Naka Media - Self-Portraits in Black&White

This is a collaborative photography project- inspired by a range of amazing contemporary photographers including Jürgen Klauke, Pixy Liao, Vivian Maier and many others. This collection explores ideas of gender, artistic expression and the self and a twin identity. With much help from Anton Winters; who not only features in most final images but also was fundamental in the construction and final edit of the images. This project would not have been possible without them. The collection’s intent is to amuse and inspire, whilst allowing Thomas to explore their creative freedom.
Thomas is referred to as ‘Louise’ throughout this article.

Many thanks to Daniel McGowan, Emily Frood, Ricarda Fillhardt and Rebecca Shannon for their incredible feedback and encouragement.

Mirror.

This unsettling mirror portrait launches this project; showcasing the differences and similarities required in working as a pair. With all eyelines reflecting back at the audience, this portrait challenges the viewer to stare back at the creator and examine one’s own face. Differences like the different size of the sensors on each camera is embraced in the final image to showcase how those small differences can off-balance and shape a final piece. With the lack of gendered clothing and any other signifiers the pair radiate androgyny.

Two Chairs.

Inspired by Jürgen Klauke’s haunting, sensual, and surrealist photography; this image attempts to capture a sense of duality from his posed chair collection. The hands on the bars stand out against the dark blazers- which are clothing items we often wear for client meetings and to keep a business look. In calling back to the history of photography this image ties the thought process and picture self to the canon of exploratory and surreal photography.

Top-Down.

Another image to reflect back on the audience. The mirror used in this image creates a confusing perfective whilst also having an unusual focus. The focus is on Louise’s and Anton’s hands, the creators of the images and the autheurs of Naka Media. The sky which became a clear white background contrasts with the dark body of the camera- the camera and environment themselves leading to the black and white colour pallet.

Double

In this more surreal image, we examine the profile and connections one’s own face. Again, embracing the differences and defining the similarities. With the idea and construction of the image being made up from two other yet similar ideas for images- this final shot combines our creative vision into one. The heavy editing effects make this image stand out from the collection as it is far more a collaboration of Louise and Anton’s skills. This image is definitely further into the surreal and comical.

High Fem.

Androgyny and gender construction is something we play around a lot with at Naka Media. This is one attempt to capture one idea. With the focus shifting in the two images, there is an attempt to capture a kind of feminine and passive energy. The soft and 100% natural lighting creates a soft glow on both faces. The lack of ‘clean’ background creates a domestic nature to the images- having some dark and deep parts alongside door frames and light switches. The matching ‘off the shoulder’ tops again reveal soft skin yet lend towards sharp angles. As always Louise’s and Anton’s respective hair play with common tropes about gender.

Shadows.

With this far more formulaic image, we explore deeper into the feminine and cinematic. With a poster style aesthetic, the image attempts to explore duality within one’s self. With mismatched eyelines and more intimate posing, this image evokes secrecy and cinematography.

Topless.

This is Louise’s take on the comical and grotesque self-portrait. These 3 images are unapologetic in their self-expression- the expressions are hard to define and not set in specific emotions. With the setting of a damp shower, these self-portraits explore gender, androgyny and ugly. The lack of features and even clothing lends to creates an uncomfortable sense of androgyny. Femininity and sexualisation are defied by comical and ugly faces. These images are for the self, looking back at the self-taken from a private and often unseen space: one’s shower. With a dappled texture from the water droplets, and out of focus and tiled background creates a textured image.

Upside.

On a very different note here are far more traditional and natural portraiture of Naka Media’s other half. Continuing on with individual shots these three portraits are an admiration of the self. With almost no background, less texture and a pure focus on the natural face- these portraits allow a glimpse into a beautiful moment. Two curious and plain faces surround a laugh caught on camera. Natural lighting helps make Anton’s eyes sparkle.

All images in this collection belong to Naka Media LLP. If you wish to share this collection, make sure to tag Louise @louiseduncanphotography and or Naka Media LLP @nakamediallp. Further information, statements and details can be found by contacting us through this webpage or on our social media sites of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

As always, if you have any questions please contact us.