1. My opinions of the photographers and the images
David Bailey:
I think that David Bailey’s photography is interesting and unique, as he selects
different icons to photograph, as opposed to taking pictures of ordinary
individuals. Also, the fact that Bailey utilizes a black and white camera for his
images shows that he wants to add a sense of professionalism into his work, as
‘black and white’ photography connotes sophistication in which Bailey is trying
to portray within his work, which initially states professionalism and therefore
makes him a more ‘skilled’ photographer in a way.
Mick Jagger (1964) – I think that this specific image is very effective due to the
contrast of black and white within the picture itself, which adds a professional
edge to the image, whilst also making it look symmetrical and posed, which is
relevant due to the fact that this image was shot in a studio under controlled
conditions. Also, the picture is shot at eye-level which states a sense of equality
between the subject and the viewer, which is interesting, due to the fact that
sometimes celebrities are seen as ‘superior’ in society, when they actually have
the same status as everybody else. I think that Bailey is trying to present this in
his photography and carry a message, which states that everyone is on the same
stance in life, regardless of your lifestyle or career.
Jean Shrimpton (1960s) – The photograph itself is extremely stylized, with the
supermodel ‘Jean Shrimpton’ wearing items of clothing and accessories that
were deemed fashionable in the 1960s, which adds a sense of wealth and
prosperity to the subject in the picture as she is representing the era so to speak,
possibly wearing clothes that had a designer label. However, the solemn
expression on the face of the model suggests that regardless of her wealth and
status in society, she is still not content, which shows that Bailey is trying to
portray the message that money does not buy happiness.
John Lennon (1960s) – This particular image is highly interesting due to the
fact that the subject is closing their eyes, which is unusual due to the fact that the
‘eyes’ are the primary focal point of the subject of the picture. I think that Bailey
is trying to create a sense of irony within his image by doing this, which also
makes the photograph intriguing to view, as well as eye-catching, because it
leaves the viewer questioning the particular action of the subject. I also think
that the contrast of black and white is effective due to the fact that it makes the
image look bold, which means that the attention of the viewer is drawn in
significantly.
Martin Schoeller:
I think the work of Martin Schoeller is unique due to the fact that it utilizes a high
abundance of high-key lighting throughout all of his images, which states a sense
of continuity within his work. Schoeller’s images all look professional and
Catherine Giggal

2. therefore, more appealing in general, as the editing of the pictures is effective as
they are bright and are therefore significantly eye-catching. The subject is the
main focus of each of Schoeller’s works, which shows that the position of the
subject does not change, which is effective in a way as this is Schoeller’s
‘trademark’ style and you can immediately identify his work with the repetition
of this specific style.
Jay-Z: I think this image is effective because the emotion of the subject (Jay-z) is
very clear, as the image is at eye-level, which means that the subject is on an
equal stance with the viewer, much like David Bailey’s photography. The use of
high-key lighting is effective as the central focal point (the eyes) has been
emphasized significantly, which draws in the attention of the viewer.
Will Ferrell: I think this photograph is very powerful due to the eyes of the
subject (Will Ferrell) being brightened, where the colour stands out significantly.
Also, the ‘blurred focus’ aspect of the image make the subject stand out, which I
believe is very clever, due to the fact that Schoeller wants us to focus on the face
of the subject primarily.
Kanye West: I like this photograph because the background has a warm tone to
it, which is reflected upon the eyes of the subject and I believe that it is effective
due to the fact that the ‘vibrancy’ makes the image itself more eye-catching to the
viewer. In the photograph, it almost looks as though a light has been shone down
upon the face of the project, showing that this specific image was shot in a
professional studio due to the high-key, artificial nature of the image itself.
Catherine Giggal