Only Five Years Late...

Originally my plans were to post all of the work I had produced over the three years I spent at university. However, other projects outside of university took up most of my time, effort and focus. Recently, I felt inspired that I was ready to share at least a little something from my years at university but I didn't want to jump straight back into blogging with new material and no explanation. After five years I think this blog and you guys deserved at least that.

26/03/2020

Gothic Surrealism

Final Module Project - Photography and Video BA (Hons) Degree

So, for my third and final year at university, we were required to design and create our own experimental and analytical project for one of our final modules. What I loved most about my final year, and particularly this project, was that we had the freedom to do whatever we wanted. For some time I wasn't exactly sure what that might look like or what themes I wanted to present or experiment with. 

To begin with I was very interested in using ideas that best represented fairytales with a realistic, magical fantasy feel. When researching I found various artists that had beautifully achieved that mystical aesthetic that are found within fairytale-like worlds. Annie Leibovitz in particular manages to perfectly capture many Disney animated stories. With a number of collaborations with well known celebrities and cleverly designed character costumes, Leibovitz captured her audience through popularity and identification, whilst managing to re-create those ever familiar fairytale scenes.

Later in my research I became somewhat un-inspired and decided to take a much darker route. I've always been drawn to books or films that convey feelings of unsteadiness. This was clearly evident during my first year as I co-produced a short video titled 'nightmare'. To some people, the idea of the unknown or paranormal behaviour can bring a sense of fear. For me it's quite the opposite. I find it all the more exciting. Christopher Mckenney, a photographer that specialises in 'horror surrealist photography', was exactly the inspiration I needed. His work portrays the paranormal in a very simplistic yet effective way. Other artists in particular Kevin Corrado and Clarence John Laughlin, collectively gave me the driving force for this project.

Naming the project 'Gothic Surrealism' and producing my ten final prints, my time at university came to a close. Do I miss it? No, Do I regret it? Not one bit! My final year was by far my favourite and thoroughly enjoyed experimenting with and truly developing my knowledge and skills. However, I can assure you that I don't miss the deadlines or the nervousness before presenting my work, or the anxieties I felt whilst waiting for my results! I learnt so many things, made what I hope to be lifelong friends and discovered a love for other projects such as making videos. I can remember despising any video work in my first year, and yet now I make video content for YouTube. Funny the paths that life can lead you along.

Life Is a Rollercoaster!

I can't believe we're just two and half weeks away from Christmas! The past three months have flown by. I have managed to balance my social life and personal life, making time for myself as well as getting work done. It's been quite a roller coaster, getting back into the swing of student life was quite surprisingly easy, but it wasn't long before I found myself a little stressed out and overworked. Coming towards the end of this first term, I realise that I am on schedule and so ready for the holidays.

In between all that worry, relationships and friendships have popped up out of nowhere. Though they've surprised me and caught me off guard a little, I'm excited to see what the future holds. I look back at what these past few months have given me and the people I've met and honestly I couldn't imagine life without them. I must say that I've experienced things that I never want to encounter again, but then of course there are things that I can't wait to do...even ten times over...but I guess i'll have to!

Just to make things clear...
Because of the busy bee I've become, I have had to accept that I will only be able post photos on here and social sites when I have the time! You may view 'sneak peek' shots on here or via my Facebook page, for posts that will eventually appear but I am uncertain of when. But for now bare with me and I will try to update you the best I can.

Leicesters Landscapes

...and more from the 'Prom Princess'

Shutterbugs Freshers

I've been planning this blog post for almost over 6 months. I've finally, not only got round to making it, but I've gathered enough information needed to show off some young and beautifully talented ladies within the photography world.

This post is all about fresh young photographers that have either been around for a while or just started out and looking to further grow their love and passion for photography as much as me. I have been able to watch and view each photographer grow, through their work, personalities, and well as a special treat just for you they've allowed me to ask them a few questions about there love for photography. So first up is Sophie Clarke.

Sophie Clarke 
From 'Sophie Clarke Photography' 

Profile
Age: 15
Favourite Quote: "Believe in your dreams even when they seem lost" - Hayley Williams 
Based: Leicester, UK 

Q&A
How long have you been taking photographs?
"About 3 years"

How long has your page been up and running?
"8 months in 3 days"

What or who started your interest into the world of photography?
"I don't know.....I guess I've always had an interest in the 'art world' ever since I was a little girl and well photography just falls under that"

Are there any photographers that you just look at and think 'Wow! I want to be like her/him'?
"erm...I think that about some of your work. But I love Craig Jones work, he's what I want to be! A Wildlife Photographer.....Oh and I also love Alan Sanders work."

What do you want people to think or feel when viewing your work?
"I want them to feel apart of a beautiful world, I want them to see a different side to the world that they live in. I would like them to think 'WOW' when they see my photographs (This is mainly when I become a Wildlife Photographer I hope)"

Are there any tips you would like to share to those photographers who are starting out with their own love for taking photographs?
"Hmmm, all I'd say is, Don't look at other photographers work and then feel as if your work isn't as good and never will be, keep on trying; you'll become a great photographer. Photography takes time and patience!"

To visit Sophie's photography page click the link below!

Sophie Clarke Photography

Emma-Louise Davie
From 'Emma-Louise Davie Photography'

Profile
Age: 13
Favourite Quote: "You aren't what you see in the mirror. There is more there." - Hayley Williams
Based: Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Q&A
How old were you when you started to realise you loved taking photos?
"I was about 11 years old when I realised I liked going out and about, taking photographs."

What initially interested you into the world of photography?
"It's the idea of being able to travel anywhere, taking photos, visiting places and seeing new things. I like to think photos are a permanent visual of our memories, though they do not move, they still manage to make us feel everything we did when taking the shot. The adventures of what photography brings are great too!"

Do you try to portray a meaning or a story behind each photo?
"Yeah I do. Sometimes I'll look at something and think, 'Oh, there is so much more to that than most people would see because it's all about imagination!"

Do you have a favourite thing or scene you love to photograph?
"I love to take close ups (macro shots) and landscapes, also if the sky is looking particularly nice I won't hesitate to take a photo of it."

What or who motivates you to continue taking photographs?
"Sometimes my family motivate me, but it's mostly out of my own interest. Some days I will just really really want to get out there and take loads of photos. I also go to my schools Camera Club (TBS: Turiff Photography Society) which motivates me a bit."

Would you say seeing other people's work, that you love, fires up the spark within you to get out and create your own?
"Yes, it does, quite a bit actually! Art also inspires me, I'm a big lover of art. Vincent Van Gogh is amazing, some of his work really inspires me. I love his paintings and if i'm looking for inspiration, quite often I will turn to his work and then all of a sudden ideas just seem to pop into my head."

Do you consider photography to be a hobby or even a potential career for you in the future?
"Definitely a potential career, but right now it's a hobby. When I leave school I'd love to make a career out of it."

What advice would you give to those of your age, starting to create their own pieces of art?
"I'd just say, don't ever be afraid to let your imagination run wild! Obviously, don't do anything that could get you into trouble, but if you see something that you think is interesting and might make a good photo, take the damn photo! You never know how amazing it will turn out to be. Then if you really like it, you should share it and be proud of your work!"

To visit Emma-Louise's photography blog click the link below!

Emma-Louise Davie Photography

Katie Ellis
From 'Katie J Ellis - My Life'

Profile
Age: 20
Favourite Quote: "Some of the biggest mistakes you make in life are out of love" - 90210
Based: Leicester, UK

Q&A
When did you first start taking photographs?
"Well I first started taking photography seriously when I opened up my own blog. So judging from my very first blog post I'd say since May 2010."


What captured your interest into creating your own photography work and setting up a blog?
"Well I suppose it was because of my best friend. She got me interested in the whole photography and blog making. I saw her amazing photos on the blog she had created and decided I wanted to do the same."

Have you always had a love for photography?
"In some ways yes. I've never liked being in front of the camera, but when it comes to taking them I've always volunteered just so I don't have to be in them."

What do you enjoy most about creating art in the form of photographs?
"Capturing moments and making them last forever."

Do you edit your photographs as soon a you get your hands on a computer or do you feel you have to be in a state of mind or zone to edit them?
"Definitely have to be in the mood. I can't sit and edit for hours if I'm not motivated to do so. Not unless I know the pictures are going to turn out amazing!"

On average how long does it take you to edit each photograph from a single shoot?
"About 20 minutes for just a simple photo. If I want to do more to the image, like having half in Black and White and then the other half in colour then it's more like 1-2 hours."

Do you have any advice for other photographers when editing their photographs and getting in the zone to do so?
"I would let them know to just take their time. Don't rush editing, try out each tool and see what works best. If you have shot a lot of images covering the same scene then just choose the best ones. I also find time goes much quicker when your sat listening to music. That's a good motivator right there."

To visit Katie's photography blog click the link below!

Katie J Ellis - My Life

Katie Ellis

For those of you who still don't know, Katie is my best friend. The one person I've known longer than anyone else on earth (apart from my family). I've never solely done a photo shoot with just her. She's helped me out with other shoots, been my second in command. But never have I done this before.

Since I had a few uni assignments, I thought we could incorporate the themes and ideas into the shoot. So having my little home made studio, camera gear, a suitcase full of clothing, make-up and accessories. We spent the entire day just simply doing what we love most and that is spending time together. We had a great day. Surprisingly it was a little awkward at first but as soon as we got into the swing of things, in the zone as you might say, we just let everything else fall into place.