Planning the photoshoot of the pieces for myself
To begin planning the editorial photoshoot I returned to my original proposal for the project and extracted the key phrase. I want there to be a clear and consistent narrative, so that the photos enhance and amplify the story of the work rather than change and redirect it.
I looked up the definitions of the key words used in the phrase to understand my true intentions and break down language I used to describe the work. I found that my original phrasing left the project open to interpretation and development; now that I have resolved the work, I wanted to rephrase this to solidify the intentions.
Reflecting on this I needed to break down how I look at my own identity as a trans feminine person. I created a list of what I strive to be and express through my gender presentation:
•Powerful
•Strong
•Resilient
•Determined
•Confident
•Elegance
•Understanding
•Gentle
Looking at this list I realised that this was the creative direction and narrative the shoot should be built upon.
Exploring the garment styling
Looking at the list above I decided that the time I feel the most aligned with the words was when I have gotten ready for an event. On a typical day I dress appropriate for the workshops, in the same fire-resistant t-shirt and trousers with work boots, this doesn't enable me to express my identity. Therefore, when I am going out to an event, I have full control over the presentation of my identity and can control how other perceive me. I have chosen to style my pieces with outfits that I would wear to an event, such as longer ball dresses.
Looking back at the photoshoot I did for Unit X, I found that the most successful aspect of the garment styling was having skin visible beneath the mail. When I paired the piece with a white top underneath, the lines of the top interfered and distracted from the piece. Additionally, from a distance, the mail blended into the black trousers, so avoiding overlap between the mail and dark clothing would be ideal. One element that did work well was the simplicity of block colours, which did not compete with the patterns of the mail.
Learning from these observations, I have decided to focus on garments with block colours and minimal patterns. Additionally, I will choose clothing that does not intersect with the mail, for example, using an off-the-shoulder top when styling the shoulder piece.
Exploring how other artist style armour on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/DIjbTBgtD3S/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/p/DB22q1MBWEG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/p/DIZFBE5o-Id/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/p/CxECLlcryS3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/p/DBmDKMrSUfg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/p/DFWlqvESjg5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEdqYHqzOvr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_hnU1DNKUY/?img_index=4
I explored how other artists styled their chain mail and armor to find elements I could incorporate into my own shoots. I selected examples that effectively conveyed the chosen narratives. Through my research, I found a common theme: many works were treated as costumes designed to portray medieval characters. In contrast, the examples I have chosen help position the work as a piece of art.
I found that lighting played a crucial role—not only in creating clarity but also in shaping the mood. Softer lighting produced a gentle and reserved aesthetic, whereas higher contrast and bold blacks created a more explosive and dynamic effect. Additionally, the environment in which the pieces were shot drastically influenced the narrative. In portrayals of medieval characters, the setting was often the woods, whereas a studio environment conveyed the work as a piece of fashion.
Reflecting on this, I believe that shooting in a studio setting will allow me to control the lighting and elevate the work as a fashion piece.
Exploring poses from journal articles
I looked through recent journal articles for inspiration on posing and found that I preferred photos with dynamic movements, particularly those involving the arms and body twists to create triangular shapes. This approach helps convey power while maintaining elegance. Additionally, these triangles mirror the forms within the work.
Exploring lighting from journal articles
Continuing my research from journal articles, I found that I preferred a high-contrast lighting style, predominantly in black and white. However, I don’t plan to edit in black and white, as the warmth of the skin contrasts nicely with the mail. Instead, I believe a neutral, darker palette will better convey my chosen narrative. Focusing on highly directional lighting will emphasize the highlights and shadows of the piece, showcasing its depth.
Planning the collaborative photoshoots with the Drag Queens
Reflecting on the conversations I’ve had with Drag Queens and the responses they provided in the questionnaire, I found that the ability to control how others perceive their bodies is often what brings them the most joy in the art of drag.
There is a key difference between cis men and trans women participating in drag. For cis men, drag serves as an expression of their feminine side, while in their daily lives, they remain comfortable in their masculinity. However, for trans women, the expression of femininity is continuous in both daily life and drag. Yet, through drag, they gain full control over how this femininity is perceived.
For our collaboration, I wanted to channel this sense of control. Since I was working with Drag Queens, I recognized the fine line between presenting femininity to the world and performing it solely for the audience's gaze. I emphasized that these shoots were meant to present their purest form of gender expression.
Planning the Narrative Video
Looking back at the narrative of my photoshoots these aim to celebrate the overcoming of personal insecurities, vulnerabilities and gender dysphoria through wearing the pieces. I feel this is best represented through photography, and I wanted to use a narrative video to explore the reasoning behind the work. I am often asked about the story behind the pieces and why I focus so heavily on the trans experience. The video aims to answer these questions.
Additionally, throughout this project, there have been significant attacks on the rights of trans individuals and intense scrutiny of our existence in the media. Much of this discourse has focused on the technicalities of language used to label and exclude communities. Media coverage of these topics often presents broad, exaggerated portrayals, relying on vague language and fabricated scenarios.
Initially, I thought this would be the driving force behind my narrative video, challenging how these issues are framed and exposing the attacks. However, through research and analysis, I realized that the human, individual element had been stripped from the conversation, reducing the community to nothing more than their biology. For everyone in the community, being trans is just one aspect of their identity. I want to highlight the personal and lived experience of being trans and the struggle of navigating gender dysphoria, focusing on the complex relationship between body and mind. My goal is to open up a conversation about these lived experiences and the impact of these laws on real human lives.
Examples of gender dysphoria being represented in video and animation
I found that this short video effectively visualized key elements of gender dysphoria that trans individuals encounter throughout a typical day. A notable challenge it highlighted was the distress caused by incorrect clothing and the need to layer garments to conceal the body, despite the added discomfort.
The most successful element of the video was the use of a jar to represent the accumulation of dysphoria. This clearly illustrated how dysphoria is not a singular issue or moment in time but something that builds and intensifies throughout the day. The ending was particularly powerful and uplifting, as the individual finds an affirming item of clothing that helps them overcome their dysphoria, resulting in the jar emptying.
Another effective storytelling tool was the use of body posture to convey emotions without words. For example, the hunched-over, collapsed position in the shower vividly expressed distress and the internal struggle the individual was facing.
This longer-format video takes time to build the increasing distress that Lake is experiencing. It uses small moments and specific details to illustrate the development of dysphoria throughout the day. The video clearly represents the complexity of internal thoughts and struggles, even within a supportive environment. Mac serves as a source of support.
One key success was the depiction of how dysphoria persists even in a supportive setting. Mac is clearly a trusted friend with good intentions, yet despite his efforts, the effects of gender dysphoria override this and consumes Lake.
The choice of music contrasts with the horror visuals used by the artist. Rather than employing tense music and sudden jumps, they opted for a calm, slow-paced soundtrack to highlight how gender dysphoria can emerge in both mundane and extreme circumstances. The murky greens and muted palette further enhance the sense of unease and discomfort.
This video aims to depict the intense frustration and pain that gender dysphoria can cause. The use of a simple and familiar bedroom setting enhances relatability. The first glance in the mirror upon waking immediately triggers dysphoria, illustrating how trans individuals often begin the day at a disadvantage.
The artist employs color to convey emotion while also exploring the concept of gender binaries. Dark blue tones in the opening sequence evoke the character’s despair and low mood. This then shifts to a lighter pink, suggesting an impending positive change in emotion, only for that hope to be shattered along with the mirror.
The script
When I look in the mirror, I can’t help but hyper-fixate on every imperfection. My eyes dart from one place to another, dissecting my own body as if this reflection were an object to be studied. For now, they’ve landed on my throat, an area riddled with flaws. When I open my mouth, out spills something low, not soft, not gentle, but heavy. A voice too deep to truly feel like my own. A voice that often puts me in danger. A voice I forever try to hide. With every word that escapes, I can feel the mass growing, tightening, and revealing itself to the world. A key marker of an imposter: my Adam’s apple. This large stone juts out from my neck, never stationary, always making its presence known, drawing every eye. Dysphoria is never over, only managed, a beast yet to be tamed.
My aim for the script was to express my genuine thoughts and opinions about my body. I wanted to guide the listener through the experience of how a trans person often hyper-analyzes every aspect of their body. While these feelings are commonly shared across the community, each individual has their own unique relationship with their body.
I chose to discuss the throat as a region of gender dysphoria, as it is a common struggle. However, from an outside perspective, it is often overlooked, since the voice is not physically visible.
