PROJECT EVALUATION

The aim of this project was to create an online exhibition that investigates the phenomenon of dream and to present dreams as stories. The exhibition follows the stories of five dream protagonists, each representing a different dream state or sleep phenomenon; their stories are portrayed through haunting and thought-provoking photographs accompanied by cinematic sound and film. Visual imagery throughout the exhibition is created with a unique and filmic style utilising vibrant colour to mimic the vivid madness of dream.

Initially, in my project proposal, it was proposed that the final outcome would integrate the theme of fairytale because I was inspired by Sigmund Freud's theory that dream symbols can be understood through the analysis of symbols in fairytale. However, very early on in the project and after some discussion with my tutor, I decided that exploring the theme of dream and sleep phenomenon alone would be more interesting and lead to a more unique outcome. Although, I didn't expand on the idea of fairytale, the final outcome undoubtedly has a fairytale aesthetic - I think one can interpret the stories of each character as dark fairytales when viewing the exhibition. However, I feel that these 'fairytale' characters are much more unique because they are not inspired by any existing fairytales.

The target audience for the final outcome still remains the same - this project is aimed at the eighteen to thirty age group who have an appreciation for art, beauty and horror. I aim for the same audience as dark beauty magazine and beautiful bizarre magazine who exhibit a similar artistic aesthetic as what I have produced. 

Throughout the creation of Phantasia, I have developed my ability as a creative practitioner in many ways. I chose to depend on myself for the majority of the project and it is a decision I don't regret. Although directing and working as part of a team would have perhaps improved my ability as a creative director, by depending on myself I was able to gain a better understanding of image production and greatly expand my creative and technical skill set. Power was something that I strongly valued whilst working alone, I was able to capture my visions without the worry of being able to communicate them accurately or having my ideas changed to satisfy others whilst working in a team - this exhibition is completely of my own vision. I have realised through this project that I have a great interest in creative direction as an alternative career path to makeup artistry.

Photography was the most challenging part of the production process. I am glad that I had assisted many shoots in the past for I feel that without those experiences I would never have found the confidence to photograph the majority of images - I was also able to easily communicate my vision to the photographer who shot two of the characters. I spent a long time studying the work of other photographers such as Sarah Moon, Paolo Roversi and Tim Walker, I was very much inspired by their use of colour and dream-like aesthetic and I proceeded to experiment with different techniques to achieve similar effects. I am a believer of improvement from trial and error, an experimental mind set was key to the success of the project because I was able to develop my personal style of photography and express it through the visual imagery I produced.

Although project progression was mostly smooth, I often found myself questioning and doubting my abilities because I would notice all the imperfections of my work in post-production. Having discussed this issue with my tutor, it was agreed that this kind of mindset was not a negative one because in order to improve, one must never be content with their work.

Throughout the entire production of Phantasia, I knew it was important to utilise social media to promote my project. I made to sure post regular updates including behind the scene pictures, cropped detail shots, inspiration, short videos and gifs. I valued comments and likes as encouragement and motivation. I also received a lot of positive feedback from my tutor and peers who I have discussed the progression of my project with and felt reassured of my abilities.

During the first couple of shoots, I spent an excessive amount of time setting up the lighting and camera leaving very little time for hair and makeup, studio time was also very limited. I learnt how important time management was and decided that the model was to come in at least two hours prior to my studio booking for the remaining shoots so that I can complete the hair and makeup without having to waste precious studio time. As I became more experienced in photography, shoots became progressively smoother and less stressful. I initially planned to create six characters in total but decided midway in production that cutting the number of characters down to five would increase the overall quality. It was not until I began creating the imagery that I realised that I had set myself a very ambitious task. Taking inspiration from filmakers such as Guillermo Del Toro, Dario Argento and Wong Kar-Wai; I worked extremely hard to achieve impactful images with a filmic aesthetic and I am very pleased with the final images.

Apart from photography, I also experimented with film as I wanted to incorporate moving images throughout the exhibition. Reflecting back on this project, I realised that I should have asked for help and collaborated with the film student. Although, there are still film elements within the final outcome, I feel that the quality would have been much better if I had collaborated with someone more skilled in film as I found it very difficult alternating between film and photography as lighting had to be re-adjusted for each mode. I mostly used the film I captured to create the exhibition trailer and short gifs that I have shared on Instagram to promote the project. Although having expressed my worry for the quality of the film with my tutor, it was agreed that the quality of the film appears to be deliberate and works in context with my project – the motion blur and graininess of the film add to the dream effect.

This project began with a love for storytelling through the use of makeup, I feel that I have greatly improved my skills as a makeup artist throughout the production process. 'Beautiful' was always the description I strived towards in regards to my work. Before this project, I felt as if I was stuck in a box and tied an idea of perfection that limited my creativity. Yet during this project, I discovered that 'beauty' comes in many forms. 'Beauty' can describe something angelic but also something dark, twisted and sinister. I started to branch out from my usual style of perfection and experimented with textures and unconventional materials to create unique looks. Rather as a makeup artist who was so concerned about the beauty of the model, I was able to take a step back and reflect on my work as an artist, as a painter. I started to look at skin as though it was a canvas; this really boosted my creativity because I was able to see makeup in a new light.

Another challenging stage of the project was designing and constructing the website that would feature the online exhibition. This process was more time consuming than I expected and I regret not starting this process earlier. I experimented with multiple website building softwares and platforms including Muse, Squarespace, Tumblr and Wix. I ended up creating the website via Wix because I found it to be the most reliable and customisable. Designing the website was the most difficult part of the process because I wasn't sure of the structure and order in which I wanted to present the images. I experimented by creating one page layouts, Tumblr inspired grid layouts and photography portfolio layouts but felt that they did not create the viewer experience that I envisioned. I brainstormed my ideas and thought about how the exhibition would appear if it were to be physical. I worked to translate these ideas into pages and finally decided on a click through slideshow gallery layout accompanied by cinematic sound with each series of images separated by short quotes and moving images.

Despite all the difficulties encountered in this project, I am very pleased with the outcome. If I was to develop this project further I would like to create more characters and have a physical exhibition where the viewer is physically immersed in the dangerous dreamland of Phantasia. Another alternative to a physical exhibition is to produce a book compiled of all the imagery alongside short stories or poems about dreams written in the style of Edgar Allan Poe or Angela Carter.

BACK TO SEXSOMNIA

Sexsomnia was the shoot that I was least happy with so far in the creation of Phantasia, I found myself pushing this series away because I felt that it didn't reach my full expectation or potential, however at this stage I do not think that I will have the time to reshoot. I think perhaps, I couldn't capture the essence I was truly looking for because this is the only series of images that are not photographed by me. Although the style of aesthetic is there, I felt less connected. The main issue regarding this series of images was that it appeared too innocent and lacked the darkness that manifests within each of the other characters. Therefore, I have returned to these images to reselect and rework them in post-production to bring back the darkness. I needed this character, like all my characters, to appear tainted - therefore I have not selected any images from the first look I did from this shoot. In post production I flushed the images in a bright crimson red and increased the contrast and darkened shadows to give the images sharper edges creating a more erotic feel - I wanted to replicate the colour used in hammer horror: 

Hammer Horror: The Masque of Red Death (1964)

I wanted this character to 'exist within the red', as though she has been confined within this dream space, I wanted to capture an aspect of insanity and finally a cold awakening. After completing the edits, this series of images very much reminded me of dark and sensual text "The Bloody Chamber" by Angela Carter and I am very pleased with the result. I feel that although, the makeup and styling is the same throughout the images, the angles and subtle change of lighting and pose are able to tell a story. 

ORIENTAL THEME: A CREATOR'S SIGNATURE

Throughout the development of this project so far, I have noticed that there has been an oriental feel running throughout the images, some more subtle than the others. I guess I added oriental elements within my work without too much thought because it is like a creator's signature. Although this was not an idea that I had at the beginning of this project, I plan to expand on this idea for my last two remaining characters.

SHOOT 4: VISITATION DREAM

For this series of images, I tried to experiment with different lighting, combining both cool and warm colours. I achieved this by using two spotlights on either side of the model, one utilising a cool gel filter and the other a warm gel filter. In a couple of the images, I created a hazy gradient background by aiming a pink light upwards from under the model. Using a cloth filter over the camera lens also gave the images a dreamy effect and the model an airbrushed feel which smoothens the skin whilst adding a glowing effect. I found that this setup worked particularly well, I also found that adjusting the intensity of the light gave different effects, making the image either softer or more contrasting. I was very happy with the studio set up, having regularly assisted shoots in the past, I feel that I have put to use the skills that I have learnt from various photographers and adjusted techniques to find my personal style. By using similar effects on all series of images I will be able to keep the images looking consistent. 

I was very happy with the model, I had a conversation with her before the shoot about the Edith Wharton story that inspired the character and having also seen Crimson Peak, she understood the dark gothic romance storyline. 

SHOOT 3: DEVELOPING SLEEP PARALYSIS

For the second shoot which was intended to develop the character of the succubus, I have created and developed a second make-up look which will add variety to the series of images. I also intended for the make-up to portray a more sinister side of the character. 

She waits in the darkness.

This was one of the first images I took at the beginning of the shoot - as the shoot continues, more and more make-up is added to portray the development of the character. Working with glossy eyes proved very challenging because it would crease the eye makeup, preventing the fake eyelashes from adhering properly - I often had to readjust the eye make-up throughout the shoot. Despite the problems that gloss caused, the effects played nicely with the camera, by using a filter over the camera lens, the gloss caught the light creating iridescent sparkles which I thought gave the makeup texture and dimension. The muted clarity of the image and play of colour works well for this character - I was happy that although without a photography I was still able to create a filmic feel to the images. The image below reminds me of Woman in Black (2012). 

A closer look

These image gives a closer look at the details of the hair, I was loosely inspired by oriental hair designs and decided to create a pattern at the front by looping the hair around and hid the pins by using flowers to accentuate the design. I felt that by simply pinning the hair upwards made the wig look a lot more natural - it also looks as though a lot more effort was put into the hair although it was quite easy to create. 

Although these images are still predominately beauty focused, I think the use of texture to the skin gives an unusual twist. As the shoot progressed, I found myself using my fingers to paint and adjust the makeup which was much quicker, using a brush gave precise clean lines that I wanted to avoid. 

The following image is one of my favourites out of the series, I used paint and beads on the lips to create an almost grotesque dried- blood texture - it appears like the character has been feeding on something.

During the shoot, I also experimented with sheer fabric - I particularly liked this one red mesh fabric. This photo was captured by throwing the fabric upwards and letting it fall upon the model. It gave an interesting effect, almost appears like aura radiating from her, or 'the souls that she is consuming'.

Overall I think the shoot was successful, knowing that I am capable of capturing such photographs without the need of a photographer or assistant put my mind at ease because I know that I can always depend on myself. 

SHOOT TWO: SEXSOMNIA & RAW IMAGES

Prior to the shoot I had discussed the concept of the shoot, inspiration and expectations of final outcome with the photographer and model. It was great that the photographer knew exactly what I wanted from the very beginning of the shoot and no time was wasted. The model was also very easily directed and showed that she understood the mood and story of the shoot. 

During the shoot, we completed two separate looks. The makeup was subtle which I found enhances the model's natural beauty and a lot more flattering than the heavy eye makeup in the trial shoot, giving a sweeter and more innocent look. For hair, I used a synthetic hair wig. At first I was skeptical and considered using the model's real hair instead because the front of the wig was very fake and obvious. However, I decided to use the wig because I liked the darkness and length of it. To conceal the hairline, I pinned sheer red fabric to the head and added flowers, the outcome looked as though the model was wearing a headpiece which I thought complemented and completed the look. 

We played around with the lighting and experimented with different coloured gel filters and found that blue and red worked the best, giving the images cool vivid colour and dimension. We also used filters over the lens of the camera for a dreamlike effect and to cancel out any harsh edges, dreamlike imagery is very much the photographer's aesthetic - the excitement over the images made the whole experience enjoyable. 

For the second look, I initially planned to engulf the model in flowers but since we were running out of time in the studio I decided to only do a few flowers spread out across the face, neck and collar bones. The process of creating the flowers on the body was time consuming because each petal had to be glued on separately. Despite the model not being completely engulfed in flowers, I still feel that there is a powerful and sensual feel to the images. 

Unedited Images

SEXSOMNIA: PROPOSAL SHOOT

For the project proposal, I did a test shoot loosely inspired by the tale of little red riding hood - it was a sensual and symbolic shoot playing with the sexual connotations portrayed in the tale. Since I changed my source of inspiration from folk and fairytale to dreams and sleep phenomenon, I figured that I could further develop the character I already created with the theme sexsomnia in mind. This story will capture the character's loss of innocence, arousal and orgasm

Abstract from my proposal: 

"For the test shoot, it was decided that the theme was to be ‘loss of innocence’. The dream is very loosely based on Little Red Riding Hood, however there are no direct references. Big innocent doll eyes were juxtaposed with smudged lips and berry stained fingers; the red symbolises sin. The veil, as you can see in the majority of the images, symbolises innocence, at the end of the series; the protagonist loses that veil and therefore loses her innocence."

Although I like these photos, I feel that hair and makeup is perhaps too heavy, instead of trying to redefine the model's features, lighter and more subtle makeup will let the model's natural beauty shine through and create something more authentic. I would also prefer if the lighting was more dramatic, the images lack dimension due to over exposure and I do not like the crisp sharp edges. After comparing the images achieved in the last shoot (sleep paralysis), these images look amateur.

I would like to reshoot these images with a different makeup and hair design and experiment with different lighting whilst keeping a red theme. 

SHOOT ONE

This shoot was extremely stressful since I have never shot on my own and responsible for every aspect of the shoot from setting up the studio, to arranging lighting and photography. 

The first look that I created (hair wrapped round neck, flowers protruding out of mouth) did not turn out as I expected. At this point, I really struggled getting the lighting right and had to adjust camera settings and flash intensities several times to achieve a pitch black background - I still was not happy with the outcome of the photos. Apart from lighting settings, there was some issues with hair and makeup. The hair was not well thought out, I intended to wrap the models hair around the neck tightly and pin it in place at the back, however on set it kept becoming loose. The flowers also looked quite awkward as the model had to clench onto them. I also found that the flash was washing out the redness that I painted around the eyes, dulling the colour.

This look definitely needs to be redesigned and reshot. If I continue with this idea, I need to rethink the hair and come up with a way of securing it tightly into place around the neck and make it much more obvious. A solution might be to use hair extensions to create a choker that will be worn around the neck instead of actually incorporating the model's real hair, the flowers can be stuck onto the lips instead of held in the models mouth as this limits the model's expressions. I needed the model to look scared, however I did not feel that the camera was capturing the expression. Wet eyes and tears would have accentuated the emotion, I should have brought eye drops or wet the lash line with gloss to create the illusion of wet looking eyes. I feel that I should have experimented with different looks before settling on creating this one. 

On the other hand, the second look went far better. I experimented with lighting and found that using coloured gels over spotlights gave a dramatic and dreamy look. I mainly used blue and red gel filters which I thought gave the images dimension and depth. The model seems to be emerging from the darkness which is very appropriate for the demon character. I also found that by using a sheer cloth over the camera lens, I was able to soften harsh edges and create a soft focus effect - the images almost look like paintings.

Unedited Images:

The images are quite dark, but since they are shot in RAW file format, I can easily raise the exposure in post production. 

Although there was struggle at the beginning of the shoot, I think the overall outcome was successful, it was ambitious to create two completely different looks in one shooting. This just shows that I shouldn't try to cram in too much at once as it may reduce the overall quality and instead perfect one look at the time. I didn't get the do any filming this time but have arranged with the model to do a second and third shooting in order to elaborate the characters. 

*UPDATE 

I did not create the victim character because I didn't want to divide the attention between the characters. I decided to stick to my proposal in which I stated all stories will only have one protagonist. 

STOP THINKING BEAUTIFUL

Recently, I feel as though I try too hard to make the models appear even more beautiful than they already are - this way of thinking limits me creatively. I don't want to create standard beauty images, I want to create powerful thought provoking imagery by using unusual makeup techniques and unconventional materials. It is time I pulled myself away from my comfort zone and think outside the box. I have been inspired by makeup artists such as Alex Box and Val Garland who are constantly distorting and experimenting with new texture, form and shape of makeup. 

Image from Pinterest