A Gloomy Spring Afternoon

This photo is a part of the project 'its called ffasiwn' by photographer Clementine Schneidermann and art director Charlotte James. The pair collaborated to create this 4 year project in order to 'subvert stereotypes' of working class towns. They organised creative workshops across youth centres in the south of Wales to get children involved in the project. They purchased garments from charity shops and participates were taught the basics of fashion styling and designing.

This picture is a wide shot; it allows its viewers to take in a lot of the surroundings element so we understand that it is set in a typical council housed estate. Furthermore, the composition of the shot frames the subjects in a way that leads the viewers eye. With the children in an arrow shape, we are lead to look towards the background of the picture where we can see how the houses fade back in a similar format. This layout may be used for an aesthetic appeal and to create more order to the picture. The lighting of the picture is dull and creates an eerie feel to it. This may to create tension and more intrigue. We can see that the sky is bland and completely white, this ads to this uneasy atmosphere that is created. The colours used in this photo are limit with only shades of green, grey, brown and white used. The different shades are complementary and further exaggerate the sense of blandness and unease. The dress code of this photograph is interesting, specifically because the models who are dressed in it are young children. The old fashioned pale green fair coats are surprising to see on young people as they have connotations of elegance and wealth whereas children are usually seen in brightly colour, fun clothing that is suitable for playing and running around in. this may be used to promote the message that children grow up too fast and young girls are encouraged to find value In appearance and status at too young of an age. Furthermore, the clothes worn in the photo juxtaposes with the setting of the shoot - a working class, modern day environment. This makes the picture oddly interesting as it is not something that audiences who see in every day life. This may have been used to provoke thought and highlight the stereotypes of working class towns in order to break them down.