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

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: 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!