Website Link

Direct link to my website

hannahkempmua.com

Introduction to my project

Here is my 300 word introduction that I handed in to explain my concept.

Image manipulation such as beauty retouching, such as airbrushing, teeth whitening, blemish removing and body altering are extreme cases in the beauty and fashion advertisements. It seems the portrayal of this creates an unattainable body image towards consumers, especially upon young woman, forming a misrepresentation and causing difficult for the consumer to differentiate between what is reality and what is false.  The purpose of this project is to comprehend the ethics of how beauty retouching is perceived and how the women of society exhibit their appearance. This is why I have chosen to support no beauty retouching, to exhibit raw, fashion forward images, as well as taking influence from the styling of androgynous fashion. This idea was brought to my attention, as I wanted the styling direction to be an unexpected approach to the typical beauty and fashion advertisements and using the word manipulation in a way of distorting the stereotypical perception of how women are perceived in society and beauty advertisements. Each shoot will work in conjunction with each other, each conveying a different approach to Androgyny.

No beauty retouching within fashion photography is a refreshing approach also, as sometimes over retouching and editing can overpower the image as a whole. It was also a challenge for my makeup artistry as well. This was an aspect and skill that I wanted to truly expose and felt this was the perfect opportunity to challenge myself and perfect each detail.

Evaluation

This project was built upon the concept of the portrayal of image manipulation within beauty and fashion advertisements, my research was drawn from my dissertation and practice idea and I wanted to further the aesthetic side of this concept. Image manipulation, such as airbrushing, whitening teeth and altering body shapes using the popular tool Adobe Photoshop causes a massive controversy within society and distorts their perception of an unattainable body image. This was the frustration I wanted to portray within my outcome and from what I tried to pursue within my practice of the dissertation. I propositioned within my final major project proposal that I wanted to created a series of images that reflected the emotion and frustration caused by the over excesses image manipulation in beauty and fashion advertisements. I decided the images would be presented in a website format to show my current work together as a whole. To get started I experimented with various shoots and using the word manipulation as a way of physically distorting the images. It was a way of manipulating them in a different way, rather than perfecting them, I wanted to almost destroy the initial meaning and using textures and collages to create the emotion and frustration of how society feel. This work was very different to what I had been creating over my past years as a makeup artist, I used to enjoy experimenting with different media and textures, especially creating abstract elements. This aspect I especially wanted to include and link with my makeup artistry, therefore thought this was a great chance to combine my two passions.

It was important for me to experiment many times in terms of collaging and using different tools and media to find the best possible outcome. I firstly collaged physically with cutting up areas and almost distorting the models face that I had photographed. Secondly I tried experimenting with layering and distorting the images within photoshop, again I was manipulating the images in a different context. Overall I enjoyed creating them but began to feel uninspired and thought the outcomes looked random and felt I wasn’t truly conveying the concept how I wanted it to be perceived. This may have been due to over working this practical idea, as I was obviously furthering the aesthetic outcome from my dissertation and practice, as I felt that wasn’t strong enough, therefore wanted to challenge myself, in how I could push the concept. I still felt very strongly about the idea and felt quite passionate about how photo shop and retouching is perceived within the fashion and beauty market of today. I thought it was necessary to researched more thoroughly into other artists and photographs that have worked around the concept of beauty retouching to feel inspired again in terms of the practical outcomes. I felt it was extremely important to stay passionate in what I was creating throughout this project as it will be an aspect of my career and university experience that will I can remember as my best piece of work and especially because I wanted to showcase the project on a website, it is a new platform to promote myself and potentially move forward after this project.

Peter Lindbergh sprung to mind when trying to find relevant research, as him as a photographer feels very strongly about the overuse of photoshop within the beauty and fashion industry. Recently, he captured Kate Moss in a black and white, authentic photoshoot with no beauty retouching whatsoever. Every aspect looked beautiful and it extremely inspired me in a way of pushing my concept forward. I knew I wanted to push and challenge my makeup artistry skills. Having no beauty retouching meant I had to plan my makeup looks very carefully as well as spend a lot of time practicing the looks and ensuring the final looks had quality, precision and fitted the concept. I have always felt strongly about not relying on retouching makeup within postproduction. As a makeup artist it really opened my eyes in how much time and effort I had to put in to ensure every detail was how I wanted it to be. In terms of makeup application, it was extremely helpful to practice my looks and create face charts to ensure every detail was taken care of. As my theme throughout I stuck to no beauty retouching, it was very important in the models I chose, as working with healthy skin typically made it easier. As well as choosing the right lighting to work with the skin as well. Finding models was definitely one of the most frustrating stages of this project. Many models I asked dropped out last minute, even though I ensured I gave myself enough time to source models, plan when I wanted to shoot and organise a time best for the both of us. It was an aspect that I could not dwell on and needed to work quickly when finding a replacement model and I just had to make it work. Of course the set up, makeup and styling helped massively.

From the beginning I decided to shoot all my work myself and felt quite confident in photography and what I wanted to achieve. However, I do felt after collaborating with a couple of other students, I felt it would have been a great way to learn what it is like within industry. I felt like it would have been less stressful if I asked a photographer, however, regardless of this I did thoroughly enjoy photographing my images and felt the majority were quite successful. I felt this was because I knew exactly what I wanted and the vision I saw as the outcome, therefore was easy and quick for me to create. I did have to reshoot one of my shoots, as I felt as my concept grew throughout the project this one started to look a bit odd and I wanted each shoot to be in conjunction with each other. As well as makeup, the styling was very important in how I wanted the images to be perceived as. I obviously had a solid concept within my mind however struggled how I wanted to stylise the shoots to link with each other as well as sticking with no beauty retouching. I began to research current fashion trends and knew I wanted to produce fashion forward images, which are inspired through beauty and fashion advertisements. I found it difficult finding the style direction at first, As I believed it would look slightly random as a whole project if I was to style each shoot differently. I thought they should all work together and flow into one another. Which is why I ended up reshooting one of them. As I finally decided to style each shoot in the influence of androgynous fashion, I felt this worked well as I wanted to style each shoot in the unexpected to the typical ‘perfection’ you see within beauty and fashion advertisements. I was extremely happy with the styling and felt each outfit was very successful in how it worked with the concept and theme.

In terms of time management, I felt I worked quite thorough to my time schedule, however due to personal circumstances I was not around university a lot, which did pause my work load slightly, however even though I was not able to attend many feedback sessions due to being at home a lot, I always made sure I was constantly reflecting within my journal, as well as speaking with other peers, to see how they were getting on as well as asking for their feedback and any constructive criticism. I would often ask my boyfriend on what he thought, as I felt it was always important to ask someone who isn’t aware of this sort of concept or industry. This helped a lot as he actually gave me some helpful pointers in terms of website layout and small details that I didn’t notice before. Before finalizing my website I found it helpful to see my lecturer Jennifer, to confined in her advice on how to layout my images within my website. As I struggled with this aspect in particular, as at first I felt it didn’t flow as well as I had hoped. However, Jennifer suggested that I definitely put some sort of introduction to my project beforehand and that actually helped massively as already it started to make sense. I then felt it was important to add small details, like a paragraph under some of the images to explain some influences and to ensure the layout and each image flows into the next. Researching and finding inspiration from other makeup artist and brands lay their websites out, this was important to understand in terms of reaching out to target market and the audience. I ensured the website was easy to access and everything was simplistic and clear.

I felt the makeup and styling was very successful on all of my shoots, after each one I felt proud and happy with the final outcome. Although I enjoyed photographing most of my work, I felt it would have been less stressful for me to collaborate with a photographer, I managed to use a photographer for one of my final shoots and I definitely saw a difference. Due to my theme being ‘no beauty retouching’, it was very challenging ensuring every little detail was perfected to my taste and time consuming as it was a case of photographing and zooming in on the image to see every aspect. However, this was a challenge in a good way as it really tested my makeup skills and I honestly feel and hope my skills reflect within my work. I honestly found some other students work threatening as sometimes you only naturally compare you and your work to others, and at times I started to doubt myself and my idea. This may have been at the beginning when I was changing the direction of my outcome slightly and almost felt like my concept wasn’t good enough however I kept motivating myself and I feel happy that I stuck with this idea as I believe each shoot was successful and now they are together on my website, I can see they work well with each other. Lastly, if I were to embark on this journey again I would most definitely do more practice shoots. Even though I practiced many makeup looks, I thought I could of probably experimented more with different photo shoots. Overall I am delighted with the overall outcome and thoroughly enjoyed putting my website together and hope others enjoy pursuing at their pleasure.

It's finished!

I have finally finished my website and completed all the finishing touches. As I said before I wanted to keep everything very simple. 

To add an extra touch, I wanted to add a soundcloud player at the bottom of the page to make the website a little more fun. 

I went with a song that fitted well with my concept. Keeping it quite mellow. 

Because this is a way of showcasing my project at a professional level I wanted to create other social platforms where you can find me and other social networking sites where I can show more of my images from this series. I thought Instagram would be a perfect way of seeing the series altogether and a great way to share with others!

At the top of my website, I added 4 widgets, where you can also find me!

I have yet to finish posting on my instagram, but this is obviously an ongoing platform to show even more of the project! 

At first it was quite hard knowing where to put certain elements, but it just took a case of playing around at first. But overall, I am very happy with the website and feel it looks professional, which was the main aspect I wanted to achieve!

Website Pages and Chosen Final Images

As I explained before I wanted to have 2 sets of images on 3 different pages. And as I explained the series was called 'Androgynous manipulation' I thought each set conveyed a different aspect and approach to Androgyny. Here are the pages and images - In order.

HOME - Introduction to project

PAGE 1 - 'PURE'

I am linking these two togethers as both shoots were very much makeup focused, in terms of beautiful natural skin and challenging makeup. Because there is no beauty retouching, I felt both these shoots really celebrated that as you could clearly see there is no need to retouch and the pure white background on both really highlight the pure and rawness of both photos which is why I thought 'pure' was an appropriate name.

(One aspect I do wish I could change, was the fact that these are actually portrait, compared to the others. - This may of been because these were taken by another photographer, which I did not make clear which way I wanted them) 

PAGE 2 - 'Effortless'

I thought these two worked well together because they were both location shoots and the styling approach was very similar. Both looked very effortless yet effective and edgy. Again with the poses both being quite effortless and 'boyish'.

PAGE 3 - 'Sensual'

When planning these shoots, I wanted to approach androgyny in more of a sensual way with still keeping a touch of masculine.

Website Design

As Jennifer and I discussed, it was important for me to have an introduction into my project. I firstly want to create a homepage with a small paragraph introducing the concept of my concept.

I will then have 3 other pages that include 2 sets of images.

In all honestly, this idea actually came to me after all my shoots were done. Even though they all correspond with each other, I found that 2 sets on separate pages actually worked better together. 

As this is a series of images I felt it needed a name. 

'ANDROGYNOUS MANIPULATION' I noticed many artists name their series of work, depending on what their concept is about. 

I felt without a background on my home page, it looked a little too plain. So I decided to use one of my favourites images as a background image that I thought best described my concept. Similarly, I like how 'Nowness' have used one of their most recent projects as a background on their homepage. 

Website Prep & Experiments

Along the way I have been experimenting with a couple different website builders to see which work best. I firstly set one up with Wix and soon felt it was a bit too simple for what I wanted to create. The settings only let me do so much.

These arent actually the images I'm using I just wanted to experiment with some image layouts. 

Also after chatting with jennifer, she explained that the website needed to be stricly focused on my project, so that everything flows and links together. As at first I wasn't sure on whether to put my portfolio up as well. 

This became more clear to me and I helped me decided how to lay my website out. 

As I said to Jennifer I didn't want it to look a bit random. So we discussed about having a small introduction first about what my work was about. 

A friend then recommended I try Adobe Muse, however this was literally creating a website from scratch and in all honesty I was running out of time. I knew I enjoyed creating this types of work and was open to learning but knew that may of been a little too challenging. 

I found a website called SiteBuilder, and this abled me to pick a layout and build and change settings easily yet still looked professional. 

I want my website to be quite simplistic and easy to access. 

Shoot 6 Analysis - My last shoot done!

So thats it! I've completed all 6 shoots. Overall I was happy with the final images of this shoot, however struggled to get the images I envisioned. I originally wanted full body shots, but had trouble with studio space and we was unable to change the backdrop to a longer one, therefore couldn't fit the whole of the model in without seeing the background and floor. I knew the blazer was the main focal piece so I knew I could get some great shots, so I had to work with what I had and ended up getting some great half shots.
The eyes in particular looked amazing with the light catching the gloss. I was worried the eyes were going to look too messy but they ended up looking really effective on camera.

I felt I needed to brighten the images slightly as the model looked a little too dull. 

However I felt the blazer worked really well and the pop of colour contrasts amazing with the white background. 

experimenting with portrait shots, I wanted to get some half shots with the model posing with some masculine movements however felt the images worked best landscape. 

Shoot 6 Planning

As all my other shoots, I used quite neutral, pale colours and felt when you thought of masculine style it was very black and white or plain. I want to create something a little more fun. When shopping for the styling for all of my shoots I came across a bright, neon orange blazer and this was actually my inspiration for this shoot. It was a staple piece that I could work around.

I put together a mood board of some other influential images and the vision I saw.

Again like most of my shoots the hair will be quite slick, but this time I want to make the hair quite messy looking and almost a little wet, like men would use when gelling their hair. 

This will be another shoot where I will particular focus on the makeup. It will be almost quite messy, and 'slept in' looking. Creating a dark smokey eye and using my beloved eye gloss to create a wet look all around the eye and cheeks. This will hopefully correspond with the wet hair. I want to keep the eye free of any bright colours as I feel the blazer speaks for itself! I don't want anything to clash. 

This will be shot in the studio and I feel a white backdrop will work best. And keep it very simple looking. 

Styling is expensive!!

We are obviously asked to reflect and analysis our journey and so far one thing I have struggled with is affording the styling! Luckily, living in a house with 5 other girls, I was able to raid their waredrobes too to help style my shoots!! Lucky me.

Within my proposal, I actually only budgeted a very small amount for my styling. I don't think I actually realised, how important styling would come, as the styling within my project is a very important aspect in conveying the androgynous theme.
So far I've spent almost £400.
However, the clothes really make or break the photoshoots and ensure everything is at a professional, on trend standard.

Editing

As it is coming towards the end of my photoshoots, I have been editing and choosing my final images.
I have decided to use 2 images from each of my final shoots.
Which means I will have 12 images in total.

I absolutely love this shot, I felt it worked really well black and white. And like Jennifer said, you can see the light hit her cheekbone really nicely. I feel it gives more edge b/W and looks that little bit more editorial. 

I am not beauty retouching or altering anything other than changing the brightness/contrast, colour balance, etc.

These three above I had to brighten slightly as I stated earlier, they was a little too dark due to trouble with lighting. 

Shoot 5 Analysis

This is my favourite shoot so far!! Everything about it just worked for me and it was exactly how I visioned it to be. A lot of thought and planning went into this shoot and I feel it really reflected on how it turned out. The styling and location went perfectly together. the makeup and styling didn't look too glamorous or over the top, which was what I was worried about. It all looked quite effortless yet effective and very much editorial inspired.

It was extremely windy that day so it was tough ensuring the coat and hair was in the right place but overall everything looked great!

This one is particularly one of my favourites and was something I wanted to experiment with as I spoke about it in my planning I wanted to experiment with the use of composition and the contrast of heights. I love how grand and tall the building is compared to my model. However, I'm unsure whether to use this as a final image as the makeup, hair or outfit isn't very clear. And the styling and makeup is something I want to focus on.

I feel the posing and outfit really make the images and portray the theme perfectly.

How Did Shoot 4 Go?

I was extremely happy with the final outcome of this photos! I feel because I used a photographer for this, it definitely showed within the photography and use of lighting. I explained to the photographer that I wanted the background to be off white as I didn't want to loose any of the outfit as everything was white. The photographer done amazing! As this shoot was very makeup focused, I wanted to ensure every detail was on point and it was helpful having a photographer so I could check the photos on the computer afterwards and ensure everything was in place. The only aspect I was unsure on was the model. As I stated before, I had a few model issues, so this caused a lot of stress and last minute planning. Thankfully, Eloise my photographer found this model last minute. I had to work with what I had! She had beautiful skin and hair. But felt it was hard to get her to pose how I wanted.

As the theme was androgynous, the posing was very specific and it was hard for her to let go and act 'manly' However, towards the end she started to loosen up and I felt I got some amazing shots as an overall. 

I firstly tried the hair in a low ponytail. However felt it worked better tucked in as it looked more mainly!

The lighting worked really well and I was really happy with how the makeup turned out. 

Shoot 5 Planning

I have decided again to create this shoot outside as a location shoot. I have a vision of the styling to be quite effortless and of course with a touch of masculinity. I really liked the way the oversized blue coat worked in my recent shoot, and it gave that effortless yet effective feel. Paired with oversized boyfriend jeans - similar to the one in the top right corner. Then a baggy shirt to create more of a androgynous feel. 

I didn't want it to look overly baggy and casual, I thought some black boots would finish off the look. However this is something I will have to see on the day, as I have a couple pairs of shoes that will go. Either the black heeled boots, or some loathers. 

As for the makeup, it was very similar to Shoot 3. So very simple, nothing too dramatic - I don't want to take anything from the styling. As this is the main focus. 

I want to keep the eyes quite neutral, with a touch of eye gloss to keep it very on trend and textured. 

As for the location, I was unexpectedly inspired by the bottom left photo, I love the composition and angle of the photo. As the styling was the main focus, I wanted to make sure all the outfit was in focus and seen. I have a vision of experimenting with composition and decided to use Southampton Guildhall, as it seems to be very grand and would work well with the type of styling I have. The vision I see is working with how tall the building is and having the model stand in front, creating a large contrast of height between the building and the model. I am unsure with how this will work and whether the model will be too out of focus, but again this is something I will have to experiment with.

Practice 

I love how the skin and eyes turned out however felt the lip colour didn't really work and may use more of a nude shade on the shoot. 

The skin my Mac trainer created is a massive influence when creating my makeup looks! Look how gorgeous and natural it looks! 

I decided to use the same face chart as shoot 3 as I wanted both looks to be very similar and simple.