For this project we was asked to create our own images appropriate for our chosen magazine. In this case I chose to use the GQ magazine. First I decided it would be a good idea to experiment with a different set of techniques/effects such as; Photography lighting, gel lighting, shallow depth of field and other uses of shadows and various other techniques. This expanded my imagination on photography itself and made me realize and learn how many new things we can do with it, this helped me to develop on my idea. To start off this procedure I produced a mood board somewhat related to my idea. At first i brainstormed every idea which I thought could have been a good idea to use.
My ideas varied to certain things I liked whether it being to music, technology, suit wear, classy look etc. By singling out the ideas which prevented me from moving any further with it due to location, equipment or funds wise, narrowing it down to simple ideas the narrative slowly started to build up in my head to improve my idea I decided to look back on my blog for more inspiration and any ideas which help me put together my photo. What really intrigued me and caught my eye was the soft lighting and gel lighting together this two could really make my photo come to life and stand out. I thought it would be a good idea to take several photos in a model like pose like how it is featured on the GQ magazine. My strengths with the photo I was able to recreate a similar like image which reflected back on the photo itself with the use of various effects I was able to bring the photo to life, in particular the black and white effect made my photo look as if I was blended into the background.
The target audience for my chosen magazine is aimed at an older generation, an audience of early 20's to late 30's as the older generation have an interest towards all the classy look and formal clothing wear. The use of a black and white effect gives it a more of an interesting feel towards the photo. It also sets a relaxed and 'chilled out' kind of atmosphere. The narrative behind my photo was pretty simple just a man dressed in a suit showing off his classy look. I thought by using the more simple look towards my photo it wouldn't bore the audience as much as a more complicated narrative. I thought this went really well. Another point that went well was the organisation of things in terms of planning, preparation etc. Editing the photos was also pretty simple.
I particularly chose to target my pictures to GQ as they print off magazines and specifically specialize in the classy look sector. Majority of the time famous celebrities are seen posing on the front cover with their suits this is mainly because GQ is commonly known for their motto "Look sharp, live smart" this clearly attracts customers/audience and keep the magazine going with many being able to look at their favorite all time celebrities all dressed up. If I were to add some changes into my completed photographs I would probably add a bit more into the photo itself and make it come to life, also use a more close up shot to capture my expression and the suit itself.
Taking in consideration the feedback that I've received from my photographs, mostly positive comments and a majority say it was shot simply and well, however some said that I could have been more creative and imaginative and could of added some props and maybe even used a office like background to make me more blend in with my surrounding. But overall I am quite pleased with my end result, I have learnt a lot during the process of this project, being more imaginative was the main thing for me to work on. Compared to a professional photographer such as Platon Antoniou who captures famous citizens in suits such as the photo of Boris Johnson here. Being simple is what we see here. The mayor of London in a suit sitting down posing? I think Platon wanted to keep his photos to a minimum meaning quite simple classy look.