Models for Nikon Contest

Until now I have thought of two models who could help me with the shoots.
We shall see how things evolve once I get back home and meet up with them.
I will keep searching and thinking about ideas for the shoots.

Model: Denis Serban
Photographer: Ciprian Sauca
Hair Stylist, Clothing Stylist, Concept: Dena
Asistant: Corina Dragan

Model: Andra Tautu
Photographer: Adrian Vaju
Coordinator, Concept, Clothing stylist; Hair-stylist: Ana-Maria Oana
Assistant Coordinator: Denis Serban (Dena Nyssa)

Accessories: Shop BillyKustom.com
Location: Hotel Classic Inn, Brasov

Nikon Photo Contest 2013

I have identified another photography contest which sparked my interest.
The competition is held by the Nikon corporation every year in order to discover new emerging talent as well as reward the experienced practitioners who have been working in this field for a long time.

http://www.nikon.com/news/2012/1025_contest_01.htm

At the moment, I am thinking of entering either the single image or the photo story category, depending on the final outcome of the shoots.  

My intention is to produce a series of pin-up portraits during the winter holiday, when I shall be going back home, in Brasov, Romania. With regards to models and make-up artists, I have been in contact with a few people who have agreed to help me with the shoots. The next step is location scouting. That matter is slightly difficult to deal with at the moment, because I can only use the internet to search for places. The actual scouting will take place after the 7^th December 2012 when I will be able to go and see the locations. Afterwards, decisions will be made.
 

The reason for choosing pin-up photography for this competition is that I have never had the opportunity to experiment working with such characters and subjects. I have always admired their style, clothing, make-up and last but not least attitude.

A strong pin-up portrait should reflect the model’s uniqueness and personality. That is what I am aiming to capture through the series of images.

PX3 Competition

PRIX DE LA PHOTOGRAPHIE PARIS

Self Portraiture Submission. 

Camera used: Nikon D90

Lens used: Nikon 18-105mm

Location: Broadstairs, United Kingdom. 

 

This image was shot in October 2011, as part of a series entitled "Life on the High Street". It is a self portrait depicting me during the process of fitting in with the new environment and space in which I had recently moved into. In an attempt to fit in with the rest of the furniture, I assumed the role of a lamp, whilst posing accordingly. I aimed to capture movement in the image in order to create contrast between myself as human, having the ability to move and static objects such as lamps. This photograph aims to reflect the feeling one gets when changing setting and adapting to a new lifestyle in a new space. What at first seems to be entirely out of place, slowly but surely turns out to adapt, becoming second nature. Now, I am no longer a lamp, I have moved on to being the person living at Flat 6, on the High Street.

The photograph aims to reflect the relationship between space and identity, when moving away from home and living alone. Not sharing the space with anyone else proved to be challenging as I was not used to being independent and dealing with everything on my own. With regards to editing, removing colour seemed to be the best option at the time, as it enhances to overall atmosphere created in the image. I feel that colour would have distracted the viewer from the main point of focus, represented by the setting and lamp shades.

Sony World Photography Awards 2013 - Architecture

SONY WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS 2013 

Architecture Submission

Steel Structure DNA. 

Camera used: Nikon D90

Lens used: Nikon 18-105mm.

Location: West Berlin, Germany.  

When it comes to architecture, shapes and symmetry have triggered my interest because of their ability to create abstract imagery. I tend to focus on capturing building through a different perspective which captures people’s attention and starts imagination games.

The image submitted to this category depicts a building located in West Berlin, Germany. The main element which made me want to photograph it was the metal staircase and its shadows. It reminded me of the structure af human DNA due to its continuity. Had I walked past it on a different occasion, at a different time of day and weather conditions, this frame would not have been the same. The photograph is part of my Open Brief project entitled “Scratching the surface of Berlin” which I completed during my second year as an undergraduate.

From the entire series, this photograph is my favorite because of its simplicity.

It is a combination of lines, textures and color which makes me think I would easily be able to draw this image without too much effort.  

Sony World Photography Awards 2013 - Portraiture

SONY WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS 2013

Portraiture Submission: 

"When I say I want to photograph someone, what it really means is that I'd like to know them. Anyone I know, I photograph." - Annie Leibovitz

1. Bonjour et Au Revoir

Camera used: Nikon D90

Lens used: Nikon 18-105mm.

Location: Train Station, Brasov, Romania. 

In this image I aimed to achieve a vintage atmosphere by using the train station as shooting location, retro clothing and items such as dotted scarves. This particular image is my favourite from the series entitled “Bonjour et Au Revoir” because of the model’s facial expression and body language. It is almost as if she is turning around one last time, in order to say goodbye before leaving. I did not want the model to smile, on the contrary, I wanted her to be melancholic and give the viewer something to ponder upon. For example, where she is planning to go, why is she keen on leaving.

2. Once Upon a Past 

Camera used: Nikon D700

Lens used: Tokina 28-70mm

Location: Maierus, near Brasov, Romania.

In this image, the model’s face cannot be seen, as she is looking outside a window belonging to an abandoned property. The choice of edit was black and white in this case in order to enhance the textures and shapes present. The model is wearing a long skirt made of light fabric which creates a contrast between it and the surrounding environment.  Natural light was used when producing the image because I wanted to capture the delicate shadows formed on the skirt, hair and walls. By choosing not to show the model’s face, I aimed to focus on telling a story and making the viewer question what is actually going on in the photo. Is she waiting for someone or perhaps she is not allowed to leave the premises, reminding us of Rapunzel’s fairytale. The element of beauty in decay is also present in the frame.