My research has really driven this shoot. Firstly in my visual approach as I thought more about how I was using the window in the frame after being influenced by Alex Ingram. I then thought a lot about Saul Leiter’s work and the affect that the window has on the relationship between photographer and subject. Therefore changing the way the viewer sees the photograph. I want there to be less of a connection between me and who I am shooting as this represents exactly how people are feeling. The main reason the relationship has changed from the window is the difficulty of communication. Even before the shoot I can’t get close to the subject to give instructions. Although it can be challenging, it does naturally create the distance from the subject, helping give the feeling of isolation. Lastly and the most important thing is how Cindy Sherman uses her gaze to affect the image. To add to this idea of disconnect, I want my subject to be looking off into the distance.
I went to my friends to shoot these portraits, while I was there she said I could also take photos of her dad. Although it was in the same house I used different windows so it wasn’t repeated.
This was the most successful shoot from this project. Now I feel confident in the best way to capture the reflection, it allowed me to focus on improving other parts of the image. In this case it was the person. I asked her to not look at the camera but instead look at something in the distance. Another thing that is more effective is making sure the subject isn’t smiling. From all my subject research, it is clear that this is not a good time for most people. So many people are struggling mentally, physically and financially so it does not seem right to have the person looking really happy in it.
When I photographed her dad I simply asked him to look into the distance and not smile. This was really effective and the simple instructions made it easy to direct the subject, even through a window.
Like in my previous shoot the reflection in the image worked well. The house reflection is dark enough that the subject stands out. But you can also see the sky and tree branches which adds more colour and therefore makes it more interesting. I also like that her glasses have reflection which adds more depth and layer to the photo.
In this photo I was worried that the door frame would be too much. But looking at it now, I like it as it makes it clear. Also as the reflection is quite plain and dark, the door frame adds a bit more white. Without it I think the image would be too dark. Like the last image, asking him to look away from the camera and not smile is so much more effective than some of my previous shoots.
This shoots has been successful and now I know I prefer the subject looking away, I will reshoot some of my other photos. This will mean all the shoots will fit better as a series.
Lucy Davis 