Robin Michals | COMD 1340 Photography 1

Author: Brianna Brand

Final Project Statement & Mood Board Brianna B.

A Contemporary Perspective on Black Fashion

I took some time and planned to photograph todayā€™s fast-paced world. The relevance of pop culture and new fashion trends cannot be overstated new things are happening every day, especially in NYC. I plan to deliver an intricate insight into the relationship between Fashion Statements and African American Culture while highlighting the contemporary trends of popular culture, the interesting, the weird, and things you may have seen before. I have a deep feeling for fashion photography in some weird way; it speaks to me and makes me feel alive by capturing people in their unique styles and their confidence in what they are wearing, I get to have instant insight into who are and how you carry yourself through fashion it’s kind of like a mini telepathic interview without you even speaking. In this age of constant communication and visual communication it influences our societal aesthetics so photographing these trends of fashion allows us to examine how much the media and societal changes have influenced us to individually shape and express our identities. In a way not only am I capturing the style of these models, but their voices are being heard through this digital outlet. I feel like diversity has always been an area of lack in the fashion industry from casting models to looking past sheer talent because of oneā€™s background or skin. In recent years, I feel like modern society has challenged the fashion industry to become more inclusive; it’s been refreshing to witness many creatives of color being given their moment. Fashion plays a huge role in our lives and allows us to be brave and express ourselves so why not show it off and show people who you are, those artistic visions have always been there they just needed an opportunity to take off and stand out.

Brand_Brianna: HW1-Composition

Kensington – Suzanne Stein Photography

   The image and photographer I chose to write about is Suzanne Stein’s ā€œKensington: Chelsey Allegheny Ave”. Along with all of Steinā€™s photographs being disturbing it holds the real and raw truth of people’s lives. Her work makes you step back and think about how there are people around the world who are suffering this way, she gives us a front-row seat to reality. Stein’s image ā€œKensington: Chelsey Allegheny Aveā€ is a close-up of narcotics in a woman’s hands being ready to be used at that same moment; it made me feel uncomfortable but realize how real the world is. In this world there are two types of people; people who want to make something out of themselves and people who just gave up on life. I believe that Stein’s intent was not to capture these people in mockery but to document the human condition of people who are suffering. 

    Based on the Steve McCurry video, McCurry used the most important elements of design which were Frame within the Frame, Leading lines, and Patterns. The image I chose from the video is the timestamp of 1:17-1:20, the photo of two people in the middle of a circular door frame with square windows on each side. The square windows depict a pattern of small diamond-shaped holes that reflect its shadow on the floor also causing leading lines. The overall image was taken from the point of view of the frame within a frame, I chose this image because it almost makes you feel like you are inside the same room the photo was taken in.