For a Recent seminar activity, I had to Analyse an image of our choice that we found interesting and wanted to share our opinion on it. These images had to be chosen from a magazine that I was familiar with, in which I chose 'Dazed & Confused'; and a new magazine that I had never read before... which I chose...'Article'.
For this activity I had to answer a series of questions, after analysing the visual communication of the photograph.
Dazed & Confused
1. Take a quick look at the image.
(Words / praises that instantly sprung to mind)
(Words / praises that instantly sprung to mind)
- Simple but a striking photograph
- Hard to pinpoint what the image signifies
- neutral
- intriguing
- Fashion Image for an Article on a Brand
3. Denotation- Systematically list the elements of the image, without making any interpretation.
- Man with his eyes closed
- Expressive hands
- Soft lips slightly open
- Short bleach-blonde bowl haircut with two hoop earings
- The facial expression the model is making connotate's messages of deep thought.
- The facial expression could also quite simply be that the photographer has captured him just as he was about to sneeze.
- His hand posture and movement, suggests to the viewers that he is about to say something.
- His style conforms to the grunge / indie culture and lifestyle.
- The neutral colours used in the image connotates a relaxed / natural / laid back mood and feeling.
5. What is it?
It is a fashion image for a magazine article about Calvin Klein's new menswear label 'Platinum' for AW14. This was for a feature in Dazed & Confused magazine.
Who Produced it?
- Photographer- Dario Catellani
- Stylist- John Clover
- Hair Stylist- Jose Quijano
When was it produced? What else was happening at the time, in the specific field?
- The article was produced for the A/W 14 issue which was published on September 11th 2014.
- Fashion imaging is becoming a lot more simple by using minimalistic approaches and digital ideas, instead of very busy imagery.
Did any specific ideas or theories inform its production, and Does it belong to a trend or movement?
- It states in the article that the global creative director for CK,Kevin Carrigan, has always looked at street culture for inspiration, as he thinks that it is where the most progressive new shapes emerge. Adding to this, the article then goes onto say that for CK's latest label there has been major influences from the 80's as Carrigan has experienced the decade's underground, first hand. As well as both of these inspirations, he was also influenced by Artist Joseph Beuys 'Felt suit'.
- ' There was this whole fantasy world of experimental experimentation in the 80's, but it was very personal. people felt free to express themselves, and that was why i was drawn to it. it was an act of self expression.'- Kevin Carrigan
- These influences have quite clearly been translated into the fashion image; as there is a grunge and retro and care-free vibe. This could easily be related to the 80's Trend.
Who was it produced for?
- Target audience- This is for the readers of Dazed & Confused magazine. The audience of the magazine are people that are interested in youth culture,fashion and photography. Ages ranging from 18-30.
- Actual audience- As well as the readers of Dazed & Confused, this magazine issue features Pop artist Nicki Minaj, therefore fans of the artist may also have read the issue.
What technology/ Media / Materials have been used and why?
This fashion image is a digital photograph that appears to have been shot in a studio, using lighting and a brown backdrop and flooring that could either be fabric or paper. The image has been printed on a gloss finished page.
Article
1. Take a quick look at the image.
(Words / praises that instantly sprung to mind)
(Words / praises that instantly sprung to mind)
- Simple but a striking photograph
- Hard to pinpoint what the image signifies
- uses of bold colour but at the same time, using quite harmonious colours
- intriguing
- English Gentleman
- sophistication
2. Note, what kind of is it, and what field or tradition it belong's to.
- An editorial photograph for a styling feature, in 'Article magazine.
3. Denotation- Systematically list the elements of the image, without making any interpretation.
- Man looking into the distance
- Glasses in his hands
- Soft lips slightly open
- Smart style- gentleman like
- unnatural posture
- standing in front of a painting
- The facial expression and posture of the model looking into the distance, connotate's messages of deep thought and in analysis of something.
- His style conforms to the sophisticated working class, with his collar and tie, document case, glasses and wool overcoat.
- The image connotate's a relaxed / unnatural mood and feeling.
- There is a clear contrast within the image as the model appears to be clean cut and stylish, where the painting in the background is busy and abstract.
5. What is it?
An editorial photograph from 'The Process' feature in the magazine.
Who Produced it?
- Photographer- Tony Smith
- Art Director & Designer- Rosy Tsai
When was it produced? What else was happening at the time, in the specific field?
- The feature was produced for the A/W 14 issue which was published in November 2014.
- Within Fashion imaging pop colours and art are being used a lot more today, as a visual contrast within a photo.
Did any specific ideas or theories inform its production, and Does it belong to a trend or movement?
- Current trends of 2014 include 'Geek chic' & 'adorkable', which these trends have been adopted into a more sophisticated manner.
Who was it produced for?
- Target/ Actual audience- This is for the readers of Article magazine. The audience of the magazine are people that are interested in menswear,fashion, art, photography, culture and lifestyle. Ages ranging from 20-35.
What technology/ Media / Materials have been used and why?
This fashion image is a digital photograph that has been shot in the Timothy Taylor Gallery in London, using unnatural lighting and a painted backdrop by artist Eemyun Kang. The image has been printed on a gloss finished page.
KD
