Mapplethorpe Location Work Diary

We were set with the task of capturing Robert Mapplethorpe inspired images within the environment. For this I wanted to focus on capturing interesting images while thinking about the composition. I was able to accomplish this by considering different angles in which I could compose the image and to consider how much of the frame I wanted to dedicate to the subject. I went out to shoot with a few reference images from Mapplethorpe in my head that I wanted to create around the environment. This would allow me to better understand his process and better apply his methods to the other images within the shoot.

This image is taking direct inspiration from one of Robert Mapplethorpe's pictures. I was a fan of how he used this pose to compose his image and I wanted to use this pose to replicate his technique. Formal elements can be seen within this image. The brickwork creates a large pattern which causes contrasts to be seen against the person to the right of the image. The light being cast across the photo show the contrasts in textures. The wall appears rough while the person appears smooth in comparison. Some obvious contrasts in the colour can be seen within the image. This is enhanced with the use of the black and white filter. The black and white colour of the t-shirt and the contrast of the dark wall against the pale skin tone form to cause the person to stand out from the background.

This image is interesting because eI have moved the camera in order to focus on filling the frame from the bottom of the image. This image was inspired from another one of Mpplethorpe's images in which he uses the same technique to fill the bottom of the frame. Clear contrasts are shown within the image. The flower within the image clashes with the dark colour of the hair. There are contrasts between her lighter colour clothing and the dark background which are enhanced by the black and white filter. Tone can be seen within the image which highlight details and the texture of the person's face and clothing.

Progression:

If I were to do this again I would look to show more variation within my images. I would do this by taking inspiration from Mapplethorpe's images and look for interesting ways of composing my pictures.