I have realised this week that hand in isn’t far away and that I need to make a start on the content for my Zine. Therefore I arranged and planned my Photoshoot using my ideas from research. My aim for this week was to complete 3 areas of my zine, the Photoshoot, the article and a creative technique. However, I feel like I’m still lacking creativity this Module and I feel guilty for the lack of research and development. I feel like I have spent most of my time worrying rather than being productive.

I shot the photoshoot from my bedroom using a close friend as a model. It was difficult finding someone who was available when I was, and when I found a model who was willing to help me, we still struggled to find a day in the week. I feel like this also put more pressure and stress onto me, due to the lack of organisation and planning.  Due to the stress and feeling overwhelmed, I noticed this could be why I have had a lack of creativity and motivation the past few weeks. However, I’m still struggling to overcome this as I know my research and development hasn’t been up to my standard but I was behind in content for my zine in time for my groups deadline. We had to move our personal deadline closer due to printing Time ready for Hand in.

During my Photoshoot we did a range of different photos. I was inspired by Realism and the raw and more emotional side that is created as it causes more of an affect on the viewer, creating an emotional connection. So therefore my main idea was for my model to wear a laced-back corset during the photoshoot, so after it will leave marking on the skin that I can capture in the moment. This was to portray the meaning of “Beauty is Pain” and linked with the element in the original Brothers Grimm Story. This is where the wicked step mother / queen offered to help snow white put some sort of “bodice lace / corset ” on , however tied it too tight so it stopped Snow White from being able to breathe, she then fell unconscious.  I also wanted it to link with the feeling of being emotionally trapped.

I also experimented independently on how to capture close up photos of objects, where it shows much more detail while blurring out the background – only focusing on the object. This technique allows you to capture much more detail on the object and create a clear focus for the viewer. My object was an apple, placed on the smashed glass. I have intentions on using this as one of my spreads, and pairing it with a simple caption relating to Snow White, either one of the stories or both.

The rest of my shoot included shots of my model laying down in “her” room, scrolling through different medias, drinking lots of water, eating small portions of healthy foods and a packet of cigarettes. This was to show elements of obsession, comparison, extents people will go to for beauty standards and unhealthy habits / behaviours ( Under eating, smoking to fill hunger and replace food etc). This idea came from my original mind map and the ideas of linking negative elements of social media to the issues in snow white. I also experimented with shots where I’m capturing her reflection in the mirror, but in a darker more mysterious lighting / atmosphere using LED lights, and lining her face up with the cracks so it distorts her face slightly. My main aim was to portray a lack of identity while also referencing elements of Snow White, again the Mirror and the Evilness around it’s magic etc. I wanted my model to look strong and determined, as if despite the negativity she still uses her mirror to know her self-worth ( a little message for my viewers to always live for themselves, not allowing others to affect them in terms of how they perceive themselves).

During this Photoshoot I had test shots and ideas that were not successful. For example a shot of makeup scattered on her desk, her doing her makeup in a little mirror etc. I also experienced a lot of trial and error with lightings, camera settings and ideas allowing me to develop while communicating my ideas and visions. I saved majority of the photos (unedited) to show as development in my sketchbook.