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?

Night life around London

Went out a few weeks ago with my photo buddy Keith around London to catch it at night. It was pretty cold and very wet but it was fun and actually the wet added to the feel of the night because the lights all reflected in the puddles and raindrops. Here's a few that made the final cut! 

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! 

Goa by day

A mixture of the local sites and locals. The first (below, left) is the view from where I was sunbathing. Idyllic, isn't it? And the second image (below right) is from the spice plantation we visited in Ponda. I love how green and lush it looks and the reflection on the water.

Locals and local sellers on the beach.

My trademark sun shot!

Can't get enough of the Cemetery!

I hope this post finds you well and not experiencing a bad case of the January blues! Hopefully some sunshine in these pictures will brighten up your day a bit. And guess what? I have been back to a cemetery to take them. ;-) I just love going to a cemetery and taking shots, I'm sorry but I do! There are some beautiful graves and some also beautifully cared for plus you get lots of greenery and pretty plants. And when the sun is shining it can look truly magical. That's what I think anyway.

This is my fave image from this shoot and you wouldn't even know it was taken in graveyard would you? I just love the reflection in the puddle, who cares how dirty that water is?!

I Literally just turned 180 degrees to get these two shots and look at the difference in terms of light and general appearance?! Could have been in two completely different locations. Amazing what a simple change of direction can do...

Last few moments of Christmas....

Awwww, I feel a little bit sad thats it's all over for another year again! But before it's officially bad luck, here are a few more of decorations for your delectation! 

And I'd just like to take this opportunity to say thanks to everyone who has passed through here for the last year. I've had a better year than I could have imagined when I decided to start this blog this time last year and your support is invaluable. I hope I continue to receive your support in the coming year and many more to come! I wish you all a very prosperous and healthy New Year and all the best for 2013!

My homemade table decoration, you like?! I'm thinking possible Christmas cards for next year.....

Remember, you can buy one off images from me, or I can tailor make any photography package to suit your needs, just get in contact! Here's to 2013!

More Street Photography

This is the last set of images (I think!) from my Street Art workshop in East London. I did take A LOT of photos that day and there are only a handful left from the final cut but I really enjoyed doing this mini project. Not only did I go and see some of my (fairly) local surroundings but it's definitely given me a lot of food for thought for future projects. Hope you enjoy the last in this set!

 

This one above is probably one of my favourites out of this set. I know it doesn't actually contain any street art but I love anything to do with reflections. And I like how I have only got their faces in the shot through the reflection in the puddle. Just me maybe but I like it!

And I really like this one too because even now when I look at it, the art on the wall is just kind of jumping out from the wall. Brilliant art work in my opinion. I just took the photo!