Still life Feature

Many of my competitors have still life imagery as part of their magazine. It is a popular visual element to a fashion publication as it provides inspirational art and fashion imagery for the readers. For my imagery, I am inspired by Andy Warhol and by the current S/S17 trend  of primary colours.

For the still life, I plan to create images that highlight a current trend to inspire my readers as they are interested in fashion and trends. Seen on the recent catwalks I want to present this trend in an innovative and eye catching way that is artistic to the readers.

  Primary Colour trend S/S17

I'm influenced by Andy Warhol work as he interprets the clashing of primary colours well. The layout of multiple artwork creates contrast and symmetry at the same time. It is a more innovative method to present a still life and appeals to the readers as its eye-catching.

Inspiration 

Source: Andy Warhol Prints: A Catalogue Raisonné 1962 - 1987: A Catalogue Raisonne 1962-1987 – 26 Aug 2003 by Frayda Feldman and Jorg Schellmann 

Test Shoot 1

Feedback from tutors:

Not innovative for my style of magazine. Needs to be my own interpretation not a replica. The repetition of images doesn't work well as a layout. Need to develop this idea further to improve it. It needs to link to the purpose of my magazine. 

Does it relate to feminism and vintage? 

This test shoot was unsuccessful as the result looks amateur and not professional. It doesn't suit the style of my magazine and wouldn't look appealing or inspiring to the eye of my audience. 

How I've developed my still life

My still life editorial will be a feature in my magazine. A feature that will discuss the topic of whether high heels are an empowering symbol of feminism and empower a woman. Or degrades and sexualises a woman all for the purpose of the male gaze. I will interview people for their own opinion on this controversial topic.

Is wearing high heels in a workplace empowering or sexualising?

How do you feel when wearing high heels?

Can feminists wear high heels? or does that go against their morals and beliefs?


It will be a article that discusses both views, but intend for it to be short as there will be other articles in my magazine that will be longer and moe in-depth. This feature will link to feminism and  to the magazines ethos, which is to empower women and make the readers feel 'strong' for being a woman.

Inspired by Andy Warhol polaroid still life work, which has an vintage element to it with the polaroid effect. I intend on experimenting with this effect with my own still life to suit the vintage style of the magazine. I'm also inspired by the still life work created by Guy Bourdin, who focuses on the red shoes (as seen in moodpboard). I intend on carrying out a test shoot in the studio to experiment with both styles of work from these artists to see what works and what doesn't. I also intend on doing a modern take from these influences.

Red shoe still life (Guy Bourdin) Polaroid still life (Andy Warhol) 

Test shoot 2 

This test shoot was carried out in the photography studios, using professional equipment to improve the outcome of my images. The minimal shots work the best because they appear more professional as a still life image, and its closer to the standards expected by industry. However, these results didn't turn out aesthetically vintage for my magazine style. To improve these further I edited them into polaroids in Photoshop. Here is the results:

Unfortunately, these edits didn't work so well, and don't look like a real polaroid. Therefore, I have come to a decision that I will not continue to develop this still life concept any further. If I was to continue experimenting with different techniques to develop ideas, I will be behind on other tasks for this project and it will affect my time management and process of making this magazine. 

Alternatively, I've decided to do a spread on inspirational quotes from famous actresses about empowerment of femininity. From the golden age of Hollywood to inspire my audience and suit the vintage style of my magazine.