Mary Raine
www.maryraine.deviantart.com
Mary Raine is a photographer from Spain who focuses on self portraiture. The photoshoot I will be featuring here is the only one that utilizes the theme of "disguise." Both of these photographs are self portrait images of herself with photoshop techniques used to enhance the colours.
This particular photograph features a close up shot of Mary. I assume that studio lighting has been used in this shoot, as the lighting appears to be controlled rather than natural. Primarily, the light is coming in from the left handside of the model, enriching her face and skin, giving the effect that it is like porcelain. I believe this angle was chosen in order to have the mask fully illuminated, as the mask is the main focal point of the image. Regarding the colours of this photograph, I believe the deep red lips and auburn hair give a warm and sexual feeling to the photograph as red is often a colour associated with love and fire. In addition, allthough we can only see her from the shoulders upwards, the photograph suggests that the model is nude, which may be used in order to appeal to the male audience.
The blue of the mask strongly contrasts the reds. Often associated with coldness, this is supported by the icy, ambigious stare on her expression. I described this as ambigious as the stare could suggest many things. Perhaps she is walking away from a lover, suffering from the temptation to glance back, or even merely staring thoughtfully to the side. The expression looks slightly sad, rather than the suggestive look you'd expect from photographs such as this. I believe Raine wanted to present a strong feeling of emotion in this photograph, giving it a deeper meaning than just being another nude shoot.
Considering the theme of disguise, masquerade masks were often worn at venetian balls in order to conceal the identity of the women attending, or even at festivals for the same reason. I believe in this photograph, the mask represents the models need to hide her expression, which to her, is more important than hiding her body.
Finally, I would like to address the use of editing in this photograph. I believe the colours have been enhanced in order to create a greater contrast between them. Also, the models eyes have been photoshopped in order to match the blue of the masquerade mask. I believe this was done to highlight the cold expression, drawing your eye primarily to the mask. Whereas the red of the lips becomes the secondary focal point, suggesting once more that Raine wanted this photograph to be expressive, rather than seductive.
This particular photograph features a close up shot of Mary. I assume that studio lighting has been used in this shoot, as the lighting appears to be controlled rather than natural. Primarily, the light is coming in from the left handside of the model, enriching her face and skin, giving the effect that it is like porcelain. I believe this angle was chosen in order to have the mask fully illuminated, as the mask is the main focal point of the image. Regarding the colours of this photograph, I believe the deep red lips and auburn hair give a warm and sexual feeling to the photograph as red is often a colour associated with love and fire. In addition, allthough we can only see her from the shoulders upwards, the photograph suggests that the model is nude, which may be used in order to appeal to the male audience.
The blue of the mask strongly contrasts the reds. Often associated with coldness, this is supported by the icy, ambigious stare on her expression. I described this as ambigious as the stare could suggest many things. Perhaps she is walking away from a lover, suffering from the temptation to glance back, or even merely staring thoughtfully to the side. The expression looks slightly sad, rather than the suggestive look you'd expect from photographs such as this. I believe Raine wanted to present a strong feeling of emotion in this photograph, giving it a deeper meaning than just being another nude shoot.
Considering the theme of disguise, masquerade masks were often worn at venetian balls in order to conceal the identity of the women attending, or even at festivals for the same reason. I believe in this photograph, the mask represents the models need to hide her expression, which to her, is more important than hiding her body.
Finally, I would like to address the use of editing in this photograph. I believe the colours have been enhanced in order to create a greater contrast between them. Also, the models eyes have been photoshopped in order to match the blue of the masquerade mask. I believe this was done to highlight the cold expression, drawing your eye primarily to the mask. Whereas the red of the lips becomes the secondary focal point, suggesting once more that Raine wanted this photograph to be expressive, rather than seductive.
This second photograph features a closeup of the models face, primarily focusing on the mask and a single eye. The first thing I would like to note about this photograph, is that this appears to be the same mask used as the one in the previous image. The small image on the mask of Venice on the first photograph shows blue clouds, however on this image the clouds are purple. This suggests that the mask has been edited to be purple for this photograph.
In regards to the photograph itself, I believe the colour purple has been chosen for the mask and eye as it is a neutral colour. The colour is often associated with nobility, as it was the colour worn by Roman Emporers and magistrates, and later worn by bishops. The mask itself features musical notes which, considering the era these masks were used, could only be read by those who had money.
In the theme of disguise, it could be interpreted that the model is trying to hide behind their money and wealth, using it as a mask. Or perhaps they wish to interact with others as a fresh, unrecognized person.
Overall, I find Mary Raines work to be highly inspirational, and the idea of using masquerade masks to portray the theme of "disguise" is something I would like to experiment with further.
In regards to the photograph itself, I believe the colour purple has been chosen for the mask and eye as it is a neutral colour. The colour is often associated with nobility, as it was the colour worn by Roman Emporers and magistrates, and later worn by bishops. The mask itself features musical notes which, considering the era these masks were used, could only be read by those who had money.
In the theme of disguise, it could be interpreted that the model is trying to hide behind their money and wealth, using it as a mask. Or perhaps they wish to interact with others as a fresh, unrecognized person.
Overall, I find Mary Raines work to be highly inspirational, and the idea of using masquerade masks to portray the theme of "disguise" is something I would like to experiment with further.