David Bailey- Skulls and Roses.

Although constantly recognised for his fashion photographs, David Bailey's still life work tittles 'Skulls and Roses' is something of a masterpiece. The simple yet powerful use of lighting alongside symbolism can be seen as a representation of the final presence/act of time…Death.
It is clear that when merging the two concepts of still life and time, death acts a prominent thematic  structure. Whether this is something I too would like to use to compliment time I am yet to discover. However, this will be straightened out once I get into the studio and begin to experiment.
Personally, what I admire most about this series by Bailey is the unique relationship between the 'Skulls and Roses'. Both structures were once full of life, yet they now act as inanimate objects; they are inactive. In a similar sense, Bailey cleverly shows the variety of time. Both objects have perished, yet the roses still remain beautiful and colourful; compared to the dull and heavily decayed skull. He is showing how time in a sense has a conscience…it does not have one similar outcome.
Initially, when looking at the more technical aspects of the photograph, Bailey has chosen simplicity. Perhaps to represent the simple nature of death in relation to time. However, when photographing my selected objects, I would personally prefer to adopt a lighting style similar to Irving Penn- Bold, powerful and in your face.

The still life work of Sam Taylor Wood

The still life work of Sam Taylor Wood, whether it be photographing the decaying nature of a dead rabbit or a selection of fruit, exemplifies the powerful yet almost horrifying principal of time. Her work within itself acts as a pure representation of time. A link is drawn been then and now, life and death…
If one were to only see the last photograph of the decaying matter which was once a rabbit, they may be slightly shocked by the gruesome qualities of the image. However, it is merely a photograph of dead rabbit; something that can easily be overlooked or forgotten. It is Wood's clever use of comparison between then and now which evokes such a strong, vile yet beautiful representation of time; or life for that matter.

What I admire the most about this series of photographs is Wood's attention to the minor details of the image. After all, it is not only the rabbit that shows signs of decay through time. The wall/backdrop also shows signs of age, perhaps implying how the decaying of one form may effect the other. In a similar sense, the unaltered state of the peach draws the viewer to question the unpredictable nature of time. How can something with such a complex structure decay so easily when compared to the simple organic matter of a peach.
From looking at the work of Sam Taylor Wood, my intentions are to show the principal of time through still life. Whether this be through photographing fruit, animals, skulls, flowers etc.. i am yet to discover. However, this will give me the opportunity to continue with my studio work whilst focusing on a style of photography completely different to fashion.

The alteration of ideas when referring to the principal of time.

After meeting with Alan, it has been made evident that although fashion photography is something I am positively progressing in, from the perspective of this 'time' unit, can be regarded as a far too isolated unit. After all, it is more a focus on my development within the studio and knowledge of how to photographs models and garments in a unique was as apposed to focusing on a particular idea which relates to time.
As a result to this I have decided to stay within the studio, thus increasing my knowledge of lighting, but instead looking at time through still life. In a sense, I will be looking at the degradation of time and how it effects everything around us.
From an inspirational perspective, I initially inter to look still life work of photographers such as Sam Taylor Wood, David Bailey and Irving Penn. However, I also intend to look at other forms of art such as paintings of still life; this will within a sense increase my knowledge and eye of how to light and represent the decaying nature of time.

Photographing fashion styles of each decade- 60's session- Planning.

13th March- 12:00-4:00pm
60's style fashion shoot.
Outfit- Abstract monochrome jump suit.
Model- Rebecca Farrington-Whittam for J'adore Model Management, MCR.
Stylist- DunnoS (Third year fashion student/guru).

When referring to the fashion photography of the 'swinging 60's' it is a natural desire to adopt/steal the lighting techniques of David Bailey or his similar partners in crime like Duffy or Terence Donovan.
After all, it were these three significant figures, regarded as the 'black trinity' which altered and shaped the face of fashion photography.
It was the rebellious nature of these three characters which defied what was expected from a fashion photographer. After all, throughout this period of time, admirers of fashion were only exposed to the very structured and excessively bold/dramatic work of Cecil Beaton and Edward Steichen.

Don't get me wrong, the work of Beaton and Steichen is remarkable. They will forever act as an iconic form within both fashion and photography. However, there is always time for change.

My intentions are to combine the photographic strengths of both Bailey's and Steichen's work. Thus creating photographs which exemplify the wild essence of Bailey alongside the bold and dramatic style of Steichen or Beaton.

Time unit-

Everything revolves around time; time is context and context is purpose. Fashion and time go hand in hand; time dictates what you are wearing and why you are wearing it. For this unit titled 'time' my intentions are to break the boundaries of fashion whilst acknowledging and photographing different styles of fashion from different eras.
Initially, this unit states that I may or may not work with other students from fine-art and film. However, I believe that rules are made to be broken. Therefore, I have decided to intergate with the fashion students, preferably 3rd years.
This intergration with a subject matter that compliments photography like gin with tonic will allow me to experiment and explore fashion photography through the ages whilst working with local model agencies. Therefore, progressing as a fashion photographer from a professional/career perspective.