Green marketing Essay Example for Free

Green marketing Essay With the rise of growing consciousness for environmental protection, people are now becoming more less-sensitive with price premiums as long as they earn the benefits of these eco-products. This environmental concern revolution has begun to also uncover the various factors that enable consumers to purchase these specially-packaged products. This stage was able to assess the following: (a) price sensitivity issues, (b) package convenience, (c) environmentally-concerned, and symbolic environmentally-concerned aspects of the individual which are depicted in the results made by the Mintell Poll in Great Britain. From the study of the poll, a considerable number of people are concerned on putting value in the process of packaging of these bio products. See the following for the results The rise of green marketing Peattie (2005:357) It was only during the 1980’s when people start to speak about green marketing. Almost suddenly, consumption of the greenest products and health consciousness came to be the talk of the town. Like any new phenomena, it was soon the topic of the marketing research of most firms. With this awareness of the green market, companies have reverted to environmentally-friendly modes of production and operations. However, there also came to a point when this green marketing was only about selling, and that the green aspect was all a disguise. Legislations and other policies rose to halt this growing and gnawing concern. Redefinition of green marketing A number of marketing processes have been enumerated to reshape the approach of this market, as follows:   a redefinition of the product which encompasses the means of production and distribution. A willingness to change markets as well as changing products as a sustainable economy will require more than new product developments   an emphasis on benefits from product use to show the joys of product ownership   marketing communication that aims to inform rather than impress a focus beyond current customer needs   a willingness to manage demands and expectations   an emphasis on costs rather than price   taking more responsibility on consumer and societal welfare Most firms have long been focused on selling and just making profits, whereas the customer has always been into the marginal interests. Since the birth of green marketing, consumers have favored this product, and thus the producers or the firm has to follow this lead. This would work in a world of entirely marketing oriented firms, but neglects mostly the internal environment. Changes in Medicine / Bio-cosmetics Akoh (2004:513) We have clearly presented our views and thorough research in the previous sections and will now give light to the other side of bio-cosmetics – the various changes in medicine that may help or hamper the lives of the individuals using these products. Innovation in medical treatments in terms of technological-use or through the minimally invasive techniques (MIT) prompted the way for advancements to significantly reduce pain, recovery time, and even hospital stays with marked improvements in cosmetic outcome and overall cost effectiveness. Bio-cosmetics for one, has enabled practicing surgeons to aid their treatments with the latest surgical cares that will serve as a catalyst to one’s full recovery. Yaron Munz (2004:223) MITs were used in a wide range of procedures long before they were applied to surgery, but only then did they become exposed to the general public. Through the close collaborations of innovative surgeons and technologists, MIT was rapidly advanced in the society. Conrad (2005:3-14) Since 1980’s profound changes happened in the field of medicine that have created a huge impact in health conditions. Patients started to become more knowledgeable and involved in the medical information on various treatments even in choosing their health insurance policies and in seeking out medical services. The biotechnology industry in particular has their ups and downs but it definitely gave birth to a promising future that may indeed revolutionize healthcare. Such products of these dynamic changes are the bio-products, such as bio-cosmetics. Bio-cosmetics Ethics Todd (2004:86) In line with the field of an innovative scene in biotechnology, environmental ethics and eco-marketers come together to reinstate the status of these bio-products to garner consumer appeal and make them realize the importance of being socially-involved and responsible. So the question arises, in an era where eco-friendly is hip, how do we infuse ethics and product aesthetics? Ethics simply realizes and acknowledges the fact that these bio products, specifically bio-cosmetics targets the image of beauty related to health and not marked by politics. However, not everyone seems to be pleased with all these biotechnological advancements as these groups believe that these cosmetics, drugs or other bio-products have the potential of threatening the â€Å"soul† or â€Å"dignity† of the person given the extent of effect it impacts the one who intakes. Although these are not sufficiently backed-up by scientific evidences, still the concern or the argument is present. Judgments regarding these agents or products still rely heavily on the ethical principles of both the buyers and the sellers. Holtug (1999:4) In ethics, it is also important to note that in the process of considering the usage of these bio-products for medicinal purposes, we should also draw the line between enhancing or treating. What is indeed the distinction between the two that justifies the use of these products or agents? Treatment can be referred to as an intervention that aims to cure a disease or an ailment. Enhancements on the other hand, do not attempt to cure a disease or reduce its effects. Therefore, the question on whether one should enhance or treat a person is touching on the ethical composition of the individual. With the pool of genes in a person, in the community and in the world, how can one identify which feature or trait should be eliminated or enhanced through medical interventions? How is it being determined? How are people with these inequalities being compensated for their state of difference? At the end of the day, how will it also affect the social attitudes of those undergoing medical treatments or enhancements?

The developmental stages of adolescence and adulthood

The developmental stages of adolescence and adulthood As a growth stage, adolescence is characterized by exponential and dramatic physical milestones which enable an individual develop from childhood to adulthood. It is during this stage that secondary sexual characteristics emerge due to a surge in production of testosterone in boys as well as estrogen in case of girls (Slee, 2002). These hormones continue being produced until total maturation is achieved. Onset of adolescence and puberty begins early in girls than in boys though individual differences exist due to hereditary and environmental factors like diet or exercise. Rapid increase in weight and height is achieved from as early as 9 years and peaks at around 14 years. Girls develop breast buds during early adolescence with full breast development being achieved at around 12 to 18 years. Hair growth in the pubic area and the armpits begins while the onset of menstrual periods (menarche) begins after two years of breast development. Girls assume a curvier body caused by development of more prominent hips. In males, hair development begins at the onset of adolescence with hair growth being exhibited on the face, pubic area, chest, armpits and on the legs (Slee, 2002). Rapid increase in height and weight is also witnessed in adolescent boys. Appearance of nocturnal emissions also known as wet dreams at the ages of 13 and 17 years primarily marks the adolescence period in boys. The boys notice a considerable enlargement of their sexual organs (i.e. testicles and scrotum). The lengthening of the penis closely follows this development. Deepening of the voice occurs almost along the same time as penile growth. A larger Adams apple then develops. Q2: Adolescences and cognitive development: Key Milestones Adolescence is marked with the development of formal logical operations which are more complex. This is unlike the concrete operations witnessed in childhood. During late childhood, the kind of concrete development achieved, enables the children to think in concrete ways since the actions and events performed during this stage can be evidenced or presented (Berger, 2004). A significant change is achieved during adolescence as the person is now able to undertake abstract thinking whereby he/she thinks about possibilities. The adolescence is also able to think about the occurrence of thinking (i.e. why does a person think?). The ability to derive reasoning from already known principles and ideas characterizes this stage. Considerable amount of time is used to make the transition from concrete thinking to logical operations in a teenager. During adolescence, an individual is able to think systematically and derive logical solutions to a problem. Every developing teenager progresses at a personal pace thereby developing personal view of the world. Here logical application of information especially when undertaking schoolwork is effected. Adolescents are largely emotional, thus when an emotional turmoil occurs, the teenager is unable to think in a complex manner. Before making decisions regarding a particular issue, the adolescent largely question authority as well as pre-existing societal standards. Adolescents form and verbalize their thoughts and forge their taste and preferences on such activities as the sports to play or the personal appearances to adopt. In middle adolescence, the persons cognitive development is geared towards philosophical and futuristic concerns (Berger, 2004). Instances of extensive thinking and questioning are exhibited with the individual establishing their own identity. Individuals begin to systematically think about their future goals and make plans to make the realization of the goals possible. During late adolescence, the individuals complex thinking is geared towards more global issues like pol itical views, history or justice. Thoughts of the role they will play as adults as well as career choices are exhibited during this period. Q3: Physical development: Key Milestones in Early, Middle and late adulthood Adulthood is not marked with physical and exceptional growth spurts. During early adulthood, the individual is transiting into adulthood from adolescence and continued physical growth is exhibited especially in shoulder width and chest width being exhibited. Early adulthood is a mark of adult life as body degradation has not started to occur (Kail Cavanaugh, 2008). The body experiences hormonal changes which may result to increased body build. Middle adulthood is characterized by slow physical changes. A considerable loss of sensory sharpness is exhibited. For instance, there are some level of hearing and sight impairment. Sensitivity to light as well as far sightedness begins to emerge a condition which can be corrected by wearing glasses. Gaining of weight in the abdominal region occurs in men while womens hips and thighs increase considerably. During late adulthood, noticeable impairment is seen. The bone mass dwindles while fertility levels decline. Graying of hair as well as sk in wrinkling is also evidenced. During late 40s and early 50s, women experience menopause whereby the ability to give birth again ends. Hormonal levels also drop considerable. Due to thinning of cartilage bones located at the spinal vertebrae, the posture may change (Kail Cavanaugh, 2008). It is estimated that womens height shrinks by about 5cm while that of men by 2cm. Illnesses like heart diseases result due to build up of cholesterol level on the blood capillaries, The brain shrinks due to the diminishing blood supply. Q4: Cognitive development: Key Milestones in Early, middle and late adulthood Cognitive development continues even during adulthood despite the continued brain aging. During early adulthood, alert old people continue to think and act rationally with a lot of alertness. While acting in situations requiring memory and learning prowess, their output is better than that of younger people. This is largely because of experience acquired while accumulating and organizing information (Howe Brainerd, 2009). During middle adulthood, cognitive abilities continue to improve. More adaptive and concrete thought line is exhibited within the adult, making possible several rational decisions procedures regarding personal relationships, emotions as well as social issues. Late adulthood which occurs at about 65 years is marked with considerable decline in intellectual abilities. The ability to execute unfamiliar tasks or finding a solution to a complex problem becomes troublesome to the aging adult. Slowed response to situations and information is exhibited during this period. This is because of considerable reduction in mental as well as physical activity. Emotional crises like depression and stress also play a major role in cognitive decline in late adulthood (Howe Brainerd, 2009). Brain weight reduces thus casing considerable loss in speed and memory losses. This ultimately increases the reasoning and understanding levels of older people causing them to exhibit wisdom. Q5: Adolescence and Socioemotional development: Key Milestones Brain segment which controls emotions is developed and matured during adolescence. Adolescents exhibit spontaneous emotional outbursts especially when dealing with peers as well as parents. This possesses a challenge especially to parents and teachers who may be overwhelmed on the manner in which to respond to such outbursts. A gradual process is undertaken in enabling the adolescents to learn how to replace the improper thoughts as well as actions with behaviors which are goal oriented (Pulkkinen, et al 2006). A major conflict which exists in adolescents development is the eminent desire to obtain more freedom than that allowed by parents and/ or guardians. According to Socioemotional development theory by Erikson, this phase is marked by the improvement on a sense of identity when in a relationship. Adolescents also desire to have independent thoughts regarding their desires especially when focusing of their abilities and goals. Peer relationships are emphasized by the adolescents since they are primarily looking for freedom from parental authoritativeness. Such behaviors as drug and substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors are developed during this period. Adolescent association with deviant peers is common hence the reason why parents need maintain open communication with their adolescent children so as to know when their children risk being involved with such peers (Pulkkinen, et al 2006). Bibliotherapy especially in social groups where literature is used to arm the adolescents with information regarding the changes occurring in their bodies, is vital in helping the adolescent cope with emotional turmoil. Q6: Socioemotional development: Key Milestones in Early, middle and late adulthood Massive Socioemotional changes milestones are exhibited during adulthood characterized by forging newer social relationships as well as positions. Depending on personal experiences, the Socioemotional sentiment differs from one person to the other. Such emotional activities as marrying, death, getting or losing a job, going to school or being abandoned by a spouse contribute to social development of individuals. During early adulthood, individuals decide on the career path to follow and they devote considerable a lot of their time in following their career path. Issues of love feature prominently during this period making many people want to establish their families. The thought of being parents is made evident during this period thus changes in personal and social orientation emerges (Berk, 2004). Middle adulthood is characterized by a midlife crises phase. This period is characterized by individuals trying to modify or even reappraising their lives as well as the relationships alre ady formed. The level of satisfaction and contentment upheld during this period is highly dependent on the type of accomplishments achieved. For instance the kind of job, finances, family and sex life upheld determine whether the individual will be happy or not. During the late adulthood phase, the emotional maturity is evident in many adults. Active participation in political and social scenes is common. Majority of the people who were in formal employment retire during this period. Life satisfaction and esteem is high during this period owing the achievements acquired. People adopt an inward looking and conforming lifestyle and enjoy interactions with other family members. Relationships become increasingly satisfying and fulfilling than any other period (Berk, 2004). According to Erikson, the Generativity vs. Stagnation stage is characterized by an increased interest in an individual to guide the development of the next generation. Through genuine care and productive social involvement individuals desires to produce something of real value which will positively impact on the society thereby achieving Generativity. On the contrary, individuals who are self-centered and do not engage in activities beneficial to society suffer from stagnation contributed by their lack of productivity.

A Comparison of Shakespeares Sonnet 18 and Duffys Valentine Essay

A Comparison of Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 and Duffy's Valentine Shakespear's attitude towards his lover is she is superior to the summer and very beautiful " Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" This show Shakespeare is thinking about comparing her to the summer but then he gives examples of how she is better than the summer. He says she is lovelier than the summer " Thou art more lovely and more temperate." He then goes on to say "Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May" this means that she is more like a darling bud of May than a rough wind that come in the summer. He also explains, using a metaphor that the summer doesn't stay forever, but she will be beautiful forever " And summer's lease hath all too short a date." Then he says that sometimes the sun is too hot and is hidden by clouds but her beauty is never hidden and she is perfect. "Sometimes too hot the eye of heaven shines. And often is his gold complexion dimm'd" He then uses a double metaphor to explain that every living this is doomed to die and that nature cannot stop itself from dying ...

A Comparison of A Midsummer Nights Dream and Romeo and Juliet Essay

Parallel Themes and Characters in A Midsummer Night's Dream and Romeo and Juliet Certain parallels can be drawn between William Shakespeare's plays, "A Midsummer Night's Dream", and "Romeo and Juliet". These parallels concern themes and prototypical Shakespearian character types. Both plays have a distinct pair of 'lovers', Hermia and Lysander, and Romeo and Juliet, respectively. Both plays could have also easily been tragedy or comedy with a few simple changes. A tragic play is a play in which one or more characters has a moral flaw that leads to his/her downfall. A comedic play has at least one humorous character, and a successful or happy ending. Comparing these two plays is useful to find how Shakespeare uses similar character types in a variety of plays, and the versatility of the themes which he uses. In "Romeo and Juliet", Juliet is young, "not yet fourteen", and she is beautiful, and Romeo's reaction after he sees her is, "O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night As a rich jewel in an Ethiop's ear Beauty to rich for use, for the earth too dear!" Juliet is al... ..., not because one character has a flaw, but both families have a flaw- pride. Prohibited love, romance, controlling families, both plays have it all. With a few simple modifications, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" could have been a tragedy, and "Romeo and Juliet" could have been a comedy. Shakespeare however, uses many of the same character types, young, prudent, rebellous lovers, and controling family members, in both comedies and tragedies. The end results are character molds, along with theme molds that can be easily translated into almost any plot, in any play.

A Student Compares Websites on Rally Racing :: Sell Websites Buy Web Sites

A Student Compares Websites on Rally Racing The sport of rallying is fast becoming popular around the world. With races taking place on countries around the world, the internet is an invaluable resource to fans around the globe. The official site of the World Rally Championship (WRC) can be found at www.wrc.com. There are other unofficial sites such as, www.worldrally.net, and www.worldrallynews.com. All three of these sites provide information regarding the many races, drivers, and teams. Although they have similar information, the exact information that is provided, and the format in which they are delivered are different. This paper will discuss the similarities and differences between the websites, as well as the effectiveness of the websites in presenting their information in a sensible and enjoyable manner. First, a little information about the WRC. Perhaps one of the most demanding racing sports, the WRC consists of cars racing over courses in some of the most breathtaking locations around the world. From Japan, to Greece to Finland, the races take place in over 15 countries. What sets the WRC apart is the physical location of the races. There are few paved roads, or nicely banked curves. Most of the driving is done â€Å"off-road.† This means that the conditions are extremely varied, from gravel to rocks, rain, snow, anything is fair game. Because of this, the teams must evaluate the course and choose the proper car parts to use. The courses are not a straight line either. They wind back and forth, up and down over different surfaces. To aid the driver, a co-driver rides shotgun, giving out commands that let the driver know what lies ahead. The cars are timed against each other, but not run along side each other. Many of the courses are only wide enough for a single car to pass through at a time. Thus, the cars are sent out in intervals, and the resulting times measured against each other after completion. With this background on the WRC, let’s examine the different web sites that provide information about this sport to its fans. World Rallying (www.worldrally.net), is a second rate website at best. When the page is first loaded up, there is a blinking add at the top of the screen which greatly detracts from the rest of the site.

How far, and why, did traditional Catholicism decline during the reign of Elizabeth?

Considering that on the accession of Elizabeth I the majority of men and women in England and Wales were Catholic – from the evidence of wills Protestant loyalty was limited to the south-east where even there it represented a minority – and that by the end of the reign English Catholicism had diminished to only one or two percent of the population, it is fair to say that the extent of the decline in traditional Catholicism was great. The reasons for this can be found by splitting the reign into three time periods where the presence and threat of Catholicism differ significantly. An interesting argument has arisen concerning the explanation of the decline of Catholicism. The historian J. Bossy argues that conservative gentry and clerical leadership did not produce any organized resistance to the 1559 settlement and instead allowed the laity to drift into conformity by attending Protestant church services. He goes on to suggest that it was only the later arrival of the seminary priests from Douai and the Jesuits that saved English Catholicism from complete extinction. Another historian C. Haigh counters this suggesting that Catholic survivalism was strong in the 1560s and that its demise can be attributed to ‘strategic and logistical errors' made by the seminary priests and the Jesuits. It is perhaps easier to agree with Bossy as during the 1560s many Catholics reluctantly accepted the new church, often because of a lack of strong leadership from the papacy. Pope Pius IV hoped to persuade Elizabeth to join the catholic fold and Philip II feared that if the queen was overthrown Mary Queen of Scots would succeed thus driving England into the arms of France. Also the penalties issued to Catholics under the terms of the 1559 settlement were deliberately made light in order to steer them away from attempted opposition. Indeed, the Catholic threat remained dormant during the 1560s and this decade can be seen as the first time period where Catholicism was certainly on the defensive. However, it is a mistake to see the Catholics as completely inactive during this time. The Marian priests who stayed at their posts and had not been either imprisoned or chosen to go into exile, did not conform meekly to Protestantism. Catholic rituals were kept alive within the parish church and accounts show that some churches retained their Catholic altars and priests continued to say masses for the dead. This survivalism remained strongest in the north and as bishops started to complain about the presence of church papists in their dioceses, the government became increasingly aware of the situation. However, to avoid confrontation with the Catholics, Elizabeth preferred to utilize persuasion instead of punishment to deal with the problem. Thus action was only taken if individuals openly defied the law. This approach, which led Catholicism to survive throughout the 1560s, also ensured that the religion was doomed to eventual failure. Until 1569 when the Northern Rebellion broke out, few felt pressurised into recusancy and rebellion and therefore the Elizabethan regime had time to establish itself and win over conservative landowners. It is from 1568 onwards that the Catholic decline halted, and the government was alerted to a potential threat. The lack of any conspiracies or disturbances during the majority of the 1560s demonstrated a decline in the Catholic faith but when continental influences began to halt this decline soon after, serious problems were created for the government. The year 1568 saw a major development which rapidly forced the government to reassess its policy towards Catholics. The arrival of Mary Queen of Scots, a woman with highly-powered contacts in the Catholic courts of Europe, presented an automatic focus for both the plots of English and foreign Catholics. Her presence in England was made especially explosive because she became a pawn in the intrigues of Spain; a nation grown impatient with England's continued heterodoxy, and also her military opposition in the West Indies and Netherlands. Indeed, each of the four main Catholic conspiracies against Elizabeth involved replacing her with Mary with the aid of a Spanish invasion force. Although no such force was to embark until 1588, to have Europe's premier Catholic power and the strong-arm of the Counter-Reformation seeking to undermine the administration was deeply worrying to Elizabeth. The Papacy provided another threat. Its equivocal stance of the 1560s could not withstand Elizabeth's continued heterodoxy, and when Catholic passivity foiled the Rising of the Northern Earls in 1569 Pius V was stirred to issue the Bull â€Å"Regnans in Excelsis† in excommunicating Elizabeth and commanding her subjects â€Å"not to obey her†. In effect, it was now the duty of all good Catholics to repudiate the Queen's authority, but in practice the general apathy and obedience of the Catholic community made an uprising against Elizabeth's authority unlikely. The real threat lay in that it gave foreign powers, most notably Spain, a papal license to threaten England; thus it can be seen that the Papacy indirectly influenced the sending of the Armada in 1588. Incidents such as the Ridolfi Plot in 1571 where a Florentine merchant led a failed attempt to overthrow the Queen, and the Massacre of St Bartholomew's day in 1572 where six thousand Protestants were murdered in France show that the Catholics were capable of serious actions and that these incidents highlight that they were not in decline just yet. The final major Catholic threat were the missionary priests from William Allen's seminary in Douai in the Netherlands. Though the priests were young English gentlemen they had continental training and had links with the Jesuits. Beginning in 1568, their secret preaching undoubtedly saved the Catholic faith from dying out among the gentry, but the threat they posed is harder to determine. They were not politically motivated and did not attempt to directly stir up a Catholic rebellion. It was hoped, however, that the introduction of the Jesuits in the 1580s would breed a new sense of zeal and fanaticism into the generally loyal and patriotic Catholic gentry, so that when a chance came for a restoration of the old faith, enough of them would be prepared to sacrifice their secular obedience for spiritual belief. But the events of 1588 show how they failed in this aim, for, whilst the conspiracies and the Northern Rising had shown an increase in Catholic militancy, when the hoped-for rebellion of the Catholic community failed to materialise in response to the Armada, the English once again showed their reluctance to cause civil strife; all the Catholic gentry families pledged their allegiance to the Queen. The majority of English Catholics were content to retain their beliefs in private, and the attempts by foreign-based missionaries to radicalise their loyalties was probably doomed to failure. However, one must not allow hindsight to make us dismiss the threat and presence of the Catholics simply because they failed to remove Elizabeth. Indeed the government became so perturbed during the 1570s and 1580s that they greatly tightened anti-Catholic legislation such as the increase in recusancy fines to twenty pounds a month and the treasonable offence of being a priest â€Å"ordained beyond the seas†. To Elizabeth, the plots, foreign threat and missionary activity provided a very real threat. So it is not untrue to say that for a period of twenty years the Catholics remained a thorn in the side of Elizabeth's reign and rather than declining the religion stayed put and caused the government problems. However, the decline did come and there is a third period that we must look at in order to highlight the extent of this defeat. A series of events in the 1590s occurred which certainly helped limit the Catholic threat and presence in the country and caused the religion to diminish to the one or two percent that were thought to have been left in 1603. As we have seen, there was loyalty towards Elizabeth shown by the Catholics in their lack of desire to support the Armada. Then in 1587 Mary Queen of Scots was executed due to her involvement in the Babington Plot the previous year. This death deprived the Catholics of a major focal point for their religion and her replacement was to be James VI, a protestant, which did not aid their cause either. Another death, that of the founder of the college for seminary priest William Allen, was also a problem, as now those priests who were attempting to inspire the Catholic community had no inspiration themselves. Indeed the priest allowed squabbles to develop in their midst which distracted them from their aim of mounting a united assault on Protestantism. There was also a rivalry between the secular priests and the Jesuits which surfaced most prominently in 1598 with the ‘Archpriest Controversy'. The argument occurred when the Pope agreed to appoint George Blackwell, an admirer of the Jesuit mission, to have authority over secular priests training in seminaries. The secular priests were outraged and determined to keep their independence appealed to the Pope against his appointment thus earning them the name ‘the Appellants'. Not only did this controversy poison relationship it also uncovered important differences of principle among the priests. In conclusion it is hard to say that by the end of the reign the Catholics were not in decline and perhaps if it were not for the input of the seminary priests then the religion would have become nothing other than a superstitious ritual practiced only in backward communities. Apart from a period where they provided a sustained, yet exaggerated threat causing the government to rethink its policy, the Catholics were weaned from their faith by a slow exposure to Protestantism. Propaganda, persuasion and persecution made the Catholics (although some of the most committed became recusants) drift into conformity. The decline of Catholicism was a steady but expected process.

A&E Television Networks Essay

According to Annie Leibovitz, the picture that was chosen for the cover of the magazine was not intentionally or deliberately taken. The picture, according to Leibovitz, was only a â€Å"meter reading. † (Leibovitz) However, in the end, it was still chosen to be cover shot for the magazine because of the image’s candor and unpretentious nature. We all know that John Lennon was a member of The Beatles, one of the greatest music icons of all time. Being a member of rock band during that time meant adapting a public image or reputation that resound the â€Å"rock and roll† kind of life, behavior, and attitude, especially because Lennon was extremely famous during that time. However, Leibovitz’ photograph of Lennon was far from the established image of a famous musician who just happened to be part of The Beatles. The image was plain and unpretentious in the sense that there were no heavily implied messages or impressions. Although people would not know who Lennon was really as a person, the picture seemed to portray who he was – unbounded by fame and stardom. Leibovitz was successfully able to capture a certain air of Lennon’s honest, intense but tacit strength and influence. Leibovitz’ ability to bring a certain kind of powerful, individual, distinctive, and honest personality, as reflected in Lennon’s image, have solidified who she was, as well as her vision and creativity, as an artist and a photographer. The Rise to Fame After two years of working for the â€Å"Rolling Stone,† Leibovitz became the magazine’s chief photographer. From the simple and realistic image that she took of John Lennon, she was able to go beyond what she knew of photography and evolve portrait photography into something distinctive and creative. (A&E Television Networks, p. 1) Leibovitz had the liberty to develop and improve her talents, but at the same time deliver photographs that bordered on inventiveness and creativity. She began taking glamorous and elaborate images as opposed to the simple and lackluster image of Lennon. John Lennon and Yoko Ono Rolling Stone (22 Jan 1981) By Annie Leibovitz The images taken by Leibovitz from then on were bold and modern. The picture that she took of Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono, for the cover of â€Å"Rolling Stone† in January 2981, represented Leibovitz exploration of the contemporary styles and approaches to portrait photography. Another key feature of Leibovitz’ works was that the focus is always on different kinds of relationships, personality, and emotions. In this particular image of Lennon and Ono, Leibovitz wanted to bring out the strong ties that bind the two people together as partners. Lennon and Ono also portrayed different roles within the kind of relationship illustrated in the image through body language. Leibovitz saw the sensitivity and vulnerability of Lennon as he clang to Ono, and Ono’s strength in withstanding the cold. (Leibovitz, 2) The honest and unpretentious element represented in the picture was the strong and immovable love or passion between Lennon and Ono. As Leibovitz’ career advances, her works also become provocative on a grander, larger scale. Some say that Leibovitz’ photographs were merely image framing the glamour and glitz of a cross between Hollywood and Rock-and-Roll lifestyle as most portraits taken by Leibovitz were extremely forceful and ambitious. (Stevens, p. 99) As Leibovitz received criticisms and recognition for her works, the attention on the photographs taken by her escalated, and so did her artistic visions and inspirations. If one would take the most controversial photographs taken by Leibovitz throughout the years of her career, one common theme that brings those images together under a singular theme would be subtle yet artistic nudity. The existence of nudity in Leibovitz’ pictures has been one of the primary reasons why her works have received much attention from various groups and individuals, but also the reason why her visions and inspirations remain to be that of the translation of honesty and regularity through art. C Bette Midler Whoopi Goldberg (1979) (1984) New York Magazine, 1983 The Wall Street Journal, 2008 Coming to Terms with the True Essence of Portrait Photography However, despite the artistry and radical messages that Leibovitz shot through her photographs, her talents were quickly categorized and judged under provocative images, which were sold and captured attention simply because of nudity. Leibovitz suddenly realized that there was something amiss from her works and she felt that she lost the ability to capture relationships, real emotions, strong messages, and such in her photographs. She believed that portrait photography should also emphasize the relationship of the subject to the camera and the photographer in order to produce images that are real and engaging, and not plain and empty. For this reason, Leibovitz stopped working for a month in order to figure out how she can improve her craft. (New York Magazine) Narelle Brennan Narelle Brennan As a Showgirl in Las Vegas As a Mother with her Two Children (1999) (1999) â€Å"Women,† 1999 â€Å"Women,† 1999 Taking time off work has helped Leibovitz get back on her heels. Although she continued to take high-profile glamour photographs of famous celebrities for â€Å"Rolling Stone† and even â€Å"Vanity Fair,† she also focused on the non-commercial aspect of photography. In one book that Leibovitz and Susan Sontag were able to publish in 1999, she presented the depth of her artistry by taking photographs of real women from different walks of life. In this particular collection, Leibovitz was able to recapture her trademark and style in taking photographs – building a relationship between the subject/subjects and the camera and the photographer, building a relationship among the subjects, portraying real and strong emotions, integrating images of power, strength, and influence, reality and simplicity, and personality. From the images taken of Narelle Brennan, Leibovitz was able to capture who Brennan was as a person, unbounded by her being simply a showgirl, but also as a mother of two children. The pictures were honest in such a way that it portrayed how the personalities of women change depending on the various roles that they play. Leibovitz successfully depicted freedom, nonconformity, and the need to put down biasness or prejudice when it comes to tagging individuals because of what they do or what they become. Furthermore, she was able to express her sensitivity in answering for Brennan, that her being a Showgirl in Las Vegas does not stand for her entire person. Conclusion Leibovitz’ artistry and creativity in photography have evolved through time. One may simply categorize Leibovitz’ skills and talents as unsettled or inconsistent judging from the diversity of the subjects and themes of the photographs that she has taken over time. However, despite Leibovitz’ irregular and erratic display of her talents and skills and photography, the changes that she had to see through all those years of building her career as a photographer generally defined her artistry and style. Leibovitz’ art has certainly improved through time and she was able to take advantage of all the opportunities to take photographs, make mistakes, experiment, and translate drama, emotions, passion, relationships, and such, into photographs, in order to develop her skills and talents as a photographer. Therefore, Leibovitz’ photography may be defined as flexible or adaptable, but at the same time reprehensible, strong, provocative, and forceful. She understood how the relationship between the subject, the camera, and the photographer should be developed in order to capture genuine emotions and feelings, relationships and connections, and bring out the dominant personalities of her subjects to add meaning to the photograph. The results were timeless and unforgettable images that would resound her inventiveness and adaptability as a photographer. Works Cited A&E Television Networks. â€Å"Annie Leibovitz Biography. † Retrieved from A&E Television Networks. 27 Apr 2009. http://www.nytimes.com/library/photos/leibovitz/brennan.html