Hana Pesut:
http://www.boredpanda.com/switcharoo-couples-switch-outfits-hana-pesut/
Canadian photographer Hana Pesut photographs individuals in their own clothes, then once they have switched clothes with their friend/partner/relation, she explores the different ways people dress, and challenges gender stereotypes- this series was photographed in 2010. In many of the images the couple also mirror each other's poses too, which explores their relationship, with no words needed specifically. Her photographs in this series are taken in a variety of places, including: Barcelona, New York and Montreal. Pesut's images are extremely personal, as there's a real personal aspect in changing clothing and your style with another individual, it's almost like the subjects in the images are adopting another personality/identity.
Canadian photographer Hana Pesut photographs individuals in their own clothes, then once they have switched clothes with their friend/partner/relation, she explores the different ways people dress, and challenges gender stereotypes- this series was photographed in 2010. In many of the images the couple also mirror each other's poses too, which explores their relationship, with no words needed specifically. Her photographs in this series are taken in a variety of places, including: Barcelona, New York and Montreal. Pesut's images are extremely personal, as there's a real personal aspect in changing clothing and your style with another individual, it's almost like the subjects in the images are adopting another personality/identity.
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Evaluation: These images by Hana Pesut are interesting as they explore how different men, and women dress in comparison to one another. This series of images explore gender differences, as well as showing how different individuals from the same sex dress. The photographs are often humorous as many men can be seen in dresses, which is unusual in today's society, therefore these images challenge our reasons behind why the viewers find this humours when really it is merely a piece of clothing? The settings in which the photographs are taken are often significant, as this links to the type of clothing the individuals appear to be wearing (e.g. as shown in image four whereby the individuals are wearing coats, as the weather looks slightly cold.) Some of the clothing swaps also don't appear to be too unacceptable in our society (e.g. picture four), as the man is not in a dress; whereas other images like picture two greatly challenge perceptions, as the female is wearing a suit which is typically considered a man's piece of clothing, with the male wearing a dress which in contrast is typically considered a feminine piece of clothing. The height difference shown in image one is also interesting as the jeans worn by the man perfectly fit him, whereas when placed on the female they turn baggy and do not fit her- this may symbolise how no matter how much we may try to be like someone else, the best person to be is always yourself.
Influence: These images by Hana Pesut have heavily influenced my work in how I explored the way people live as these images allowed me to recognise that even something as small as clothing can be significant in explaining how different people are, and their lifestyles. Moreover, the different backgrounds in the images, which link to the clothing worn by the subjects also have shown me how the environments which people live in can link to their personalities, or their character. Furthermore, the fact that the couples often mirror each other's poses also interests me, as although we all are unique we still chose to mimic and follow one another/ those close to us.
Summary: Overall, Pesut's images have influenced me to explore how different people can be, and how we are all the same despite any aesthetic differences, for example: what clothes we may wear, what style of hair we may have, or even the different passions we may hold... The humour explored in Hana's image is also refreshing to see and has inspired me to try an implement this within my images.
Tom Hussey:
https://www.tomhussey.com
Tom Hussey photographs elderly people, looking back on their reflections of when they were younger. In many of the images their younger self is in work uniform, which allows the viewer to deduce what the individual previously done as a job, and then link this to how they currently seem to be living- this is how Hussey's work links to my project. Nostalgia is often present in these images when looking back, and also hints of sadness can be found. In addition it could be argued that these elderly people may not be very well, and be hallucinating, creating a blur between reality and illusions; therefore it could be argued that Hussey's images link to illnesses such as dementia. These images also create questions about whether the individual is happy with how their lives are, and how their reflections look. These images also challenge how we change as we grow both physically and characteristically, and how our desires and goals change also, I would like to explore this in my shoot through exploring the way individual's live.
Evaluation: This image shows the difference between the younger self of the man, and himself now. The man was clearly a soldier when younger, which the viewer would associate with blood and killing, however the white bathroom contrasts this dramatically, as this channels innocence. Hussey may have done this to link to the fact that we don't live in the past, and we change significant when we get older.
Influence: Hussey's work has influenced me greatly, by showing me how our younger selves can channel into us as we grow, moreover we may look back in remorse, or regret not doing certain things. Within my shoots I would like to investigate how the different jobs elderly people may have had when they were younger, may influence the way the live when they're older.
Summary: Overall, I find this image very emotional, as to be a soldier this man must have been in peak fitness, however commonly when your old it's considered common to have aches and pains, and not be as mobile, this must really affect the elderly mans confidence. Therefore, by him looking back on himself he may be doing so with a nostalgic view.
Evaluation: In this photograph the elderly lady is looking back on her younger self in the mirror, her attention to her appearance is evident in both the past, and present of her life, as she's currently sitting at a dressing table where she must do her make-up,etc... and also when she was younger the viewer can clearly see that she had her hair done, and was conscious of her appearance.
Influence: The influence this image has on my work is that it shows me how our personalities, despite age, can stay the same throughout time. Moreover, although we cannot directly see what this ladies job was we can make inferences, as she clearly cares about her appearance, therefore she may have been a model. Consequently, this influences me within my shoots by teaching me that you do not have to directly view something, but the viewer can make inferences (e.g. about employment, financial status...)
Summary: Overall, this image has challenged me to think about how although we may physically change as we grow, we may not emotionally and characteristically change that much, this may be shown through the way in which we live, and what we care about (e.g. appearance.)
Evaluation: In this image the man is wearing similar clothes in both his reflective image and his current self, this may suggest that he wishes he was still in his younger days; however, it's evident his figure has changed and possibly his health may have too. The bathroom in this image does not look as expensive as some of the other furnishings in Hussey's other photographs, moreover we cannot directly deduce what this mans job was, therefore this could suggest he my not have had a job? corresponding with the fact that his bathroom may be slightly run down?
Influence: This has influenced me to explore how different classes may live, and how even though some individual's do not have a job, they may live better than those who work a considerable amount of time, this would challenges people's judgements and societies perceptions of 'wealth'.
Summary: Overall, this image is extremely though-provoking and has challenged me to explore different classes and how they may live, in respect to their previous job(s).
Evaluation: Irony is evident in this image, as this elderly lady was a nurse when she was younger (as shown in her reflection), however now she is being cared for by a nurse herself; this is ironic as although she was once the one caring for others, now she is being cared for. There's a hint of sadness on the ladies face as she stares into her reflection, this may also be embarrassment as she doesn't like the fact she can't look after herself efficiently. The woman is also wearing a gown in her current self, and a gown (in the form of a nurses uniform) in her reflection, this is significant as Hussey may have done this too create further continuity.
Influence: This has influenced me to try and include some irony within my work, in order to try and create more depth to my work, and interest to the viewer. In addition, the sadness and nostalgia seen in the elderly lady is emotive, therefore I would like my images to also be emotive.
Summary: Overall, this image has challenged me to include irony in my work and emotion, meanwhile creating continuity between my images through subtle means (e.g. wearing a gown in both sections of the image.) I want my images to be emotional as I believe this will cause people to remember them more, and be more effected by their underlying messages.
Mark Laita:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/72831718946585934/
All of the below images are from the series known as 'created equal', which links to the idea that we are all born equal, but it's our life experiences that change and shape us into the people that we are today. Laita believes that we are often wrongly separated into categories, e.g. young and old, rich and poor- subsequently he wanted to explore these differences within these photographs, by placing seemingly polar opposite images next to each other. Laita juxtaposes different classes of people and different occupations, and explores the similarities and differences between us all. Humour, darkness and beauty are all explored in his images as although they're light hearted they also have deep underlying messages. Judgements are not meant to be made on the individuals in the images, but comparisons.
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Evaluation: These images are extremely thought-provoking as they explore the differences in peoples personalities, occupations, and classes. The two polar opposite images show how although we are all born blank slates, we all end up completely different end products, with different thoughts and opinions- this is shown in image number 4, whereby the two girls in this image are initially dressed differently with one in a football jersey, with what appears to be a fizzy drink, whereas the other girls is posed in her cheerleading uniform- this suggests that the girl on the right is a 'tomboy', with the girl on the left being a 'girly-girl', as a society we often label people/objects, therefore this image exposes this obsession. This difference is interesting as the girls were both born blank slates, subsequently it makes the viewer ask questions as to why they are so different, their parents/friends/siblings may have influenced them to become what they are. Moreover, the third image of is of two individuals who have evidently been in the army, the individual on the right has lost his legs, whereas the individual on the left is smiling happily with his uniform on. The fact that the individual on the right has no uniform on shows that he may no longer be proud, or happy to wear his uniform as he may have felt as though the army did him wrong, or he may have suffered from post traumatic depression after leaving the army, therefore he wouldn't feel comfortable wearing this. This direct contrast is extremely interesting as it shows how two people may have chose the same path, but be so dramatically different in the end product, even the expressions on the individual's faces tells a story as one is sad whereas the other is grinning widely.
Influence: Mark's images have greatly influenced my work and inspired me to explore how different people live, and how although people may have lived in the same area\been raised similarly they may live very differently when older. Within my shoots I would like to contrast how different people's houses are on the same street, or how different related individual's houses can be also (e.g. sisters.) Within my shoots I would like to show two individual's next to one another and explore their differences. I believe Mark's images are also emotional, as they challenge social inequalities and differences.
Summary: Overall, I believe Laita's work makes the viewer think and question their own ideas, and beliefs about society by comparing juxtapositions of people; I would like to explore the differences in how people live in my shoots, possibly by contrasting the different houses people live in, I also believe it would be more interesting if the two individual's I was contrasting were related, as this would explore how although we are all 'created equal' we do not all stay equal throughout life.
http://www.famousphotographers.net/august-sander
August Sander was a German documentary and portrait photographer, Sander's book 'The face of our time' was published in 1929, and contains portraits of individuals under the Nazi regime. Despite also photographing landscapes and structures to name a few Sander is best known for his powerful portrait photography. The series 'The people of the 20th century' explored a cross-section of society in the Weimar Republic period in Germany, whereby he explored the different jobs individuals were conducting in this period. Sander died in 1964 at the age of 87, he existed in a turbulent time in history, which made it increasingly hard for him to be a photographer, as his son was arrested and later died in prison due to his father's images during the Nazi reign.
Evaluation: In this image a boy can be seen holding what appears to be bricks up on his shoulders, this image is a sign of strength during such a horrific time (the Nazi regime); moreover, the boy in this photograph is holding these bricks up with one arm on his hip, implying he finds this of ease to do, again symbolising strength in a time of war. The stern look on the boy's face suggests he is up for a fight, and will fight for his country, this image sends out an extremely powerful message to any opposition of the German elites during this period.
Influence: This photograph taken by Sander has inspired me to explore peoples body language within photographs, as this can portray a significant amount to the viewer, due to the fact that the young boy in the photograph appears to 'mean business' with his extremely ridged and stern pose. This young boys pose may not be how he naturally wants to stand, however due to him being a male he may feel as though he has to pose like this, in order to be portrayed as 'manly', therefore it can be argued this image also challenges societies perceptions of gender.
Summary: Overall, I believe this image is attempting to portray strength and power to the viewer, through the stance the boy is taking; therefore, within my shoots I would like to explore how body language can portray different emotions/thoughts to the viewer.
Evaluation: Two boys can be seen in this image at a gym in Nazi-Germany time, again similar to the previous image, this photograph appears to be portraying strength, as the two boys are both wearing boxing gloves whilst tensing their muscles. This portrayal of strength suggests that this is the image Hitler wanted the world to see, in order for the world to fear Nazi-Germany. Again, this may too be linked to gender stereotypes, as the connotations linked to this image would be very different if the two subjects were in ballet outfits, and not boxing equipment.
Influence: This image has influenced me within my work to challenge societies perceptions and judgements of individuals, I will explore this through the different ways in which people chose to live their lives, some of these ways may cause others to scrutinise them, however this is how they chose to lead their lives, and vitally it's down to them.
Summary: Overall I believe this portrait image photographed by Sander is a structure which I would like to move forward with in my shoots, I like the idea of having the subjects stare into the lens of the camera, as I believe this creates an emotional and personal connection between the viewer ,and the subjects.
Evaluation: This photograph is an image named 'young farmers', and was photographed in 1914, but printed in 1996. The three young men in this image are evidently outside, as they all peer directly into the camera lens with a look of self-assurance in a single file line, showing organisation. A large format, glass plate camera was use by Sander to photograph this image which was published in his book called 'face of our time' in 1929. This image is extremely interesting as it begs the question as to who wears suits in the European countryside, perhaps this suggests these men wanted to be seen as superior to any workers that may be out working on these fields, who presumably would not themselves be in suits, nor be able to afford them.
Influence: This image has influenced me to explore societies perception's of employment, as these men wouldn't be expected to be wearing suits in the often muddy countryside, therefore within my shoots I would like to take this concept and make it my own, possibly by exploring uncommon associations; for example, photographing a bin man (which is usually considered a poorer job,) however then photographing the same individual living in a grand house, in order to challenge societies perceptions of different jobs.
Summary: Overall, this photograph by August Sander
Evaluation: This photograph was taken in 1930 on a natural wood box frame, with normal glass. The man in this image is starring deadpan, almost in a chilling way directly into the lens of the camera, by the subject starring directly into the camera this creates a personal link between the subject and the viewer. The subject's feet appear larger than usual in this image, and they instantly grab the viewer's attention, drawing them into the image.
Influence: This image has influenced me to photograph my images in a similar way to Sander, by photographing the subject looking deadpan into the lens, whilst holding the tools they use to complete the jobs they do.
Summary: Overall, this image has influenced the way I will photograph any of my portrait images, by influencing me to explore the deadpan expression further within my images; moreover, I will also take influence from Sander's use of black and white colouring in his images, as I believe this will concentrate the viewer's attention on to the meanings behind the image, rather than allowing the viewer to get lost in any other detailing that may exist elsewhere.
Bogdan Gîrbovan:
Bogdan Gîrbovan is a Romanian photographer who photographed the series 10/1, this series consists of images from different floors of the same apartments in Bucharest, Romania. All of the levels in the apartments have the same floor plans, however the individuals who occupy the apartments have made the same rooms extremely different from one another. This series explores the different ways in which people live in today's modern society, the angle in which Bogdan Gîrbovan photographs these images is the same, in order to make further links in the viewer's mind of how the apartments link. The rooms in this series can be regarded to reflect the personality, and character of the individual who occupies it.
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-floor 8
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-floor 10
Evaluation: This series known as 10/1 involves Bogdan Gîrbovan photographing different floors in the same block of flats, in order to explore domestic differences despite all individual's having the same floor plan. From the photographs it's evident how different the rooms are on the different floors from one another, some floors are very minimalistic (e.g. floor seven), whilst others are more cluttered (e.g. floor eight.) In addition, the owner of the apartment can also be seen in the image, which allows connections to be made in the viewers mind involving what the owner looks like, and how their house appears. What is also intriguing about these images is that the viewer doesn't know whether the subjects in the images know one another, despite all living in such close proximity. The image photographed on floor eight is interesting as you cannot see the owner fully, compared to floor ten, therefore this triggers questions about why Bogdan Gîrbovan may have chosen to do this. I believe Bogdan may have done this in order to focus more on the spatial settings around the subject, in order to allow the viewer to focus more on the actual apartment.
Influence: In my shoots I would also like to explore the different way individual's live, similar to Bogdan Gîrbovan, within my shoots I will plan to focus on individuals standing outside their houses, whilst also comparing this to the inside of their houses, this will allow the viewer to make links between the individual's appearance and the interior of their homes/ how they live. In addition, I believe that it would be interesting in photographing individual's who are related to one another, as this would create a link between the two subjects (similar to Bogdan's images, whereby the link is that they're all in the same block of flats.)
Summary: Overall, I find Bogdan Gîrbovan's images extremely thought-provoking as they ask questions about the way different individual's live, which is a topic I'm focusing on. Bogdan Gîrbovan has influenced me to photograph images of people in their respective houses, in order to investigate how people with different personalities may live.
