Veteran Portrait Shoot - 08/03/24:

For this shoot I had a plan to shoot in the style of Steve Pyke. Pyke shot close up portraits of veterans in black and white while in square format, in a project entitled 'WW1 Veterans'. 

Before I Began my shoot, I spoke to the veterans and explained to them that my intention was to shoot informal portraits. 

I shot each portrait using the same backdrop, using a dark wall. I wanted to create a contrast between the subject and the background. I shot using a 18-55mm lens. I shot multiple portraits per person and shot in jpeg and raw as I normally do. I shot colour full frame portraits and black and white square format to begin with. 

The previous two images were my personal favourites from this shoot, especially the second side on view image. For this portrait I took the initial images head on then asked the subject to look towards the window to their right. I then asked for him to put his head slightly down as I thought it would create a sense of reflection.  

Throughout this shoot I had the same directions for each subject. I started by shooting a portrait by asking them to look at the camera and act however they wish. I then directed them more by asking them to look out of the window to their right. I feel that added a sense of reflection and reminiscence. As though each veteran was reflecting on their life and service career. Depending on the type of person I was capturing, I asked them to look slightly downwards. 

The last portraits that I took, the last two images, I conducted an interview as I had not met nor interviewed him previously. 

Ivan Interview: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qXoKG6ppL0lrLr4CZOqrxTngsUn1h3pv/view?usp=sharing

During the shoot, I shot a few landscapes in the same style as the portraits, to be presented gathered together to add context to the location and the stories of the people. In addition to landscapes I shot a few still life images within the produce hall. Below are examples of the landscape and still life images. 

This was my first shoot for this project that I felt worked for my project. The first one that made me have an understanding of the direction that I take. For my future shoots, I intend to continue to shoot in this style. To use Steve Pyke's work as my main source of inspiration. 

I presented the images primarily in twos. This choice was well received during my feedback session and I was told that my presentation was well thought ut. I was considering all aspects of my work for this shoot. 

Feedback for this shoot had a positive result. My work had a sense of development throughout my project. I was told that my portraits had a confrontational feel to them rather than an intimate side, which was my aim. I was recommended to shoot using natural light as for this shoot, I did not. I also was shown editing techniques to use to enhance the lighting across the face. For example, by adjusting the hue and curves. By being shown these editing techniques, the images would have more of a connection to the work of Steve Pyke. I felt that when going into my next shoot I had a good understanding of the direction I will take and the adjustments needed to move forward.