In the wake of post-brexit hate and hate crimes rising, I wanted to represent the positives of diversity through a shoot involving people from every continent in the world, highlighting how integration is a positive thing for society. I tried not to use the models as 'ticks in boxes', yet have chosen to represent all sexualities and ethnicities, as well Morris (with blue hair) who identifies as gender non-binary. The concept is all about positivity and acceptance, in a time where politics is pursuing divides amongst communities.
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| BTS |
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| Best shot- identity signified as well as body possitivity |
Evaluation
Shot at The Tetley in a make-shift studio, I collaborated with a wide range of models, promoting diversity and happiness for all. The choice of minimal styling is to show off people in their natural forms, which worked quite well. I asked the models to showcase their imperfections or aspects of themselves (or at least their appearance) that they don't like, and so act as a tool to inspire others to love how they look as well. The models loved the idea, however if I had the chance to do the shoot again I would use a wider pool of body types, rather than just the available models for that time and date. Including different sizes would give another dimension to the photographs, so they look more relatable to the audience and less 'model like'. The atmosphere on the day was extremely positive, with laughter constantly giving the images a positive, up beat vibe.
Despite the lack of formal styling, I tried not to portray the subjects in a sexualising way to showcase more body positive vibes, as apposed to pre-dated sexualising stereotypes commonly found in magazine imagery. The male gaze generally dominates images, however I wanted to make the natural beauty shine through, and so gave the models very minimal direction, rather allowed them to express their natural selves and do whatever felt comfortable to them. I feel the images are successful to achieve the aesthetic I was going for (similar to the Dove campaign), as well as expressing positivity and inclusion through diversity.
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