Research log.

Research Log

1. Manabu Yamanaka

http://www.ask.ne.jp/~yamanaka/

Manabu Yamanaka born in Japan in 1959, is a photographer who mainly focuses on the societal outcasts. In 2009, he released a monograph entitled  Gyahtei which shows the six major series he created during the period of 25 years, with all the titles that originate from Buddhism. One of the series well known is Jyoudo, a collection of photographs portraying physically deformed human beings. Manabu alone noticed that even in this state, 'I saw how truly natural each one of their lives really were'. Manabu's work has been exhibited extensively throughout the world and has appeared in numerous publications. His other series Gyahtei and Fujohkan are also well known. His latest body of work is a series of images that show unborn and deformed embryos.

2. Rania Matar

http://www.raniamatar.com/

Rania Matar born in Lebanon / USA in 1964 is a documentary photographer. In her photography she concentrates mainly on women and women's issues as identity and religion both in the US as in the Middle East. The series A Girl and her Room is inspired by her eldest daughter, which focuses on teenage girls within their private spaces. Her latest body of work entitled L'Enfant-Femme (The Child Women), was work which she portrayed young teens and pre-teens without giving them instructions apart from not smiling. These photos portrayed an array of emotions and clues to their true self. The angst, confidence and body language reveal their sense of selfhood and the developing sense of womenhood. As the teenagers still fluctuate between being a child and a women, Rania asks herself whether 'they are meant to see themselves as little girls, teenagers or as young women?' Since 2002 she has also been taking photographs of her four children showing the various stages of their lives.

3. Andrew Bruce

http://www.brucebruce.co.uk/

Andrew Bruce born in Kent, Uk in 1989 is a young london-based artist. In 2010, he gratuated from University for the Creative Arts, Farnham in 2010. Since then he has recieved much praise and attention for his work. During an interview, Andrew Bruce was known to say 'I started to see roadkill as a potent symbol of humanity’s clash with nature, both literally and figuratively. Of course people are going to avert their eyes from roadkill; it’s horrendous. Seeing a dead body, be that of a man or a beast, is understandably a traumatic experience. One minute we are a person, with relationships and a personality, and the next minute we could just be an object; our bodies are so delicate. So when it comes to that point of contact – metal against flesh and bone – whether you’re man or beast, you’re powerless. It doesn’t take much to turn a body into something unrecognisable, something repulsive even. I find this the most horrendous thought; it pierces through me, and it’s my worst nightmare.'

4. Cyril Helnwein 

http://cyrilhelnwein.com/bio.php

Cyril Helnwein has been taking photos since he was 10 years old, having started out with a Yashica half-frame camera that allowed 2 photos per film frame. Since then his work has been shown at various galleries worldwide and featured in a wide range of online and print publications, including a recent article in the UK alternative lifestyle magazine Bizzare. He has lived and worked in Austria, Germany, England, Scotland and the USA, eventually settling in Ireland in 1997. His implausible photographs are famously free from digital manipulation – Helnwein prefers to use traditional photography tools such as lighting, movement and timing.

5. Sarah Chang-De- Winne

http://www.sarahcheng-dewinne.com/

Sarah Cheng-De Winne, is a freelance photographer-artist. She specializes in portraiture, fashion and conceptual photography, keen to discover new ways of representing identities through photography. Trained formally in Art and Design, the 20 year old first picked up fashion photography as a reflexive means of making social commentary about media portrayal of women, thought and aesthetics in her portraits have resulted in a constant refinement of her artistry. In particular, Sarah's self portrait projects reveal her continued desire to use her unique perspective to explore women's issues and her identity as an artist.

6. Zhang Jingna

http://beautiful.zemotion.net/

Only picking up photography 4 years ago, 22 year old Singaporean photographer Zhang Jingna (aka zemotion) has already managed to turn professional, with a portfolio that includes names like, Canon, Lancome, Mercedes Benz, Montblanc, Pond's, Sony and Wacom. She has produced fashion editorials for major magazines such as Harper's Bazaar, L'Officiel, and Luxury. Jingna is based in Singapore.

7. Hid Saib

http://site.hidsaib.com/home/

Hid Saib is a Brazilian Photographer who has worked on some very interesting projects namely ‘Incolor’, ‘Desigual’, ‘Imperfeição’ and ‘Neon’. Saib tries to express his imagination through photography. He doesn’t believe in following the same old path followed by many photographer to create cliched and banal shots and this clearly reflects in his photos which are unique and expressive. Hid’s photography journey started since an early age when he used to photograph his friends and classmates during his school years. His interest in photography increased with time and Saib started to take classes in Photography when he moved to college.

8. Jan Banning

http://www.janbanning.com/

Jan Banning, 1954, The Netherlands, was born from Dutch-East-Indies immigrant parents. He studied Social and Economic History at the University of Nijmegen. His work is a mixture of photojournalism, documentary and fine-art photography. He has released an impressive amount of photography books. His most recent monograph is Comfort Women, a series of portraits of Indonesian women who were victims of forced sexual labor during the second World War. During the war the Japanese military set up a system for sex slavery, forcing women into prostitution in military brothels. Most of the women suffered physical and emotional consequences ever since.

9. Greg Manis

http://www.gregmanis.com/

 Greg Manis, 1975, is an American photographer who studied at the Savannah College of Art & Design. After completing his studies he moved to New York City to assist top photographers as Tom Munro and others. Although often named a "fashion" photographer, he considers himself to be a fine art photographer. He takes portraits of the girls that remind him of his childhood while growing up in a trailer park in Northwest Georgia with his family. His interest lies in the sexy, tough girls he was once afraid to approach yet longed to be with. His work is raw, playful, edgy and gives the viewer a glimpse into Manis' life. Greg has worked for clients as Nike and appeared in V Magazine and Inked to name a few. The following images come from his portfolios Sex, Drugs and Rock N' Roll.

10. Ville Varumo

http://cargocollective.com/villevarumo

Ville Varumo, 1986, Finland, is a young conceptual fashion photographer based in Helsinki. He started taking pictures in his teenage years and hasn't done anything else since. His photography is an extension of his moods and his growth as a human. He is fascinated by the feeling of mystery. Next to his often soft-toned fashion photographs Ville focuses on landscape photography. The tone and style of his landcsape images have the same signature as his fashion photographs. There is a certain calmness and aspects of islation in his imagery. The following images come from the portfolios Fashion, Untitled Work and Tölö Gymnasium. 

11. Steve Mccurry

http://stevemccurry.com/

Steve McCurry is a photojournalist whose photo "Afghan Girl" became instantly famous when it appeared on the cover of National Geographic in 1985. He began covering international conflicts during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s, hiding his film by sewing it into his clothes. McCurry has continued to cover the faces of those caught up in civil unrest, war and tragedy throughout the world.

12. Sebastiao Salgado.

http://www.pdngallery.com/legends/legends10/

In 1971 they moved again, to London, where Sebastião worked as an economist for the International Coffee Organization. He travelled often to Africa on missions affiliated with the World Bank. It was then that he first began taking his first photographs. On his return to London these images began to preoccupy him, and he abandoned his career as an economist. At the beginning of 1973 he and his wife returned to Paris so that he could begin his life as a photographer.

13. Alexandra Sophie

http://alexandra-sophie.fr/

 She grew up in the French countryside and discovered photography randomly through disposable cameras. Alexandra Sophie, born on September 30^th, 1992 in Belfort (France), is a French artist and photographer. Due to a long illness, Alexandra stopped school in 2008 and started her career in photography as a self-taught photographer. Her work is rapidly compared to David Hamilton’s, because of the young girls she photographs and her way of capturing ambient light. Her creations are used in magazines such as Vogue and Elle, internationally.

14. Annie Leibovitz

http://annieleibovitz.tumblr.com

Based in New York, Annie Leibovitz is best known for her portraits of political figures, musicians and athletes, all of which are featured regularly in magazines, fashion and advertising. Many of Leibovitz portraits of rock music celebrities have become signature images. A notable example is her portrait of the nude John Lennon on a bed with his fully clothed wife, Yoko Ono, the last portrait of Lennon before his death in 1980. 

15. Brittany Greeson.

http://www.brittanygreeson.com/portraits

I am a third year student pursuing a B.A. in both Photojournalism and Sociology from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. I am currently the Multimedia Manager for the Western Kentucky University Talisman, the Student Coordinator for The Mountain Workshops, and a Volunteer Multimedia Journalist for The Community Action of Southern Kentucky. I have worked for This Is Louisville, The Western Kentucky University Talisman, and The Oregonian.

16. Kirsty Mitchell

http://www.kirstymitchellphotography.com/galleries.php

Kirsty Mitchells mother died of a brain tumour. She died in November 2008 and that was when photography engulfed me, becoming an overwhelming passion that I could not stop. I found myself producing pieces that echoed the memories of her stories, and the belief in wonder I have always felt since a child. By combining my various backgrounds, I started to create images in which everything was made or designed by myself, with the occasional help of a few friends. The costumes, props, sets and accessories all became a vital part of the process that I recorded in the finished product of a photograph. It was driven by the need to produce tangible pieces of my dreams, and make it possible to step into the scenes for real. This physical creation was my favourite part, taking me to places I would have otherwise never known, until it finally led me to leave my fashion career behind in 2011 to focus purely on my photography.

17. Joel L.

http://www.joeyl.com/

Joey L. is a Canadian commercial photographer, director and published author based in Brooklyn, New York. A sensitive observer of endangered cultures and traditions, Joey travels the globe creating dramatic portraits while giving the viewer a powerful insight into his subjects’ lives. His photo series range from Brooklyn, New York to Siberut, Indonesia; proof of an artist equally comfortable with the familiar and the exotic. His work is cinematic and contemporary – a fine art portrait approach to subjects once only seen in photojournalistic styles.


18. Aaron Nace

http://aaron-nace.com/

For over five years, Aaron Nace has been teaching photography and photo manipulation to millions of users across the world at every skill level. Initially a hobbyist while earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Design from North Carolina State University, Aaron's expertise in Photoshop developed rapidly. His creative portfolio of retouching, compositing, and conceptual work grew quickly, and he soon became a globally recognized Photoshop master.

19.Brooke Shaden

Brooke Shaden was born in March of 1987 in Lancaster, PA, USA. She grew up near the "Amish Country" until attending Temple University. Brooke was photographically born in December 2008 after graduating from Temple with bachelor degrees in film and English. She now resides in Arizona, USA with her husband and three cats.

20. Benjamin Wong.

http://www.vonwong.com/

Motivated by the desire to be creatively challenged and overcome impossibilities, Benjamin Von Wong has become notorious for his epic photography. His hyper-realistic art style captures viewers in a fusion of special effects and innovative concepts. Benjamin's background in engineering gives him a unique edge for creative problem solving, where technical challenges become friendly competition. Fueled by his passion to connect people, Benjamin has an affinity for finding unique talent to bring his complex stories to life. He is also highly engaged in the photographic society by sharing his experiences and techniques through blogs, social media, workshops and videos. 

Reenactment of stories from books - Image bank.

Reenactment of stories from books. - Image bank.

In this photograph, we can see a young female in a white outfit and headdress walking through clothes in a wardrobe. This photo goes under a reenactment of a story from a book because it's based on the book 'A Lion, A Witch and A Wardrobe.' The positive point of this photograph is that the colours of all the outfits contrast against the young girls white dress representing 'innocence', this is a positive factor because the photo becomes eye-catching and brings back old memories from the shown scene in the book. The negative point of this photograph is that the doors are not included in this photograph, this is a negative factor because the story is then not able to be interpreted just as quick with the book it is from.  I believe that this photograph does not have any negative factors to reveal.

In this photograph, we can see a young female scrubbing the floors with items such as a pumpkin. The clothes of the model also contrast against the basic victorian setting. This photo goes under a reenactment of a story from a book because it's based on the book 'Cinderella'. The positive point of this photograph is the props used, this is a positive factor because by having the pumpkin or the cloth with the female, the book is suddenly linked with the photograph. The negative point of this photograph, is that the whole photograph is a little too dark, this is a negative factor because the photo is less eye-catching towards the audience. An improvement I would make to this photograph, would be to change the levels and curves.

In this photograph, we can see a couple sitting all dressed up in the middle of the woods, with objects such as frames, a table, chairs and a door as well as cups and saucers dotted around. This photo goes under a reenactment of a story from a book because it's based on the book 'Alice in Wonderland'. The positive point of this photograph is that the costumes and props create the story to become alive, this is a positive factor because it enlightens anyones childhood as it unfolds in front of them. The negative point of this photograph is the lens glare in the top left corner of the photograph, this is a negative factor because it causes a distraction to the audience. An improvement I would make to this photograph, would be to crop the section out.

In this photograph, we can see a girl with a giant pair of scissors whilst a girl entangled in the hair hiding in the corner. More hair is also shown hanging of the ceiling. This photo goes under a reenactment of a story from a book because it's based on the book 'Rapunzel'. The positive point of this photograph is that even though the photograph is slightly twisted, the young girls used really show the story well, this is a positive factor because it makes the audience feel as if they were the girls completing this action. I believe that this photograph does not have a negative factor or improvement to reveal.

In this photograph, we can see a young boy and girl standing outside an abandoned house. These models look rough and old fashioned but also fearful as the stand closely together. This photo goes under a reenactment of a story from a book because it's based on the book 'Hanzel and Gretel.' The positive point of this photograph is the location, this is a positive factor because the houses in the actual story was both extremely important to the whole tale. The negative point of this photograph is the colours may be too light compared to the story setting, this is a negative factor because the story does not match the photograph in the same context. An improvement I would make to this photograph, would be to change the levels and curves and darken the photograph. 

In this photograph, we can see a young girl dressed in an elegant princess look throwing up a golden ball. All these colours are between white and gold. This photo goes under a reenactment of a story from a book because it's based on the book 'The Frog Prince'. The positive point of this photograph is the fast motion shot of the ball actually in the air as the girls hands stay unblurred and in focus, this is a positive factor because the audience are shocked with how realistic throwing the ball actually looked. The negative point of this photograph is the background colour and the dress match closely, this is a negative factor because the dress is unclear and not actually noticeable to the audience. An improvement to this photograph would be to select the dress and darken the colour with the curves.

In this photograph, we can see a women sewing on a machine in her wooden dress, whilst gold is shown to appear in the right hand corner of the photograph. This room looks extremely basic and empty against the objects shown. This photo goes under a reenactment of a story from a book because it's based on the book 'Rumpelstiltskin'. The positive point of this photograph is the contrast of colours between the dress and the gold, this is a positive factor because it makes the photo eye-catching and unique. I believe that this photograph does not have a negative factor or improvement to reveal. 

Horror V.S Elegance - Image bank

Horror V.S Elegance - Image bank

In this photograph, we can see a model staring into the camera lens as the crosses hang in front of her face. The colours mostly range between black, silver and purple as the photo stays in a portrait style. This photo is placed under Horror V.S Elegance because while the models facial expression and make-up is styled so elegantly, crosses are used in a anti-religious view for the horror side of this. The positive point of this photograph is that the eyes stand out with the skin and the lipstick colour on the model to the audience, this is a positive factor because it becomes a quick focus point, which really draws in all the attention to the contrast. The negative point of this photograph, is that the chains above the models head are an distraction, this is a negative factor because it pulls the focus away from the real point and story of the photograph itself. An improvement I would make to this photograph, would be too try and clone the chains on the models head away. 

In this photograph, we cam see a three picture collage of a young female. In these three pictures, the model changes from a portrait, to a full body shot of her floating to another picture of her naked back. This photo is placed under Horror V.S. Elegance because the model keeps elegant positions with her body and face in such a natural way, whilst either the chain prop or her clothing or position shows possession and horror. The positive point of this photograph, is the positioning of the model, this is a positive factor because they all contrast and actually tell a horror style, while the model is shown to be innocent and elegant in a way. I believe that this photograph does not have a negative factor or improvement to reveal.

In this photograph, we can see an elegant women posing with her hands upon her head whilst she is covered in spiderwebs and a spider mask against a grey background. This photo is placed under Horror V.S. Elegance because the model completes an elegant pose as if she was in a fairytale whilst her outfit tells a completely different story in a more scary situation with also the fear of spiders. The positive point of this photograph is the models outfit, this is a positive factor because it nicely contrasts against the paleness of her flesh but also the darkish background to stand out more. The negative point of this photograph would be the camera positioning, this is a negative factor because it makes the photo look extremely basic. An improvement I would make to this photograph, would be to re-take the photograph from an ant-view angle or just a lower angle. 

In this photograph, we can see an elegantly make-uped girl with her hand against her mouth as blood drips from it, she is also shown to be leaning against a rusty and rough background. This photo is placed under Horror V.S Elegance because the models facial expression, positioning with the hand and facial expression shows innocence and elegance, whilst the blood and background compares against this in a horrific way. The positive point of this photograph is the clearly shown model's eyes, this is a positive factor because they draw the audience in to the elegance, this is a positive factor because the false appearance used quickly shatters into another story, making the audiences atmosphere shatter around them. I believe that this photograph does not have a negative factor or improvement to reveal.

In this photograph, we can see the elegance of two darker clothed women sitting amongst ruins with books and clothes laying around them. This photo is placed under Horror V.S. Elegance because the elegance comes from the gothic styled clothing and models positioning whilst the horror lingers through this with the selected location and items being placed around. The positive point of this photograph is that the models clothing matches well with the location, this is a positive factor because it resembles a more realistic feel as if the audience members were actually in that location, watching these models. The negative point of this photograph is that the standing model's full head is not shown, this is a negative factor because it makes the photograph simple, whilst also looking like an amateur took this photograph. As an improvement to this photograph, would be to re-take this photograph from a distance to include the full head of the standing model.

In this photograph, we can see a dungeon in the background, whilst a pale female is shown to be standing in the middle, with two men either side of her going in to bite her neck. This photo is placed under Horror V.S Elegance because the models which are shown to be vampires standing in the dungeon are also shown to be dressed elegantly and gothic styled as if they actually ruled the place. The positive point of this photograph is that while the horror is really shown, the elegance is mainly focused on, this is a positive factor because it reveals to the audience that even though the main focus is usually horror, some sort of elegance is always seen through it. I believe that this photograph does not have a negative or improvement to be revealed. 

In this photograph, we can see a young female mode sitting against a grey background naked, whilst these mechanical skin coloured splinters come out of her spine and arm. This photo is placed under Horror V.S. Elegance because the model is shown to be feminine whilst these splinters which can be a phobia for most people come out of her flesh. The positive point of this photograph is how realistic the splinters look whilst coming out of the women's body, this is a positive factor because the audience can become mesmerised by the appearance of this now horror looking mechanical women. I believe that this photograph does not have a negative factor or improvement to reveal.