Landscape Photography

A key inspirational element to the focus of my work along the theme of organic beauty is that of recreating the effects of the natural world within the makeup, posing and lighting of the images. To achieve this connection I feel that it would be important to use relevant colour into the makeup designs so that they embody the same degree of vibrancy as seen within organic matter. For this it is vital to examine images from a variety of natural landscapes to grasp an understanding of how texture, colour and light change within the nature. In many respects the connection between the earths scenery and the human aesthetic is strong in regards that both represent a form of landscape, including a variety of colour tones, textures and structural shapes. As light behaves on a mountain side, so does it on the peaks of noses and caverns of the eye socket, the shadows of the face continuously alter themselves as we move around the sun much like how the sun moves around our earth. Within my work this is something that I want to capture heavily so that the makeup links visibly to the organic matter it focuses on, a contrast to the more cliched concept of organic beauty whereby it is the products that base themselves on the natural world. As opposed to using product to create the illusion of nature through beauty. 

Colour
http://www.desk7.net/wallpapers.aspx?typeid=11235

This first image focuses on a combination landscape that features both elements of desert rock, grass and water. An example of how all three elements can be tied together so effortlessly within an biological landscape. What stands out most within this image is the bold colour that occurs across each varied terrain and in turn how the pigment of the colour is a completely natural occurrence (although most likely enhanced slightly through the use of photographic editing). Despite the visual features of three elements the main focus of this image is definitely that of heat, this is predominantly due to the use of colour which is intensely burnt and orange. This is enhanced further by the contrast of the blue and the green which harmonise nicely against the fiery tones. A colour palette such as this can be very easily transformed through the use of makeup by using similar pigment choices for the eye makeup but also a bronzed contour/highlight or lip to add a degree of drama to the look. In addition to the use of colour is that of the earths texture itself, here the ground is visibly dry, sandy and cracked due to sun exposure. This is an effect that could be recreated beautifully through the use of 'fullers earth' which could be applied to the skin or hair and then allowed to dry and crack, thus recreating the grounds texture. Colour could also be added to this if required to enhance the pigment of the clay substance further. 

Reflection
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/05/16/26-landscape-
photography-tips-every-pro-photographer-still-uses/2/

The second image features heavily in the use of water and reflection. The colour palette is much cooler with predominately blues and yellows, however the tones complement each other and work to create the tones of environment/beach setting. The use of the clear water in the image allows for both the textures underneath such as the pebbles to be seen, while also reflecting the pattern of the clouds in the sky. This technique of the reflection in the water is something that could be recreated within photography through the use of a thicker gel/glycerin substance that will bounce the light back better than the use of just water. By using a soft box light it will create a glint in the moist areas of the makeup, like that of the water within this image both the skin beneath and the light reflection will be seen. The use of the reflection in this images is by far the most stand out element of the whole photograph, the use of the light allows for immense detail to be seen both underneath and above the water. So much so that the castle in the background doesn't remain the most important feature but merely acts as a focal point for the eye to follow up from the foreground. What makes the water so captivating is the set up of this photograph whereby the landscape and sky follows backwards into a inverted diamond to the focal point.

Shadow
http://digital-photography-school.com/11-surefire-tips-
for-improving-your-landscape-photography/

This last image focuses heavily on the use of shadow and therefore inspires the type of lighting that I would like to create within my own images. The use of the mountains is heavily inspiring as it creates a deeper contrast in the tones of the colours such as the blues and yellows as seen here, but also through the harsh shadowing it adds an intense level of dimension to the shape of the mountains. By creating shadow it means that the areas that capture the light draw in our focus and show extra details such as the ridges in the snow and areas that carry foliage, these are elements that can also be seen in the shadowed area but with less detail and therefore your eye is drawn to the light. Shadow also effectively makes things appear slimmer as it is like a natural contour created purely though the use of lighting. This is something that I would like to recreate within my own shoot using the skin as the landscape with the natural features of the face reflecting the same effect of the mountains as seen within this image.