Photographer Research

Elizaveta Porovina 

Why I choose this photographer:

Porovina is a Munich base photographer who was born in Moscow, Russia.  She describes her style as "dark romanticism" and explores the genres of fashion and fine art photography.  This genre of photography has lead to Porovina working for various magazines such as Vogue UA and Elle.  Porovina has also had the chance to work with highly established brand such as Louis Vuitton and BMW Mini.  Ultimately it is her use of bold colouration and styling that has attracted me to her work.

Denotation: 
The above image features a mid shot of the models upper body.  The image has been shot in portrait in order to eliminate dead space and to allow for the model to take up the majority of the image.  High levels of contrast can be found between the subjects pale skin, dress and the black background helping her to stand out whilst the reds and golds used in the models makeup help to draw the viewers eye to her face.  Further contrast has been achieved as a result of the bright lights used to take this image.

Connotation:
The white tones in the image suggest the purity of the model to the viewer and work to create a sense of innocence is the image.  The red lipstick shows a wish to conform to beauty standards and feminnity whist the gold eye makeup suggests opulence and wealth.

Context:  
Porovina works with various high end fashion magazines and organisations meaning that her work is often orientated towards displaying fashion pieces in unusual ways.

Denotation: 
This image has been shot in portrait orientation with a mid shot in order to diminish the amount of empty space in the image and draw the viewers eye more directly to the model. The empty space in the image has also been altered through the use of textured fabrics and mirrors in order to give the image more depth.  The textures of the cloth create an interesting sense of contrast between the subjects dress and the background an effect which is also created through the contrast of the golden tones with the dark blue of the mirror.  

Connotation:
The golden tones featured in the image create a sense of opulence which is further added to through the use of jewellery and watches.  These accessories suggest that this image was part of a fashion advertorial campaign.  The way that the model is looking down at the camera gives the image connotations of power and makes the viewer feel inferior to the model making them aspire to be like her.

Context:  
Porovina works with various high end fashion magazines and organisations meaning that her work is often orientated towards displaying fashion pieces in unusual ways.

Denotation: 
The above image features a mid shot of the model in a portrait orientation with the model avoiding looking directly at the camera but instead looking away with her reflection in the mirror making eye contact with the camera.  The use of the mirror has helped to diminish empty space as well as to draw the viewers eye to the subject and editing software has enhanced her sharp figure.

Connotation:
The dark colour scheme featured throughout the image creates an overall sinister tone to the image and the subjects dark clothing and makeup suggest that she possesses power.  This idea has been further built upon by the fact that the subject is not making eye contact or looking at the camera instead her reflection is looking back towards the camera.  The models sharp features also build into the illusion of power as they give her an intimidating appearance.

Context:  
Porovina works with various high end fashion magazines and organisations meaning that her work is often orientated towards displaying fashion pieces in unusual ways.

Denotation: 
The above image is a mid shot of the subject in a portrait orientation.  The model is positioned in a profile view wearing a black feathered outfit and holding an outstretched sword with her tongue out as if she were licking it.  There is a strong tonal contrast between the subjects outfit and the images background as the background is white but the subjects outfit and hair are black.  The image appears to be backlit as can be seen from the light shining over the top of the subjects head.  This technique creates a stark contrast between the images foreground and background and adds depth to the image.

Connotation:
The dark colour scheme of the subjects outfit suggests power a theme which can be further demonstrated through the introduction of the models sword.  The sharp edges of the models silhouette such as the lines of her hair and the sword also add to the sense of power as they show a sense of precision.  The sword can also be seen in a sexual light however due to the fact that swords are historically related to male genitalia and model is holding on to the sword and licking it.

Context:  
Porovina works with various high end fashion magazines and organisations meaning that her work is often orientated towards displaying fashion pieces in unusual ways.

Miss Lakune

Why I chose this photographer:
Miss Lakune is a photographer from Poland who focuses heavily on female surreal portraiture.  I was particularly interested in her use of visual effects such as exaggerated makeup and props as this is something that I am looking to include in my personal project. I also find the image composition of Miss Lakune very interesting particularly the way that the subject often makes eye contact with the camera/viewer.

Denotation: 
This image features a medium close up of the models face who is turned towards the camera.  The image has a shallow depth of field which helps the viewer to focus directly on the subjects face opposed to the images background.  A similar effect has been achieved through the use of a plain background and directional light also helps to draw the viewers eye to the subjects face.

Connotation:  
The veil featured on the subject suggests that she is a bride and soon to be married.  The entire image has connotations of femininty such as the pink background as pink is a colour generally associated with women.  The bold red lipstick is also a feminine feature of the subject as this is traditionally a feminine beauty technique.  The models eyes are over exaggerated giving her the doe eyed appearance often associated with female characters in animation and making her look more vulnerable.  This idea of vulnerability is further portrayed through the fact that the model is naked and is crying thick white tears.  The white theme across the image suggests the subjects purity and innocence to the viewer and makes them feel sympathetic towards the subject.

Context:  
Miss Lakune is a self employed photographer who enjoys using visual effects to create striking images surrounding feminine beauty.

Denotation: 
The above image features a medium close up of the models face.  The model is facing the camera with a metal framework over her eyes and her eyes closed.  The entire image is in pearlescent white tones with a pink undertone.

Connotation:  
The white tones featured in this image suggest a sense of purity to the viewer and make them feel empathy towards the subject whilst the slight pink tones link towards femininity.  The metal frame work around the subjects face may reference plastic surgery and the need for women to manually alter their appearance.  The fact that the women has her eyes closed can be seen as the fact that she is currently innocent to the way that women are forced to alter themselves in order to make progress in the world.

Context:  
Miss Lakune is a self employed photographer who enjoys using visual effects to create striking images surrounding feminine beauty.



Denotation: 
The above image features a medium close up of the subjects face.  The subject is facing the camera with wide open eyes and a lace mask over the lower half of her face.  Lighting and shadows have been used to highlight the models defined bones and a blue background had been used in order to match the models and eyes and contrast with her red hair.  A further sense of contrast can be seen throughout her black and white face paint.

Connotation:  
The fact that the models throat and mouth are covered is similar to the way that a dog is kept with a collar and muzzle to prevent them from acting out against their owner.  The exaggerated makeup used creates a dramatic reference to female beauty standards.

Context:  
Miss Lakune is a self employed photographer who enjoys using visual effects to create striking images surrounding feminine beauty.

Denotation: 
The above image features a landscape medium close up of the subjects face this framing is different to Miss Lakune's normal style as she often shoots in portrait in order to fit elaborate head pieces into shots.  This image is sticking due to the contrast found between the subjects pale skin and hair against the black background, tears, nails and eyes.

Connotation:  
The subject in this image is crying black tears from her black eyes this is important to the image as black eyes usually convey a demonic meaning.  This means that Miss Lakune was attempting to convey the subject as not pure as she has in other images.  Other elements of the image that suggest a lack of impurity are the subjects tattoos and lip piercing as these are all associated with rebellion from society in popular culture.  The fact that subject has her hands pressed together in prayer is ironic due to her appearance as impure.

Context:  
Miss Lakune is a self employed photographer who enjoys using visual effects to create striking images surrounding feminine beauty.

TOMAAS
Why I chose this photographer:
TOMAAS is a German photographer who has been based in New York City for the past 18 years and is now working in Paris.  He has worked for various magazines such as Vogue Italia and Marie Claire.  I am mainly interested in TOMAAS' style due to the fact that he incorporates both props and makeup in order to form a dramatic image with surrealist styling.  The style which TOMAAS predominately works with is surrealist portraiture which is important to me as it is the main genre of photography which I wish to explore throughout my project.



Denotation: 
 This image features the models upper torso and face with this filling the majority of the image.  Overall orange and red tones are used as well as white which are all warm colours.  This gives the model a soft appearance.

Connotation:  
The white of the models shirt can symbolise purity whilst the red lipstick would generally be associated with scandal and sexual behaviour.  The warm tones of the image may symbolise the sun an idea which is reinforced by the spiked sunglasses which resemble the sun.

Context:  
The context for this image is that the artist TOMAAS often takes part in editorial shoots in which he often experiments with a range of props in order to achieve his somewhat surreal and unique style of portraiture.



Denotation: 
This image presents a closeup of the models head in profile facing towards the images centre from the left third.  The overall colour scheme of the image is pastel pink with the models wig, lipstick and lollipop being pink as well as a pink background being used.  In contrast to this coloration an orange eyeshadow is used in order to draw focus to the models eyes.

Connotation:  
This image can be interpreted as displaying the way in which women are viewed as being sweet in personality as well as imaculalty presented.  The use of pink is particularly important as pink is a stereotypically feminine colour.  The white in the image can also serve to display the purity of women.

Context:  
The image is part of the "Candy Warhol" image series which was an editorial shoot created by TOMAAS in a play on words based on the artist Andy Warhol who special in pop art and expressing portraiture through the use of bright and bold colours in order to create an eye-catching image.



Denotation:  
This image uses a black background with light directed directly towards to models profile.  The image is landscape with the models body taking up the middle third of the image.  The overall tone of colour in the image is blue with areas of highlight being provided from both the bright head dress and use of low-key lighting.  

Connotation:  
This image has connotations of distance and separation provided by the cool tones which feature throughout the photo.  This is furthered by the red pattern across the models shirt which resembles a nebula and adds a space theme to the image.  This concept of space furthers the idea of isolation. 

Context:  
The image fits with TOMAAS' general style of photography due to the way in which the model is presented as having an almost otherworldly sense of beauty due to the dramatic lighting and blue skin tone.



Denotation:
The image is of landscape orientation with the model taking up the centre third of the image.  The model is dressed in dramatic and almost steam punk esque atire which adds to the surreal nature of the image.  The image also has a red undertone and a textured overlay.

Connotation:  
The red tone to the image adds a sense of drama and convey the feeling of anger and brutality.  The idea of brutality can be seen specifically when combined with the use of the black vignette around the images exterior.  The sense of surrealism is amplified through the fact the model is positioned just off centre with the light hitting the backdrop in a non-uniform pattern.  The black of the lipstick adds a sense of precisions to the image as well as adding a sense of danger.

Context: 
This image fits with TOMAAS' general style of surrealist portraiture through the use of striking props and makeup.

Kyle Thompson
Why I chose this photographer:
Kyle Thompson is a 25 year old photographer based in Portland.  I am interested in Thompson's work due to the way that he is able to work in a variety of style and genres from surrealism to documentary photography although I have focused my investigation on his surrealist portraiture.  

Denotation:
This image is a close shot of the subjects lower face and shoulders in a cropped landscape format.  This formatting allows for the subject to take up the majority of the frame there fore drawing the viewers eye to him.  The viewers eye is also drawn to the subject due to the pulled focus effect applied to the image meaning that only the very centre of the image is in focus.  The images coloration of a sea green background helps to add contrast and depth to the image in order to further distinguish between the viewer and the images background.  The hooks hanging in the image give the image a more dynamic appearance and make the image more shocking to the viewer.

Connotation:
The hooks give the viewer a sense that the subject is trapped in his position whilst the sea green background replicates the sea and water creating the illusion that the subject is caught like a fish.  The fact that the subject is shirtless adds a sense of vulnerability to the image whilst the fact that the subjects face is not entirely in view creates a sense of mystery around the subject and what he is struggling with.

Context:
Thompson enjoys creating surreal images with ambiguous story lines and characters in order to demonstrate "the collapse of narrative".

Denotation:
This image is a mid shot of the subject with a portrait orientation.  The framing of this image allows the subject to take up a large portion of the image frame whilst still allowing the background to be clearly visible.  This image features a strong element of contrast between the black paint on the subjects body and the subjects white clothing and image background.  The subjects white shirt also allows the him to blend in to the background to some extent.  

Connotation:
The black and white colour scheme of this image shows the subject battling with two conflicting things.  The black can be seen as a need to stand out and be unique in an otherwise white blank world.

Context:
Thompson enjoys creating surreal images with ambiguous story lines and characters in order to demonstrate "the collapse of narrative".

Denotation:
The above image is in landscape orientation and is a close hot of the subjects lower face and shoulders.  This shot type means that the subject takes up the majority of the frame whilst and the viewers eye is drawn directly to him a point which is helped by the images shallow depth of field.  Directional soft lighting creates a sense of depth through the introduction of shadow detail.  The overall colour scheme of the image is bland and muted.  The cockroaches on the subjects face add an additional aspect of colour to the image.

Connotation:
The muted yellow and brown tones of the image give the subject a sickly appearance which is further made evident from the bandages around his face and the cockroaches crawling on him.  The shadowing created makes his bones more visible and makes him look thinner whilst the lack of a shirt adds a sense of vulnerability to the image.  The fact that the subjects face is obscured makes the image appear to be more ambiguous.

Context:
Thompson enjoys creating surreal images with ambiguous story lines and characters in order to demonstrate "the collapse of narrative".

Denotation:
This image is in landscape orientation and features a medium close shot of the subject.  A shallow depth of field has been used in order to draw the viewers focus to the subject as well as to give the image a sense of depth.  The fire also serves to draw the viewer to the subject as it is a far more vibrant colour than the other colours featured in the image which are in contrast muted.

Connotation:
The muted colours used in the image give it an unsettling and sombre appearance which is amplified by the fact that the subjects head appears to be on fire and he is calmly sitting down.  Fire carries connotations of passion so may symbolise the subjects passion and desire for freedom and life.  The fact that the subjects face is covered gives the image an ambiguous and impersonal feel.

Context:
Thompson enjoys creating surreal images with ambiguous story lines and characters in order to demonstrate "the collapse of narrative".

Annie Leibovitz
Why I chose this photographer:
Annie Leibovitz is an American photographer who specials in fashion portraiture specifically surrealist fashion.  She began her career working for Rolling Stone magazine, in 1973 she became the chief photographer and begun to help develop the unique style of the magazines cover images.  From here she began to develop her fashion concepts through the use of striking colours and statement composition which gained her a place at Vanity Fair magazine.  From this point she began to fully develop her surreal work with the Disney series alongside her editorial work for magazines.  I am inspired by her through her unorthodox approach to celebrity photography as seen in her Disney series this element of the unexpected is something that I wish to focus on in my shoots.



Denotation:
The image is of landscape orientation and the model is positioned in the centre third of the image.  The high level of contrast between the models pale skin and black background creates a striking image which is amplified by the bold use of red throughout the image as the ono colour used.  The bold clean lines of makeup also add to the striking appearance due to the precision of the makeup and sharp lines used.

Connotation:  
The red makeup used creates an element of scandal to in the image due to the fact that red is often associated with sexual desire and passion.  This idea is amplified by the models pose particularly the way that she is looking towards the camera from the side and posing with her finger on her lip.

Context:
This image fits with Leibovitz' style of bold and striking editorial images.  The bold colours and high contrast create an intriguing image.  The image was created as a part of Leibovitz's "Chen Man" series which focuses around changing the way in which the world perceives China.



Denotation:
The above image is landscape and the model is positioned so that she takes up the majority of the screen features a model posed as if she were lounging on a red velvet couch, she is wearing a silver sparkly outfit with silver shoes and a silver bracelet.  Her burgundy lipstick matches the couch as does the red pattern throughout the carpet.

Connotation:
This image carries connotations of glamour and opulence from the lush furnishings and sparkling gown.  The red purple tones may have connotations of passion due to the fact that purple and red are often viewed as sexual colours.

Context:
This image fits with Leibovitz' style of bold photograph by combing a striking outfit with a luxurious setting and intriguing pose.  These elements create a stylistically interesting image which would have made an excellent editorial piece.



Denotation:
This image features a model posed elegantly in a dollhouse landscape in order to simulate the Alice in Wonderland effect of growth.  The bold blue of the dress stands out against the somewhat muted colours of the dollhouse scene in order to draw attention the model.  The model also has similar aesthetic characteristics to Lewis Carrol's Alice from "Alice in Wonderland", and the Disney adaption such as blonde hair and blue eyes (see illustrations below).

Connotation:
 The blue of the dress carries connotations of calmness.  The oversizing of the model in comparison to the setting of the house helps to create a whimsical nature throughout the image.  The material of the dress also creates a sense of opulence.
Context:
This image was a part of a series which Leibovitz shot for Vogue in which famous designers dressed "Alice" in their own interoperation of her iconic outfit.





Denotation:
The above image features Russel Brand dressed as Captain Hook (see illustration below) fighting with the crocodile from Peter Pan.  The image features a blend of computer graphics and illustration and photography it is likely that the image of Brand in the crocodiles jaws was added to the illustration of the background in photoshop or a similar editing software.  





Connotation:
The glow from outside of the cave gives the image the warm feeling associated with Disney works however the red eye of the crocodile and churning water creates an element of danger in the image.  The feeling of danger in the image can relate to Russel Brands somewhat controversial views and humour.

Context:
This image was a part of Annie Leibovitz' Disney series which features an element of surrealism.  


Man Ray
Why I choose this photographer:
Man Ray was born in 1890 and died in 1976 although he was born in America he spent the majority of his career in France.  He was a contributor to the Dada movement however never became a confirmed member of the movement.  Man Ray's style is most commonly referred to as surrealism and through his work in the genre he experimented with various techniques such as photograms or as he referred to them the Rayograph.  I hope to create images which contain the same striking composition as Man Ray's as well as containing the visual jokes and hidden connotations found in much of his work.

Denotation:
This image has a portrait orientation and is a close shot of an iron.  The lighting set up for this images allows for the irons flat surface to be well lit whilst the irons handle is shadowed this is significant as it allows for the pins in the irons flat surface which are the focal point of the image to be most visible.  This use of lighting creates an interesting tonal range in the image with the irons flat surface appearing almost white, the irons reverse appearing black and the wall and table top being varying shades of dark grey.

Connotation:
This image is titled the gift and is surreal due to the way that the pins stick out of the iron which has a purpose of straightening clothes however in this instance the pins prohibit this action.  The neatness the pins positioning adds a sense of comical irony to the image as they are lined up perfectly neatly when the iron will no longer be able to create neatness.  The strong tonal contrast in the image gives it an almost dream like appearance and pushes it further into the realm of the surreal.

Context:
This iron was intended to be a gift to the owner of the gallery where Man Ray was exhibiting however the piece went missing during the evening and a replica was later made.



Denotation:
This image is medium shot of the subject in a portrait orientation.  Man Ray uses negative space in this image to accentuate the subjects curved appearance.  The viewers eye is drawn to the black "f holes" on the subjects lower back as these stand out in stark contrast when compared to the subjects pale skin.  The subject is naked except for a cloth wrapped around her and her head scarf.

Connotation:
Through the addition of the "f holes" Man Ray conveys to the audience that women are instruments to be played by men and merely a source of amusement and pleasure.  The models curved body mimics the curves in a violin and adds to the parallels in appearance.  The fact that the model is turned away from the camera and covered only slightly in a cloth creates a sense of mystery in the image.

Context:
This image is a Gelatin Silver Print and was heavily inspired by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingrese's work as Man Ray was interested in the way that Ingrese distorted the female form in his imagery.  Man Ray's image has sparked a trend of "f hole" based fashion from tattoos to clothing collections in modern times.

Denotation:
This image has a square orientation and is one of Man Ray's "rayograms" the process of completing a "rayogram revolved around placing objects on light sensitive paper and allowing the film to naturally develop.  This creates a bold sense of contrast in the image as  well as an impressionist style.

Connotation:
The combination of the hands and lips in this image by Man Ray create connotations of kissing and romance which is fitting as the piece is called "The Kiss".  Further connotations of the joining of two people can be seen through the way that Man Ray has placed an object joining both subjects together in the image.

Context:
Man Ray's photograms allowed him to gain a physical connection to his images and he used many of them to portray more sensitive subject matter such as his lovers giving his photograms a far more personal sense than some of his other images.

Denotation:
This image is an extreme close shot in landscape orientation.  This image features a women eyes with beading tears on her cheeks.  Soft lighting is used to give the image a gentle and soft appearance whilst still creating shadows to give a sense of depth.  The soft lighting helps to prevent overall harsh areas of contrast from forming.

Connotation:
The fact that this image features a female subject crying carries connotations that women are more emotional than men and that they are more prone to crying.  As the tears are composed of single spherical beads and the models eye lashes are still perfectly formed the image conveys that women are always perfectly posed and never messy or unattractive.

Context:
The subject in this image is not a real person however is a mannequin and the tears in the image are formed by glass beads paced to mimic tears.  Man Ray shot this image post break up with his lover and assistant Lee Miller which may account for the sombre tone of the image.

Nick Knight
Why I chose this photographer:
Nick Knight is a British based photographer who specialises in fashion photography as well as documentary photography.  The style I am most interested in is his surrealist fashion photography as it allows for the clothes featured to be displayed in engaging and stunning ways which may normally been seen as being overly eccentric.  I feel that this is similar to what I hope to achieve in my project due to the bold and subnormal prosthetic makeup pieces that I wish to create to convey my idioms.



Denotation:
The image above is a wide shot in landscape orientation.  This orientation is relevant as it allows for the subject to hold out the fabric of her dress in order to form a pattern similar to wings and show the fabric of the dress something particularly important for a fashion image.  The bright lighting of this image makes sections of the dress appear to be translucent and gives it a soft and fragile appearance.  The white colour scheme gives the image a striking appearance and engages the viewer.

Connotation:
The white colouration of this image creates a feeling of innocence and purity in the viewer in relation to the subject this is enhanced by the delicate and precise appearance of the fabric.  These connotations can all be associated with femininity and other aspects such as the subjects glamorous hair style and stereotypically attractive blond hair as well as the subjects pale skinned toned body show a desire to conform to female beauty standards.  The creation of the wings from the fabric can be interpreted as a desire to fly away and be free from these rules.

Context:
Knights images are generally created in order to show off fashion items in unusual ways in order to make them more eye-catching and appealing to the viewer.

Denotation:
This image is mid shot in portrait orientation.  The orientation of the image and subjects framing allows for a minimal amount of empty space in the image which helps to draw the viewers eye towards the images subject.  Other elements which help to direct the viewers gaze include the use of bolder colours on the subjects dress and in their makeup and eye opposed to the muted colours used throughout the rest of the image.  

Connotation:
The pink tones used in the image give it a sense of femininity whilst the blossom patterns on both the subjects dress and flowers coming from the cut on her head give it an oriental feel.  Elements of violence can be found in the way that the subject has a safety pin in her head as her scowling appearance.  The subjects blue eye can be linked to robotic and android appearance in science fiction works.

Context:

Knights images are generally created in order to show off fashion items in unusual ways in order to make them more eye-catching and appealing to the viewer.

Denotation:
This image is in portrait orientation and a close shot.  This appears to be an image of a pressed flower however it may be a flower made form a shiny clothing such as silk.  The bright lighting gives the flower a highly reflective and shiny appearance which is amplified by the use of a white background.  The flowers edge is easily established as a result of the crisp and sharp edges of the flowers leaves.

Connotation:
The shiny appearance of this flower gives it an unnatural and surreal appearance whilst the image is clearly a heavily edited image of plant or a plant made form another material.

Context:

Knights images are generally created in order to show off fashion items in unusual ways in order to make them more eye-catching and appealing to the viewer.

Denotation:
This image is of portrait orientation and is a close shot.  The bright lighting of this image helps to make make the flowers standout from the muted grey background of the image by reflecting light from their petals.  The fact that the flowers also have pink petals helps to amplify this effect and make the flowers the clear focus of this image.

Connotation:
The dainty appearance of the flowers as well as the soft pink tones used give the image an appearance of femininity whilst the white tones in the flowers can be related to purity and innocence.  This view can be further shown through the fact that flowers are often used to represent the female genitalia in a variety of texts throughout time.

Context:

Knights images are generally created in order to show off fashion items in unusual ways in order to make them more eye-catching and appealing to the viewer.

Matt Hoyle
Why I chose this photographer:
Matt Hoyle is an American photographer who has worked for numerous corporations such as CBS, Warnerbros and Cadbury.  The images which I have taken inspiration from are a part of his comedy book series "Comic Genius- Portraits of funny people". These images inspired me due to the fact that whilst they are not of the same style as my project they are focused around creating visual jokes in the images which is similar to what I wish to achieve in my idioms series.



Denotation:
The above image is a portrait image featuring the subject from medium close shot.  They are wearing a grey shirt which allows them to blend into the grey background.  This draws the viewers eye to the red tie and the yellow mustard bottle as well as the hot dog the subject is holding and pouring mustard onto his tie.

Connotation:
This image has been staged in a way that makes the subject look idiotic which links to his background as a comedian.  The fact that he is eating fast food can be related to his age as he does not appear to be that old.

Context:
This image is part of a series of comedians in funny poses for a book by Hoyle.





Denotation:
The above image is a portrait image featuring the subject from medium close shot.  The subject is wearing a white suit and holding a plant pot which is holding the flower in his lapel.

Connotation:
The white colour scheme throughout the image as well as the subjects serene expression and pose gives the image a calming and glamorous effect.The flower in the subjects lapel gives the image a sophisticated look whilst the pot adds a comic edge to the image.  This image is also interesting as clowns used to have flowers attached to their lapels which squirted water so this could be a contextual link to historical comic culture.

Context:
This image is part of a series of comedians in funny poses for a book by Hoyle.

Denotation:
This image is a portrait image featuring the subject from a close shot.  The subject is dressed in a grey and black shirt and tie ensemble.  A shallow depth of field has been used in the image in order to allow for the viewers focus to be directed towards the bowl of soup that the subject is holding as well as the subjects face.  The subjects face and the bowl are further highlighted through the directional lighting which casts shadow over the majority of the image but keeps the images focus well lit.  The fact that the only real area of colour in the image is the soup bowl also draws the viewers eye towards it.

Connotation:
The fact that the subject is eating alphabet soup is amusing as it is something that is generally associated with children.  This may have been used to show that comedians have  a somewhat childish sense of humour.  The childlike ideology contrasts with the adult iconography of the subjects outfit specifically the bow tie and braces.

Context:
This image is part of a series of comedians in funny poses for a book by Hoyle.



Denotation:
The above image is a portrait image featuring a mid shot of the subject.  The subject stands out from the background as she is dressed in black against a light grey background.  The subject is being a red hair bow and holding a red tulip however the shadow cast behind her is of a pair of devil horns and a pitch fork.

Connotation:
The connotations for devil horns and a pitchfork on women relate to female halloween costumes which sexualise women and portray them in an overly sexual and "bad" way.  This contrasts heavily with the innocence of the hair bow and tulip as these seem to be more innocent objects however red is a colour often associated with passion and flowers are often associated with female genitalia and sexuality.

Context:
This image is part of a series of comedians in funny poses for a book by Hoyle.

Nicholas Bruno
Why I chose this photographer:
Nicholas Bruno is a photography working in New York.  He interests me due to the fact that his images are all based around his experiences with sleep paralysis.  This gives all of the images a more personal feel and helps to give them a more emotive and raw quality.  I am also interested in the graphic and gory nature of his surrealist style as this is something that I would like to incorporate into my series.



Denotation:
The above image features a man sitting at chair blind folded with a chair being flung through the air towards him.  The image has a square orientation and is long shot to allow for the table and chair to fit comfortably into frame as well as for the mans full profile.  The image has a somewhat muted and sepia appearance and this combines with the vintage appearance of the props used gives the image an old fashioned and almost nostalgic feel.

Connotation:
This image carries connotations of nostalgia as a result of the sepia colour scheme as well as the vintage style props used.  The image also carries connotations of fear and evokes empathy in the viewer for the man blind folded in the chair as the viewer does not know if the man knows if the chair is going to hit him or not.

Context:
This image is part of series created by Bruno as a way of visually displaying what he goes through in his sleep paralysis.





Denotation:
The above image is in square orientation and is a long shot in order to allow the dolls house which is the subject of the image to fully fit into the images frame.  The image has a muted appearance which allows the viewers eye to be drawn directly to the bright orange flames coming from the top of the dolls house.  This use of bright colour allows the figure throwing water on to the flames of the house to be lost in the grey of the images background.

Connotation:
This image carries connotations of a loss of childhood due to the fact that a dolls house is being set fire to but also has an underlying feeling of hope as the fire is being successfully put out with minimal damage to the houses exterior.  The images muted tones gives it a sad appearance however they also give it an almost sepia tone and this adds a nostalgic element to the image.

Context:
This image is part of series created by Bruno as a way of visually displaying what he goes through in his sleep paralysis.

Denotation:
The image above is in square orientation with long shot framing in order to allow for the ladders, subject and tree line to be fully in frame.  The viewers eye is drawn directly to the subject due to the fact that shallow depth of field has been used in order to allow the viewer to focus on the subject solely.  The viewers eye is also drawn towards the subject due to the fact that they are climbing the ladder at the images centre opposed to one of the other two ladders near the images edges.  The image has an overall cool and muted colour scheme with highlights created by reflected light on the water and the light from the sky over the tree line.

Connotation:
The cool tones used in the image create a sad tone to the image and makes the viewer feel empathy for the subject.  The fact that the subject is struggling to climb out of the water suggests symbolism of an emotional or mental struggle this makes the viewer hope for the subject to be able to succeed and reach their goal.

Context:
This image is part of series created by Bruno as a way of visually displaying what he goes through in his sleep paralysis.




Denotation:
The image above is in square orientation and framed in a long shot to allow for the skeletons to be visible in the images foreground as well as for the full length of the subjects glass case to be fully visible.  Smoke catches the light and allows for silhouettes to be visible to the skeletons in the images foreground opposed to just the silhouette of the subject in the glass cage which is made visible with the back lighting used.

Connotation:
The darkness of the image as well as the fact that subject is in the case alone suggests isolation to the viewer and makes the feel sad for the subject.  The skeletons in the images foreground create death imagery and add to the sombre tone of the image.  The light behind the subject suggests possible freedom to the viewer if the subject is willing to break free from the glass case and travel through the fog otherwise they will be left to die like the skeletons.

Context:
This image is part of series created by Bruno as a way of visually displaying what he goes through in his sleep paralysis.

Laura Makabresku
Why I chose this photographer:

Laura Makabresku is a surrealist photographer from Poland.  I chose to look into her work due to her interest in literature and fairy tales as I felt that these were topics were relevant to me as I wish to explore photographic links to language such as idioms and flower symbolism.  I also liked her use of intricate lighting and props.



Denotation:
This image has a square orientation and was shot a medium close up.  This shot type helps to diminish dead space in the image and to draw the viewers eye to the subject.  The shallow depth of field used in this image as helps to draw the viewers eye to the focal point of the image which is the mannequins forlorn expression as it cradles its lover.  The blue lighting tones used throughout the image help to give it a striking appearance.

Connotation:
The blue lighting in this image helps to convey the sadness expressed in the mannequins face over the fact that their lover is dead.  The fact that the mannequins lover is dead is illustrated by the way that it is looking sadly at the other mannequin as the other mannequin stares vacantly at the ceiling.

Context:
Makabresku creates images based largely around dreams and fairy tales and as as result of this her images often have a surreal style.

Denotation:
This image has a square orientation and is a long shot.  This shot type is good as it is more in keeping with the formatting of anatomical sketches that the image is based around.  The black and white colour scheme help to make the sketch of the bird and text appear clearer whilst the text and graphics overlay add an extra sense of dimension to the image and make it more engaging to the viewer.

Connotation:
The monotone colour scheme gives the image a sombre appearance and the combination of this, the walls and cropped orientation of the image carry connotations of imprisonment.  This side can further be seen from the way that the subject is crouched like an animal or bird trapped in a cage.

Context:
Makabresku creates images based largely around dreams and fairy tales and as as result of this her images often have a surreal style.



Denotation:
This image is in landscape orientation and is a medium close up.  This places the subjects head and the birds which she is vomiting in the centre of the image and draws the viewers eye to the subject the shallow depth of field used allows for the viewers eye to be drawn directly to the subject and increases the shock of the image.  The blue filter used gives the image a cold appearance.

Connotation:
The blue colour scheme used gives the image a sad feel and helps to suggest to the viewer that the subject is dead.  The introduction of the birds wings is interesting as they generally stand for freedom this suggests that the subject has possibility found freedom in the afterlife or the fact that the birds are also dead could mean that once you die your life and freedom are ultimately over.

Context:
Makabresku creates images based largely around dreams and fairy tales and as as result of this her images often have a surreal style.

 

Denotation:
This image is a close shot in landscape orientation.  The image holds a largely symmetrical layout with the subjects face being at the images centre with a bird drinking the subjects tears on each outer third of the image.  The images shallow depth of field also allows the viewers eye to be drawn to the subjects face and the birds with the soft lighting used also helping with this.

Connotation:
The peachy tones of the subjects lips and eyelids as well as the pale yellow of the subjects skin and green blue tones of the background give the image a somewhat sickly appearance this serves to unsettle the viewer.  The birds in the image appear to be drinking the subjects tears in a way similar to the way that hummingbirds drink nectar from flowers this suggests that the birds are a supernatural/dream creatures which preys on sadness this seems fitting due to the birds dark colour scheme.

Context:
Makabresku creates images based largely around dreams and fairy tales and as as result of this her images often have a surreal style.