Light Night and London

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Jeanine.Marteau

I’ve been traveling around a lot recently which makes a nice change, especially when you’re off to exhibitions and festivals and photo shoots I could get used to it! I miss writing about things like this so I’m making a point of going out and seeing more like I used to do and not letting the work rota rule all.

So first off, I went back home to Liverpool last week for The Light Night Festival which I’d been planning to go to since April, and it didn’t let me down, however there was so much to squeeze into one evening! Damn time restraints. Anyway, I met up with mum after she finished work and went for coffee, naturally, then we were met by the Brouhaha International Carnival making it’s way down Church street with a gathering of on lookers:

It was a fun sight- the colours, the smiles, the dancing and the drums; it was a bit mesmerizing against the grey sky and it was great to see people on the streets joining in and getting their photo taken with those involved in the parade.

Next, we made our way down to the central library as it was holding it’s grand reopening. It’s beautiful! I hope the people dressed up as Alice in Wonderland characters stay all year round, especially the flamingoes. I used to go there quite a lot when I was revising for my GCSE’s and A Levels; I’m a bit jealous now that it’s all changed and improved and I can’t spend all of my time there now, though mum said she will be there everyday on her lunch break

Personally, I thought it looked like a cross between a new modern university library and a newly polished, glossy grandeur traditional library, but given the fact that there were several levels and rooms that opened up into the library out of Beauty and the Beast, that’s pretty much what it was. I’ll shut up now and show you the images:

i would happily do my dissertation all over again if i could do it here

view from the top

Apologies for the low quality of the images, it’s just for the blog- I’ll be uploading them full size onto flickr soon.

Next was the Walker Art Gallery for a look in at the Look/13 international photography festival and the exhibitions; Alive: in the Face of Death and Every Man and Woman is a Star. We continued the photography festival tour the next day at the Bluecoat gallery, another one of my old haunts, for exhibitions I Exist (In Some Way) and the Sander/Weegee Collection. As this festival continues until June I’m hoping to go back and produce a more in depth article To be honest, it’s been a few months since I’ve written an analysis and I’m feeling a bit rusty; it’s definitely time to throw myself back into it!

I hoped to see more over the one-night arts and culture festival, like the Do You Remember Me exhibition at the Pier, Fragments at the Cathedral and many, many other exhibitions, but time caught up with us and before I knew it, after hours of walking, we were at La Vina so next year I think I’m going to have to plan a route!

So my next trip this week was to London for a photo shoot. If you’ve been reading recently you’ll know I’ve been taking photos for the Lincolnshire Co-Op’s Recipe of the Month which appears in the Lincolnshire Echo, and I was given the opportunity to see a shoot done by an experienced food photographer for the Co-op’s Members Magazine (you can read more about my shoots here). It was a great day- I haven’t been to London for years; my last visit was for a school trip and we stuck to the art galleries so it was great to see a new side to the city. The shoot itself was a valuable learning experience- I haven’t seen many professionals work in the studio so it was great to see it all done in front of me and to see how to match colour palates. I won’t say too much about it or the food, but it really helped me see where I can go the next recipe is all done and you’ll see that soon! The next couple of months consist of meatballs and ribs so I’ve had a lot of inspiration and idea for what I can try out with them.

Other than that and spring cleaning the house and an interview this morning, I’ve made a Dr.Who bag charm and completed my HP bead piece ttfn!

Jammy Dodgers

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Jeanine.Marteau

For my newest venture I’ve been dabbling with food photography; more specifically with baking! I was offered this opportunity of taking photographs for the Lincolnshire Echo’s local food produce section in which I was given the recipe from jammy dodgers that involved using jam from Lincoln based Jenny’s Jams

As I’m not much of a cook and my baking skills are equal to that to an over-excited child’s, I was eager to give this a try properly- paying extra attention to the instructions and thinking ahead to the shoot. That was my favourite part- planning what plates, table clothes and general surroundings to experiment with; I always enjoyed the set design aspects of any shoot and this time I pretty much free reign! The brief talked of spring time and baking over the easter break; so that’s what I did but as it was my first product shoot involving food I did some extra research:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/aug/01/food-photography-tricks-of-trade?CMP=twt_gu

http://lincolnshire.coop/your-membership/member-benefits/member-magazine.aspx

http://lincolnshire.coop/your-society/about-us/local-sourcing/it’s-easy-to-love-local.aspx

My first shoot (below) was quite enjoyable; it was one of the first sunny days I’d been able to enjoy out of work and in my garden (currently in the process of re-potting everything). I’d chosen the plate straight away- my thoughts behind it being that it would clash mildly with the red jam and warm colour palate of the biscuits themselves making them standout in the sunshine. But perhaps this on top of the orange table cloth made it all a bit too bright… The table cloth was chosen to make it look a bit more rustic but seeing as it’s the lightest, brightest aspects of the frame your eyes are lead there instead of the dodgers. Time for take two.

This didn’t go to plan at all- I was in a rush to shoot whilst the biscuits still looked fresh but the weather wasn’t holding it’s end of the deal. Overcast and rainy, I couldn’t use the garden to portray the spring time atmosphere, which called for (as well as a new table cloth) studio lighting instead of natural light. At this point I was experimenting with the drinks; it was juice vs tea and I had started to question a lot more like which mug to use, are the plums too much, should I get a vase of flowers, flash or modelling light? I’d also decided to experiment next time with the size and shape of the dodgers themselves and as I wasn’t pleased with the outcome of the second shoot, I knew I was going to be baking again soon.

Shoot three! I’d gotten the baking techniques down and the kitchen was no longer a bomb sight afterwards. This time I went all out with experimenting with the background which meant moving the garden bench around a lot an waiting for the best light. After a chat with the person who had offered the shoot to me in the first place, we agreed tea was the way to go and that we should have the actual product somewhere in frame- plum jam! Nom. Some of the shots look a bit overcrowded though. However, after looking back on the second shoot to find something that I liked about it, I decided to focus more on colour matching; the plums matching the shade of the actual jam in the jar and in the bsucuits which went with the black currant juice, which here contrasts well with the dark green background:

The final shoot was basically a tidy up of the third- we’d picked the best background, angle and composition, then added the extra touches like the tea spoon. As it was my forth batch of biscuits I took them into work to share like I did with the first- two batches for just myself and Graham was just a bit much they were very much enjoyed, as were the images.

So fingers crossed one of them will be in the paper in May!

Edit 4/4/13

Check out this weeks echo

Casting Call- Personalised Portraits

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Jeanine.Marteau

Bonjour!

One of the projects I’m hoping to start this year is a portrait series which focuses on an individuals creative interests/ past-times and hobbies, course or creative careers. To express their passion as well as their personality, in the environment where they feel most creative or inspired- be it the garden, studio or spare room. This project is a celebration of what we love- of doing what we love- an imaginative, crafty, artistic and expressive activity or outlet that makes us happy; something that makes you who you are.

This is a casting call for anyone interested in sharing their passion, documenting their work/ work space or even if you just want an image of yourself at work for your website etc

The final piece will consist of two images from two types of photo shoots. One will be of the subject at work in their work space, involved in their hobby or profession, be it a staged or candid shot. The second will be the traditional portrait itself; it will be discussed beforehand how this will be made as personal as possible to the subject- be it their outfit, preferred colour scheme, their chosen location or style.

I’d love to experiment in multimedia in this project! Especially with the portrait itself- I’m more than happy to collaborate so that others artists work can be incorporated

I’m also interested to see how people work in different areas of the creative fields and the process or path people take in a project from conception to completion, so this could be another route to go down

Please get in touch if you are interested! I’m also looking for a few models for other projects; I need a dancer and a couple of princesses and a couple! If you know anyone who would be interested in any of the above please pass it on

Optic Apparel “Milk”, Shoot 2

Posted on November 11, 2012 by Jeanine.Marteau

Ta Daa!

A lot simpler compared to my first weekend shoot for optic and their first design, what do you think? Thanks again Graham for editing The basic idea behind this one spawned from reading the designer‘s artist statement and the description of his “milk” t-shirts:

“They say the price of milk is a representation of your economy and yet in the current climate milk prices are bankrupting the farmers, when did milk go from being a natural nutrient we harvest from cows to a corporate debate on the ethics of production and living costs?”- Optic Apparel

I chose these dairy products as I wanted to reinforce the point that milk effects a range of products that we all consume in some manner; it is a core ingredient around the world in terms of health and nutrient. Could we survive without it? And as they say; without it cereal would suck (and so would all of the foods that you see in the images.)

As usual, my influence over this shoot was that of Sarah Small- her use of pastel coloured backgrounds and stark lighting to create a staged scene. I don’t know how I feel about having the radiator in shot though, but the image above is more of an out take anyway before you get all picky. On digital again, I’m going to have to break out the bronica for Optic’s next design perhaps I’ll be able to start that next weekend and in the mean time I’ll try my darnedest to write up a photoblog. I’ve also got another idea for a blog that I’m hoping to get up soon which discusses the editing process aand I’m developing a couple of projects I’ve had on the back burner for a few weeks which I’m very excited about

Optic Apparel “Milk” photo shoot

Posted on November 11, 2012 by Jeanine.Marteau

Hello again blog, lots of new images for you today this weekend I had my first fashion and product shoot for Optic Apparel, and then the second shoot as well which will be my next blog!

This one was for Optic’s first t-shirt design; “Milk” which you can check out here :)

Okay so I’ll just dive right in again, my first image for Optic is a homage to Philippe Halsman’s series of “Jump” portraits- that in particular of Salvador Dali:

This original image plays with the idea of suspension, reflecting one of the surrealist’s own pieces, which can be seen in the above photograph; “Leda Atomica”:

But I’m focusing more on halsman’s piece; particularly the jump motion and the liquid flying across the image. It made sense to me, seeing as I had the designer at hand plus the fact his product is called Milk, to throw some milk at him and his t-shirt. Now that’s putting two and two together and here’s what we got:

Yes, it was fun this is what I do with a weekend off work. And why not. I didn’t even waste any milk, that’s water mixed with talcum powder. Genius I say. Oh and a big thank you to Graham for editing it! And for attacking a canvas. And jumping approx 100 times…

I should probably explain why I picked the Halsman/ Dali image in the first place. My initial idea ended up as the second photo shoot (again, that’s the next blog) which is more of an editorial piece I guess. Either way I wanted to do something a bit different (seeing as the designer’s work and illustrations have been described as different to the graphic design clothing out there at the moment) it seemed fitting to create a staged image seeing as that’s what I like to do this image popped into my head as I was thinking “what can I physically do with some milk that isn’t drinking, pouring or spilling?” obviously the answer is to throw it, of course. Especially seeing as no one would volunteer to bathe in it and my tub isn’t big enough for swimming either. I figured Graham would be happy with the idea as he has an interest in the works of Dali anyway (stay tuned for Optic’s next design for more surrealism).

I attempted to keep the same stark contrast between light and shadow, highlighting the t-shirt design and the floating flowing “milk”. However, to my annoyance, we had to split it into two photo shoots; one capturing Graham’s jump (difficult considering my lack of studio and space in this location) and the next the throwing of the liquid. Ok, I didn’t mind doing this, I just would have preferred doing it all one go- the jump and the throw. If you have read about my work before you’ll hopefully know I tend to keep my editing to a bare minimum; I much prefer to do it all in camera with lighting and on set/ location than having to photoshop it all… but that’s just me. Next time I’m hoping to shoot on medium format as well

Finally, here’s a couple of out takes of our photo shoot day one and a clearer image of the design stay tuned for mooorreee:

Summer 2012 on 35mm Film

Posted on October 16, 2012 by Jeanine.Marteau

As it says on the tin

My accidental flooded film- I only lost two frames fortunately and had a few outcomes similar to this:

My dad, brother and boyfriend fishing enjoy how similar my dad and brother look on profile:

See the full albums on my flickr or facebook

Last Year

Posted on October 15, 2012 by Jeanine.Marteau

Today is the 1st year anniversary of my climb up mount snowdon I’ve been telling anyone possible in work today yes I’m still quite proud that I did it, to be honest! It was an achievement in itself for me and the money that I raised for charity is an added bonus here are some of my favourites:

See the full album on my facebook or flickr

The past year has gone so quick, I can’t help but to think back and look at where I was a year ago: what I was doing, my plans, all that jazz. I honestly didn’t think I’d be where I am now! Back in Lincoln, my old job, business workshops opposed to being home in Liverpool; going to art galleries every week, working for free, job hunting… But my goals/ aims haven’t changed no matter where I’ve moved to, and even though last year I hoped to be working in the photography industry in some way (be it my own business or working for some cool studio/ magazine/ gallery in Manchester, or both!) I can safely say I’m still on the right track to having my own business and getting to my next steps- further exhibitions and continuing to do what I enjoy- even if the tableau shoots have slowed down and I’m having to work a lot to support myself, I can’t complain. Looking back, it was a bit silly to think that I’d get the ideal job/ be where I’d want to be within a year of graduating- hopeful but naive. Oh well, we can’t have everything and I never expected to get everything perfect straight away, where’s the fun in that

I wonder where I’ll be on the second year anniversary of my snowdon walk.

Side note- I hate how big my arms look in the cover photo but I like the image, so I plucked up my courage and put it up regardless, it took a lot for me to do that… but then I look at how happy I am and think about what I did and then I don’t care xxx

How Absurd!

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Jeanine.Marteau

oo some pics of the 2012 olympic torch for you in my next blog but until then I’ll have an update on some work in progress. The first project I’ll talk aboot is a staged series of a children’s poem called “Fancy That!” or otherwise know as There Was An Old Woman Who Swallowed A Fly. If you know it you’ll be aware that involves a multitude of animals.. animals that I don’t exactly have access to at the moment.. So I’m making do with what I can and may actually be completing the series with toy/ model animals and there’s also been talk of using illustration and digital manipulation. I am determined to do this project again with the real animals before I die but for the time being I have done a test shoot of one image only- specifically the part of the poem where the old woman swallows a bird, how absurd to swallow a bird! She swallowed the bird to catch the spider that wriggled and jiggled and tickled inside her, she swallowed the spider to catch the fly, I don’t know why she swallowed the fly, perhaps she’ll die.

Anyway here it is, I will be doing a re-shoot very soon (the final series will be on medium format as well) as I need to make myself look a lot older, and I was kind of sunburnt on this shoot… but you get the general idea:

The bird was found on ebay, I don’t know whether to find something a little more common looking though- a sparrow or something with brown feathers instead of blue. We’ll see. It’s not real by the way it’s a clip! Either way this whole series has been heavily influenced by Sarah Small.

Next is the “Breaking Point” idea that was born through an Ideas-generation scribble in one of my sketch books. It stems from one of my old tableau ideas of looking into moments of people in their relationships – their situation, personality etc and it was literally just a side note until Graham noticed it and picked up on it’s potential as a series of it’s own instead of a situation for a couple in a staged piece. So we’ll be collaborating on this series which revolves around annoyances that are encountered in the home and with other people and as it’s title will suggest, it will capture the moment just before the protagonist breaks.

These annoyances will range from the little, everyday things that build up until you crack to bigger things that happen in the home or with your partner and will explore themes of pressure and patience in a variety of situations and with different personalities/ characters.

And as you can see here this is a very big annoyance. A roof leak is probably one of the biggest and most difficult situations that we’re going to tackle on this project (and may return to this a well) as it required a lot of editing to get the drops juusst right. As for the character, I wanted it to look like he had been sat for a fair while- almost like he had sat through the whole process of the rain falling in and the heaviest of the leaks in his ceiling, as you can see by the half filled pans and glasses, and was now just about to, well, let go. As an added frustration I also wanted it to look like he was just getting ready for work when this incident occurred which is why he is dressed in a now damp shirt and also why the morning sun is so bright on the curtains. In actual fact we shot at night, I got to use my new flash kit for this so once I got the composition and the light right it was quite a fun shoot, I got to spill water and everything haha and Graham and I have always worked well; he knew what expressions I meant for his character to have, the most difficult aspect of this was getting his reflection right in the mirror and even that wasn’t a strenuous task. Which I why I’m now thinking we will do some more bigger annoyances/ situations.

I picked these two of my many projects to start off with because a. they require next to no money, b. I have everything I need ready available- location, people, props etc and c. because it means I have one narrative I can create myself and one that is already written for me. I generally stick to creating my own stories but currently I have a few on the back burner that are interpretations of scenes from novels etc which I am looking forward to getting on with. Whether you re-invent an already existing story/ idea or go out and find your own story is a never ending debate for me, and I hope now I’m beginning to find the right balance.