Craig McDean

After having received a task of a visual analysis of one of Craig McDeans photographs, I thought it important to read into him and look at some of his other work.

Craig McDean initially began training as a mechanic, until he discovered photography white shooting portraits of friends from his hometown. The young creative was inspired and continued to attend Blackpool & Fylde College of Further & Higher Education to pursue a course in photography before moving to London in 1989. He secured a position as an assistant for Nick Knight, then picture editor of i-D, McDean began building his credentials through shoots he covered for McKnight and in 1991 began to freelance for publications such as The Face.

Craig McDean boasts an impressive portfolio comprised of advertising campaigns for luxury brands such as Alexander McQueen, Chloe, Elie Saab, Alexander Wang and J Brand. Commissioned by American Vogue since 2002, McDean has also contributed to several international editions of the fashion publication alongside magazines such as Interview, Love, W and AnOther.

I am to write a visual analysis of his 2003 shoot for Vogue Italia, featuring Tilda Swinton, (the photo on the left).

Here is a snippet of my analysis.

'The photograph of Tilda Swinton could come across as quite impersonal; the black and white colouring making it a little mysterious, or maybe cold. The nonchalant action of flicking ones hair, and the slouch position she is in is quite casual, perhaps representing the 'rock and roll arrogance' some people saw Bowie as having. Th casual look is also shown through the relaxed way her clothes are styled; having the collar and cuffs undone, not wearing a tie, ruffled hair, it gives across an end of the work day kind of look. The main subject of this photograph is Swinton's gender neutrality. At first glance I thought it was a male mode in the photo, which lends itself to her looking like Bowie. The whole styling of this photo takes away any femininity. The oversized shirt reduces any visual of the female shape, the angle of her posture has neutralised her shape also, removing the femininity of her hips. The angle of her hips being thrust out is also a more masculine stance. The lighting of this photograph also lends itself to creating a gender fluid image.'

Some others from the shoot.

Finally I shall finish with a few photos by Craig McDean that I favour.

Ta Ta for now, My Lovelies.

Miss Blue.