'I have a recurring dream of me chocking. I'm always choking on tin foil or chewing gum and I wake up because I feel short of breath. I've had the same dream ever since I was about sixteen.'
The dream experience clearly was not a pleasant one, and may suggest she is stress or in a time of discomfort. The main goal for this dream is to show metallic aesthetics and discomfort from choking.
MOOD BOARD:
HAIR & FACE CHART:
MODEL & PHOTOGRAPHER:
Emilija is very high fashion. At above 6ft with very striking facial features and bone structure I was desperate to work with her again when she was back in the country.
PHOTOSHOOT:
FEEDBACK:
The first images are more effective and represent the dream more and the idea of choking. But they just look very dated and have more of a futuristic feel. I will need to reconstruct the concept of this dream and come up with a better idea.
So I have decided to opt for an actual strangling approach with the hands taking on the persona of the tin foil.
PHOTOGRAPHY TESTING:
MAKEUP TESTING:
I really want the makeup to still have a metallic look and the skin to be flawless. I also bought some silver leaf to add to the tin foil idea.
The hands need to be silver so I bought some silver face paint. As you can see it isn't very silver, more of a white. But with a bit of pigment and silver leaf I think it works really well. I have also made some false nails with silver polish and silver leaf to apply on the day.
"I was at a swimming competition, Olympic Trials, and everybody was getting drunk on Lucozade in the field behind the pool and there were lots of colour lights. Recently the doping system had been increased with checks. A rival swimmer spiked my drink with performance enhancing drugs and I was overdosing, throwing up and looking visibly ill. I got taken to hospital and was drug tested. I failed and got banned from competing forever and my Olympic dreams were shattered."
I often had dreams about swimming competitions which would be about either being late or not performing well. These often happened when I was stress with deadlines or exams. But this dream was different. At the time of the dream I had a suspicion about a student copying my work at University. This could possibly be the reason why I felt as if my work was going to be marked down or 'sabotaged' as a result. This clearly was playing at the back of my mind, and as per usual this feeling was translated in an unusual dream experience.
I have chosen to recreate this dream because I believe that there is lots of potential to create something colourful yet disturbing. The image will not be intended to look beautiful in any way, but to look graphic and create a representation of the ill state I was in with use of clever makeup and a vomit representation.
INSPIRATION:
The colours from the lights were comparable to the vibrant lighting in a club. This will influence the photography techniques and I aim to use gel lighting to hit the models body in different areas to create an interesting outcome. This lighting effect can be demonstrated by Photographer Jamie Nelson who uses colours and glossy textures to produce beautiful vibrant images with a contemporary feel.
The party scene has inspired me to delve into the club culture and interpret the overdose idea as if the drugs were party drugs. This drug/party culture is portrayed throughout the fiml 'Party Monster'. The drug abuse and reckless behaviour was similarly displayed by some of the other athletes in my dream. The makeup in the party scenes are particularly inspiring for this shoot concept.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV7MND4r0mY
The heavy makeup is very theatrical and camp, the exact style I wish to present in this project. The makeup look form Galliano 2007 shows a similar sense of theatrical/clown-like makeup. I particularly love the glossy/metallic finish to the colours. The model in this image looks under the influence as a rsult of clever makeup application in specific areas. I really enjoy this striking look and will incorporate elements into my designs.
In terms of styling, everyone was wearing their swimming costumes and were wet, as if they had just emerged from the swimming pool. Therefore I would like to still remind the viewer that this was set in a swimming pool location but creating a wet textured skin and the model wearing a vibrantly coloured swimsuit.
Presiyana is a fantastic model from what I have seen from her work. She has quite an alternative style that I believe will really fit this project.
TEST SHOOT IMAGES:
REFLECTION:
The images portray the party scene part of my dream as envisioned and Presiyana was extremely comfortable and captured the character perfectly with her acting abilities. Unfortunately she was allergic to the eyelash glue I had and we couldn't stick on any dramatic lashes or apply water to the face without the gems falling off. The liquid dripping from her mouth is melted jelly with glitter and gems to reflect and glisten in the camera flash. I had a lot of difficulty in finding the best edible liquid 'goo' for this element and ended up wasting a lot of money on ingredients i had bought following online recipes. But on the day I figured it out and it couldn't have been any more perfect. In terms of the hair and makeup I am very satisfied with the outcome and feel that there isn't massive amounts I could change to better fit my dream vision. I feel as though the photography technique had so much more potential, but this can only be tried out with another photographer.
IMPROVEMENTS:
- purchase an alternative eyelash glue so I can apply the desired eyelashes and gems. With the gems being fully secured I feel as though I can really wet her skin for a heavily glossed result.
- I think that the makeup could be bolder here as the lighting detracts from it and isn't as visible as it was in person.
- I would like the hair to have a wetter, dripping look. I think this will convey the setting of the dream better.
- I will also create a stronger brow and lip and lots more glitter to create a more theatrical outcome.
'I was at a party venue in a forest location. There were rumours of vampires close by. In the smoking area I saw movement from the woods. All of a sudden I get an unexpected strength and my eyes turn amber. I have a switch by my eye to turn the colour off and turn my powers on. I am suddenly sweeping through the woods, almost flying, and I am attacking the vampires. It turns out that I am also a vampire, but a good one, and I am getting revenge for the pain they previously caused. I then casually come back to the party and switch off my eyes so I can keep it a secret.'
The dream experience was extremely unusual as it was a direct continuation from the previous night's dream. I felt a sudden empowerment as a result of obtaining my revenge from the weakness and humiliation. The dream was dark and powerful with lots of movement and gothic elements.
I have chosen to recreate this dream as I believe it will tell an interesting story continuation and can show contrasting emotions and portrayals though styling, casting and photography. There was a lot of anger in the revenge process, almost making me feel as though I had to prove that I wasn't weak and that I have strength.
INSPIRATION:
The colours of the dream were all very dark as it was set at night. Also, as vampires were a theme it is obvious that the main colour palette is going to be black. Looking at Vampire Culture and the aesthetics of styling, hair and makeup it is visible that the colours are extremely dark with pales skin. The styling is quite dated though with lots of structured clothing and lace. Teen vampire programs such as The Vampire Diaries and Twighlight show a more contemporary aesthetic which I will like to incorporate into this concept.
Alexander McQueen uses lots of dark, gothic influences in a contemporary way. A particular favourite example is the lace choker underwear pieces. They have a victorian vampire element but also have a modern look. I will try and find some lace or a top that looks similar to this for the styling.
Black: 2015: Fashion Film - Nicke Knight / Alexander McQueen
This film is very dark and mysterious. It has a really haunting impact which is something I wish to achieve in the film. The material movement and glitche video effects are something that has particularly inspired me.
In recent fashion trends we have seen lots of harness underwear. There is a definite element of goth here, but it also reminds be of armour for some strange reason. As in the dream she is fighting and going into battle in a sense it only seems appropriate to add this detail. It also adds to the idea that my project on dreams has a suggestive fantasy element.
Facial piercings are often associated with someone who is tough or scary in todays prejudice society. I would like to play on this stereotype by creating a tougher and more contemporary aesthetic outcome.
Alejandra has a very unique look and I feel as though she could really fit the brief with her darker complexion. I will have to see how she models on the day, but I am really excited to work with her!
TEST SHOOT IMAGES:
POST-PRODUCTION EXPERIMENTATION:
REFLECTION:
I am extremely happy with the results from this shoot. Alejandra took direction really well and we got some great shots. However, I am not satisfied with the hair and makeup designs. I know I have a lot more potential to design something with a greater impact. Also, Alejandra's hair is very fine and therefore does not braid very easily. I feel as though maybe adding padding of crepe hair could have been a better option to create more dimension and drama. We attempted the use of a septum ring but it was very large and looks a bit stupid. I would still like to use fake piercings to accessories with to create that tough, gothic element. I feel that my images lack movement and the model looks very powerful but too stationary. I feel as though more movement in the poses or fabric could really enhance the idea of the movement in the dream. I also am concerned how I will create a smoke effect on film. This is something I need to look into and see if I need to do a location shoot.
IMPROVEMENTS:
- Create a more impacting makeup look. Add darker eye shadows and heavier contouring.
- Play on the vampire idea by creating a pale base, potentially using a very pale model.
- Consider the model's hair thickness as to whether to use braids etc.
- Purchase better fitting facial jewellery.
- Consider floaty material for the styling.
- Add real smoke.
UPDATED FACE CHART:
This face chart I have created has slightly darker eyes and much darker eyebrows to create a really powerful impact. The eyes have been shaped in a more glamorous, feminine shape with finer glitter detail. The eyelashes will be much longer due to application of false ones. I have also decided to not use the studs at the kiss curls, and instead will apply them around the eye area. The lips will have more definition but still nothing too dark, with the focus being on the eyes.
LOCATION OF SHOOT:
As I have discovered I am unable to use a smoke machine in the photography studios, I will be doing a location shoot with smoke bombs/grenades. I have purchased many of these to try out and hopefully they will work on the day. I have watched multiple online videos to see how they work and the effect appears to be the one I am after. I have purchased black ones and white ones to see what works most effectively. In terms of the chosen location, I think a forest setting as dreamt would best portray the dream. The dark natural lighting will work really well and I believe I know a perfect spot in Southampton Common for it!
'Myself and a group of friends were in a PlayStation/Xbox game where we had to fight a vampire. We were given a certain amount of weapons to use, but as soon as they had been used they were gone. She started throwing boomerang blades at us and kept on getting me. I was trying my hardest to pull them out of my wounds and throw them back, but I was getting weaker and weaker. Eventually I was losing a lot of blood and I had to run off while the others continued fighting. When I got into a safe house I collapsed and was losing a lot of blood. I was lying in a puddle of my own blood and was shouting for help, so weak and helpless.'
It has been suggested that losing blood in a dream can symbolise severe exhaustion or that you are emotionally drained due to existing stress or conflict. In this dream I am showing weakness and give up on the fight in hand, leaving it for the others to deal with. I am also left crying for help which exaggerates the helplessness and frustration I felt. It is possible that I felt this way as I am facing challenges with juggling multiple aspects within my life and feel that there is underachievement from setting high expectations for myself, leaving me frustrated and dissatisfied with my performance.
I have chosen to recreate this dream because it impacted me quite a lot during the night and I feel that I can produce a representation of my current thoughts. The dream was dark and quite terrifying, but I would like to create a lighter aesthetic representation through carefully selected colour palettes, textures and photography techniques/editing.
INSPIRATION:
Pastel colours are very soft and delicate and present very little threat in comparison to darker, richer colours. The colour pink symbolises weakness, which has been my main inspiration for choice of colours with the photography set up, styling and makeup to translate the generated emotions from the dream. Below are some examples of soft textured pastel styling. The textures of fur and suedes combined with soft, pale makeup works really well. The models appear innocent and feminine, but also submissive and weak. The styling of the shoot for this dream will be similar to the below images with the use of multiple textures, pastel colours and delicate silhouettes.
Material Girl Magazine - Editorial: Alice & Kitty
Styling - Emily Beard
http://blog.materialgirl-mag.com/2014/03/13/editorial-alice-kitty-photography-by-xanthe-hutchinson/
The below images show Michelle Du Xuan take on a contemporary 'Sleeping Beauty' with the makeup and hair by Daria Slusarczyk and Mike Desir. The finish is sleek and glossy with bold choices of block colours for the lips and eyes. The look is very clean and polished and the choice of colours produces a romantic/spring feel. The choice of a bold coloured lip with a different coloured eye creates a really effective outcome, which I think will work well with this particular dream recreation. The waved, shiny hair enhances the perfection of beauty in this shot and I would like to create a similar result.
Madame Figaro China - 'Sleeping Beauty'
http://fashioncow.com/2013/03/laura-kargulewicz-and-tessa-vander-weyden-in-sleeping-beauty-michelle-du-xuan-madame-figaro-china/
To create a 'sweeter' version of the pool of blood, I would like to play with the idea of how it is represented. Blood is a very rich red which does not coincide with the them of this particular desired outcome, therefore I would like to use an alternative liquid. As this project is Sweet Dreams, I would like to include a liquid that has more pleasant effect, such as foam/bubbles. I saw an image of a bath filled with pink bubbles and really enjoyed using that idea as a blood substitute (as seen on the left). There is also a current obsession for bath bombs that produce beautiful marble effects in the water that I believe could be a possible option to replicate the pool of blood.
- creating a beautiful death - high fashion - look how weak women are represented - what decade? what colours, silhouettes?
- underwear trends - pastels - harness clothing
MOOD BOARD:
HAIR & FACE CHART:
MODEL & PHOTOGRAPHER:
Model: Kornelija Poderskyte
Kornelija's complexion and hair colouring are soft and natural, fitting with the pale aesthetics of this shoot. After seeing her model for a friend I believed she would be very confident in the shoot and would follow direction well.
TEST SHOOT IMAGES:
POST-PRODUCTION EXPERIMENTATION:
REFLECTION:
The photography technique included soft gel lighting to create a subtle pink hue. The colours are vibrant and work well with the idea, but I feel as though the beauty lighting is compensated. In terms of the hair, makeup and styling, there is definitely a lot that I would like to change. Compared to other dream outcomes I feel that this is too subtle and pretty and the hair lacks the statement I wish to create.
As I was shooting in the photography studios I was unable to create the foam blood representation without making mess and destroying the clothes I had borrowed. As a result, I attempted adding bath bomb images in post production. I think it works, but not very well. It is visibly fake and edited, and I'm not convinced with the effect.
Positively, the model was fantastic on the day and required very little direction and understood exactly what I was wanting. Her face pulled off the makeup and her hair in beautiful condition to style. I will be asking her to model again for the final shoot.
IMPROVEMENTS:
- Create a more dramatic makeup look with more colour, texture and theatrical drama.
- Produce a hairstyle that makes more of a statement, possibly with the use of a wig.
- Use a real material/liquid to create the blood pool effect around the model with consent from the staff in the studios.
- Consider improving the styling by choosing something that makes her look more vulnerable and is more disposable (low cost).
UPDATED FACE CHART:
Although I was fairly satisfied with the chosen makeup look, I decided I wanted it to be more theatrical. To do this I have added a stronger brow, and addition sparkle through the use of glitter on the pink and three crystal gems underneath the eye. The lips will be the same pigmented purple again, but the mixing medium needs to be more of a paste so it doesn't crack like it did previously.
STYLING:
I was not totally satusfied with the styling of the test shoot because I don't think it captured my concept and inspiration images from my moodboard. I have found an Instagram account - @creepyyeha that has posts images of pastel pink harness underwear and is very suggestive. The clothing is sold on a website. The pastel colours make it look innocent and submissive rather than seductive. I will use this as inspiration to style the final shoot with use of underwear to show her vulnerability. The use of underwear also means that it is likely I can find a cheaper option and I am more than happy to ruin this clothing with paint or foam and not return it.
UPDATED HAIR STYLING:
The hair in the test shoot was curled, but not set with any spray so the curls dropped. Using synthetic hair will ensure these curls will stay. I have decided to purchase a bright pastel pink wig! It reminds me of something Nicki Minaj would wear, but I think the colour emphasises the pink palette and creates a more artificial effect to create the dream-like quality. The wig was extremely stubborn and I had lost my scissors so it was near impossible to cut or style. But after lots of persistence and temper tantrums, the curls finally stayed and will only require application on the day of shooting.
'I was invited to a model casting and thought it was for me to scout or do the makeup, but they wanted me to try because of my height. They put us in bikinis and instantly I felt very insecure and I was very noticeably bigger than the other models. They then made us walk on the top of a fence like a tight rope and people were in swimming pools either side throwing balls at us. I fell in and felt humiliated. Then they told me I was too fat to be a model and felt so stupid to believe I would ever be considered as a model.'
The experience of this dream was not particularly pleasant at all. The feeling of insecurity and paranoia continued for a couple of days, and as a result my wardrobe choices of baggy clothes were sported for a while. It has been suggested that being naked in a dream may suggest your image insecurities in real life. The fear Scopophobia is an extreme fear of being looked at or seen. In this case, I was terribly uncomfortable with everyone looking at me and my exposed body. In the dream I was completely out of my comfort zone.
I have chosen this dream as I would like to portray a vulnerable character and explore the potential emotions created by the dream. I feel that with photography angles and poses there is potential to create something quite powerful.
INSPIRATION:
As my project is based on dreams, I am aiming to maintain a surreal outcome. Photographer, Lara Zankoul and artist, Julischka Stengele both demonstrate unusual additions of silicone animal heads. Not only do these additions create an interesting image, but they generate an anonymous character. The use of animal heads creates a focus on the concept rather than the models in the image. Stengele sports a larger body shape whilst wearing a pig head and she poses in a proud stance that suggests her confidence and body satisfaction. This heavily contrasts the idea of my dream, and I really enjoy the idea of the pigs head as a potential representation of how I felt when I was exposed and confronted about my larger physique. Using this idea, I will experiment with the idea of a bare skinned model wearing a pigs head.
(Left) Lara Zankoul - The Unseen, 2013, Editions of 5
http://www.larazankoul.com/
The images of Elya Bulochka's work below demonstrates examples of beautiful body paint work. The body painting creates the illusion that the skin is not bare and almost looks clothed, but still shows the body's form. The colours she has used here is completely contrasting to any natural skin cover to exaggerate further that the skin has been covered. The iridescent finish highlights the body's undulations in the light and shows off the variations of colours. I will attempt to recreate something with a similar effect to create an artificial covering on the skin.
Elya Bulochka - Make-Up Artist
Gel lighting really helps exaggerate the texture of the skin and adds more colour depth to the images. Photographer, Jamie Nelson, has used contrasting colours with gel lighting to create the below effects. With the addition of this photography lighting to the body paint and glitter I believe that the images will look more dynamic and generate a dream-like outcome. Tactical use of lighting will reflect off the model to produce multiple moods within the image with various colours taking on a varied character of the model and the pig head.
Jamie Nelson - Fashion & Beauty Photographer
MOOD BOARD:
The general aesthetic of the recreation of this dream contains a mix of beautifully decorated skin with the contrast of the pig head and vulnerable model posing. The colour palette will include pinks, purples, blues and iridescent textures to show a contrasting texture to the pigs head. The dewy skin will also resemble sweat to recreate the idea of fear and severe discomfort experienced in the dream and also the part where I fell into the water and was left feeling ashamed.
HAIR & FACE CHART:
I managed to source a silicone pig head that is a very close resemblance to the one Julischka Stengele is wearing in her 'Pig Up' series. Its appearance is quite realistic rather than cartoon-like making it look very sinister. The design on the right shows shades of pink, purple and blue with added jewels and glitter on the body. The colours will be tactically applied to contour the body to create a striking outcome.
PRODUCT TESTING:
The test on the right was with shimmer based eyeshadows in pink and blue shades with vaseline to apply the glitter. The eyeshadow did not provide a dense enough finish to cover the skin and does not appear to be very effective. The test to the right shows use of the Supracolor palette by Kryolan which is a grease based product, in shades white, red and blue. This created a thicker coverage and allowed me to pat on the glitter without an additional product because of the sticky finish to the product. I felt that this achieved the best look out of the two and I will be using this technique in the test shooting.
MODEL & PHOTOGRAPHER:
Model: Georgia Morris
Photographer: Megan Love
Georgia has lots of experience modelling for students at Southampton Solent University and is a reliable and trusted friend of mine. This particular shoot involves her being naked from the waist up so it was important for her to feel comfortable in front of the camera and with me applying makeup to her.
Megan was the choice of photographer for this particular shoot as Georgia felt more comfortable with a female photographer and I trust Megan to be at the shoot prepared and on time. Georgia's only requests were to see the test shoot images before release in case she felt uncomfortable with the exposure.
I presented Georgia with the below sketches of poses. The poses will demonstrate the vulnerability and uncomfortable exposure experienced in the dream.
TEST SHOOT IMAGES:
REFLECTION:
The contrasting colours of the gel lighting work well together and compliment colours of the product on the model's skin. I feel as though the colours could have been intensified on the actual body of the model, rather than just focusing on the pig head and the background. Despite the need for a more intense colour, the red on the left side of the pig head works really well.
I applied variations of colours to the body to exaggerate the model's body shape, but somehow the lighting made it look very flat and patchy. We even held up reflectors around the model in attempt to help pick up certain areas of the skin where the glitter was applied but this attempt goes unnoticed. The model's hair on her arms where picked up by the product which looks unflattering and detracts from the attempt to make the skin look flawless and glossy.
Georgia was extremely easy to direct and took initiative with her posing. The shoot was challenging for her as she is very exposed but showed great confidence in front of the camera. I will be having Georgia model for me for the final shoot as she understands the concept of the dream and embodies my vision. We have discussed that in the final shooting it is possible that she will not be wearing the velvet shorts because they do not appear to fit with the image and having her baring it all will look more effective.
IMPROVEMENTS:
- The texture of the skin needs to be more dewy and glossy to produce a wetter and more reflective effect. I will be experimenting with different products in attempt to achieve the desired outcome.
- The lighting needs to be more dramatic and more pigmented in colour to have a larger impact on the model's body to produce a more striking image. This will help to pick up the effect of the product on the skin and show the contrast in the bone structure to create a more vulnerable mood.
- I will ask the model to remove all hair on the body to help make the skin look completely flawless and avoid any distracting texture pick up from the product.
- I will be adding more detail, potentially with jewellery, more glitter and studs/gems.
- Additional poses and angles will be attempted to create a more intensified mood. Angling to camera down onto the model will look more intimidating, producing a more vulnerable subject.
FURTHER TESTING:
For the skin on the model I chose to use baby oil and eyeshadow pigment. This process was not only massively faster but also produced an intense dewy texture. The lighting of choice here was a spotlight which created a very dramatic effect and picked up the product on the chest and collar bones beautifully. I will be discussing this lighting technique with my photographer and incorporating the use of multiple gel lighting colours to see which works best.
I decided to experiment with different distortion techniques on Photoshop to try and produce different outcomes and experiment with hues. I feel that the last image on the top row, with the reflected/double image effect, demonstrates a really interesting outcome with the altered colours. It is possible that I will be using greens and blues for the body in the final shooting as I feel that these colours look extremely vibrant and show an interesting contrast to the colour of the pig head. The staggered image effects on some of the photos look like the shutter speed has been adjusted. This effect has created a more surreal image that works really well with the dream.
SKIN TEXTURE/MAKEUP TESTING:
Kryolan Supracolor Palette, baby oil, glitter:
The grease based product lacked pigmentation when on a large area of the skin and took a lot of product to cover a large surface. The oil created a glossy texture that really worked in the light and when moving around. The glitter used in this experiment had a fairly large grain and looks very visible - not really the effect I was after.
Kryolan Aquacolor Palette, Snazaroo face paint, baby oil:
The Aquacolor product was much more highly pigmented and a little went a long way as I was able to mix the product with water. I also used Snazaroo face paint which comes in large pots and is much cheaper. The colours aren't as pigmented but help create to desired effect. I then sprayed the oil over the top, and as the paint was water based, the paint lifted very very easily. Unfortunately this presents me with an issue. As the model is going to be covering her body with her hands and arms, the skin contact will rub away the paint. As a solution, I purchased some spray plaster which fixed the paint with a waterproof layer. With my concers as to how the plaster spray would react/attach to the oil, I also purchased talc powder to apply on top of the plaster. Following this process, the oil was applied and the product held much better!
