Sophie Wilson//Design Context: Design Practice III//Negotiated Briefs//University of Leeds Ballet Society & Ballet Photography.

Sunday 23 September 2012

Design Practice III//Negotiated Briefs//University of Leeds Ballet Society & Ballet Photography.

As an important aspect of the design outcomes I hope to produce within the University of Leeds ballet society brief, is a print and digital portfolio/prospectus, demonstrating the classes of the society, the ability groups, as well as well as the performances that are put on throughout for year. For me, a key part of this is documenting the classes through photography, which ballet is often perfect for- capturing the swift movements and elegance of the art form.

Initially, I considered working with a monochrome colour palette, keeping the brand identity minimal with black and white portraiture to capture the emotion and performers in a classic and traditional way. However, since researching more examples of ballet and dance performance photography (as shown below) there are also some stunning colour examples- particularly in balancing white space with a flash of bold colour, taken in a studio environment with bright lighting.
I'm also a huge fan of the selection of images shown at the bottom of the post, of ballerinas in urban environments. From what could have potentially been a little cliche series, the soft focus and elegance shown in the images makes for a unique and striking collection of images.

Of course, the conceptual and design development will help to distinguish which design route I follow, as well as researching further into the society and having meeting with the President of the society, and it's main organisers.

For future design and conceptual development, see my Design Practice blog.