To ensure I am not just scratching the surface within my project I am continually researching the subject of each suicide with as much sensitivity as possible, I have included this research as not only is it rather shocking, it backs up many references within my photoshoot with the use of the whole look, it has helped me to develop the whole idea to come to my final images.
"Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4,400 deaths per year, according to the CDC."
The statement above is extremely worrying, therefore it is important to recognise some suicidal traits recognised by psychologists, to raise awareness it is the intention of this chapter to highlight the psychology behind being suicidal using a adolescent character will help to raise awareness that this is very real and can be even more shocking if there is a re-enactment that appears to look younger so that this issue is not ignored.
To ensure I am not just scratching the surface within my project I am continually researching the subject of each suicide with as much sensitivity as possible, I have included this research as not only is it rather shocking, it backs up many references within my photoshoot with the use of the whole look, it has helped me to develop the whole idea to come to my final images.
"Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4,400 deaths per year, according to the CDC."
The statement above is extremely worrying, therefore it is important to recognise some suicidal traits recognised by psychologists, to raise awareness it is the intention of this chapter to highlight the psychology behind being suicidal using a adolescent character will help to raise awareness that this is very real and can be even more shocking if there is a re-enactment that appears to look younger so that this issue is not ignored.
"Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4,400 deaths per year, according to the CDC."
The statement above is extremely worrying, therefore it is important to recognise some suicidal traits recognised by psychologists, to raise awareness it is the intention of this chapter to highlight the psychology behind being suicidal using a adolescent character will help to raise awareness that this is very real and can be even more shocking if there is a re-enactment that appears to look younger so that this issue is not ignored.
Bridgend suicides. (Title:Bridgend (2013) Director:John Williams )
The Bridge end suicides of 2011 was an issue of suicides by youths, it was believed to be a suicide pact encouraged by "suicide cults" , between the months of January 2007 -February 2009 there was a series of 25 suicides, where all but one of the suicides was caused by hanging. Many of the suicides were committed between the ages of 13-17. It was believed that the media was to blame for the high volume of deaths due to the amount of media coverage many of the adolescents parents felt as though it was encouraging others to copy, causing a horrific 'domino effect'. Although no one knows the cause of these upsetting incidents of which is leading to more suffering from their family and friends. The documentary was insightful and truly heartbreaking, it was interesting to discover that all of the adolescents knew each other, they all hung themselves, and none of them left a suicide note. Interestingly many of the suicidal victims were found hanging in a crouching/kneeling position.The parents and friends of those who committed suicide revealed that their sibling showed no signs of depression and all seemed fairly happy. All of the victims peers had said that they wished that they had just spoken to them beforehand so they could get an insight to how they were feeling so that they could've helped.
There is a clear link between bullying and suicide particularly with adolescents .
I think it is important to display a narrative that tackles suicide within youth, although this will not be pleasant to look at, it is important to highlight that it is real and it does happen to help raise awareness. Statistics in Britain shows that half of teenage deaths are related to suicide and girls that are of the age of 10-14 are more effected by bullying and suicide.
It is a serious issue that has been displayed numerous times in the media particularly in television and films, British Urban film 'Kidulthood' (Noel Clarke) showcases scenes of bullying that eventually leads to suicide of which is a serious problem that is sometimes dismissed in reality, in the scene it is clear that the parents are aware of the bullying but refuse to talk to their child about it, perhaps causing an awareness that if they spoke to their daughter about the problem and helped then there is a possibility that suicide could of been avoided- sadly this is very realistic I am hopeful that this project will help to display the mind frame of those suffering with suicidal thoughts and will help to raise awareness.
Bridgend suicides. (Title:Bridgend (2013) Director:John Williams )
The Bridge end suicides of 2011 was an issue of suicides by youths, it was believed to be a suicide pact encouraged by "suicide cults" , between the months of January 2007 -February 2009 there was a series of 25 suicides, where all but one of the suicides was caused by hanging. Many of the suicides were committed between the ages of 13-17. It was believed that the media was to blame for the high volume of deaths due to the amount of media coverage many of the adolescents parents felt as though it was encouraging others to copy, causing a horrific 'domino effect'. Although no one knows the cause of these upsetting incidents of which is leading to more suffering from their family and friends. The documentary was insightful and truly heartbreaking, it was interesting to discover that all of the adolescents knew each other, they all hung themselves, and none of them left a suicide note. Interestingly many of the suicidal victims were found hanging in a crouching/kneeling position.The parents and friends of those who committed suicide revealed that their sibling showed no signs of depression and all seemed fairly happy. All of the victims peers had said that they wished that they had just spoken to them beforehand so they could get an insight to how they were feeling so that they could've helped.
There is a clear link between bullying and suicide particularly with adolescents .
I think it is important to display a narrative that tackles suicide within youth, although this will not be pleasant to look at, it is important to highlight that it is real and it does happen to help raise awareness. Statistics in Britain shows that half of teenage deaths are related to suicide and girls that are of the age of 10-14 are more effected by bullying and suicide.
It is a serious issue that has been displayed numerous times in the media particularly in television and films, British Urban film 'Kidulthood' (Noel Clarke) showcases scenes of bullying that eventually leads to suicide of which is a serious problem that is sometimes dismissed in reality, in the scene it is clear that the parents are aware of the bullying but refuse to talk to their child about it, perhaps causing an awareness that if they spoke to their daughter about the problem and helped then there is a possibility that suicide could of been avoided- sadly this is very realistic I am hopeful that this project will help to display the mind frame of those suffering with suicidal thoughts and will help to raise awareness.
Single Female, 16
Dear Mother & Dad,
Please forgive me. I have tried to be good to you both. I love you both very much and wanted to get along with you both. I have tried. I have wanted to go out with you and Dad but I was always afraid to ask for I always felt that the answer would be no.
And about Bud, I want to dismiss every idea about him. I don’t like him any more than a companion, for a while I thought I did but no more, in fact, I am quite tired of him, as you know, I get tired of everyone after a while.
And mother, I wish that you hadn’t called me a liar, and said I was just like Hap. as I’m not. It is just that I am afraid of you both at times, but I love you both very much.
So Long,
Your loving daughter
that will always
love you,
Mary
P.S. Please forgive me. I want you to, and don’t think for one minute that I haven’t appreciate everything you’ve done.
Female,14 (http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/tragic-teenager-sent-facebook-suicide-5821967)
"Mum I love you, I miss you, you have the best life ever. Hopefully we will meet again."
Single Female, 16
Dear Mother & Dad,
Please forgive me. I have tried to be good to you both. I love you both very much and wanted to get along with you both. I have tried. I have wanted to go out with you and Dad but I was always afraid to ask for I always felt that the answer would be no.
And about Bud, I want to dismiss every idea about him. I don’t like him any more than a companion, for a while I thought I did but no more, in fact, I am quite tired of him, as you know, I get tired of everyone after a while.
And mother, I wish that you hadn’t called me a liar, and said I was just like Hap. as I’m not. It is just that I am afraid of you both at times, but I love you both very much.
And about Bud, I want to dismiss every idea about him. I don’t like him any more than a companion, for a while I thought I did but no more, in fact, I am quite tired of him, as you know, I get tired of everyone after a while.
And mother, I wish that you hadn’t called me a liar, and said I was just like Hap. as I’m not. It is just that I am afraid of you both at times, but I love you both very much.
So Long,
Your loving daughter
that will always
love you,
that will always
love you,
Mary
P.S. Please forgive me. I want you to, and don’t think for one minute that I haven’t appreciate everything you’ve done.
Female,14 (http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/tragic-teenager-sent-facebook-suicide-5821967)
"Mum I love you, I miss you, you have the best life ever. Hopefully we will meet again."
When looking at suicide notes written by adolescents it was difficult to find many that were negative of which is intriguing, the first one interests me as it seems as though it is over a misunderstanding with a boy and her parents there does not seem to be any major issues such as bullying or depression, there appears to be some fear in regards to her parents. The second note is short and intrigued me too as it did not give any clues away as to why this person committed suicide, of which is interesting as it shows that not every suicidal note is full of thoughts and detail for this narrative I can perhaps create a less poetic tone to the note.
When looking at suicide notes written by adolescents it was difficult to find many that were negative of which is intriguing, the first one interests me as it seems as though it is over a misunderstanding with a boy and her parents there does not seem to be any major issues such as bullying or depression, there appears to be some fear in regards to her parents. The second note is short and intrigued me too as it did not give any clues away as to why this person committed suicide, of which is interesting as it shows that not every suicidal note is full of thoughts and detail for this narrative I can perhaps create a less poetic tone to the note.
Reflection on research.
The research highlights the realness and will hopefully make the viewer think that suicidal thoughts also effect those who are less suspected such as adolescents. I think it is important to raise awareness. What was truly heartbreaking yet interesting at the same time was the information discovered about the ‘Bridgend suicides’, that all of the teenagers were found hanging in a praying position,without a suicide note, it remains a mystery of the cause of the deaths. The images should reflect a younger looking female showing her’ true scars’ of what she has been hiding. The character has her top off as teenagers are more vulnerable and being naked to me is associated with vulnerability.
95% of all teens ages 12-17 are now online and 80% of online teens are users of social media sites (Pew Research Center Internet Project, 2011)
The statistics show that bullying is made even easier and is almost impossible to escape for the victim. I feel as though it is a serious issue and the point that the character has youth like elements will perhaps make the viewers aware that suicide can happen at all ages, especially when you are young and vulnerable.
Reflection on research.
The research highlights the realness and will hopefully make the viewer think that suicidal thoughts also effect those who are less suspected such as adolescents. I think it is important to raise awareness. What was truly heartbreaking yet interesting at the same time was the information discovered about the ‘Bridgend suicides’, that all of the teenagers were found hanging in a praying position,without a suicide note, it remains a mystery of the cause of the deaths. The images should reflect a younger looking female showing her’ true scars’ of what she has been hiding. The character has her top off as teenagers are more vulnerable and being naked to me is associated with vulnerability.
95% of all teens ages 12-17 are now online and 80% of online teens are users of social media sites (Pew Research Center Internet Project, 2011)
The statistics show that bullying is made even easier and is almost impossible to escape for the victim. I feel as though it is a serious issue and the point that the character has youth like elements will perhaps make the viewers aware that suicide can happen at all ages, especially when you are young and vulnerable.
There has been a change in this narrative from my proposal the original idea was to have the shoot in a hair salon and have the rope created from hair, however as this is no longer set in a hair salon the hair top is irrelevant and has a more avant garde feel to it rather than a raw, fashion elements.
There has been a change in this narrative from my proposal the original idea was to have the shoot in a hair salon and have the rope created from hair, however as this is no longer set in a hair salon the hair top is irrelevant and has a more avant garde feel to it rather than a raw, fashion elements.
Attic.
This scene will be set in an attic, but will be shot in a studio with wooden floor similar to an attic. The attic series of images will be set in a dark atmospheric environment, these images are used for inspiration for my photographer as a sort of storyboard and to get the overall mood, to stop myself and the photographer from going on a tangdine as ideally I would like the shoots to be cohesive.
Lighting Inspiration.
The lighting needs to consistent for my project to have the same mood, I have chosen to continue with cool dark lighting as I feel this works best as it highlights specific features, and makes the images appear more raw and realistic where you can see skin and hair details in a more realistic sense.
Chris helped me to achieve the lighting that I wanted to re-create in the studio although it took a few attempts to be able to achieve the blue undertone, I experimented with a warmer light but preferred the cooler light for the reasons listed above, I wanted to see how it was set up in case there was a cancellation or if the photographer was unsure of how to achieve the exact lighting on the day of the photoshoot. As this was going to be the first photoshoot that was going to be shot in a studio the lighting had to be created by studio lighting which required specific angling, height, soft boxes and dark boards in order to get the desired look. I was happy that I learnt this technique as I can apply it if the photographer is unsure or if there is a cancellation.
I preferred the last two images as I feel they suit the mood more and make the image appear to be more interesting, as the setting of the project is in a dark house, for this one it will be the attic it is important that the lighting is dark with what looks likes a small window of light peeking through. I will be using this set up during my photoshoot.
The lighting needs to consistent for my project to have the same mood, I have chosen to continue with cool dark lighting as I feel this works best as it highlights specific features, and makes the images appear more raw and realistic where you can see skin and hair details in a more realistic sense.
Chris helped me to achieve the lighting that I wanted to re-create in the studio although it took a few attempts to be able to achieve the blue undertone, I experimented with a warmer light but preferred the cooler light for the reasons listed above, I wanted to see how it was set up in case there was a cancellation or if the photographer was unsure of how to achieve the exact lighting on the day of the photoshoot. As this was going to be the first photoshoot that was going to be shot in a studio the lighting had to be created by studio lighting which required specific angling, height, soft boxes and dark boards in order to get the desired look. I was happy that I learnt this technique as I can apply it if the photographer is unsure or if there is a cancellation.
I preferred the last two images as I feel they suit the mood more and make the image appear to be more interesting, as the setting of the project is in a dark house, for this one it will be the attic it is important that the lighting is dark with what looks likes a small window of light peeking through. I will be using this set up during my photoshoot.
Makeup & styling.
In terms of the makeup, hair and styling I have considered that by having the upper body showing it communicates vulnerability, to myself being naked is when we are at our must vulnerable state especially when you’re a teenager, as you are less confident with your body and feel under pressure to conform to the ‘ideal’ look that is pushed upon young girls in the media.
Suicide attempts and suicidal ideation: links with psychiatric comorbidity in eating disorder subjects. This piece evaluates the links between eating disorders and suicidal behaviours, the abstract shows that that those with an eating disorder are at a higher risk of committing or idealising suicide. The paper highlights that females with eating disorders are at risk, the purpose of this paper is to help those suffering with eating disorders to seek psychiatric help to prevent suicidal tendencies and to help those suffering to get better.
(Gabriella Milos, M.D.*, Anja Spindler, Ph.D., Urs Hepp, M.D., Ulrich Schnyder, M.D.
Psychiatric Department, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
Received 21 May 2003; accepted 21 October 2003 )
In order to re-create this I used a bruising wheel to create shadows and highlights around my bone structure to exaggerate the bones.
As I could not reach my back this photoshoot required an assistant to help with back makeup, myself and the shoot assistant hd a meeting to discuss what I would need her to do, it also gave me the opportunity to share with her images of the marks she needs to create and poses as I would need her help for safety reasons as there is a noose in this photoshoot.
(Gabriella Milos, M.D.*, Anja Spindler, Ph.D., Urs Hepp, M.D., Ulrich Schnyder, M.D.
Psychiatric Department, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
Received 21 May 2003; accepted 21 October 2003 )
Received 21 May 2003; accepted 21 October 2003 )
As I could not reach my back this photoshoot required an assistant to help with back makeup, myself and the shoot assistant hd a meeting to discuss what I would need her to do, it also gave me the opportunity to share with her images of the marks she needs to create and poses as I would need her help for safety reasons as there is a noose in this photoshoot.
Makeup and hair inspiration.
The makeup for this photoshoot is inspired by a 'tea stained' eye as I feel the warm undertones smudged around the eye will create a distressed look, with a plan base and quite strong contours as this will create a dramatic effect with the lighting and post production. I like the trial and have decided that it photographs well and dramatising the tiredness of the eyes with a beauty element to it, keeping the images looking modern and artistic like the intended outcome, it will be interesting to see how well the cool tones contrast with the warmth of the eyes.
The tartan skirt is a symbolic piece for English school uniform that is the reason behind the styling for this photoshoot. The hair a plait again I associate with school and being young. A simple plait is arguably a recognisable and symbolic of an English school look.
For the noose the initial idea from my brief was to wrap hair around the noose like the image demonstrates, however as i have changed my setting the hair does is not fitting.
I chose yellow rope as I felt as though it would stand out well, I also like the way you can see the detail of the noose which is why it works better and is in context with the photo series.I found it difficult to create a noose therefore I had to find someone who knew how to create one, luckily I managed to contact someone who was on the 'yacht design' course, as their course requires them to knot ropes together so felt confident that this was the best decision and the noose was created.
The makeup for this photoshoot is inspired by a 'tea stained' eye as I feel the warm undertones smudged around the eye will create a distressed look, with a plan base and quite strong contours as this will create a dramatic effect with the lighting and post production. I like the trial and have decided that it photographs well and dramatising the tiredness of the eyes with a beauty element to it, keeping the images looking modern and artistic like the intended outcome, it will be interesting to see how well the cool tones contrast with the warmth of the eyes.
The tartan skirt is a symbolic piece for English school uniform that is the reason behind the styling for this photoshoot. The hair a plait again I associate with school and being young. A simple plait is arguably a recognisable and symbolic of an English school look.
For the noose the initial idea from my brief was to wrap hair around the noose like the image demonstrates, however as i have changed my setting the hair does is not fitting.
I chose yellow rope as I felt as though it would stand out well, I also like the way you can see the detail of the noose which is why it works better and is in context with the photo series.I found it difficult to create a noose therefore I had to find someone who knew how to create one, luckily I managed to contact someone who was on the 'yacht design' course, as their course requires them to knot ropes together so felt confident that this was the best decision and the noose was created.
Reflection on production.
At the beginning of the photoshoot I was rather concerned about my photographer not doubting that she was not good, but stressing about whether the images would be as consistent as my previous photographs as the shoots must have cohesion, I have worked with photographer before however the images required a different outcome. Shooting narrative four was pretty stressful in comparison to my other photoshoots as the lighting in the studios was not working properly meaning we could not create the lighting technique that Chris had taught me for this particular shoot, however we eventually managed to create an effective cool toned lighting without the original setup. In this photoshoot i wanted a shot where the legs were dangling to show the hanging as well as a GIF of the legs hanging. However as this photos was in the studios this was difficult as there was nothing to hang on, I searched the whole university prior to the shoot to see if there was anything I could hold onto but I failed to find anything that would hold myself. It was suggested by Chris to dangle my legs from a stool however there was no way we could have camouflaged the stool legs. Therefore we had to use the back roll in the studio over a stool but that also did not look effective, I then lay on the floor with my legs in the air to create the illusion of having once the image is rotated, but that still did not look right, we spotted the window sill covered it in the studio back drop paper and I sat on it dangling my legs this looked realistic on camera. After the stress of the last still images it was time to create the GIF, the camera then decided that it did not want to go on video mode, we then had to take a lot of continuous still images to create the illusion of the legs moving of which I will create a GIF with.
From this photoshoot I have learnt that it is important to always have a back up plan, remain calm and to use your creativity to make a problem work. Having a selection of story and mood boards helped the photographer understand the poses,lighting and overall mood having a good selection of images helps to broaden ideas so my photographer and I were not short of ideas of which was a strength within this photoshoot, I was worried this photographer would not understand the outcome I wanted however through good communication through images this was not the case.
On the day I had an impulsive idea to use a belt as a noose as much as I like these images they will not be used on my official website as the images are narrative based it just will not create cohesion.
Safety issues.
I had an assistant on this shoot as I was unable to create the makeup on my back and for safety reasons as I was using a noose I did not want any accidents happening so felt it would be wise to have an assistant to help to hold the noose and to make sure it did not tighten.
Overall I am happy with the images that myself and Daria created, the lighting is more dramatic in these images although the ideal setting will be in the attic where it is typically darker so it made sense to have darker lighting, I like the use of the lighting to highlight the face it could be interpreted as the light from the window, or a ray of light as if they are going to 'heaven' of which is a more uplifting thought and end to this photo series.
At the beginning of the photoshoot I was rather concerned about my photographer not doubting that she was not good, but stressing about whether the images would be as consistent as my previous photographs as the shoots must have cohesion, I have worked with photographer before however the images required a different outcome. Shooting narrative four was pretty stressful in comparison to my other photoshoots as the lighting in the studios was not working properly meaning we could not create the lighting technique that Chris had taught me for this particular shoot, however we eventually managed to create an effective cool toned lighting without the original setup. In this photoshoot i wanted a shot where the legs were dangling to show the hanging as well as a GIF of the legs hanging. However as this photos was in the studios this was difficult as there was nothing to hang on, I searched the whole university prior to the shoot to see if there was anything I could hold onto but I failed to find anything that would hold myself. It was suggested by Chris to dangle my legs from a stool however there was no way we could have camouflaged the stool legs. Therefore we had to use the back roll in the studio over a stool but that also did not look effective, I then lay on the floor with my legs in the air to create the illusion of having once the image is rotated, but that still did not look right, we spotted the window sill covered it in the studio back drop paper and I sat on it dangling my legs this looked realistic on camera. After the stress of the last still images it was time to create the GIF, the camera then decided that it did not want to go on video mode, we then had to take a lot of continuous still images to create the illusion of the legs moving of which I will create a GIF with.
From this photoshoot I have learnt that it is important to always have a back up plan, remain calm and to use your creativity to make a problem work. Having a selection of story and mood boards helped the photographer understand the poses,lighting and overall mood having a good selection of images helps to broaden ideas so my photographer and I were not short of ideas of which was a strength within this photoshoot, I was worried this photographer would not understand the outcome I wanted however through good communication through images this was not the case.
On the day I had an impulsive idea to use a belt as a noose as much as I like these images they will not be used on my official website as the images are narrative based it just will not create cohesion.
Safety issues.
I had an assistant on this shoot as I was unable to create the makeup on my back and for safety reasons as I was using a noose I did not want any accidents happening so felt it would be wise to have an assistant to help to hold the noose and to make sure it did not tighten.
Overall I am happy with the images that myself and Daria created, the lighting is more dramatic in these images although the ideal setting will be in the attic where it is typically darker so it made sense to have darker lighting, I like the use of the lighting to highlight the face it could be interpreted as the light from the window, or a ray of light as if they are going to 'heaven' of which is a more uplifting thought and end to this photo series.
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