Nick Treviss studied Photography at the Arts University College Bournemouth and the Surrey Institute of Art & Design. He is fascinated with the notion of individual and social identity, and strives to explore the relationship between the photographer and the individual.
It is this fascination with the relationship between the photographer and the individual that links Treviss’ work perfectly to my title ‘Individual Identity’ as he strives to photograph people in their own environment and give a true representation of themselves. I think this will add depth to my work as it will encourage me to think technically about how to light a location. I plan to replicate his lighting in order to relate my work to his. I also plan to shoot my images in relatively everyday locations and have my models wear everyday clothing in homage to Treviss’ work.
Image One has been composed so that the subject of the image, the model, is in the centre of the frame, and the viewer’s eye is drawn here first. This is aided by the line provided by the desk that runs into the centre of the image. The model’s outfit also aids in drawing the viewer’s eye to her as it’s very bright and eye-catching in comparison to the dark chair she’s sat on. The location Treviss has chosen is very busy but doesn’t distract the viewer from the model. I like that the environment in which the image has been shot hasn’t been deliberately tidied as I think it makes the situation seem more true to life.
Image Two also features a busy location, but the model’s bright white vest draws the viewer’s eye to her as it contrasts the black jacket on the back of her chair. The line created by the table draws the viewer’s eye through the image to the model’s hand. It’s likely that the image was lit by a single lamp as this is a technique that Treviss often uses to light his images in order to mimic daylight. I like the soft overall colour palette of this image.
The model in Image Three is looking directly at the camera, and this direct mode of address draws the viewer into the image. The model’s position is relaxed and informal which relates to the image’s location of a bedroom. The model is wearing a white vest which contrasts the black bedding and, again, draws the viewer’s eye to her. I like the simplicity of the location as I think it makes the image more powerful.
Image Four has been composed using the rule of thirds which makes it more interesting for the viewer, and the model also breaks up the line created by the wall. The image has a relatively shallow depth of field and this slight blur on the background draws the viewer’s eye to the model. The model is wearing everyday clothing and this relates to the location of the image being a street corner. I like the way the model is sitting as I think it looks very natural, making the image feel less staged.
Individual Identity 
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