When I set out to do this project, this is not how I envisioned it. I shot pictures of body parts in different positions and was planning on stitching them together (via photoshop), to create this inhuman creature that is relatively similar to the Frankenstein monster. But as I was looking over the requirements for the final, as well as the photos that I took. The realization of how long that would take for one image, being that there was a 5-8 image requirement, was just far to difficult to comprehend. So I went through new ideas while searching through image after image. And I saw the variations of expressions and mannerisms that each of three fellows that I photographed displayed. See, I know these guys like the back of my hand, being that I grew up with them and that we all have the same parents. There is so much that binds us brothers together and so much that is different between each of us. I wanted to illustrate that through photographs in the manner that would be appropriate. Like Leonardo Da Vinci's drawing of the anatomy of a man, these don't show the extents of these people's abilities or personalities. But with the quick request "Just Pose!" You are able to see what these individuals are displaying about themselves in the way they compose their body and the expressions that the make on their faces. I use transparency to show the movement that is viewed. Placed this motion on an image of parchment paper (used for drawing) to express the illustrative quality. I also desaturated the image quite excessively, so they sink into the paper like a drawing. Basically this is a sketch of my brothers, using photographs.
When looking at the first image, you see my youngest brother. He does not move his legs a lot, because he has finally grown taller than the rest of my family, so he has to keep that posture high. The movement of his arms and face show that he is uses his confidence to create familiarity with others.
My second youngest brother is very dramatic and shameless as illustrated. He does not care the time or place, he will say and do crazy things. He is an actor, so when I said "Pose," he knew exactly what to do, and that's act. There is also and up and down composition to this that I enjoy, he stood tall and he squatted.
The last image is my older brother, the strong and silent type. He does get wild at times, but his exterior shows that he is respected. The movement that he showed conveys an athletic strength, almost seems geometric. Which perfectly illustrates someone who takes good care of himself.
Though the requirements were for 5-8 images, I felt that with these could not stand with any others. Given, this is a personal series and expresses a differentiation of personalities within three of my best friends and three siblings. This along with any others would seem wrong. I did not include myself because I can't understand my exterior personality, that is a task that only someone close could achieve.
Enjoy and Thank You for looking at my photographs throughout the term. I had a lot of Fun!
-Alex Morton
