Influential Imagery

From famous paintings to contemporary beauty advertisements, all imagery can be personally influential in someones life. Following our lessons on iconic photographers and the development of trends, we have been asked to find 5 images that are powerful in our eyes.

Editoral

LOVE magazine is renowned for its innovative, authentic and creative images. This image specifically for me is a strong, bold image of a woman. Cara Delevingne is holding her head up, leaving a shadow creating a sharp jaw line and defined cheekbones. Although she is nude, her modesty is covered up by her arms leading up the the hands assisting the strong stature of her head and body. These techniques of directing the model in this way does not lead the viewer into thinking she is weak or naive (as some women can be portrayed in the fashion and beauty promotion world). The necklace is central therefore guiding the eye to the product and keeping the object of the photoshoot still in focus. Cara's striking face and the photographers composition makes the photo a genuine piece for me.


Beauty Advertising

Scarlett Johansson featured in Dolce & Gabbana's 2012 campaign for their 'Perfect Luminous'. When I viewed this image close up, I feel the retouching is subtle and more realistic than most. Although the actual foundation look may not be be as achievable in real life, but I feel the softness and editing used makes this an inspiring photo. Also, Johansson may be under the sheets but not in a suggestive or provocative way. The colours are kept neutral and leaving the emphasis of the face (and the product it is advertising).

Famous Painting

The Girl with the Pearl Earring is an iconic painting by Johannes Vermeer in 1655. The skill and artistry behind it leaves the viewer with an extraordinary and realistic portrait of a young woman. The lighting and shading almost makes it seem like a modern beauty shot. The simplicity of the makeup, hair and clothing (the colours are neutral and nude) bringing to attention to the sitter's eyes. Vermeer's portrait is influential to me as it reminds me how simple beauty can be.




Contemporary Fine Art
David Downton is an illustrator and a celebrity portrait artist. Downton has painted (with inks) famous people like Cate Blanchett, Lily Cole and Twiggy. He uses varied tones and shades of black, grey and cream to outline and highlight the face. One or two shades of alternative colours may be added to develop the depth of the imagery. These pieces also demonstrate the simplicity of beautiful women. The realism makes his work iconic to me.


Beauty Editoral

Taken from ID magazine, this editorial image inspires me through its use of emotion, colour and composition. Makeup artist Philippe Muerto has messily applied kohl eyeliner and dark shadow on the eyelids and taken this eye-look further with two bold colours smudged further. All primary colours are used in the image and the final shade red is used to create the classic, glossy, red lip. The combination of colours makes the image striking and alluring for viewers of the magazine. Having the model more relaxed with an open laughing mouth and half closed eyes opens the image up for a more friendly atmosphere. This sort of imagery is the inspiration of how I hope my skill level in makeup should develop to. 

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