Beauty: Bibi by Michael Taborsky in 'Dazed Fairy'

With the magazine publishing industry growing bigger than ever and the format of magazine continuously shifting, it's never been so easy to create a magazine online. One that stood out was institutemag.com. I particularly like the beauty editorials such as 'Dazed Fairy' by Michael Taborsky, a talented photographer who has only been shooting fashion and beauty since 2012. I particularly like the softness and shallow depth of field, this effect to portraits really draws you in. Her skin is like silk complimenting the colourful hair, beauty and accessories styling. This is a good example of talented individuals making a striking editorial. She certainly is a captivating dazed fairy.

Further Links:
Michael Taborsky
Bibi @ Flair Model Management

Model Exposure: Archana, The Indian Model

Archana Kumar came up on my models.com feed and my, what a beauty she is! You rarely see striking Indian models on the Western model circuit as they are usually Bollywood actresses (who are glamorously gorgeous). However Archana possesses both feminine and masculine beauty with strong jaw and cheek lines; it is no wonder she's getting featured in the top fashion magazines including Vogue India, Elle India, Harper’s Bazaar and Marie Claire. Her natural beauty is charming and distinguished. It's always refreshing seeing a face so captivating and interesting.

All photos from: http://models.com/newfaces/dailyduo/30836

Beauty: Lara Stone by Josh Olins

Whilst going through my daily feed of current fashion photography I was mesmerized by this beautiful portrait of top model Lara Stone (above). Though many consider her not conventionally beautiful by the gap in her teeth and porcelain skin she has managed to take the fashion world by storm; her ability to transform herself into anything. I believe Josh Olin has captured natural beauty in the photo alone and all the details such as the adorned embellishments amount to an enchanted fantasy. Her direct gaze is what I find most fascinating especially the expression in her eyes. This photograph is powerful yet soft at the same time and I believe images that possess a balance between the two are the most compelling.

Lara Stone is photographed by Josh Olins and styed by Gillian Wilkins for Vogue Nederland May 2012

All images sourced from Fashtiontography: http://www.fashiontography.net/2012/05/lara-stone-by-josh-olins.html

More photos from the shoot:

Beauty: 'Real Beauty' by Jodi Bieber

 

Image Source: http://www.jodibieber.com/index.php?pageID=17&navLay=3

Bieber’s body of work has been very inspiring and brave to challenge the concept of beauty. There has been much speculation to what beauty truly is yet there is no true answer. Everyone has their own view yet the media feeds the ‘fair-skinned, slim and sleek’ look as the typical beauty so we are forced to sallow this perception. Bieber goes against this and wants to show the real life people, not airbrushed but as beauty comes in the majority of the population; she focuses on shooting in her native country: South Africa. It is interesting to see how she addresses various themes such as race and body image in such a conservative nation. Shooting her subjects half-naked shows confident women in their entirety, not hiding their true body and shape. I am particularly drawn to the above photograph as I rarely seen a South Asian woman in just a bra and underwear, let alone being middle aged. This is due to cultural norms that don’t condone showing naked flesh as it conjures negative perceptions on the woman. I like how the woman in this image stands up for Bieber’s ‘Real Beauty’ project and that she looks proud of whom she is. The fact that Bieber shoots the portraits in the sitter’s home gives the viewer a sense of who the person is and makes the project even more personal. The little details such as the blue hanger and flower bed sheet shows how this image is constructed up to point, but the environment seems untouched. Usually I prefer portraits with a shallow depth of field and the background blurred, however in this case the background is as much in the foreground as the sitter is. Though the sitter is conscious of the photographer, in this series the subjects all seem rather relaxed and Bieber’s approach certainly eases any anxiety the women in the photographs had.

Image Source: http://www.jodibieber.com/index.php?pageID=17&navLay=3

As my current project looks at the concept of beauty and the relationship with the media, especially the fashion industry I am enthralled to have come across Beiber’s ‘Real Beauty’ project as her themes confronts the ‘ideal’ beauty and raises questions on what it is. I like how Bieber finds it within and in her interviews she states her findings that ‘most women believe that there is no real perfect body shape, and that beauty is more about being healthy and feeling comfortable in one’s own skin’; this corroborates with my survey I posted on Facebook on what my friends thought beauty in people was. See my survey responses here.

Read an article on Jodi Bieber's work discussing 'Real Beauty' on Visura Magazine.

Useful Links:

Jodi Bieber http://www.jodibieber.com/

British Journal of Photography - 'Sister Show' by Diane Smith http://www.bjp-online.com/british-journal-of-photography/profile/1646030/sister

Exhibition Review: London - Paolo Roversi and Guy Bourdin (25/02/12)

On 25 Feb 2012 I visited London and dragged my boyfriend to two galleries that were showcasing fashion portraiture; Paolo Roversi at the Wapping Project Bankside in Southwark and Guy Bourdin at the Michael Hoppen Gallery near South Kensington. Though both photographers sharing the interest of fashion their approaches are very dissimilar and was interesting to see two different exhibitions in one day.

Guinevere Van Seenus by Paolo Reversi
Image Source: http://www.1883magazineblog.com/paolo-roversi-at-the-wapping-project-bankside/

Paolo Roversi is renowned for his soft focus, shallow depth of field, ‘rustic’ portraits that have been described as timeless. The models in his images do not look like stereotypical models and are dressed down. I like how he shows their natural beauty and captures ‘rawness’ unlike any photographer I’ve seen. In the above image she is partially nude yet the viewer does not first think this but we are drawn to her alluring expression. This photograph is difficult to date when it was taken as the characteristics do not show anything of this time, hence the ‘timelessness’ to his photographs. Her expression is ethereal yet focused directly at the viewer creating an almost haunting look reminiscing that of the Pictorial era in the late 19th and early 20th century. My two favourite photographs in this exhibition was a black-and-white portrait of Natalia Vodianova and an exquisite large colour print of Guinevere Van Seenus. My boyfriend, (he’s no art expert!) managed to feel these were the most expensive prints on sale, and rightly so: I think these were Reversi’s strongest exhibiting pieces (see below).

Natalia Vodianova by Paolo Reversi
Image Source: http://fashionnews.zalando.co.uk/2011/02/01/my-favourite-ad-photos-from-the-spring-2011-fashion-campaigns/paolo-roversi-natalia-vodenova/

Guinevere Van Seenus by Paolo Reversi
Image Source: http://www.nowness.com/day/2012/1/29/1850/paolo-roversi-my-guinevere

I enjoyed this exhibition as it was displayed in a clean and clear manner; the prints weren’t too big or small and were spread out evenly through a vast white space. The visitor didn’t feel enclosed or too open. Even my boyfriend who isn’t interested in art much, let alone fashion photography was quite impressed with the work. 

Later in the day I rushed to the Michael Hoppen Gallery just in time before it closed. The exhibition wasn’t what I expected it to be: it was much smaller and cramped and the prints were hung in distracting places such against a bookshelf full of colourful books. Bourdin is renowned as a master of colour so was a shame to drown out his prints with even more colour and clutter in the exhibition. I hadn’t really researched much of Bourdin’s work before visiting except the knowledge of his erotic photographs. After going to the exhibition I wasn’t too keen on his work as it was too much ‘in your face’ and didn’t allow the viewer to digest the photograph as there was a lot going on. This was a surprise to me as I had read many comparisons between Helmut Newton and Bourdin and I am completely enticed by Newton’s work even naming him as one of my favourite photographers. However Bourdin did stimulate discussion and one must applaud his technical ability using vivid colour which was new at that time. One that I found particularly interesting was ‘Campaign for Charles Jourdan, Spring 1979’ (below) due to the clashing of bold yellow and red and the unusual posture of the female model. Bourdin is commendable on taking fashion photography to new depths and wasn’t afraid of pushing the boundaries of a fashion image thus challenging the expected stood-straight face-on pose to the camera. Though I am not prudent and fully embrace female sexuality represented in fashion photography I did find some of his work quite crude however there were a few pieces that were composed wonderfully with flair.

Campaign for Charles Jourdan, Spring 1979 by Guy Bourdin
Image source: http://lamblegs.wordpress.com/2010/02/13/hot-photo-friday-guy-bourdin/

Though the two photographers are regarding amongst the elite in the fashion world, they have very differing styles and approaches. Overall I preferred the Paolo Reversi exhibition at the Wapping Project Bankside than I did for Guy Bourdin at the Michael Hoppen Gallery. One of the reasons for this was the layout and space at the Reversi exhibition; I was able to absorb his images, feel the model’s expressions and the photographer’s mood. Whilst visiting these exhibitions I was engrossed in my ‘Beauty’ project so couldn’t help but notice the subject matter; both photographers featured nude models and all were Caucasian. Where are the ethnic models? I enjoyed how this day questioned how beauty can be presented in contrasting ways and the power a renowned photographer can have on influencing the new generation on what a beautiful image and model is.

Exhibition photographs I took at the gallery:

Paolo Reversi @ The Wapping Project Bankside

Guy Bourdin @ The Michael Hoppen Gallery

Bibliography:

http://www.johnjones.co.uk/news/2012/01/the-wapping-project-paolo-roversi/

http://www.harpreetkhara.com/archives/24721

http://akickupthearts.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/paolo-reversi-at-the-wapping-project-bankside/

http://www.theculturalexpose.co.uk/arts-culture/something-you-should-see-paolo-roversi-at-the-wapping-project/

http://www.dazeddigital.com/photography/article/12546/1/paolo-roversi-the-wapping-project

http://www.vignettemagazine.com/exhibitions-events/paolo-roversi-at-the-wapping-project-bankside/

http://www.thewappingprojectbankside.com/exhibitions/2012/roversi_photography/index.shtml

http://fredbutlerstyle.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/sun-april-1st-paolo-roversi-at-wapping.html

http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/02/01/paolo-roversi-wapping-project-exhibition-preview

http://www.michaelhoppengallery.com/exhibition,past,3,0,0,0,154,0,0,0,guy_bourdin.html

Useful Links:

Paolo Reversi interview PDF article (British Journal of Photography) - http://www.thewappingprojectbankside.com/artists/paolo_roversi/press/BJP-March-2012-Roversi.pdf

Wapping Project Bankside - http://www.thewappingprojectbankside.com/index.shtml

Michael Hoppen Gallery - http://www.michaelhoppengallery.com/

In Discussion: Is Digital Photography Devaluing the Photograph?

There has been a long-lasting debate over digital photography vs. analogue and where photographers all over the world are arguing each side. After reading an interview by James Weston discussing Ricky Adam's new book; 'Destroying Everything' points were raised on the role of post-production. See full interview here [1]. There are various factors to consider in this debate such as photographers shooting style, image quality, cost & efficiency, accessibility, manipulation capabilities, archiving, credibility, processing effects etc. which photographers take into account when shooting an image. Thus there are pros and cons of each.

Many photographers use film for its nostalgic quality however increasingly the younger generation are picking up this traditional mode and embracing the processes involved. Many regard film as being outdated though it is one of the first things one learns on a Photography course: the darkroom. Ricky Adam states 'You have to be a lot more resourceful when shooting film. For one you shoot fewer photos, but in doing so I think you learn a lot more about composition, lighting' For this reason we (photography students) are taught the importance of composition which someone doesn't seem as important in digital photography where we have the luxury of shooting many images stored on a small memory card. Especially when I was shooting on medium format film I had the added pressure of getting the 'right' shot in 10 frames meaning I carefully thought of how I created my images. Though the downfall of this is that it is difficult to experiment with ideas and adjusting lighting when you cannot see the image instantly (except Polaroid style cameras) whilst on a budget (film is expensive to buy as it isn't as in demand).

Though the digital camera is superior for image quality with incredibly advanced technology such as the Hasselblad's 200-megapixel camera [2] many pro photographers, especially in the commercial market opt for digital. The ease of transferring and uploading files quickly through the internet and having the ability to manipulate the images is favourable especially in a 'perfection' obsessed society. The 'flaws' such as grain noise, colour leaks usually found in film do not fit with non-blemished image of today.

Despite this I am firm user in Photoshop and admittedly have airbrushed and retouched both digital and scanned film images in what I believe is enhancing the image. Below are 2 photographs, one before post-production, the other after. The original image is a 120mm colour negative that I scanned in. I believe that without digital advancements and availability I would not be able to produce an image I was satisfied with.

(From my Hollie Beauty Shoot, 22/02/12, using a Mamiya RB67)

In some aspects images are a portrayal of something/someone and never the true likeness; how can one capture the 'truth' in a photograph when it is only two dimensional? Therefore digital photo-manipulation does not devalue the photograph but is a means to reach the photographer's intentions for the image. Film photography does not possess the technical capabilities unlike digital photography. It all really depends on what the photographer wants to achieve and the necessary means, either digital or film, to reach that. The question is not which is better as I believe they are equally powerful mediums in their own right.

References:

1. DigBMX.com - Ricky Adam: Destroying Everything http://digbmx.mpora.com/photo-ops/ricky-adam-destroying-everything/ [Accessed 16/05/12]

2. Hassleblad 200 mpx camera: $45,000 http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-20066021-264.html [Accessed 16/05/12]

Useful Links:

Wikipedia - Digital versus film photography http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_versus_film_photography

Kenrockwell.com - Film vs. Digital http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/filmdig.htm

Image Exposure: Charlotte Free by Terry Richardson

For one of my other modules on my photography course I was looking into fashion photography and style and thought of Terry's work. One of the images that caught my eye whilst looking through his wealth of images on Terry's Diary was one of model Charlotte Free.

Charlotte Free at my studio #9

December 29th, 2011

Image Source: http://www.terrysdiary.com/post/14977007565/charlotte-free-at-my-studio-9

This particular photograph stands out from his vast archive of images where he posts practically every day. It dates back to December 29th, 2011 with a caption of ‘Charlotte Free at my studio #9’. I like how simple the set-up is with a single flash attached to the camera body as the only source of light. This set-up is most common for his studio portraiture where he shoots many of his friends, acquaintances and models in his home studio. Usually he shoots black/white for this set up however there are examples of colour portraits such as the above photo. Terry prefers taking pictures in a landscape format showing only the torso and face. I think this particular set-up of shooting is Terry’s trademark style and is reminiscent of his portrait editorials for big magazines such as Rolling Stone. There have even been editorials using this simple set up for magazines like Purple Fashion. Despite Charlotte Free being an up-and-coming model being shot for various advertisements I originally thought she was one of Terry’s acquaintances who had quirky style so decided to shoot her over again. The reason why I chose this shot is I like the off white background and the slight vignette from where the flash fades outwards and her carefree expression. Terry has a great knack of getting the most of his subjects and showing off their personality on camera. He isn’t afraid of highlighting the fun side of ‘untouchable’ celebrities and portraying them as normal people who want to have fun too. In relation to my project about photographing people with style and loving what they wear, Charlotte Free is a great example of individual style. This photo isn’t made up and she hasn’t got a make-up/stylist team on hand; she is herself wearing clothes she enjoys wearing. The salmon pink colour in her t-shirt goes with the aesthetics of her hair and pale skin. Though this image only reveals one item of clothing, a person’s style is in much more than the clothes they wear, but how they wear it as well as the characteristics of their hair and skin. The viewer feels the essence of being a kid and having childlike freedom from her ‘The Ren & Stimpy’ t-shirt (which is seen as vintage today) and the motion of flying her hair around.

Useful Links: 

Terry's Diary http://www.terrysdiary.com/

Terry Richardson http://www.terryrichardson.com/

models.com - Terry Richardson http://models.com/people/terry-richardson

Read More:
V.E.S.T: Blog Exposure: Terry's Diary http://nishahaqvisualexploration.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/blog-exposure-terrys-diary.html

Beauty In Discussion: Valeria Lukyanova - Is this the Real life Barbie doll?

Image source: http://www.geekologie.com/2012/04/look-at-what-youve-done-to-yourself-ukra.php

After reading responses on ‘Katie Price Vs Orlan’ forum on my university photography website^[1] and discussing the concept of beauty I was particularly interested in the case of Valeria Lukyanova, 21, where it is believed she is the ‘real-life’ Barbie. Barbie represents perfection and she is the icon for aspired beauty. Barbie is an American manufactured girls’ doll that launched in March 1959. During this time multiculturalism and globalization was a new concept and isn’t as prominent as it is today yet Barbie still circulates in its millions across the globe. Barbie is supposed to represent the population yet there is only a minority with white skin, blue eyes, blonde hair and is 5’9” tall. Why choose these features to symbolize ‘perfection’ when the world is so diverse? There has been much criticism for the doll’s unrealistic proportions and the damaging effect on females’ body image especially when socializing girls from a young age. Statistics show that ‘if Barbie were an actual women, she would be 5'9" tall, have a 39" bust, an 18" waist, 33" hips and a size 3 shoe.’ ^[2] This would be the case of Lukyanova from Russia who is obsessed with the Barbie ideal. She is dubbed ‘the real-life Barbie’ due to her extensive plastic surgery (including removing two lower ribs), heavy make-up and revealing clothes. Lukyanova is willingly allowing herself to be objectified after posting hundreds of images of herself and her transformation. There has been quite a stir with her as despite the common perception of beauty being of Barbie, when it is seen in real-life there is some backlash. ‘One Twitter user wrote: “She looks not only ugly, but ridiculous.”’ and “A woman with completely perfect features is a boring woman.” ^[2] Despite Lukyanova extreme efforts to achieve ‘perfection’ not everyone believes so thus making the concept of beauty subjective. So this raises the question what is beauty?

What are your views?

References:

1. Various authors; Mycourse forum; published Apr 15 2012; http://mycourse.solent.ac.uk/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=42596 [Accessed 07/05/12]
2. Slayen, Galia; Huffington Post; published Aug 4 2011; http://www.huffingtonpost.com/galia-slayen/the-scary-reality-of-a-re_b_845239.html [Accessed 07/05/12]

3. Evon, Dan; The Inquisitr; published Apr 23, 2012; http://www.inquisitr.com/224402/valeria-lukyanova-model-seeks-to-be-real-life-barbie-doll-photos/#tzIAJXuqFuDQEyKk.99 ‘[Accessed 07/05/12]

Useful Links:
V.E.S.T: What do you think is beautiful? http://nishahaqvisualexploration.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/beauty-your-views-on-whats-beautiful.html

Wikipedia - Barbie http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie

The Beauty of Society http://webpages.scu.edu/ftp/kmarume/the%20beauty%20of%20society.htm

Daily Mail - Valeria Lukyanova http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2133552/Valeria-Lukyanova-pictures-Real-life-Barbie-seeks-worlds-convincing-doll.html

Beauty: Supermodels Supernaturals by Peter Lindbergh

 Harper’s Bazaar Sept 2009

Image Source: http://models.com/feed/?p=3747

Peter Lindbergh is famous for his ‘classic’ approach to fashion photography and is on hot demand in the fashion industry. His shooting style is high-end glamour making the fashion instantly irresistible however from for this shoot he has stripped bare the made-up glamour and shows the real beauty in ‘supermodels’. In an industry fixated on youth which in turn reflects on wider society, the older generations are left behind and only a select few ‘mature’ models representing the whole age group. Adolescent models that have barely grown full breasts are being cast to model ‘adult’ fashion yet they are not adults themselves. This is confusing for the consumer and contradicts the true population, especially the target audience which is the older generation who are rich enough to purchase expensive designer clothes yet society is obsessed with youth and associates this with beauty. This particular shoot in Harper’s Bazaar shows that models over 30 are still beautiful and is ridiculous to think otherwise. The viewer can see their experience and Lindbergh captures this wonderfully. It’s refreshing to see non-airbrushed models that dominate the beauty and glamour market; Valletta, 35 (above) doesn’t need these digital touch ups as she is naturally beautiful. I like how her eyes are sincere and her simple expression. Usually I’m not fond of overly grey portraits as the tones are rather dull however the subject matter is so strong, the beauty shines through the dullness and shows that high contrast isn’t needed. Like Avedon and Daemian Smith I like the simple approach and that this method works best to show beauty as it is. Nadia Auermann (below) says ‘"I think women look best when they're natural,". I completely agree with this statement.

More photos from the editorial:

[Left – right]

1. Kristen McMenamy, 44 / 2. Helena Christensen, 40 / 3. Nadia Auermann, 38 / 4. Shalom Harlow, 35

References: 

Harper's Bazaar Supermodels Supernatural http://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup-articles/supermodels-without-makeup-0909#slide-1

Models.com http://models.com/feed/?p=3747

Useful Links:

Peter Lindbergh http://www.peterlindbergh.com/

Fashion Gone Rogue - Peter Lindbergh http://fashiongonerogue.com/photographer/peter-lindbergh/

Beauty: My Generation by Andreas Laszlo Konrath

2004-2010

Image Source: http://andreaslaszlokonrath.com/story.php?id=4

I enjoy discovering new art and Konrath’s work was found by chance after a succession of internet links ^[1] all connected by the world wide web but every HTML unique in its code. Like the human race, we are all made up of different genetic codes but all belong to the same species. Celebrating differences and uniqueness is a popular subject amongst modern artists including Konrath’s ‘My Generation’ series. Like many photographers before him he has adopted this style of a plain white background, studio style set up and opted for black-and-white portraiture, reminiscent of Richard Avedon and David Bailey. Despite being relatively unknown Konrath embodies youthfulness and instead of having the privilege to shoot celebrities focuses on shooting his own generation and their distinct style. Like Scott Schuman states in ‘The Sartorialist’:  ‘That is why young people, or the young at heart, are those that inspire or move fashion forward. They are still struggling to find themselves: ‘Am I a rocker? A footballer? Or a little bit of both?’ These contra-dictions produce the most interesting looks’. ^[2] Konrath shoots beautiful, sincere portraits of his young generation showcasing the diversity. ‘Sheryl, 2007’ (above) is particularly engaging as I am first intrigued by her ethnicity however I don’t believe this is the main focus; her individuality is what Konrath is trying to show rather than her representing a whole race; she is being photographed representing herself only. The tattoo on her shoulder adds to the uniqueness of her character and her fresh face shows she isn’t hiding behind a mask of make-up. Looking through ‘My Generation’ has been inspiring and I enjoy realizing different styles to emphasize individuality within a similar age group. I also like the ‘grunge’ effect on the borders making the ‘clean’ images smudged with imperfection. This reflects youth where many people make mistakes and are learning. Not only does this series look at youth but the beauty within. I believe this portraits are very beautiful as they’re simply shot and captures people as they are, natural.

[Left – right]

1. Max, 2006 / 2. Sean, 2006 / 3.Vala, 2010 / 4.Erin, 2008

References: 

1. Discovered on http://www.nutopiaforum.com/magazine.html [accessed 06/05/12], an online magazine showcasing photography from emerging artists created by Platon, renowned for his portrait photographs of well-known world figures. His work has featured on magazine covers such as Time, Rolling Stone and Esquire. 

2. Schuman, Scott; ‘The Sartorialist’; published: Penguin (Sep 3 2009)

Useful Links:

Andreas Laszlo Konrath http://andreaslaszlokonrath.com/index.php

Check out my Sept 2010 post on my blog M.A.S.H on Scott Schuman: http://mashthings.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/photograph-of-day-on-street-oxford-st.html?zx=e330694b695153c2

The Sartorialist http://www.thesartorialist.com/

Beauty: Kelly Moreira by Daemian Smith + Christine Suarez

May 6 2011

Image Source: http://blog.daemianandchristine.com/post/5250496081/kellymoreira

Although this isn’t commissioned work I believe it’s one of Smith’s strongest works where he photographs models as a simple headshot showcasing their natural beauty rather than made up in unnatural poses selling garments. These portraits are like the Polaroids casting agents take when looking for models however don’t show the depth and detail that Smith captures. Much of his portraits in this style are shot black-and-white but I believe colour adds complimentary softness unlike the monochrome images which have a hint of harshness. I particularly chose to highlight this image as in the fashion world fair-skinned models dominate the catwalk and billboards so it is a rare occasion to see natural dark skinned beauty. Looking into beauty, Smith shows that modification doesn’t necessarily mean automatic attractiveness as Kelly Moreira (above) is naturally stunning. With today’s society obsessed with fair skin and sleek hair, Moreira goes against the norm and stands beautiful in her own skin. I especially like portraits with a shallow depth of field and believe this is shot on a 50mm lens to create the depth that is desirable in head shots. The soft focus accentuates her soft skin and draws focus on her dark eyes where the viewer is transfixed.

References:

Check out Daemian Smith and Christine Suarez blog 'Should Have Taken More Pictures'

Useful Links:

Check out my Sept 2010 post on my blog M.A.S.H on this photographer and their model portraits: http://mashthings.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/black-white-portraiture-by-daemian.html

More images of fresh faced models:

[Above, captions left-right]

1. The hypnotic eyes of beautiful Kristina at New York Models. Shot with the Leica S2. / 18 Apr 2012

2. TSANNA / 22 May 2010

3. Rose Cordero / 16 Nov 2010

4. The beautiful skin tone of Jenny Albright at New York Models. / 5 Apr 2012

[Above, captions left-right]

1. Enyelisa at IMG. Shot with the Leica S2. / 16 Apr 2012

2. Flawless Fanny Fournier. / 17 Aug 2010

3. The graceful and expressive face of Lise Aanes at Root Management. Shot with the Leica S2 / 22 Mar 2012

4. Our beautiful friend Nina De Raadt at Ford. / 27 Apr 2012

Beauty: Grace Bol by Toto Cullen in Full of Grace

Image source: http://fashiongonerogue.com/portrait-grace-bol-toto-cullen/

Whilst browsing through fashion blogs, in particular ‘Fashion Gone Rogue’ ^[1] I was pleased to find such a striking fashion portrait of a dark black woman. After researching race and beauty especially how dark-skinned models are scarce in the fashion industry it was surprising to see this headshot amongst the fair-skinned faces you regularly see. Though some may say she looks vacant I believe Cullen captures her intensity and how her eyes are almost squinting, but looks natural doing this. I love the splash of red on her lips and compliment the soft blue tones in the shadows on her skin. Her skin is flawless and the studio lighting accentuates her exquisite bone structure. I particularly like the fact she has little hair, like Daemian Smith’s photo of Kelly Moreira; Bol’s hair is natural to her ethnic make-up and isn’t straightened or weaved on a wig to look like Caucasian sleek hair. The beautiful soft tones are what I enjoy most in this image.

1. Full of Grace – Grace Bol (Muse NYC) stars in Toto Cullen’s striking portraits wearing a mix of colorful designs and makeup. Styled by Andrea Perini, the designs of Karl Lagerfeld, Versace and Charles Anastase stand out with her elegant poses. / Makeup by Kristen Arnett

References:

Toto Cullen (Fashion Gone Rogue) http://fashiongonerogue.com/portrait-grace-bol-toto-cullen/

Other images in the shoot:

Beauty: Jean Patchett by Erwin Blumenfeld, Jan 1950

Image Source: http://extremebeautyinvogue.wordpress.com/

Blumenfeld’s 1950’s Vogue photograph is the epitome of female beauty; it highlights the main components for a beautiful face: the eyes and lips. This graphic photograph is so striking, and rightly so made it the cover of the dawn of the new decade (Jan 1950) showing how beauty is transforming. Andy Port ^[1] (NY Times Blog) writes: ‘Jean Patchett’s face reduced to a beauty mark, mouth, eye, brow and nose. If ever there were a visual haiku, this is it. Woman distilled to her essence; the sum of her parts more alluring than the whole.’ I agree that this image is incredibly alluring, right down to the beauty spot. The fact that he chose to keep the beauty spot shows almost juxtaposes with the idea of keeping the little details yet he has rid most of her face including the main canvas: her skin. Despite all that is erased her face is not expressionless, in fact she evokes much more; her seductive eyes and sensual lips are captivating enough that the reader see no more. This image shows the power of beauty and expression in basically two features on a face. One might say that Bluemfeld is empowering women and that they simply don’t need more than basic features to express how they feel. However one may read it as the photographer is eradicating her features like a blank canvas and that ‘beauty’ can be painted on with make-up and that beauty does not lie within her expression but in a mask. Another interpretation of this image is that beauty is white due to the vastness of white representing white skin and showcasing Caucasian features. At this time white people were seen as the dominant race in America, could this image represent that beauty is determined by levels of superiority in race?

References:

1. Port, Andy; New York Times Blog; published Apr 16 2009; http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/extra-credit-erwin-blumenfelds-dada/ [Accessed at 01/05/12]

Useful Links:

Extreme Beauty in Vogue (D&G) http://extremebeautyinvogue.wordpress.com/

25 Fashion Photographs by Master of Photography Erwin Blumenfeld http://www.photographyoffice.com/2011/06/25-fashion-photographs-by-master-of-photography-erwin-blumenfeld/

Beauty: Brigitte Bardot by Richard Avedon, Jan 27 1959

Image Source: http://completandoelcirculo.tumblr.com/post/15079421400/narcissusskisses-brigitte-bardot-by-richard

I came across this beautiful photo of the actress in the catalogue ‘Richard Avedon Photographs 1946-2004’ (Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, 2007) and was instantly captivated by how timeless this photograph was especially being shot in 1959 which could easily pass as an art beauty glamour shot today. The blurred focus of her voluminous hair adds to the desirability of the sitter, the viewer is not only drawn to her oozing sex appeal but the way Avedon captures her softness as well balances the photograph. The fact its shot in black and white also adds to the timelessness and the viewer isn’t overwhelmed by glamour if colour was present. Avedon is renowned for his fashion photography however he was a master of the portrait as well. In Helle Crenzien’s ‘True Artist’ essay (featured in the book) she writes ‘Avedon ranges wide and his photographs exhibit a visual duality: they are photographs taken by a strong, complex personality. Avedon tries to bring out more facets rather than just to reproduce his sitters from an arbitrary point of view. [He] is a co-creator – not just an observer. [He] shows that the photograph can show or reveal much more than the superficial truth’. I agree with Crenzien’s view on Avedon and this description can be applied to the above image. The reason I chose to analyse this photograph out the many wonderful images in the book is the simple beauty that Bardot possesses. Face-on with the illusion of her being naked enhances the allure. The simplicity of the composition speaks volume as the focus is on her expression. This is a true portrait of beauty.

References:

Holm, Michael (Editor); Avedon, Richard (Photographer) ‘Richard Avedon Photographs 1946-2004’; published:  Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, First Edition (Dec 15 2007)

Useful Links:

Richard Avedon Photographs 1946-2004 http://www.richardavedon.com/index.php#mi=2&pt=1&pi=10000&s=0&p=12&a=0&at=1

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art http://www.louisiana.dk/dk

Vogue - Richard Avedon http://www.vogue.co.uk/spy/biographies/richard-avedon-biography

Beauty In Discussion: What you Think is Beautiful

One module for my Photography degree includes Representation where we have to create a portrait on medium format colour film. I was quite excited about this project as I love portraiture and found printing in the colour darkrooms both rewarding and challenging. For this project I was struggling to find what to base my theme on but after looking at street style and fashion and engaging in the discussion on Orlan and Katie Price I was inspired by the concept of beauty and what we determine is beautiful.

Barbie: The beauty icon

Image Source: http://collider.com/barbie-movie-in-production-because-girls-deserve-brainless-toy-based-features-too/8107/

I began researching the relationship between race and beauty and why it is still uncommon to see dark skinned models on the runway and billboards for example. Being dark skinned myself looking into this idea made me see myself in a different light and made me realize I was beautiful too, with my curves and Bengali ethnicity. I was appalled to see the media especially advertising encouraging lightening skin products and this is a billion dollar industry in Asia and Africa. This advert in particular made me want to shake society's narrowed minds on their perception of beautiful and that blonde hair and white skin doesn't equate to beauty. I am not saying that people with these characteristics are not beautiful but the fact they are seen as superior due to these qualities regardless of the beauty inside.

Video source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahdvo70fRhk

In response to this I decided to post a question on Facebook to my friends and see what they thought beautiful was. My question:

'Just wanted to ask you a question in regards to my photography project about the idea of a beautiful person. You can write as much/little as you want. I'm doing a mini survey.

What is your concept of beauty in a multicultural society?'

This is what they responded:

beauty in my mind is the pursuit of an ideal rather than the ideal itself. nobody sees the same idea of beauty because everyone has a differnet idea of their ideal situation. whever its how someone acts and behaves or just pure cosmetics. i think beaty is purely the human urge to be better and climb higher in the social rank, we see people as beautiful because we want to be more like them

Cool, Well as regards to beauty I feel that I'ts every where not just in people and not in looks. What makes a beautiful person is not just the way they look, but how they act. Are they trust worthy, kind, funny things like this make a beautiful person to me. As far as people are, natural is beautiful

Confidence obvs can make anyone attractive if there not afraid to be who you really are

I think you can find beauty in almost everything. But regarding people I think being your natural self is beautiful

Everyone is beautiful in some way or another whether it's skin deep or their personality. 'Beauty' has unfortunately fallen into the grips of a commercial stereotype, so unless you are a certain height, weight, skin colour, etc, many people feel that they are not beautiful if they don't meet this ridiculous criteria

Beauty can be found in anything! With people, I think being able to believe in yourself & express that in a way you feel is right is beautiful - though music, art, your personal style, etc. You need to feel comfortable in your own skin.

Without reading all of the posts above me, I'd say that everyone is beautiful. Everyone defines what makes a beautiful person differently, so we can't generalise to anything specific.

In the words of David Bailey: no one is the most beautiful woman in the world

well i know its said that symmetry makes a beautiful face - if you're talking solely about looks but im not sure how far i agree with that. But i certainly think confidence is key, and also to look healthy - maybe that comes from natural instinct in seeking a healthy partner to have kids with - survival of the fittest and all that! (no pun intended...)

well considering the aspect of beauty, it's in the eye of the beholder i guess, as for the context of multicultural societies and beauty, i would agree that yes aspects of their race, their religion, characteristics can be beautiful, how many times do we see in national geographic the tribes of the Amazon, the slums of India, etc etc and yet all are portrayed in ways that are beautiful, though perhaps in real life are not instantly beautiful, we can appreciate it after thought

Beauty is like art, we all view it differently. It is easy to assume your question refers to people and faces however beauty can be seen in all aspects of society, albeit a multicultural one. A baby suckling on its mother; loving couples hugging/kissing; different races together playing and enjoying each others company; to me these are all images of beauty. To appreciate beauty in a multicultural society, one has to first embrace multiculturalism and what its diverse culture can offer. Some women who wear a hijab for instance can have the most beautiful eyes, equally a Jewish man wearing a kippah could have a beautiful smile or Africans and Caribbeans have a beautiful way of expressing themselves and so on. Yes, to get a real feel of beauty within a person one needs to know what their heart and character are like. As this is not always possible, what we see at first glance depicts what we view as beauty. The fashion industry have taken on different aspects of global culture to introduce and set new trends thus creating a new wave of image and style to beauty. Beauty is all around us and in a multicultural society it continues to grow. Sadly, humans have prejudices and preferences and sometimes the beauty that is portrayed is not always noticed.

im saying that natural beauty is better

I'll be covering other issues and artists that look at the concept of beauty so watch this space!