Detachment through Anonymity

For this project, I will shoot photos inside the studio of people, some single and some in interacting pairs, all wearing some kind of covering on their head and face. The coverings will vary: a plastic bag, a swath of fabric, a cardboard box, a sack, even their own hair..but nothing ornate or flattering. I want a kind of brooding, almost creepy atmosphere with dramatic light. I will put together a pair of lovers, and then a lonely type, someone angry, someone overly emotional, etc. I am always fascinated by the things we don't know about a photograph and although it's a straightforward way of getting a sense of anonymity, it will achieve the sense, nonetheless. In a psychological sense, it'll be interesting to see how people behave in front of the lens when their identity is concealed.

Not many images to display from research, I'm kinda trying to keep the idea in my head and not be swayed by stuff I've seen--it isn't the most original of ideas, turns out-but hey. I haven't done it yet.


(Irving Penn, I believe.)