5
In this part of the shoot I was focusing on getting connecting shots that would help move the narrative forward, I got James to act out as if he was rushing to college, so we worked with some walking shots. This was also the section where I wanted to focus on getting the advertorial shot of the laptop bag. I chose this bag as I wanted something that was modern and luxurious, to go with the modern gentleman look that I was striving for. It is real patent leather and I borrowed it from Grace and Ted in Bath. I also chose it as it perfectly complemented the rich black velvet blazer and the blue tweed of the waistcoat. Texture and quality were absolutely imperative in the styling of this shoot.
Image 1 – I really love the composition of this photo with the pillar being such a strong feature, it works really well in building a cultural narrative in the photo. The plant growing up the wall is also really beautiful. It of course does not capture the bag and for this reason did not end up being one of my finals. However I do think it works well in pushing the narrative forward as although it is as intended a very constructed image, works well in getting across the cultural element, the fact that he is clearly in a rush to go somewhere and is either off to a business meeting or to class. I do also like the blurred element as it again feels like a snapshot of Tchad’s life.
Image 2 and 4 -Both the same image but the door knocker has been cropped out in the second one, this was to see if it was at all removing focus from the bag in any way. I decided that although the door knocker helps in adding cultural narrative to the setting, I prefer the cropped version as it allows more focus on the bag its self, this was necessary as I was trying to get the advertorial shot.
Image 3 – The shape of the body came out slightly strange in this one so it was one of my less favoured ones. The right shoe is playing quite a focal point, but is still not quite in focus enough to work as an advertorial for the shoes. and certainly not enough for the bag.
Image 5 – By far my favourite from this collection, in terms of composition and capturing the outfit. I also think that the choreography worked well. It is a shame that James’s face is quite blurred in this but, despite this being an advertorial for the bag I do think that this affected the image in a negative way. I do still think that it is a strong connecting image despite this.