Work Diary - Mapplethorpe

For this session, I had a good idea of what I wanted my pictures to look like. I wanted to have my subjects facing the camera, only showing part of their face. I was inspired to do this by Robert Mapplethorpe. However, after a while, I soon realised that almost all of my pictures were similar. I didn't know how to make my pictures look different as Mapplethorpe's work all consisted of the same concepts but then I decided to try using different angles and photographing different parts of my subjects' body so my pictures weren't repetitive.

I think this picture was quite successful because the whole frame is used; there is no wasted space. I also like the fact that only half my my subject's face is showing, this relates to Mapplethorpe and automatically makes the picture even more exciting. His face is also blurred a little bit, which further adds to this whole Mapplethorpe theme; it's controversial as the background is sharp and the subject is not, which isn't very common in photography. I also like how the background is a huge contrast to my subject as he is wearing dark clothes. This orange colour makes the photography look brighter and more attractive.

However, this picture didn't turn out as good because the face of the person is not present. This seemed like an interesting idea at first but it didn't work as well as I thought it would have. If I had included my subject's face with an expression, the picture could have been successful. A different angle could also have been used to take this picture, this would have allowed me to portray a Mapplethorpe theme and show the face of my subject. I also think the background and my subject kind of blends in so it very hard for me to show off my subject.

If I had the chance to do this session again, I would work on the facial expression which are on my subject's face. I think that by using certain expressions, I can set particular moods with each picture, giving my work more meaning.

I could show intimacy and create a bond between the viewer and my subjects.

Image Bank - Mapplethorpe

Robert Mapplethorpe is famous for his unique, breathtaking portraits. They are all in black and white, giving off a cool and calm atmosphere. Facial expressions are a big deal in his work as we can see in the pictures above; all of them have a different expression. This makes each picture different and interesting. Mapplethorpe uses lighting in such a way that the facial features are exaggerated in order to bring his work to life. Form is also one of the main elements found in his pictures and this brings a 3-dimensional feel to his photographs.

Straight Images - Mapplethorpe

Definition - Portraiture

Portraiture: 

The art of painting or taking portraits.

My own definition:

Capturing the mood or expression of an individual.

In this picture, facial expression has been used to express the feelings on the person in the portrait. It is evident that this little girl is upset and this is shown to the viewer through the use of facial expression and use of lighting, as the light is directly on the girl's face, highlighting her expression.

This picture uses a prop to portray the personality of this person. The viewer can see that she's very girly and the colour red is used repeatedly to show off her femininity. Photographers can also use prop to achieve a successful portrait as shown in this picture.

The use of make up is also present in tho portrait. However, it's used for a different reason. The colour red is used to show danger in this picture and the photographer has only captured the person's face and not the neck/shoulder to create mystery.

In this picture, the photographer has zoomed in on the person's face to show off her eyes. Make up is used to further emphasise on this feature.

Image Bank - Portraiture

Portraiture is a creation of a portrait of someone. This is often used to show the personality or display the expression of the subject. Normally, the viewer is made to focus on the person's face, however other body parts are shown as well as the background. Portraits can be in black and white or in colour, depending on the impression the photographer wants to put across to the viewer. Portraits can vary, for example; the theme, the emotions being displayed, the make up used (if any), etc. In most of the pictures above, make up is used to enhance the features of the subjects and make them seem bolder.