ALK

Here are a few of my favourite test shots from Monday's shoot. Over all I think as a first test shoot, the images produced portray a good example of the style and approach that we are aiming to achieve as a group. We each individually contributed to the progression of this shoot in one way or another, from ideas regarding composition and poses, to backdrop colour and props used. As mentioned by Katie, a group agreement has been made that in future the images featuring the blue dress with the orange coat, will feature a dark green backdrop as we believe this will enhance the visual of the products.

CONS:
A few aspects of the shoot that I would perhaps change if this was a solo project, would be the top used in the first image. Although this works excellently in portraying a specific decade, we had agreed that focusing on a decade would detract from the actual concept of the advertising brief - Reuse and Recycle. I believe that this top, combined with the set up gives too much of an indication on era. Perhaps if we were to change the top to something a little more basic, like a black polo neck jumper. This might slightly enhance the feel of the images, placing them firmly in the category of advertising. This said, I am personally very pleased with the shots produced and would not complain if this outfit remained the same for the final images but perhaps an alternative could be experimented with.

An obvious element of these images that I would change, would be the creased backdrop. The colour is wonderful and certainly works very well with all other aspects of the shot, but the creases somewhat detract and degrade the quality of the imagery.

We agreed that although we are fond of the layout of the bottom two images, we are keen to step away from the catalogue feel that is being produced through the colour and posing of the model. Although this is a subtle feeling within the imagery, it does however make all the difference.

PROS:
The addition of the step ladder was great as it added a certain something to the feel within the shots. I felt that to enhance this further, we could add a pot plant, almost creating this mundane office atmosphere. This was a group agreement and it definitely improved the appearance of the shot. Its given us thought for future shots, that props can make or break an image. Its about balance.

It was also great to see the clothes that had been picked out, placed on a model chosen by Katie. I believe Katie has done really well with choosing the models and the look that has been achieved, is one that we all had imagined. The clothes don't look second hand, and its been great to see our ideas pulled off.

We worked really quite well as a team in the studio. It gave us the motivation to develop our ideas further.

AP.

KL

The above contact sheets include all of the shots taken by the three of us on our test shoot. Our test shoot was done in a studio rather than on location so that we were able to better understand the lighting we would need to use to effectively shoot the clothing and to gain a better understanding of the final aesthetic we wish to achieve. This shoot was collaborative - we all shot images and helped direct the model.

Above is a reflection of our progress so far in creating an effective advertising campaign for Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. (Click to open in new window and view).
We received mainly positive feedback but also had to constructive criticism to improve and refine our final aesthetic.

You can also view the presentation here. 

KL