'Revenge' Development

(An unpredicted continuation of 'Certain Defeat')

'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.

https://uk.pinterest.com/meganwindred/vampire-youth-subculture/

http://www.purefandom.com/2016/03/19/vampire-diaries-8-best-relationships-show/

http://www.betches.com/twilight

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. 

http://usfashiondesign.com/fashion-trends/gothic-glam-clothing-trend-fall-winter-2015-2016.html

- fetish artists (leather, rope, studs) - current fashion trends - harness clothing

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. 

http://beautifulsavage.com/fashion/black-2015-nick-knight-alexander-mcqueen/

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.

http://www.lovefromlorna.co.uk/2015/04/fashion-how-to-wear-harness-bras.html

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. 

http://jamienelsonphoto.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/piercings-tattoos-septum-rings-beauty.html

MOOD BOARD:

HAIR & FACE CHART:

MODEL & PHOTOGRAPHER:

Model: Alejandra Perez


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!

(Dark Beauty Magazine)