Subject X: Vampires
For my Subject X, I wanted to explore vampirism and its semiotics (fangs, blood, shadows, fear, desire, and religious symbolism), while also paying homage to iconic vampire films from the 20th century: Nosferatu (1922), Dracula (1931), The Lost Boys (1987), and Interview with the Vampire (1994).
WIP Images:
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Hi Jamie,
I’m particularly drawn to the top two photos. In the first photo the composition is strong because the subject is holding a red necklace and it is drawing my eye into the focal point. As my eye scans over the photo I notice subtle details intentional details such as the rings, and nails and even the black of the coat creates a cool contrast between the black background. The photo gives a sense that the necklace is very sentimental to the person holding it. As a next step I think it would be cool to zoom in on the relationship between the necklace and the subject with minimal background showing this is because it gives the photo a little more mystery and story telling.
As for the second photo with the books I really like how you arranged each item as it looks very intentional. Expanding on that point the books are cut off and it makes the viewer try to make out what the title is. the out of focus candle in the background looks mysterious using a strong depth of field. As a next step for this photo, it would be intriguing to dim down the lighting to make it more dramatic. Tying more into that point if the lighting was a little less bright it would tie into the theme of how vampires don’t like the light. OVERALL GREAT WORK!!!
Hi Jamie! I agree, the top two photos I feel are the most successful as well, they are staged quite nicely. They are somewhat cinematic and tell a story. I love the darkness and mystery captured in these works. They have this lovely witchy and vampire feel, causing the viewer to want to ask questions about the narrative here. The stark contrast between the black background, clothing, table and some of the objects and the paleness of the skin and the pearls. This really allows these things to pop and become the. centre point of the pieces. Overall love these pieces so far and can’t wait to see where they go!
I find your subject matter really intriguing. I am looking forward to seeing how you push your idea further in the next steps of the assignment.
I would have to agree with the others. I am also drawn to the top 2 images. You paid so much attention to all the little details, the fingernails, jewelry and the black coat that seems to come forth from the shadows! I love the compositions. My only issue with the those 2 images and the other hand image, they are missing the moody vibe of vampire lore. I feel like it would be interesting to see all your images shot as if the only light source was from a lit candle.
I think the other figure images are interesting but they seem to be missing the mark. I don’t really get the sense of fear or seduction from these images, which is partially to do with the lighting and some to do with cropping. I would suggest focusing on micro behaviours instead of the big expressions unless you go all the way with them. For instance the 3rd last image. I love the jewelry details and the way the hands are and seeing the details of the jacket, but what if you cropped out the top the model to minimize the white space, but also to bring more focus on the details rather than the face of model.
I really appreciate the mood and atmosphere you’ve managed to create in these photos! The photo where you’re snarling and the last photo with the candle make particularly intriguing use of light and shadows, but there’s something to appreciate in each photo. I also appreciate the variety of different sub-themes you’ve examined! The photograph of your shadow is so menacing, and the still-life with the books is so refined, but I can easily tell that they belong to the same series.
I think that your photos that crop out the model’s head create very mysterious and intriguing compositions, and I’m curious to see how a similar photo featuring two models interacting might look (for instance, trying to show a vampire feeding without showing the actual head). Whatever you do next with this Subject X, it’s very entertaining so far!
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