TEST SHOOT NO.1

Test shoot number one was a very stressful experience. I had prepared the shoot over a week in advance putting a team together consisting of photographer, model and makeup artist together. From previous experiences within my university studies I have learnt not to leave things until the last minute, as other collaborating students are just as busy as I am with assignments and would prefer to know in advance so that they can also plan accordingly. All was going to plan until about an hour before we were due to start shoot prep. Firstly the MUA contacted me explaining that she was now unable to make it due to personal reasons and then 10 minutes before the model was due to arrive she also then contacted me to say that she was now only available after the time I had booked in the studios. Emotions were running extremely high - sending me into a bit of a panic - as the photographer was already on her way, and studios were fully booked after my booked session. 

I decided not to waste the studio time as every minute is vital and would use myself as a model within the test images - even though I don't feel comfortable in front of the camera at all. Luckily the photographer was understanding when I explained the situation and agreed to help give me directions when shooting. 

The final images that I have chosen haven't been retouched as I wanted to use the images to test out the collage idea. Despite the setbacks, I think the images were successful and fit the theme of my project. By simply scanning magazine cutouts onto my computer and then layering them onto the images using photoshop, it gives an ugly/sad look to them, which works well as a connotation of how people might not be being their true self as they are allowing social media posts and trends influence their identity. 

REFLECTIONS

• There was no styling within these, which one of the tutors said was ‘boring’ when showing her the images. To expand the idea I’m going to stick with the same collage theme, but add garments onto the body using the same technique to show how its not just beauty that is affected by the influence of online posts but personal style as well. This will allow me to improve the quality of these images, as these were unprepared and slightly uncomfortable. Test Shooting has proved to be a constructive part of the project so far, (even after just one!) as there is always room for improvement and they allow a chance to receive constructive criticism to better my work.
• To guarantee that a model will always be present and reliable, it may be worth me thinking about using myself further within my ideas or looking into securing a back up team, however again this depends on the availability of others. As my confidence in front of the camera wasn't as bad as anticipated, and has improved slightly, it is very tempting to alter the direction of my project again so that it is on a completely personal level. I will continue along the objective path that I am currently following, before making any major changes, so that I can research further and produce more outcomes so that I can review the situation properly and then decide what is best for the project.

During this photoshoot, I found the fact that I felt uneasy during the shoot fascinating as when I am taking a selfie of myself I feel totally comfortable as I am in control of the angles and lighting. This is an important factor to keep in mind, as it is relatable to my topic as the content you personally create and post on social media is doctored to until you personally approve, unlike the situation I was in. 

Erickson (2013) explains how selfies have become a way for individuals to present a vision of themselves that they wish, as they are in complete control of their own image. She asks whether this one selected image has become the most important representation of our online identity? Admittedly it is the first point of focus when on an online profile and studies have shown that the comments on Facebook profile pictures strongly affect the levels of perceived physical, social and professional attractiveness. 

When asked why she takes so many self portraits, Chelsea Peretti, responded “loneliness and desperation for attention are crucial ingredients.” The difference in real life and self-image online is that technology has given us the ability change our look and mask our identity, even when being tagged in photos within online you are still able to untag, delete or modify the image to keep social presence consistent with the self-image you want others to see.

Online perceptions are difficult to distinguish, as a false image can easily be achieved by misleading posts within social media accounts. I feel very passionate about this aspect of my project theme, as I personally feel as though nobody should feel ashamed enough that they have to create a fake online persona. Could this be a result of technology moving too fast?

ERICKSON. C, 2013. The Social Psychology of the Selfie [viewed 10 March 2016]. Available from: http://mashable.com/2013/02/15/social-media-and-the-selfie/#eW12AyygcZqG