Expansion and first experiments

I intend on taking my pictures on a canon film camera with the pictures in black and white. I will set up a studio environment in my room and use a model to photograph. I am taking the initial ideas from the Marylin Monroe images as I want that same idea to flow through my images. As well as the influence of Avedon, I have also revisited Bruce Gildens images which are black and white.

This image is very interesting as its clearly just a quick snap of this man in the street. However we can understand much personal information already. For example the fact that he is wearing a watch may signify wealth and the smoking of a cigarette. Also he is looking just over the camera which may be him simply avoiding the camera or actually looking over at something else.


This image however is much more staged than the first and everything seems to be clearly placed. There also seems to be a lot of power in the photo as the man is relatively bulky and is clutching a gun. Also there seems to be quite a lot of tension in the image as the man is looking right down the lens with a straight face. Also he seems to be a bit of a 'gangster' in his suit and jewellery such as a watch and a ring. All the images have atmospheric lighting which adds to the emotive aspect of the images.