Lips Sealed- Work Diary

Basic information:
Date: 15/11/16
Camera used: Nikon D3500
Props or subject: Subject
Editing program: Photoshop CC 2014
Camera settings: 1/125, f/8, ISO 200
Technique used: Portraiture
Camera set up: (Diagram created using www.lightingdiagrams.com/creator)- Soft box x2, Tripod

Favourite image

This is my favourite image from this shoot due to the framing of the subject in the images centre.  I also like the way that the the lighting used draws the viewers eye directly to the subjects face.  The lighting is important in this image as a wide depth of field was used (f8) meaning that the viewers eye would not be drawn towards the subject through depth and focus.  Other aspects of this image which I find appealing in this image are the emotive feelings created by the use of the shhhing symbolism of the subjects finger.  This symbolism gives the image a more sinister undertone as if they are being forced to keep a secret.  The darkness of the image amplifies this concept as it is as if the subject is trapped by themselves and in their own psyche.  Elements of this image which I find less appealing include the way that the lighting is not completely even over the subjects face and the fact that the sewn up lips of the subject cannot be seen more clearly.

Least favourite image 

This is my least favourite image as I feel that the disjointed movement of the subjects head draws away from the subjects makeup and the sewn up mouth effect.  The fact that this is not easily visible is important as the entire series of idioms is focused around the way that additional elements such as  makeup can be added to images in order to convey a deeper meaning and to the idioms and highlight darker messages.  I also feel that the fact that the subjects head appears to be floating as a result of dark clothing choices is distracting to viewer.

Lips Sealed- Straight images

The close up used in this shot allows the viewer to fully see the stitching on the subjects lip and this gives the image a more disturbing appearance than some of the other images in the series as the wounds appear to much more raw when seen from a close angle.  It would have been interesting to explore macro work in this series as it would have given a more detailed image of the subjects lips.

This image has a more dynamic composition than the image prior due to the way that use of the subjects hand making a "ssshhhing" motion in front of the subjects face.  This motion gives the image a more emotive appearance due to the connotations of secrecy linked to a finger to the lips whether it be self imposed secrecy or forced secrecy and oppression.

This image appeals to me because of the sinister connotations of the subjects head being bent in an unnatural manner.  This sinister appearance is further shown through the use of soft yet directional lighting and a black background which creates a stark sense of contrast between the subjects skin and the background when combined with reduced saturation in the image this effect gives the subject a somewhat sickly appearance.

The symmetrical appearance of this image as well as the subjects deadpan expression gives the image  a striking and uniform appearance.  The use of the stitched lips gives the image a more sinister appearance however and inflicts a sense of fear upon the viewer as the deadpan expression makes it appear that the subject is looking directly at and through the viewer in an detached and subhuman manner.

Lips Sealed- Contact sheet

Concept- Lips Sealed (Shoot 2)