Research so far...

I have currently spent a lot of time looking at Marilyn Monroe and focused my research on this area. I think that this is a great place to begin. Someone who has been an icon, and been the focus of so many shoots about her and emulating what she did. This is a great path to start on before I narrow it down to more specific areas I enjoy and want to focus on. 

Last Images of an Icon

Getting a photographers vision and the thoughts behind his shoot really helps to understand the images a lot more. Getting insight information on the styling, the make-up and also the nature of the shoot. I like this and I think it becomes interesting and gives you more of a connection to the shoot. I feel like I understand each image, the fact that she is trying to intimidate him as a photographer, but shy to do it in the first place. I always imagine Marilyn Monroe as the epitome of a woman, what I aspire to be, confident, forward and loves her body. I found it so interesting that in fact she had to ask the view and opinion of a close friend for reassurance on if she should do it. Also that she had insecurity’s about her scars. These are stories that the images fail to tell. But make the image stronger after knowing this. You see that she’s embraced her imperfections and bared them for the world to see. I think that this is the perfect shoot to end on. Simple and honest! (below are images from this shoot) 

We can all be a little bit Marilyn!!!

Looking at Marilyn has become really interesting. A lot have people have chosen to re-enact iconic moments of her life, she is quoted constantly and over 50 years after her death she is seen as an idol.  I find it interesting that celebrities choose to copy images with them as the star rather than Marilyn. 

Another reason I have chosen to look at this is, basically, it will be what I am being asked to do. I need to think of images that I will be able to recreate. I feel like it is a big opportunity to be able show that I understand technically what is happening in an image and being able to show that by creating an image that reflects and shows that. 

Miley's take on Marilyn: 

I think that these images of Miley are really amazing. They catch the sexuality and confidence that Marilyn Monroe oozed. However I think that she has given her own unique touch to the image, its slight but it makes the image different. It offers her personality, what I think is really appropriate considering the hype around Miley Cyrus at the moment.

I also prefer the lighting on the images of Miley. The opportunity to create images that are personal favorites has given me an opportunity I didn't think that I would have. As a photographer you always look at an image and can see little areas that you don’t like, and things that you think ‘I could do that better’. I feel like the photographer in this instance has done just that. There isn't as many harsh shadows like the images of Marilyn. Technically I think that this looks better. 

Lindsey take on Marilyn:

Unlike the images and Mileys take on a ‘Marilyn look’, I personally think that although they bear a striking resemblance to the original images, I feel that they lack personality, and really it just becomes another Marilyn image. If I didn't look closely I wouldn't see Lindsey. This isn't what I want to do. I want it to be me. I don’t want it to be so similar that I get lost in someone else’s image. 

The second a moment is created ... till its firmly embedded in history

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) - 

"Monroe's rendition of the song "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" and her pink dress are considered iconic, and the performance has inspired homages by Madonna, Geri Halliwell, Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman, Anna Nicole Smith, Christina Aguilera, and James Franco"

This truly is an iconic piece of movie. The colours and styling are something that has been created and reinterpreted in many ways offering a range of outputs. Marilyn herself is a historic icon whose life has been emulated and copied to no extent. Campaigns, comedians, music videos and also animation have all created variations of this iconic moment.   

Madonna: (1984)

Madonna is an icon in her own right. She is a musical veteran and I find it really interesting that she has chosen to interpret ‘gentlemen prefer blondes’ for her ‘material girl’ music video. I think that the main reason is the relevance, the song relates to the original of ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend’.  Madonna has copied the video down to a T. it almost the same, the styling, choreography.

Considering this for my work:   I think that it’s interesting that she has decided to copy Marilyn completely. In my photography work I would like to do this when needed. I think that in some cases, the important factors are too important to change, but if possible I would like to put my own twist on an image if I can to show my own personality. I feel like the video for ‘Material Girl’ is trying so hard to be the same as the scene from ‘Gentlemen prefer blondes’ that you really loose Madonna’s personality and just see her as Marilyn.

Anna Nicole Smith: 

Anna Nicole Smith openly admitted to trying to emulate her life around Marilyn’s, so it comes to no surprise that she also recreated iconic images of her idol. Unlike Madonna’s take, this was for a campaign and there is a change as the title has now seen the addition of ‘fur-free’ among the ‘gentleman prefer blondes’ original title. It takes photographic form and really is a striking image. The image doesn't portray the dance number of the original or have the song to go with it, yet we still know the iconic moment due to the styling, and the set up. You wouldn't even need the title to understand just what they were referring to.  The question is though can a replica of an iconic image then become iconic in its own right?

Miss Piggy:

Even the Muppet's got involved and offered there take on this. Really just shows how a moment in time can really effect a range of areas in the creative world and can be reproduced in many way. Really makes an impact. 

Overview:

When looking at this and researching images around this scene from the film, it’s really a basic copy, no one really puts there twist on it. The hair, the clothes and the setting are always the same in every version of this. Is that then the important factor in this example? Not the person but the styling?

Face of 60's Fashion

A lot of things make an iconic image. This image of twiggy is one that has lived on way past the 1960’s fashion shoot that it was initially used for. The simplicity and styling is timeless but still hints at the ‘swinging 60’s’ decade that it was intended for.

Use of lighting to create shadows, emphasizing the features of an up and coming model. The light background in contrast to the styling and harsh make-up that allows her eyes to really bounce out the page to the viewer, making a connection and enticing you in. The power behind her eyes is almost hypnotic. She gets your attention and holds you there.

Icon of the Time...

So I found this on Tumblr, I was in the car just searching iconic images and I came cross this and thought it was interesting. Basically just a little chart that depicts iconic women and the time they dominated. However I feel like today the iconic, inspirational women are just that for all the wrong reasons. If I was to choose one of these to emulate I think that I would go for ones further in history as they have grace and elegance, and I don’t think the same can be said for the “icons” of todays society.

Iconic Images (In my opinion)

Bruce McBroom: Farrah Fawcett

"McBroom, a photographer, snapped the image that made Farrah Fawcett an icon. He tells TIME how an innocuous photo shoot — in which Fawcett posed at her Hollywood home in a red swimsuit — resulted in the 1976 poster that wound up plastered on millions of bedroom walls."






Personal Response: This is an iconic image and is used in a lot of movies, TV shows and really I just see it for some reason all over. The first time I was exposed to this was from a TV show called “that 70’s show”; It was literally in every scene. I used to love the image because that is exactly how I wanted my hair.

Photographic Response:  in response to this image in terms of technique and the look of the image I really like the lighting used. It is really bright and the models face looks fresh and natural due to this. Composition is also what I like; the model takes up the full frame and the shape of her body really curves round the image getting her whole body in the frame. The use of colour also helps to brighten the image, its really fun and cheeky.

Annie Leibovitz: John and Yoko

"There was so much in that simple picture of a kiss. So, for the photo I wanted to take, I imagined them somehow together. And it wasn't a stretch to imagine them with their clothes off, because they did it all the time. But what happened at the last minute was that Yoko didn't want to take her clothes off. So, we went ahead with the picture, and it was this very striking picture of Yoko clothed against a naked John. And of course, John was murdered later that afternoon. It's actually an excellent example of how circumstances change a picture. Suddenly, that photograph has a story. You're looking at it and thinking it's their last kiss, or they're saying goodbye. You can make up all sorts of things about it. I think it's amazing when there's a lot of levels to a photograph."

Personal Response: I am a huge fan of John Lennon and I truly think that he is a great icon. What I like about this image is it shows the love that they had for one another, I also think it holds significance because it was just before he died.

Photographic Response: what is interesting about this image is the positioning of the models. I don’t know if this is stereotypical or even sexist for that matter, but I would normally expect the man to be as Yoko is and Yoko to be hugging John. Also the shape of his body is so interesting, I just find the whole image intriguing and just a bit strange (in a good way)

Robert Mapplethorpe: Patti Smith

"Mapplethorpe has described his collaborations with Smith “like taking drugs; you’re in an abstract place and it’s perfect"







Personal Response: you say Patti Smith; this is what I imagine! It’s so strong, and really iconic as an image on its own without you even having to know whom the subject is. She really isn’t your idiotic singer with any views on anything, she’s strong and opinionated and I think that this androgynous image depicts that.

Photographic Response: simplistic background teamed with what looks to be natural lighting really gives the image a soft touch, that however it is still striking and a strong image. The styling really  makes the image, it is what creates the strong nature of the image along side the intense stare of Patti

NEW PROJECT!!!!!!

So, the new project. An interesting one don't you think? I feel like it’s going to be able to test my creativity, something that I really feel that I missed out on in the last project. It is also going to get me thinking. I mean to me an icon could be totally different to what other people see as ‘iconic’ or a ‘hero’. I feel like this is going to be the biggest challenge! I seem to suffer from a warped sense of right and wrong, to me the sickest of things can be the most interesting. The most evil of characters could be the cleverest and most influential. I really can't wait to see the outcomes and what people’s views are of each other’s ‘icon’ or ‘villain’. I mean like I said to someone Marilyn Monroe could be an icon, a hero of screen and society. She could be someone they look up to and follow the fashion style of, but to another she could be nothing more than fame hungry, or a whore. It’s how you perceive the person and what they do. One thing however that can't be misunderstood is the image, and if the image is iconic. No matter what the nature an iconic image stands the test of time and stays in the minds of the people who witness the even or even see the image that happened years down the line. I feel like this is going to be difficult and challenging, but do you know what I say to that?!? BRING IT ON!!!

Personal Website/Web Hosting

Having your own website is a very important in the photography business. It is a way of looking professional, having a platform to show you work and also get recognition for your work on a global scale. I have looked at a few different web hosting sites that offer a range of options. I have evaluated them and will see what I personally think will be the best option for me to take.

When searching for a domain name, I have learned that it is best to get both .com and also .co.uk , the reason for this is that your website won’t be confused with anyone else’s of a similar name. Also it is a worldwide recognized one as well as English. Even if you choose not to use one of the domains it is still the best option to buy them and leave it unused. 

1&1 :-

When first coming to the 1&1 website home page I really was rather overwhelmed. It was really bright and the home page had loads of options, although this may be handy to other people, I felt like it was overpowering and not very straight forward to use. Also a number of pop-ups came onto the page when I went on filled with figures and details on packages straight away, this was all a bit too much and from here I wasn't sure what to do or where to go to find out if they had the domain name I needed available. 

Selecting a name was simple enough I just had to type what I needed in the search bar a then it would do the search for me and bring back the results. This again however was really busy and the use of colour was too ‘in your face’. I feel like all the information could have been put across in a better simpler way. I feel like there attempt to grab your attention has worked but not in a good/positive way. 

 This is one of the easier pages to navigate on the website. It shows you what names are available, and if you can have .com or .co.uk and so on. This is what I think the rest of the website should be. Simple and clear, easy to use.  I also like how the most popular are at the top. I didn't really know any of the ones in the lower box so by pulling the top ones out for me this has saved me time by showing the most probable options clear and away from the rest.


After selecting what name I wanted I was then hit with even more figures and prices for deals, by this point I was so confused and sick of seeing numbers that I didn't know what to choose, how to do it and what was best for me. These prices didn't give much detail and it wasn't clear what I was getting for my money.  I think that all the financial details should have been put on one page so you knew what the packages were offering and what you needed to pay extra for.

Summery:

I feel like it would have been time consuming to create my web page using this website. It was unclear to me what I was paying and how I could get the best for my site. The colours and layout of the 1&1 website were too over powering for me and were really distracting. I would choose not to use this website for these reasons. 

Layerspace:-

This website is clean and really clear. It is understandable, clearly states that it is for Photographers. This seems something that will be easy to use as I am a photographer, and as it has been created specifically for this hopefully it will be easier to use and have photographic options that others may not. 

What I like about this is it offers you images of websites that have been created by others. This gives me an idea of what I could be able to create by using this website. This is unlike any other website creator that I looked at, this is a great aspect and something that was really helpful. This page again is really clear and easy to understand. I think that because it’s not over powering I would be more likely to use it.

 

The top of the page offers links that take you to other pages. From here you can go and see price plans, layouts and also about the website itself. This also makes the website easier to navigate.  

 The price plans state clearly what you can get in the package. For example how many images per website, if there are text pages. This is all really useful because it is laid out in a table clearly. It only really has options and prices for add-ons that I will need as a photographer, rather than things that are irrelevant to me.  I also like how they show you the most popular options.  The price plans seem more expensive than the other websites that I have looked at. However this a photography website, this has more relevance to me. Also it clearly shows me what I get in my package. Unlike other websites, they keep adding things on what in the end rises the cost of the package.

I couldn't go any further than this without entering my details. However I this shows the questions that I have to fill in. it says that the name that I want is available also. I also like that it gives you a 14 day free trial. This isn't something that the others offer. 

Summery:

The website was so much easier to navigate. I appreciated the costing been laid out like it was, this was easy to understand and see what I was getting. The website itself was simple and basic making it clear for me to understand what I was getting. I also really like the fact that it gives you previews of existing websites created by the web hosting website.

Fasthost:-

Although this website has something that I have previously stated that I didn't like – that being a lot of pricing details placed all over the website – I think that in this case it is still quite simple to understand and isn't as chaotic as what I looked at previously. The search bar to look for my domain name is clear in the middle of the page. And to begin with this is the most important thing to me. Its irrelevant about prices if they don’t have the name that I am looking for. 

 The names – like in every other case – are clear and on a page of their own. Again the options that I am most likely to use are on the top of the search. This page also doesn't give you all stupid options that will never really be used. Others have lists upon lists that are really unnecessary. This is really short and simple.

 As well as having confirmation on the name that I have selected it also gives you price plans. This really useful as you can choose over what period of time you want to use the name for. This will save the trouble of having to re-new the package ever year.

Again when I got to the point of choosing how long a period I wanted to have the domain over, and also the name I couldn't go past this point without adding my details. This really didn't show me what else I would be adding onto the price for things such as email, passwords etc. I would have been curious to see how this would go after this point. 

Summery:

Although this wasn't as clear as the layerspace website, what I liked about it is that it was simple and straightforward to use. However, although there was information on the home page about packages that were on offer and the financial information. When I had chosen the name of my website and how long a period I wanted it over, I couldn't get any more information without entering my details. This made me uneasy as I didn't want to be committed to anything and I wasn't sure what they might charge me with after this point. Due to this I don't think I would use this site to create my personal website. 

My Opinion:

 After researching different sites that offer a way to create your own personal website I have decide that the best one for me is Layerspace. It is clean, clear and very easy to understand, what I think the others are not. The financial details and what you get for your money are also laid out in a clear table. I really struggled with pricing from the other websites so this was defiantly the perfect option for me. Also it seemed logical to use this one as it is photography based unlike the others. 

Evaluation

This project has really been tough for me. I have had a lot of self-doubt and really wanted to change my concept but over time I feel like I have come round to my idea and changed my prejudgments and learned to go with what I have instead of what I wanted.

Optimism and focus was how I started this project and I think that I have come full circle and been able to end with the same feelings. However during this project i really only had 2 weeks to shoot and consider my images. I found this really difficult as It was hard to gain feedback on what I was doing and really just resulted in me taking matters into my own hands and really letting my work be created around something that I wanted and what I found interesting. At first I thought this was a bad thing as I really didn't have confidence and faith in what I was doing, however now I have come to realize that this was a blessing and give me so much freedom and independence that I have been able to fill my book with images that have no other input but my own. I had a lot of expectations before I went to India and this is shown through my research and what I expected to create while I was there. When I got there though and was in shooting mode I came to realise that all my expectations were not there and I had to re-think and re-evaluate what I was doing and where I wanted to take this project.

I think choosing digital was the best option for my project, as well as not having the time to process and print my images as well as scanning to create the book, I would have also had a massive problem if the images hadn't turned out how I wanted them. Therefor choosing digital and being able to see what I was shooting as I was taking them was really a wise move and give me a strength in my project. Another strength through my project was that I had previously had experience making my own book and using blurb efficiently. This meant that I didn't really need to allocate much time to do this in my project because I knew how it had to be done and I wouldn't have to learn this process. Research was also a strength I feel like it was easier to focus on researching layouts than it was to focus on artist but I feel like I got a range of both that both helped me and backed up my work to create a strong body of work.

I did have more problems than strengths during this project though. I think it was more to do with my own indecisiveness rather than actual technical problems. I really wanted to explore this project artistically and push the limits but I don’t feel like I was able to do this with the subject that I chose to focus my book on. I felt broken when I came to realise that what I had pictured by book being like and how the images would look, really wasn't possible. It wasn't what I expected Goa to be like, this caused a lot of doubt and worry.

This being said I feel like I rose to the occasion and really made a book that I can say I am proud of and I think that it shows a more natural way of life, and a truer one. I like that it has took a documentary approach and I am really excited and happy with the outcome. I think that the self-doubt helped me to realise that things don’t always go to plan and it’s always best to deal with things one step at a time rather than build up preconceptions. This project has taught me a lot, and I wouldn't want my experience to have gone any other way, I wouldn't have been able to learn what I have if it went as I planned.