Rockabilly Romania Live Brief




Canterbury Christ Church University


Depart of Media
Photography Year 3
Professional & Community Practice in Photography

Project Proposal

DEADLINE DATE: 27/11/12


Print Name: Andrada Mihailescu

Description of the Project Proposal (this will be no less than 400 words).
This project aims to promote rockabilly and pin-up culture in Romania. It shall be completed by collaborating with rockabilly.ro which is a website dedicated to promoting this type of lifestyle, culture, perspectives and characteristic features.

The reason for choosing pin-up photography for this live brief 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.

During 15th February until 22nd February 2013 two photo sessions will take place in Bucharest in order to shoot the images which shall be published on the rockabilly.ro website along with a series of interviews. With regards to the production team, there shall be 5 models involved, 1 make-up artist, 2 fashion designers, 1 assistant and the person in charge of the studio. Due to the fact that I wish to focus on the characteristics such as clothing, make-up, hairstyle and attitude, the photos will be taken in the studio so that the viewer’s attention is not distracted by other elements such as background or location. Final images should reflect the authenticity of a pin-up girl and prove that this kind of appearance can be easily fitted in today’s modern society even if it has its roots in the 1950s.

Hair and make-up are going to be essential for the photo shoots therefore I have to make sure that the people in charge with these aspects are capable of doing a good job and will not drop out 2 hours prior to the shoot. When it comes to clothing and accessories, communication with the models will be the key to success. They will most likely provide the outfits, as their knowledge about pin-ups is far greater than mine. It is here where the two fashion designers also step in. Costache Diana and Luiza Clinciu are kind enough to provide some of the outfits which shall be used in the shoots. The models will also bring their contributions by means of clothing, accessories and shoes.

Apart from that, character will be evidenced by means of personal styling and outfit choices. The location is going to be a studio in Bucharest. Reasons why I have chosen this option instead of an outdoor location is instability of weather conditions and avoiding the distraction of the viewer’s attention by factors such as background when looking at the photos.

The entire project is going to be co-ordinated by myself and Ana Maria Oana, president of the Rockabilly Romania Association. The 5 models who agreed to take part in this collaboration are as follows: Ioana Vieru, Isabel Beatrice Strat, Luiza Clinciu, Mary Revery and Nicoleta Petre.

Identify any RESOURCES / PERMISSIONS you will require (note that your signature at the proforma’s end indicates that you have confirmed access / permissions to what you have proposed – if not yet secured your tutor will be unable to sign off).

I will be using my own camera, which is a Nikon D700 with lenses such as Nikon 50mm, f/1.8 and Tokina 28-70mm, f/2.8. Items such as memory cards, laptop and external hard drive will be required to store and edit the images.

Regarding clothing and accessories, the models are able to provide them. Hair stylists and make-up artists will also play a key role in the shoots. I have been in contact with people who specialise in this field and they have kindly agreed to help me. They will receive the images produces as a result of the photo session so they can use them in their portfolios.

When it comes to location, I will have to get in touch with someone who owns a studio in Bucharest and ask for permission to use the space for approximately 5 hours on two days, in order to get the shoots done. I shall also be using the backdrops and lighting kits available in the space (for example: beauty dish, soft box, continuous lights).

How will you evidence your practice?
I will evidence my practice by developing my personal photographic style whilst experimenting with new types of photography and models with different character and appearances, compared to the ones I have worked with until now.
Portraiture has been of interest to me ever since I started exploring photography and therefore entering a competition by submitting portraits evidences my practice.

Annie Leibovitz’s quote: “When I say I want to photograph someone, what it really means is that I’d like to know them” is my main source of inspiration when dealing with portraiture. I only photograph the people I find interesting and about which I wish to know more. Discovering their personality and character through photography is the best way I can think of.

Does your proposal raise any potential concerns or specific considerations? If so, how might you resolve these?
The only potential concern raised by my proposal is related to timing and people dropping out at the last moment, just before the shoot. I should be able to resolve this by having back-up regarding models, make-up artists and hairstylist. In addition to that, having a set schedule and constantly communicating with the others in the team will help avoid any unexpected situations.
Model release forms will be printed out and signed so that the model gives her permission to be photographed and allows me to use the final images.


Print out and submit: DEADLINE DATE: 27/11/12


Signed:  ……………………………… (STUDENT)

Signed: ………………………………. (TUTOR)

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