Gender-Identity Photoshoot

Over the past couple of weeks, as a group we have been planning and taken out a photoshoot. It was inspired by a Vogue 2012 photoshoot by Josh Olins in the ideas we came up with it looking dynamic, youthful, intelligent, layered and portraying gender. The concepts were hard to come up with using only 5 words. Originally, we had this idea of a sleek, minimal, classic black & white photoshoot that looked like it was taken in the 40s. However, when it actually came to shoot day we didn't like how boring the images were turning out. As much as you can plan a photoshoot, we found that the outcome was better when we played around and went with a more spontaneous idea. We were stuck for a couple of hours but once the flow started it became fun, enjoyable and interesting. Some behind the scenes shots are below:

A Revolution of Acceptance, December 2017

Our five words are intelligence, layers, youthful, gender-identity and dynamic. In light of the current gender revolution we have created an exposed and raw portrayal of society’s effect and influence on individuals. The ripped up pages of glossy magazines surrounding the models depict the beautiful and idealistic expectations created by elite culture, and the fact that the models have brown paper bags over their heads hides their beauty and identity whilst creating an aura of gender-neutrality. It is suggested that they are both half naked, with the nude bra creating the illusion of toplessness which reflects a lack of layers; the word is also symbolised through magazine layering. The models are youthful and part of a generation most likely to be influenced by body expectations, whilst intelligence is conveyed through the more abstract concept of self-awareness and acceptance rather than the typical look of a smart businesswoman/man. There are visual contrasts of the dynamic colours in the magazines and the simple models. It’s defying cultural and social expectations. 

Love,

Shaleen

xxx