Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz is a highly iconic and influential fashion, beauty and editorial photographer. She has worked with many well know fashion brands, celebrities and fashion houses including Vogue, Rolling Stone, Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Angelina Jolie and John Lennon. What I like most about her work is the trademark saturation that is evident thought almost all of her work and makes it instantly recognizable. This also teams well with the fantasy aspect that runs through a lot of her work, giving it a more surreal, dramatic look. I have chosen to look into her work in more detail as she shows strong aspects of fantasy in her work which is my theme for this unit and I love the overall presentation of her ideas and subjects, specifically the use of colour, saturation and use of location to create more depth. 

 This image relates to my project theme of fantasy as it shows the ideas of love and intimacy which can be linked to and interpreted as fantasy. I chose to include this image as it shows such a personal, intimate moment between Yoko Ono and John Lennon, and documenting a moment as candid as what is shown is rare. I also like how it reflects both of the subjects and is an pose and overall image that you wouldn't expect anyone else to be a part of. The composition of this image is also really good, with the subjects filling up the entire central area, emphasizing that they are the subject.
What I think is most important about this image is the fact that neither of the subjects are looking at or appear to be taking notice of the camera, which is crucial in capturing such as pure, intimate moment. I think that Annie Leibovitz aims when taking this image was to show the relationship between John and Yoko.

 This image relates to my theme of fantasy as the dress looks glamorous and elegant, which clashes strongly with the rural barn location which gives a slight dream effect. What I like most about this image is how although it is clear Katy Perry is the focus of the image, the rest of composition (background, chickens etc) are not pushed aside and re considered in the composition creating a fuller story. I also like the red theme, with is a typical barn colour, but also connotes ideas of love which could be part of a deeper meaning behind the image. I also like how layered this image looks, with the trees and sky being right at the back, then the barn buildings, then the main subject in the foreground.
I think the most important part of this image is the composition, as if there was more background around the subject she would look lost, but if the composition was tighter around the subject then the image could look a bit dulll. I think the aim of Annie Leibovitz was to show the subject in a different setting as is usually shown and to show the fashion featured.

I chose to include this image as it strongly relates to the idea as it is showing a representation of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale. What catches my eye most about this image is the fact that although both the male and female subjects are the focus, the female is show as slightly more important due to how she is standing out in light pink against the lighter colours and is also looking straight at the camera. I also really like how the flowers fill the composition on the left side of the image, as without them, the image would look empty, and having a tighter composition around the subjects would look too restrictive.
What I think is most important about this image is the colours used, as although it is quite desaturated, the colour still stands out, especially in terms of the female model who stands out against the darker colours used.  I think the aim of this shoot was to recreate a classic fairytale with a more modern, fashion centered approach.

I chose to include this image as although it is not intended to be seen from a fantasy point of view, the apparel and stormy colours used give it a slight fantasy feel. What I like most about this is the dark, mysterious, stormy colours and saturation this image shows as it gives what could be an ordinary portrait a more out of this world, eccentric and powerful feel which works well with this image and contrasts how the Queen is usually shown in a photograph. I also really like how the camera is angled looking up at the subject as it shows her as and emphasizes that she is powerful.
What I think is most important about this image is the colours and saturation as it gives the image an extra dimension, making it appear slightly 3D, as well as giving it a powerful movie/Hollywood style and feel. I think that Annie Leibovitz aim with this image was to show the Queen in a new, modern and different way to how she is usually shown.

Influence; 

I chose to look at Annie Leibovitz' work as I like how she creates statement, fairytale inspired pieces by using dramatic contrast and lighting effects, and paying strong attention to detail regarding mise en scene. Her work has strongly influenced me throughout this entire unit, as her focus is primarily conceptual, fantasy shoots which is what my aim has been. For example, when doing shoots strongly showing fantasy and fairytale ideas, I have experimented with different editing techniques such as desaturating the colours a bit and enhancing the contrast and brightness. Her influence is particularly evident in my exam shoots, which was telling the story of Alice in Wonderland. Her influence is evident in a few areas. Firstly, the use of props and location to expand the image creating more of a story. Secondly, the strong, desaturated yet vivd colours which create an impact and stand out, making the images seem more surreal.

Summary; 

In conclusion, Leibovitz' work has influenced me dramatically throughout this unit, and has given me both inspiration for shoot ideas and different editing techniques to portray the images in different ways. I would say that out of all the photographers I have looked at during this unit, she has influenced me the most and I will continue to look at her work in the future for inspiration.