MUGSHOTS – Elvis Presley
The brief was to organize a photoshoot based on the scene from a given mugshot of a celebrity. We had to initially create a logo based on the situation from the arrest, and then prepare a photoshoot also based on the scene of the arrest.
For this project, my partner and I were given Elvis’s arrest in 1970. This character was more challenging to work with than expected as he wasn’t actually arrested. Shown below is an extract from the book ‘Mug Shots: An Archive of the Famous, Infamous, and Most Wanted’ where the arrest is explained.
As we studied the given description, ideas came into play about the logo and potential photoshoot scene. Brainstorming and sketching possible routes to take helped us to move onto the next step – creating the logo.
The Elvis Logo
Looking through various logo books and searching online, we discovered how different shapes can represent different meanings. The circle typically is known for being ‘totality, wholeness, original perfection’, the triangle for being ‘gender, harmony, integration’ and the square for showing ‘basics, balance, and structure’.
Considering this information, we began to sketch ideas for the logo. Initially we worked separately and then joined our ideas together to create a collaborative piece. I thought about how we could use the shape of a badge (thinking about the FBI theme), and build on the image within the shape, but by following the lines. We considered having the FBI headquarters in the background, with the silhouette of Elvis in the foreground.
The idea of the logo being in a badge form inspired us to create a real badge made out of metal. New possibilities came to mind as we thought how our model for Elvis could wear the logo as a belt.
After deciding on the strongest logo, we presented our work to the class and had feedback on our ideas. When we mentioned having the metal belt in our shoot, we had positive feedback and very little constructive criticism so we decided to create the belt buckle.
Creating the Belt Buckle | Acid Etching
To begin with, we pitched our idea to a technician at university. He recommended creating the same design on Adobe Illustrator in a vector form so that when it came to developing the badge, the lines would be crisp and even.
Once the vector file was created, we send it as a PDF form to the technician and started the process of printing the shape onto a laminated sheet and continuing the development in the dark room. Another teacher showed us how to use sodium bicarbonate to create the acid etching on our zinc buckle. The whole process took around two hours, and the final results were very positive.
We had wanted the darker parts on our logo to be even more embossed with a more noticeable relief, however what we ended up with was just as satisfactory.
After finishing the acid etching, we continued onto the metalwork room to cut out the outside of our shape. With a technician’s help, we sliced off the main excess metal pieces around the outline and then sanded down the edges to create a smooth finish. The end result was great, and also discovering new techniques working metal workshop and developing room was very rewarding.
Preparation for the Photoshoot
Before the preparation, we were given a class on how to set up the shoot using professional cameras and lights. There were some issues with the lighting in the class, but the tutor managed to resolve them. We were shown how different angles and camera settings can create completely contrasting photos.
Model casting
When we began to think about models, we had a few people in mind for the roles for Elvis and the FBI agents. We contacted each of them, and also posted verified announcements around the university searching for other possible candidates. The FBI agents had to be expressive, and able to pull disgusted and judgmental faces. Elvis had to be able to connect with the role and perhaps lift the side of his upper lip – which was proven hard to do.
After securing our model for Elvis, we dove into the nearby charity shops to find the perfect outfit. Due to our model being very tall, we weren’t able to find the perfect glamourous costume for him. So, we browsed online and came to find the perfect discounted suit and wig for him. Having ordered the outfit online, we bought an additional two packs of gem stickers to place on the shirt and sleeve cuffs.
For the other two selected models for the roles of the FBI agents, we asked if they could come in with a suit, tie and sunglasses as to which they kindly accepted.
Once having tested the fitting of the Elvis suit and wig on the model, we were ready for the shoot.
The Photoshoot
The big day has arrived!
My partner and I met half an hour earlier than the scheduled time for the shoot and prepared Elvis. After changing into the costume, we applied makeup to his face to even out his skin colors. Then we proceeded to the studio where we set up the lights, the backdrop and seats. We found that adding background music helped to set the mood for the shoot. I find that the ambience is key to any setting, especially when creating art.
As soon as the two FBI models arrived, the shoot began. We briefly set out our expectations for the photos, and the models quickly understood what was needed to be performed.
At the beginning, the top lights couldn’t turn off, so we didn’t have the ideal lighting we were hoping for. To fix this problem, we tried to cover them with paper, but nothing seemed to block the light. The timer for the flash on our lights were connecting with the other lights in a nearby shoot, and therefore interfering with our photos.
Despite these problems, we were able to move the portable lights close enough to the models to create a dark and light effect.
The agents were surprisingly expressive, and many strong photos were taken as a result. Elvis’s facial expressions weren’t as characteristic as we had expected, but we were able to change that in our post-production editing.
As a team, we took it in turns to take photos and adjust the lighting, and overall the photoshoot was a success.
Having reflected on the photoshoot, I would have liked to have had a black backdrop and better use of lighting in order to create more dramatic photos. Furthermore, the casting process could have been more affective if more men were willing to audition. However, the thought process behind this whole project has revealed new interests to further develop my photography and editing skills. Personally, I found the organizational side to the project very enjoyable, and combining two ideas to create a final outcome very rewarding.
Post-production Photo Editing
Having 300 photos to choose from, we began to identify the from photos from the weak. We discussed which photos we could work with and sketched possible ideas. The photos that particularly stood out were those with Elvis positioned in the lower left-hand corner and the FBI men in the higher right. This positioning creates a feeling of superiority with the FBI looking down on Elvis which is what we were aiming for.
In the initial mugshot description, the head of the FBI (Edgar Hoover) refused to meet the king because of his clothing and exotic appearance. We played with this idea by having Elvis facing outwards towards the light, and having the FBI in the shadows to show how their judgements were inferior compared the king’s celebrity charm.
On photoshop make the entire photo black and white, apart from Elvis, in order to accentuate his importance and ‘exotic nature’ in the scene.
In order to create a sense of the setting at the FBI head-quarters, we placed a light backdrop of the buildings behind.
The logo is an important part of the image, so we adjusted the brightness of the belt buckle in order to bring awareness to it.
Using a morphing tool on photoshop, I was able to lift Elvis’s upper lip and left nostril to heighten the characterization. Then I elongated the FBI models noses to represent how they are nosing into Elvis’s business.
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