Photoshoots

Main

Alternative

Arty

Geeks

Sporty

Populars

We organised our photoshoots into a schedule which allowed us enough time to effectively produce what we needed and to re-shoot if required. This included organising for each model to partake in at least two individual photoshoots and when paired up with another (such as the two 'popular' characters) an additional two paired photoshoots containing both models were scheduled. This procedure allowed for a greater level of choice in the editing process and allowed us to create the most effective products we could. All of our photoshoots took place in the studio (which we had already booked in advance) as this allowed us complete control over the background, lighting and the overall look of our shots. Although we had a multitude of backgrounds to choose from, we found the white background was the most suitable for all of our photoshoots as this offered a much brighter and purer atmosphere which directed all focus onto our models, and this was more appropriate for the purpose and target audience. As we had complete control of the studio, we decided to fully develop the potential of our images by manipulating the lighting of the shots. We did this by collectively identifying and familiarising ourselves with the controls of the lighting switchboard beforehand and then prepared what lighting we would use for each character. We found that the brighter the images looked, the more suitable for use they were so all of our images had a standard basis of full use of basic white lighting and followed a procedure of half of each photoshoot consisting only of 'pure' lighting and the other half including the specified coloured lighting matched to the colour of the glow on the character's doodles, which allowed us to have much more choice within the editing process.

We took all of our images using a Canon EOS 1100D Digital SLR camera on a tripod and marked out the correct spot for our models to stand on in order to produce consistent results. By speaking to each model in advance we were able to advise them of what they would need to wear and allowed us to collect and prepare the relevant props. We found that using props for half of the shots and taking 'pure' shots for the other half once again increased our choices when editing in order to use the most suitable image possible. Before each photoshoot began we also spoke again with our models to explain what we required of them throughout the shoot in the form of acting (such as how we wanted them to stand, what facial expressions to portray, etc.) in order to fully develop our use of characterisation.

Above, the contact sheets for our two main character photoshoots can be seen. As our casting choice, Meg, had vast modelling experience that came across on camera, we decided that a more natural vibe in her poses would be the most suitable choice for the use of our main character. We found that the use of minimalistic props such as bags managed to emphasise the influence of education in a general manner which did not take away from her as the main focus. In relation to the coloured lighting use, we decided to use several colours in order to produce one slightly purple-toned white colour which reflected our plot in a symoblistic manner.

For the first shoot which we intended for use on the DVD cover, we decided to have her dressed in simple clothing which had no stereotype attached to emphasise our plot, this included wearing black skinny jeans, white t-shirt, black & white checkered overshirt and a black leather jacket, with straightened hair and minimal makeup. In the second photoshoot we decided to accomodate the clothing for use on the magazine cover, and as we planned on using this image as the most noticeable feature we wanted to closely follow the conventions of existing magazine covers. Using this as inspiration, we found that the central images tended to appear more glamorous and often portrayed on-trend fashion choices, so after studying recent fashion trends we decided upon subtle fashion hints through the use of a floral skirt and black tights, a white shirt and a deep red cardigan matched with curled hair and red lipstick. These trends within our culture have been highly influenced through other forms of media, such as the rise of strong female personalities admired by members of our target audience like Taylor Swift - who often mentions these trends within her songs and portrays them within her music videos, which are aimed at audiences like our target audience.

Above, the contact sheets for our seven 'popular' photoshoots can be seen: three including Charlotte, two including Naomi and two including both models. As this was a stereotype often portrayed in the media, we decided that the charaterisation in these shoots must accurately represent our characters how we intended, and as both our models had previous experience this was easy to demonstrate. The demeanor of the facial expressions and body language consisted of arrogance, superiority and the general 'mean girl' vibe. When considering props we decided to use makeup to portray their obsession with appearance and smart phones to show their social status. We dressed our models in clothes influenced by modern fashion trends with a unique hint to show their charaterisations effectively. The use of hot pink coloured lighting was chosen due to the fiesty and feminine connotations, which reflected our characters successfully.

Above, the contact sheets for our three 'sporty' photoshoots can be seen: two from our original casting and one from our recast athlete. We found that our original photoshoots were not as successful as we would've hoped, so recasting our model gave us the opportunity to improve on this aspect. For the use of props we decided to use a bold pink ball (which was also used within the mise en scène of the 'sporty' clip in the opening sequence) to add striking colour into the image whilst also portraying the sporty interests of our athlete. Our original casting choice was intended to challenge the 'bad boy' stereotype by appearing slightly preppy, wearing checkered shirts and jumpers, however this did not come across as intended so when reshooting with our new model we decided on more sporty attire in the form of a white shirt, adidas tracksuit and trainers. Interaction with the prop was the main feature within these photoshoots and resulted in natural body language and facial expressions, which is what we wanted to portray. The colour choice of blue lighting was due to the stereotypical connotations of masculinity and sports, which strengthened our representation of the 'sporty' stereotype.

Above, the contact sheets for our five 'geek' photoshoots can be seen. Concerning props, we used stereotypical items such as glasses, books and files to reinforce our characterisation as this was our main emphasis within these photoshoots. We got our models to dress in dark colours as we found this to be a common convention used when portraying this stereotype, but this also allowed us to add personality to our characterisations through the use of attire. Body language and facial expressions were based more around simple, happy influences to further illustrate our 'geek' stereotype. Our coloured lighting techniques were based around green as this connotated ideas such as sci-fi, optimism and being correct, which developed upon our existing characterisation choices in an effective manner.

Above, the contact sheets for our six 'alternative' photoshoots can be seen: two only including Amber, two only including Olympia, and two including both models. We had decided to portray the characters' interest in music through their prop use, providing our models with iPods and headphones to use within some of the shots. In all of our photoshoots we had discussed the use of dark clothing with minimal colour, resulting in the models wearing items of clothing such as black skinny jeans/leggings, converse/vans, black tops and dark jackets with slight makeup. We also informed our models of our ideas before each photoshoot, discussing how each character would be portrayed via the use of facial expression and general body language which our models depicted exactly as we imagined. Our choice of coloured lighting consisted of yellow tones, which had emotive connotations whilst helping to reflect and develop the unique stereotype we were portraying.

Above, the contact sheets for our two 'arty' photoshoots can be seen. We wanted to portray this character as a 'sweet, friendly type of girl', so her facial expressions and body language consisted of generally happy poses. For the use of props, we provided art equipment such as paint brushes, pencils, pencil cases and an easel to widen the range of our choices within the editing process. Our coloured lighting effects were a light purple/lilac as this had connotations of friendliness, creativity and ambition, which helped to reflect our characterisation in an effective manner. Clothing wise we decided to have her dressed in flowing, comfortable clothes which would reflect her quirky tendencies, resulting in the use of blue skinny jeans, a white top, beige cardigans and a red scarf with minimal makeup and natural hair.