlier this evening and she is absolutely thrilled! And, I gotta tell ya, it feels good when your clients are happy. It's one of the reasons I keep doin' what I'm doin'. 'Cause happiness is good! I'd like to thank her and our models Kasey, Staci, Kristen, and Catherine for their essential contribution to our efforts, to our art form, and to our happiness.
Fashion Update - Week 3
Great job last week. And everyone showed up on time (Almost)! Holy crap! There’s hope for you guys yet.
Last week’s assignment was “Business Lifestyle.” Our models were Karissa and Lauren. Our stylist was Rachel. Please provide three CDs, one each for the models and one for the stylist. As we will be at Lasell all next class, hold your proof sheets and prints until the following week.
This coming week we will be at Lasell College in Newton for a location shoot with Lasell design students. This is precisely like the Mass Art location shoot only there will be more exteriors, weather permitting. We will bring a few Photogenic kits for interior shooting, but come prepared for anything with speedlights, reflectors and diffusers. We will meet at the school and caravan to Newton. If some of you want to meet us there that’s fine. We will be meeting at the Yamawaki Art & Cultural Center on the campus of Lasell College at 83 Myrtle Ave, Newton, MA, at 10:00 am. I’m expecting only 8-10 designers so this should not be as chaotic and stressful as the Mass Art shoot.
Very nice job with “Fashion Lifestyle.” Each of you had a number of good shots. Crystal should be thrilled.
So there you go. One week closer to graduation. Get your projects organized and under way. The time is going to fly so get started as soon as possible. And don’t forget about the video portfolio. See you Saturday.
Cicco
Last week’s assignment was “Business Lifestyle.” Our models were Karissa and Lauren. Our stylist was Rachel. Please provide three CDs, one each for the models and one for the stylist. As we will be at Lasell all next class, hold your proof sheets and prints until the following week.
This coming week we will be at Lasell College in Newton for a location shoot with Lasell design students. This is precisely like the Mass Art location shoot only there will be more exteriors, weather permitting. We will bring a few Photogenic kits for interior shooting, but come prepared for anything with speedlights, reflectors and diffusers. We will meet at the school and caravan to Newton. If some of you want to meet us there that’s fine. We will be meeting at the Yamawaki Art & Cultural Center on the campus of Lasell College at 83 Myrtle Ave, Newton, MA, at 10:00 am. I’m expecting only 8-10 designers so this should not be as chaotic and stressful as the Mass Art shoot.
Very nice job with “Fashion Lifestyle.” Each of you had a number of good shots. Crystal should be thrilled.
So there you go. One week closer to graduation. Get your projects organized and under way. The time is going to fly so get started as soon as possible. And don’t forget about the video portfolio. See you Saturday.
Cicco
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Photos from today by Jen
Yeah.. I know, I get pictures up online really quickly!
Here are some of my favorites from today :
I know we went over "lifestyle" today in class.. and I think the only one that would be considered that would be the fourth photo down. I'm happy with the other images though as just fashion images! The sunburn was worth it.
Let me know what you think!
- JenniferRose
Monday, March 22, 2010
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Hey Guys,
As we approach the beginning of Fashion II and the final stretch to graduation, I thought I'd post some of my favorite shots from the Mass Art location shoot. One thread I'd like to focus on is the use of flash in the foreground and available light in the background. This is going to be an important topic in Fashion II as we will be working outdoors with available light but will be manipulating it with diffusers, reflectors and fill flash. The issue is called "key shifting," meaning that when you either add or subtract light from the foreground the change in exposure will affect background brightness and thus shift its key. A number of you used this technique effectively at Mass Art to control background brightness.
This shot by Jen uses a slow shutter with flash to create some blur and drag on the foreground subject who is moving forward. That dark edge creates an interesting effect, separating the subject from the rest of the shot. However the flash necessitates a small aperture so there is a little more density in the background than I'd like to see as the construction activity out the window is a bit distracting. A slower shutter speed would also brighten the background. The other issue in this shot is the background models. They seem a little awkward. It appears that the designer may have been a little too cute for her own good with her direction. I saw the same thing with Malek's designer: really bad, overly theatrical direction. The models would look better not relating to each other at all instead of acting out some cheesy scenario. In any event, I love the idea here and would have liked to have seen it developed further.
In this shot by Ian he has nicely balanced foreground and background brightness so that the key of the background is slightly dark creating the illusion that the subjects are outside instead of standing in front of the window. By using flash in the foreground he has reduced background brightness. As the power of the flash increases the background will get darker. Notice the split/Rembrandt lighting on the center figure. This angle prevents reflections in the window. Nice overall job, Ian!
In this shot by Mattie the lighting is strictly available. This situation is like the high key variation we did in the studio to increase lens flare. The strong back lighting wraps around the form and blows out the background. In this case the buildings outside the window are distracting and are better left blown out.
In this shot by Zofeen the right balance between foreground and background is also struck. Though she is using flash in the foreground it's value is not particularly strong so the key of the background is relatively high. If the light were stronger, the lens would need to close down, thus making the background darker. Of course the other variable is shutter speed. As it slows the background will also get lighter.
These are the principles we'll be talking about in the coming weeks. Additive light (reflector or fill flash) will shift the key down and subtractive light (diffuser) will shift the key up. Speeding the shutter will shift the key down and slowing it will shift the key up.
Here are some more shots that I like.
I think this shot by Carly is just delightful. A very simple, elegant pose by the model. And the placement in front of the background is perfect! I see a color, pattern and texture connection with the top of the dress. The exposure is just a touch light which gives it an airy quality.
I think we're all in agreement that this one by Liz is fabulous! The placement of the arm in front of the face creates a shadow that perfectly frames the mouth, draws the eye to the scarf while adding an element of mystery. Now some (portrait photographers? Steve Ostrowski?) may have an issue with the open hand and wrist facing the viewer. Well, you know what I say to that. @&$#'em!
This is my favorite of Connell's because it's a wider frame, giving the shot a more graphic quality while incorporating the architecture. You really could have used some fill on some of these shots though I totally understand why you didn't. I did open up the shadow detail here. Nice job, nonetheless.
This is the one of Evan's that I really liked. Here the more neutral background allows the multi-colored skirt to come forward. In some of his other shots the graffiti in the background pulls the eye away from the dress. And for whatever reason, I've always been partial to this knock-kneed pose. It creates diagonal lines which better divide the space. It also works with the wistful expression.
And lastly, one more from Mattie. I love the cropping! It really focuses the eye on the fashion and the color. Another melodramatic scenario? Possibly, but what the hell. Sometimes you just get lucky!
So ends my first foray into blogging. Not bad? After a few false starts and expletives deleted I managed to figure this out. Moving forward, I'd like to utilize this forum more to complement what we're doing in class, to further our communication with one another and to expand our community. Whadaya say?
Don Cicci
As we approach the beginning of Fashion II and the final stretch to graduation, I thought I'd post some of my favorite shots from the Mass Art location shoot. One thread I'd like to focus on is the use of flash in the foreground and available light in the background. This is going to be an important topic in Fashion II as we will be working outdoors with available light but will be manipulating it with diffusers, reflectors and fill flash. The issue is called "key shifting," meaning that when you either add or subtract light from the foreground the change in exposure will affect background brightness and thus shift its key. A number of you used this technique effectively at Mass Art to control background brightness.
This shot by Jen uses a slow shutter with flash to create some blur and drag on the foreground subject who is moving forward. That dark edge creates an interesting effect, separating the subject from the rest of the shot. However the flash necessitates a small aperture so there is a little more density in the background than I'd like to see as the construction activity out the window is a bit distracting. A slower shutter speed would also brighten the background. The other issue in this shot is the background models. They seem a little awkward. It appears that the designer may have been a little too cute for her own good with her direction. I saw the same thing with Malek's designer: really bad, overly theatrical direction. The models would look better not relating to each other at all instead of acting out some cheesy scenario. In any event, I love the idea here and would have liked to have seen it developed further.
In this shot by Ian he has nicely balanced foreground and background brightness so that the key of the background is slightly dark creating the illusion that the subjects are outside instead of standing in front of the window. By using flash in the foreground he has reduced background brightness. As the power of the flash increases the background will get darker. Notice the split/Rembrandt lighting on the center figure. This angle prevents reflections in the window. Nice overall job, Ian!
In this shot by Mattie the lighting is strictly available. This situation is like the high key variation we did in the studio to increase lens flare. The strong back lighting wraps around the form and blows out the background. In this case the buildings outside the window are distracting and are better left blown out.
In this shot by Zofeen the right balance between foreground and background is also struck. Though she is using flash in the foreground it's value is not particularly strong so the key of the background is relatively high. If the light were stronger, the lens would need to close down, thus making the background darker. Of course the other variable is shutter speed. As it slows the background will also get lighter.
These are the principles we'll be talking about in the coming weeks. Additive light (reflector or fill flash) will shift the key down and subtractive light (diffuser) will shift the key up. Speeding the shutter will shift the key down and slowing it will shift the key up.
Here are some more shots that I like.
I think this shot by Carly is just delightful. A very simple, elegant pose by the model. And the placement in front of the background is perfect! I see a color, pattern and texture connection with the top of the dress. The exposure is just a touch light which gives it an airy quality.
I think we're all in agreement that this one by Liz is fabulous! The placement of the arm in front of the face creates a shadow that perfectly frames the mouth, draws the eye to the scarf while adding an element of mystery. Now some (portrait photographers? Steve Ostrowski?) may have an issue with the open hand and wrist facing the viewer. Well, you know what I say to that. @&$#'em!
This is my favorite of Connell's because it's a wider frame, giving the shot a more graphic quality while incorporating the architecture. You really could have used some fill on some of these shots though I totally understand why you didn't. I did open up the shadow detail here. Nice job, nonetheless.
This is the one of Evan's that I really liked. Here the more neutral background allows the multi-colored skirt to come forward. In some of his other shots the graffiti in the background pulls the eye away from the dress. And for whatever reason, I've always been partial to this knock-kneed pose. It creates diagonal lines which better divide the space. It also works with the wistful expression.
And lastly, one more from Mattie. I love the cropping! It really focuses the eye on the fashion and the color. Another melodramatic scenario? Possibly, but what the hell. Sometimes you just get lucky!
So ends my first foray into blogging. Not bad? After a few false starts and expletives deleted I managed to figure this out. Moving forward, I'd like to utilize this forum more to complement what we're doing in class, to further our communication with one another and to expand our community. Whadaya say?
Don Cicci
Thursday, March 4, 2010
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