i have been extremely stuck on the topic for my dissertation. i have chosen military. The influence it has had on the fashion industry over the years. military uniform is much more than the visual it is something that is initially design to be durable and withstand the harsh conditions of war. for something that is so focused on this aspect of design it is ironic that the military design has endured the test of time, year after year we witness different designers incorporating aspects of the uniform into their work. but why? when so many of us are against war, by embodying this persona are we glamorising war, and death, or paying homage to the thousands of soldiers that died for their country or beliefs. or is it a lot less symbolic than these explanations? is it purely just the visual. perhaps by wearing these military design we get a sense of authority, power and subconsciously...purpose.
i decided i wanted to do a military shoot with all the feminine glamour vogue would mantain, yet maintain the respect this subject deserves. i got in touch with a guy who is in charge with all the tanks and props used in soldier training and re-enactment. he said it is possible to use these in my shoot. i instantly had this image of a woman in a beautiful military influenced gown. draped over a tank. but instantly felt myself having to defend the image. was i glamourising death. was this disrespectful and insensitive to the soldiers and their family's that had suffered due to war. can art be purely aesthetic? this has made me realise that you have to think about concept. especially when touching on such a sensitive subject as war. you have to think of the message your images are going to portray as a photographer. i dont believe in war, i respect and admire all the soldiers that risk their lives but i dont believe in an eye for an eye. that wont get us anywhere! just everyone will end up blind!
how can i photograph this subject but remain respectful and glamourise war?
