Below you will see a picture of reputable musician Joni Mitchell; one of the founding artists in the folk movement of the 1960's and a woman still held in high regard today.
Although not a powerful or overly striking photo in terms of model, its demonstrates an effective use of mise-en-scene in regards to representing the folk movement and all those who were apart of the scene at the time.
-As an artist, she appears shy, not self aware and almost detached from the camera.
-The way she closely cradles her instrument shows the relationship she has with music.
-Her costume and presence make her blend into the background, her dress similar to the tree trunk.
-She is completely absorbed into her environment.
-Folk appears removed from the commercial consumerist elements of music.
There are elements within Joni's photograph which I then tried to emulate myself; a respectful homage with a contemporary twist.
Costume, hair and make-up:
My photo is much more stylized than the one of Joni to represent the current fashion and audience.
-Make-up has been kept within neutral tones: Light foundation and blusher with minimal mascara/eyeliner. Despite this, the application is still obvious but not over the top to maintain the natural theme.
-Costume although quite simple, are much more striking due to the varying patterns and tight fit, the contrast in materials with the cotton and lace. The light colours make her stand out from the background as oppose to blend in.
Laura's hair is bleached blonde (as similar to current folk artist Laura Marling...see below) and represents the fashion and folk audience today.
All this is to show how the movement has evolved and been embraced by the youth; breaking away from traditional folk stereotypes of old men, camp fires and banjo's.
Props:
Like with most genre's, instruments are integral to the music. With folk, they are particularly symbolic and now serve as useful semiotics.
- The violin and flute are now heart to most folk albums and are strongly recognised with the genre.
-The way she is holding them represents how they are an active part of her life, a similar relationship as demonstrated by Joni.
-The parasol is to show the more quirky/vintage/feminine elements of folk.
Location:
Set in woodland, it encompasses the same theme and tone of Joni Mitchell and that of many other folk artists; trees playing an important role. The variant in green, brown and orange colours help to make Laura stand out more.
Posture.Gesture. Expression:
The three different Laura's all have different relationships with the camera/viewer on this photo.
-The most honest and unaware picture is where she is playing the flute. She seems absorbed in her own world and completely removed from the camera and set-up situation.
-Each of Laura's posture is directly linked to her prop. Both the violin and flute images take on the stance of how the musician would hold the instrument and in turn hold themselves. They each look away from the camera. This is to grasp the similar feel of Joni's: Where music is the heart of their being.
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