Image Bank

The above two images show direct contrast between individuals, the images question why do we turn out the way they do (e.g. why do some people become obese, but others are of a healthy weight.) The two images explore religion and weight, the contrasts are extremely direct as the two sides of the spectrum are explored (e.g. slim, and fat.) The top image explores how nuns live their lives very contained and holy, whereas the woman on the right may be seen as disgusting in the eyes of the nuns; moreover the image explores how the individuals on the right may view the nuns as 'boring'; therefore this shows how even the subjects within the images can perceive each other in contrasting ways, as they're from different walks of life. I would like to explore this in my project through work life, exploring how people who can work all their lives may still not have the same as what an individual who has never worked may have, this explores inequality and differences socially. All of these similar images above and below are in black and white, this may have been done to draw attention away from another other coloured detailing, making the subjects more equal in that respect, although their other characteristics may not be equal. 

This photograph is of an old man skateboarding through the streets, the connotations linked to this image are that although he may numerically be elderly, at heart he is still young and carefree. The bright colours within this photograph grab the attention of the viewer, this is shown through the bright red hat on the elderly man which 'pops' out of the image. I would like to recreate a photograph similar to this within my work, as this will challenge stereotypes revolving around age; by showing how elderly individuals can still do hobbies which may usually be associated with younger individuals (e.g. skateboarding.) For my own personal shoot I would like to photograph some elderly people doing stereotypically 'teenage' things, for example, smoking on street corners or skateboarding and swearing. 

The denotation of the above image is that this image is of a group of five girls who are all obviously partaking in sport, with black paint on their faces, and serious poses; the connotation from this image is that the girls look angry, implying they're unhappy about the unequal opportunities for gender in sport. The girls appear as though they may be about to partake in a boy orientated sport, like football or rugby, therefore this challenges usual associations made between females and those sports. The fact that the girls are also standing with their backs towards a brick wall implies they will not be pushed over, or backed down over their opinions of this topic, as brick walls are thought to be strong and powerful. Moreover, the fact they're standing against a brick wall may also suggest that they can be strong, which usually people don't associate girls to be. I would like to recreate images similar to this in my own work, by challenging gender roles in sport, I would like to challenge this topic by photographing boys doing typically 'female' sports, like netball, and contrasting this with girls doing typically 'male' sports like football- I believe this would then challenge people's perceptions behind sports and gender.

The two above images contrasts old with young, the man and boy in the image may not actually be related at all although they fit together and look similar. Similarities and differences are also investigated within this photograph as the hair of the two boys is similar, despite the way their faces line up being different due to different head sized and facial lay outs. These images possibly may be trying to suggest how we grow into who we are as individuals when we get older, this is shown through the younger and older boy being fitted together in this image, with half of their faces combined. The white background allows the audience to solely focus on the two faces within this photograph, and no other background detailing. The slight smirk on the expression of the individuals also may suggest that as the man has grown up he is pleased with his life, and what he has achieved. I would like to try and recreate this within some of my shoots, by photographing my sister and my mum before joining them together. 

This photograph shows how anybody can be a typical stereotype if they try, this is shown through the individual being shown in 4 different squares, with different styling and expressions. The top left square shows an acceptable image of a 'woman', whereas the top right is more of a stereotypical punk-like style. This image challenges what we perceive people who done different styles to us are like, however as they're all images of the same woman this shows how her personality is the same, however her look has changed, showing that not all 'punk' people may be the same. The collage which is created to display these images is intriguing, as it allows the viewer to directly compare the different faces/styles of the same woman. I would like to create a similar style image in order to explore and challenge how people perceive individuals who may be different to them, everybody is guilty of doing this in some shape or form, therefore by exploring this through my photography I hope to draw attention to this. 

This photograph challenges stereotypes surrounding age and what is expected of elderly people, the two elderly people in the image are thought to be a couple who are skateboarding together. Although the individuals are skateboarding like they are both stereotypical youths, they still are both wearing safety equipment, like knee pads and helmets; this suggests that although they're attempting to portray that they're hip and young, they are actually still cautious at heart similarly to elderly people in general. Moreover, the two elderly people in the image are swearing by holding their middle fingers up, this implies that they don't care what anybody thinks of the activities they participate in (skateboarding.) Additionally, the individuals swearing challenges usual impressions of elderly people as you wouldn't usually expect them to swear, as often your nan and granddad might tell you to not swear! The angle at which this photograph is taken is portrait in order to include all detailing, all the way from their shoes to their helmets. The fact the image is also photographed on a street shows how they're open about this hobby. I would like to recreate a similar photograph like this within my shoots, as I like to challenge people's views and perceptions of what people should be. 

This image is uncomfortable to look at for the viewer, as it involves a young girl with a cigarette in her hand starring deadpan at the camera. the fact that the girls is starring deadpan may suggest she doesn't want her photograph taken, as children would usually pull silly faces and smile when having a photograph taken, this implies the child is more mature than her years, this creates questions in the viewers mind as to why is she so serious? and has a possible event occurred to make her this serious, and grown up? The background is blurred in the image, meanwhile the girl is in focus this suggests that she is to be payed attention to. The girls dress is white, and the colour white links to innocence, creating images in the viewers mind of white doves, therefore her white dress contrasts the act she is committing (smoking), which is considered unhealthy and unattractive. I wouldn't create this image within my work, as it would be unethical to get a young child to smoke, however I will try and recreate this image with an elderly individual possibly, in order to challenge stereotypes surrounding the elderly. 

This photograph shows a direct contrast between an assumed male and female. This image could be suggesting that the man always works and provides for the female, whilst the female doesn't work and enjoys life- this is shown through the individual on the right wearing work boots, meanwhile the individual on the left wears heels, which are evidently not sufficient for work and are more for social events. This image may offend some individuals as this suggests that woman don't pull their weight economically, however this also may be challenging the inequality of job opportunities for the female, as men are often payed more money in comparison to females. I would like to recreate trying to show this employment divide in both genders, and in general also through photographing individuals in their work clothes outside their homes, in order to investigate as to whether there's a correlation between job type, and the environments which the subject's live in. 

This photograph involves an elderly man sitting on a stand, possibly at a running tack, with medals perceived to be won by himself around his neck. The man sits with his medals around his neck proudly, which suggests he is happy with the life he has lived; moreover, the man appears to be in sportswear implying he still may run occasionally in order to possibly keep up his fitness and health. This image creates a link in the viewers mind between a younger person and this man, due to his athleticism and medals which he has one. The photograph is also endearing to the audience as this man was clearly a very good athlete, however due to his age and health he may not be able to compete anymore, therefore sympathy is created in the viewer towards this man who cannot do what he clearly loves. Moreover, the assumption is that this man may have won this medals in his youth, however it is possible he may have recently won them? Although, a nostalgia feel is emitted from the image, this is mirrored in the black and white effect to the photograph, which again ages this photograph. 

This photograph of an elderly woman on DJ decks is humorous, whilst also being intriguing as usually elderly woman are considered to sit at home and knit- whereas this particular individual is partying, therefore this image is challenging and contrasting this particular stereotype. The connotation of this image is that it challenges societies knowledge of how old people act and think. The bright colours in this image make the image feel playful, and fun to the viewer- subsequently, putting them in a good mood themselves. The fact the lady looks as though she's the DJ implies that she is the 'life and soul of the party', as she is the person supplying the good music, therefore this too contrasts usual thoughts about elderly people being boring, and dull. 

The three images above are by a photographer called Hana Pesut, this photographer photographs individuals together in a setting, before then asking them to switch clothes so she can photograph them again in the same positions. These images challenge what is expected by people surrounding clothing, likewise this also challenges gender and age stereotypes. Gender stereotypes are challenged as when females and males switch their clothing this challenges societies perceptions of what boys and girls should wear (e.g. a boy in a dress is seen as abnormal.) Furthermore, when the switching of clothes occurs between an older and younger individual this challenges age stereotypes, and what society perceives to be correct for someone of a certain age to wear (e.g. an elderly lady in a short mini-skirt.) Each image is shot from a similar distance between the people and the photographer, this creates consistency between all of her shoots. I would like to recreate images similar to the ones above within my shoots as this will allow me to explore both age and gender stereotypes combined, also, I believe this is a unique topic which can be humorous as well as having an underlying message. 

The above two images are photographed by a photographer called Tom Hussey. Tom Hussey's images focus on elderly individuals seeing their younger selves, often in reflections in a nostalgic way. Often the individuals in the photographs are looking back at their younger selves in their work attire (as shown above a nurse, and a fireman), the jobs are usually those of public servants. I would like to explore this concept within my image, as young people can often desensitise the fact that elderly individuals were once their age, more often than not young people see elderly people to be 'boring' despite not knowing anything about their past, therefore I believe Hussey's images allow the past of the older members of the public to be explored, as it shows the person currently, and when they were younger, creating continuity within his images. The nostalgia created within the images comes from the subject's face as they often look deadpan into the reflective objects, this implies that they are wishing they could go back in time. Also, in many of Hussey's images another family member is present in the background of the image, however in the reflection they don't exist, this may be implying that if the subject did go back in time they may lose those currently closest to them, as they would live life differently, subsequently creating different outcomes for their current selves. On the other hand, this may be suggesting that the subjects wish they could relive their lives and do everything the same.

This above image directly contrasts the man on the right, in comparison with the same man but with his drag on. The man on the right is perceived as socially acceptable, whereas his drag self is not seen in the same light. When the individual has his drag on he may feel as though he is the real him, and he may also feel most comfortable; however society would view the man on the right to be the 'real' person; therefore this image again challenges the assumptions made by society in the media, and everyday on the streets. Furthermore, the fact that on the left the individual's hand is in the shot implies that the individual feels as though he is in control of this persona, as hands control and determine most of what we do everyday; whereas, the right side does not have a hand in the shot, implying the individual cannot control this side of his personality. If I was to explore this within my shoots I would focus on a male, in a similar way to this photographer in order to also challenge societies perceptions of what's perceived 'right' and 'wrong' further.