The document describes 13 scenes from portrait photography sessions. Each scene provides details on mise-en-scene, sound, lighting, representations of Britishness, and stereotypes portrayed. The subjects include families, individuals of various backgrounds and ages, pets, and groups posing formally and informally. Common themes are British cultural norms around family, formality of dress, and stereotypes related to class, occupation, gender, age, and ethnicity.

1. Secrets and Lies: One
Mise-en-scene: A family of four preparing for a photograph, they are standing in front of a brownish coloured
backdrop. They are dressed conservatively, the mother and grandmother are wearing floral patterned
dresses. The father is wearing a suit and the young boy is dressed in a t-shirt and jogging bottoms. The hair
and make up is understated, they look like an ordinary family. Their body language denotes that they are
nervous and uncomfortable about having their picture taken. They fidget with their clothing, move around a
lot, the mother giggles nervously, she also looks embarrassed when the photographer asks for her husbands
paper. In the photograph, the father and son look unhappy, they look as if they don’t want to be there. The
mother has a forced grin and the grandmother looks oblivious to everything around her.
Sound and Light- Dialogue between Maurice as he positions the family, the mother giggles nervously and
observes that her husband’s tie is ‘skew whiff’, she also asks what to say ‘do we say cheese Maurice?’ There is
low key lighting in this frame with the key light coming from the front.
Representations of Britishness- The father has a newspaper. By having the family photograph they are
representing the British idea of a close family. British idiom used ‘skew whiff’
Use of stereotypes- Working class family who aspire to be upper class, by having this picture taken the
mother hopes to present her family as more upper class.

3. Secrets and Lies: Two
Mise-en-scene: A boxer standing in front of a brownish coloured backdrop. He is attired for boxing with red
gloves ,black shorts and a champion’s belt. He is bald and appears to be dripping with sweat. His body language is
aggressive, he growls and roars at the camera, bobs and weaves and pretends to throw punches. His facial
expressions are also aggressive and tense.
Sound and Light- The boxer growls and roars repeatedly. There is low key lighting in this frame with the key light
coming from the front.
Representations of Britishness- The British enjoy violent sports such as boxing so the boxer represents this.
Use of stereotypes- The man is a black boxer which identifies the stereotype that black people are violent.

4. Secrets and Lies : Three
Mise en scene – An oriental woman is standing in front of a brownish coloured background. leaning on a chair.
She is dressed in a blue nurses outfit. Her hair is tied back and covered by a nurses cap. She has no make up on.
Her facial expression and body language denotes that she is slightly uncomfortable with having her picture
taken.
Sound and Light – The woman briefly answers a few questions from the photographer and then laughs
nervously. There is low key lighting in this frame with the key light coming from the front.
Representations of Britishness – Britiain is a multi cultural country.
Use of stereotypes – This represents the stereotype that oriental people are smart and pursue careers such as
medicine.

7. Secrets and Lies : Four
Mise en scene - A mother holding a baby sitting in front of a white screen, on a chair covered with a
white sheet. She is wearing a white dress and the baby is naked. Her body language is relaxed and
protective, she gently cradles her child. Her facial expressions are proud and loving.
Sound and Light – The baby coos. There is lots of bright light. There is high key lighting, with the key
light coming from the front and fillers in the back.
Representations of Britishness – The British idea of a close relationship with your mother.
Use of stereotypes – This represents the stereotype of the caring, nurturing mother looking after her
child.

9. Secrets and Lies : Five
Mise en scene – A shaggy haired black and brown dog sitting on a red table. Owner also wearing
red combing dogs hair. The dog seems uninterested in having his photo taken, he is lying on the
table. He appears to be surprised at the camera flash, his ears prick up.
Sound and Light – There is dialogue between the photographer and the dog’s owner. There is low
key lighting in this frame with the key light coming from the front.
Representations of Britishness – British people love animals and treat their pets as family
members.
Use of stereotypes – Obsessive pet owners who regard their pets as their children.

11. Secrets and Lies : Six
Mise en scene – An elderly lady is having a picture taken with her cat who is sitting on a grey chair with
white bow around the legs. The woman is dressed in black and has understated hair and make up. Her
facial expressions suggest that she is happy and is enjoying having her picture taken. She cradles her cat
protectively.
Sound and Light – The woman asks the photographer if the cat looks good in the picture. There is low
key lighting with the key light coming from the front.
Representations of Britishness - British people love animals and treat their pets as family members.
Use of stereotypes – Obsessive pet owners who regard their pets as their children.

13. Secrets and Lies : Seven
Mise en scene – An Asian man is sitting in a chair. He is dressed conservatively in a brown suit,
with a white shirt and brown tie. His body language suggests that he is slightly uncomfortable, he
seems nervous and fidgets as the photographer arranges his tie. He looks startled when the
camera flashes.
Sound and Light – He explains to the photographer that the picture is for his auntie. There is low
key lighting with the key light coming from the front.
Representations of Britishness – He is dressed in a suit which is considered typical British attire.
Use of stereotypes – Asian people have close families and he is taking the picture for his aunt.

15. Secrets and Lies : Eight
Mise en scene – A man wearing a black suit and white shirt with a red skull cap on his head, he is
holding a bag. He has a fake moustache and fake eyebrows. His facial expression is annoyed and his
body language suggests that he is angry, he waves his arm angrily.
Sound and Light – He angrily tells the photographer that he didn’t want a flash. There is low key
lighting with key lighting coming from the front.
Representations of Britishness – He is dressed in a formal suit which is considered typical British
attire.
Use of stereotypes – He looks like a magician.

17. Secrets and Lies : Nine
Mise en scene – Three middle aged women are provocatively sticking their tongues out towards the camera.
They are wearing low cut, revealing clothing. They all have visible make up on. They are trying to convey
sexiness through their facial expressions and body language. They appear to be enjoying having their
pictures taking, they laugh and smile a lot.
Sound and Light – The women laugh a lot and make funny noises. The photographer says lovely. There is low
key lighting with the key light coming from the front.
Representations of Britishness – British women are loud, outgoing and sexually aware.
Use of stereotypes – Mutton dressed as lamb.

19. Secrets and Lies : Ten
Mise en scene – Three little blonde girls dressed in blue ballerina outfits with matching blue
headbands are having their outfits fussed over by their mother, who is wearing a long floral dress.
The girls are all holding hands and daintily pointing their toes. They seem uninterested in having
their picture taken and don’t mind their mother and the photographers assistant fussing over them.
Their mother looks proud and smiles at them.
Sound and Light – The mother tells the photographer’s assistant that she used fertility treatment in
order to have her children. There is low key lighting with the key light coming from the front.
Representations of Britishness – The British idea of a close relationship with your mother.
Use of stereotypes – Little girls being ballerinas.

21. Secrets and Lies : Eleven
Mise en scene – A blonde boy dressed in a red waistcoat, white shirt, bow tie and black shorts is sitting on a
red chaise longue. He is nonplussed by the photographer’s assistant positioning him correctly on the chair.
His facial expressions suggest he is scared, he fidgets and picks at his nose.
Sound and Light – The photographer’s assistant coaxes the boy into smiling. There is low key lighting with the
key light coming from the front.
Representations of Britishness – He is dressed formally.
Use of stereotypes – He looks angelic, the perfect child.

23. Secrets and Lies : Twelve
Mise en scene – A middle aged woman dressed in fishnet stockings, a lacy black nightie with a long silk robe
and high heels is posing provocatively on a table covered in a white sheet. There is a vase of flowers on the
corner of the table. Her hair is tousled and she has red lipstick on. She pouts at the camera and then laughs
nervously and shuffles on the table.
Sound and Light – She laughs nervously and the photographer briefly speaks to her. There is low key lighting
with the key light coming from the front and filler lights in the background.
Representations of Britishness - British women are loud, outgoing and sexually aware.
Use of stereotypes – Older women trying to be sexy.

25. Secrets and Lies : Thirteen
Mise en scene - Five middle aged men in dark suits and ties are posing
for a picture. Their body language is quite tense and awkward and their
facial expressions suggest their uncomfortable, they have forced grins.
One of the men is looking at his watch which suggests he is bored.
Sound and Light – The photographer gives directions. There is low key
lighting in this frame with the key light coming from the front.
Representations of Britishness – The men are dressed formally in suits.
Use of stereotypes – They look like uptight, stereotypical city men.

27. By Alex & Sophia