Connecting essay 1

 This is a photograph from a beauty shoot taken by Jake Hicks. In this photo gel lighting has been used, which inserts a unique feel to the photoand would catch the eye of a viewer. It also gives the image a splash of colour and really focuses the viewers eyes on the models skin, which appears to be have a perfect complexion. Hicks has edited the models skin in this image also so that it looks smooth and desirable, this technique is often used with beauty photography. The model and background are both in black, this was done so that the lighting would be easier to notice and would really stand out from the plain colour. The model has a fierce facial expression and body language that gives the photo an edge and makes the viewer attracted to the image. I personally rather like this image as I think that It shows beauty in a clear and direct way and is in keeping with the modern fashion.

This is one of my personal images from my own beauty shoot. I decided to use orange and red colour gels on my lighting as I felt it really complimented my models skin tone and complexion. To create a perfect complexion I edited out any spots or blemishes that my model had, I did this as it is a common technique used throughout beauty shoots around the world to create the illusion of perfection. The model is smiling and has a rather happy facial expression, I like this because its famously known that "a smile is the prettiest thing you can wear". She is also slightly turned to the side and looking over her shoulder, I had her stand in this position because its very natural and comfortable fir a viewer to look at. 

Connection-

In my image I had used various ideas that Jake Hicks has shown in his own work, for example I used colour gel lighting as I liked how it complimented the model in his photography. The models clothing  and backdrop in both images so that the colour would stand out instead of blending in with anything in the image. Both of the models skin has been modified to be smoother and more desirable as it is a normal technique within beauty photography.