The Photography Institute

So yesterday I showed you some V images I took about a year ago, well here are some more recent ones...... I've recently embarked on a new photography course with The Photography Institute (hence the lack of blog updates lately!!!) so my posts for the foreseeable future will be the work I have submitted as part of the course. First up, here are the 3 images I shortlisted to submit. You can chose whatever you want to take a photo of but using techniques learnt. Always keen to get my 'V' in, I decided to take photos of him for assignment 2 (first module did not require a submission); we had to find an object of any kind around the house and think of a 'different' way to photograph it. 

This was the image I decided to submit, the following two are the other ones I was considering. I decided on this one because I liked the 'mood' of it most. I like it being dark and mysterious, I love the warmth of the photo after using a red backdrop and I love the reflection in the glass (which was what was at the forefront of my mind when initially thinking about the photo). I got 8/10 for my overall assignment score which I'm very proud of. Would love anyone and everyone's thoughts on the images! Which is your favourite?

V is Watching You

When I watched 'V for Vendetta' for the first time (years ago) I liked it and disliked it all at the same time. The character V was a figure I really related to. Someone at a loss with the current political system and it's flaws and corruption. But, on the other hand, was scared by how similar the story was to the way government is run nowadays. I had, at the time, discussed with my boyfriend about where we might find some V masks that we could use to take photos with and then, low and behold, a group beat me to it! But have no fear, as soon as I saw you could buy them, I had two on order! Now V is Watching You. So, a post that may divide opinion I suppose. My love for the mask, others hate for what it represents. Still, thats what art is all about, right?! Here are a few images I took about a year ago, tomorrow, I will share my first submission for my new photography course. :)

Man Ray: My Way

Last weekend I was lucky enough to go to the Man Ray Portraits exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. One of my most favourite photographers and a big source of inspiration for me, I felt truly privileged to be up close and personal to some of his originals.

With that in mind, it made me think back to last year when I was again looking through his work and decided to do my on take on some of his images, I suppose you could say as an homage to his great work. I have only done a few and this is an ongoing project that I will keep adding to, but it seemed like a good time to share!

I've included his images for any of you not familiar with his work and then mine.

So, different, yet similar. I loved the idea of the mask in Man Ray's image but I didn't want my attempt to completely mirror his, so I added a bit of me to it by using the V mask. The lighting is very different in my image too, it's much darker but again, I feel that reflects me better. The shadows are still there and the composition is obviously really similar. Obviously it's not a patch on the work of a photographic genius but I would like to think that he'd see it as a compliment to him that I want to try and make images similar to his!

Today's modern man?! Man Ray's photo is of Pablo Picasso with his paintings in the background. Again, composed similarly but instead of the subject having their work in the background, I have mine. And spot the V mask making another appearance!

Lee Miller, another one of my most favourite photographers, collaborator and muse of Man Ray. She was the subject of much of his work. Another Man Ray inspired photo from me. My image is heavily solarised so the differences are quite apparent but once again, you can draw the comparisons.

So, what do you think of Man Ray: My Way?! Think I might do more of this with some of my other faves! 

The Best of 2012

So, we are well and truly in to the new year! I always like to have a bit of self reflection around this time and see how I have developed, improved and what I need and would like to work on. 

I also go through all of my photos from the past year (and there's a lot!) and make a 'Best of' collage. Most people are self critical, myself included, so I find it good practise to do this. It's sort of therapeutic. These are what I think are my best from this year, have a look through my blogpost and tell me what you think! I'd love to hear your thoughts! 

Anyway, a short blogpost for you this week (sorry) I'm afraid as I am currently busy taking a gazillion photos for another project. Don't forget the exhibition is only a week away, please click here for more details.

Operation Vendetta

Remember, remember the 5th of November! I know, a bit late, but for Bonfire Night this year, me and the fella headed in to Central London for Operation Vendetta. This was a protest organised by Anonymous UK and is getting steadily bigger by the year. It was much fun; we were given chocolate cupcakes (delish I might add), there were fire artists, rappers, dancers and an excellent atmosphere. It was the most enjoyable protest I've been on, there were even hugs being given out to strangers. A feel good atmosphere all round and a really good laugh. Here are a few of the photos I took on the night.

                                   

The only problem with this protest was that with everyone wearing their V masks, we all became, well, anonymous! I know that's the idea but for someone who struggles to get their bearings at the best of times, I need friends around me to get me home, no good when you can't tell who's who! 

Not sure if any of you lovely people looking at this have ever been on a protest before? Would love to hear from you if you have. I find them really empowering, groups of people together who want better for others and not just themselves. It might not seem like a difference is being made but standing up for something you strongly believe in is admirable in my eyes. And you just never know what might come of it. Everything has a starting point. Hmm, deep!

I like the church behind the trees and how the lights hitting it. If I look at it out of the corner of my eye, it looks like some sort of ghost like child, creepy.

'Endings' Exhibition Work!

Capitalism
I chose to use this image because the banner was really striking. It was like pathetic fallacy with the intense red of the sky, almost issuing a warning for times ahead. And it really compliments the green of the banner, which in turn sets off the pink of the writing, making the message more poignant. Here's to hoping it still capitalism still is in crisis!

Globalise
Another message that means a lot to me!

Grow
This photo was chosen because I wanted the people walking past the shot to appear to be disappearing,  or being forgotten about. Which represents society today to me.

Another World
I think this one is pretty self explanatory, I'm hoping that another world is possible!

These are the images I used for my second exhibition. I called this series of work 'This Is What Democracy Looks Like' and as you can see, it's taken from the Occupy London Stock Exchange protest camp at St Pauls. For me, the theme 'Endings' was about a sense of feeling that the society we live in is coming to an end. Wow, that sounds dramatic!! I just mean that we are living in a society that is becoming more about one group of people than another. Where the people who need the most help are being left to fend for themselves and ignored while others bask in their capitalism Heaven. ;)