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.

Has It Really Been 10 Years?

03/03/2020

Has It Really Been 10 Years?

'Katie e Johnson Photography' - 10 Year Anniversary

If you're familiar with this page then welcome back. If this is your first time reading my word vomit and checking out my work, then hey it's so lovely to have you here. Over the past few weeks this blog has been undergoing some minor changes and ideally I'm working towards a much more refreshing sophisticated look, if it doesn't look somewhat so already.

Evidently, I did take a break from blogging. A five year break to be exact. What has changed you might ask, well in regards to this blog...nothing. That's part of the very reason I'm back. Though many aspects of my life are very much the same, somethings have changed and probably for the better. I could quote so many wise words from many inspiring individuals that would summarise exactly how I feel and exactly how far I've come. But I won't.

Instead I'm going to quickly fill you in on some of the things I've been up to. After completing three full years of University, I took a five month break from life in general. My sister and I, at the time, had just started a YouTube channel. On top of that I spent most of my time enjoying my freedom catching up on a lot of music, books and films. I then got a job as a Retail Assistant. During which, I was offered a temporary six-week promotion. Accepting the offer, I become a weekday supervisor learning the in's and out's of a high-street business. I was very interested in applying for the position permanently. However I felt in the long run it wasn't for me. It would mean that I would have to sacrifice a lot of what I love. Most importantly my love for photography and my new found love for making video content for YouTube. 

It wasn't until I began making the necessary changes, that I realised the tenth year anniversary for this page was just around the corner. In a moment of realisation I said to myself "Has it really been ten years?" Although it feels like I started this blog yesterday, at the same time I don't think I can grasp how so much has changed. How I've changed. During my first year of college, I remember how excited I was and the anticipation I felt to just start this blog. How time has flown!

In the last five years, I've not only changed as a person but I've grown into someone I hope my seventeen-year-old-self, could be proud of. The world around her wasn't all that perfect and neither is it now. But she sure has walked through fire, fought unseen battles, whilst all the while developing a thicker armour and love for herself.

More notable changes are that of the world. Five years ago the government of The United Kingdom were making preparations for a vote that would entitle its freedom from the E.U. Not realising that the results would take four years to actually make some form of effect. Mean while, the world has lost so many amazing artists, well known stars and incredible people from all over the world. Human hearts that have touched so many, helped so many, now live on in the next. I've experienced this in my own life with the loss of my Uncle to Cancer. A lot of worldly issues and topics have become more popularised, made aware of and despite the controversy, I love it. I love that opinions are being heard and views are being shared. I believe that everyone has a voice. Not everyone needs to agree with that and that's okay.

But the real reason I am back is too shed a little light on the present and a possible future for this page. Originally 'Katie e Johnson Photography' was designed to be, I suppose my little space on the internet for all things photography. I assure you that will not change. As you may already be aware, ten years ago photography to me was nothing more than that of a hobby. Time, changed that. It became something which I enjoyed and developed a true passion for. I am now more than just a BA (Hons) Graduate, a self-employed professional photographer, a YouTuber and a Retail Assistant. I am a woman who is more than just her titles. A woman who is driven on the mindset of never giving up and finding a lesson in all things. With that in mind I do plan to continue my skillset, whether that be professionally or just for the fun of learning. However, what I want for this page is for it to be a space for more than just my photography, a space in which I can showcase all of my art. But only if I feel it is relatable and somewhat complementary to the future I envision for this page. We shall see, but I am very excited to share a little bit more about me.

See all soon! Katie xx

Photo by Claire Johnson

Take Me To Alaska

21/12/2014

Take Me To Alaska

Live at Pi Bar (Leicester)

At the end of 2014, I had the pleasure and opportunity to photograph a live music performance as my beloved friends took to the stage and played their debut gig as the band 'Take Me To Alaska'.

Formed in January 2014, the folk rock/indie band consists of 2 females and 1 male. Meesha Greensmith, Paige Greensmith and Luke Warren. Passionate musicians, both Meesha and Luke found one another via an advertisement posted on the internet. After contacting each other and then finally meeting in person they had a few jamming sessions. Later that year, in March, Paige joined, thus completing the 3 piece line-up for 'Take Me To Alaska,' who's music has often been compared to that of the band 'Of Monsters and Men.'

Personally I was very excited about their performance. I had anticipated and waited for quite some months to hear a full song or track of theirs. All year they would tease me now and again with 'Snapchat' videos and exclusive updates for their fans such as Twitter and Facebook. Finally on the 21st of December 2014 I was able to witness and hear 3 tracks live at the Pi Bar in Leicester. Their performance was incredible...excuse me if I'm being biased. Despite the nerves that were very evident at the beginning, they grew in confidence through out their short set.

The first song 'Second Best' was a strong start, with its heart pounding base chords supplemented by a beautiful subtle drum beat that, for me, echoed the sounds of the bands name. 'Second Best' seemed to take me to the snowy mountain tops of Alaska and wrap me in a blanket. It's well written lyrics perfectly intertwining with the music. For me this very song had some likeness to the works of 'The Black Ghosts', more specifically the track 'Full Moon'.

With a change of instrument for Meesha, came a slight change of pace for their second song. '3 Years of Fall' is an inspirational, tear-jerker of a song that starts with soft mellow chords and keeps to a slow pace throughout. The lyrics convey both deep emotions and expressions of love, inviting the listener to take a chance and open their eyes to life's possibilities. With the onset of each chorus the strums of their guitars increased and then slowed and as the song reached its close the instruments smoothly faded out one by one. 

The band finished off their set with a song called 'When Winter Comes.' This was the stand out track of the three for me. It felt so original and picked up from the mellow pace of their previous number. The warm tone set by the use of 3 electric acoustic guitars continued throughout the song, picking up the pace for each chorus. As the second chorus closed a solo bridge by Meesha kicked in before she was joined by Luke continuing the main tune. As Paige came in with her bass, Meesha switched from playing her guitar to drumming it and gave the bridge a very beautiful heart-felt touch. The song was brought back into a final round of the chorus and then faded out with a round of applause from the audience.

I really love the complementary vocals of male against female in their songs and each composition is woven together with a variety of different instruments, chords, and beats. The well written lyrics really show the raw potential these musicians have. As a lover of music I can't wait to hear more and follow the band as they embark on what I hope is going to be a bright and happy future.

Prom Princess: Double Rainbow

Chapter 4.

Double Rainbow

Not much later, Claire's best friend Bethan arrived in a beautiful dress lined with layers of different coloured material, complemented with a white and silver Venetian mask. Polishing off her prom look she wore silver glittered heals and curled hair pinned to the side leaving the hair to drape over her left shoulder.

Both looking beautiful and both with high excited spirits, looking forward to their evening together, commemorating the end of a very short part of their lives and moving on to begin their next. The best part about it all is they get to share it together, as soul sisters, as best friends just like a double rainbow.

Moments like these are often brushed aside or not celebrated as much as they should be. Proms, Balls, Grades or Graduations are all put in place to cherish, recognise and celebrate our achievements. I'm just so happy that I was able to photograph these stunning ladies before they went off to enjoy their special celebratory evening.

A beautiful end and beautiful beginning!

The End.

Prom Princess: The Sapphire Girl

Chapter 3.

The Sapphire Girl

After many hours of preparations leading up to this special night and the excitement that is clearly visible in these photographs, following. It was time for Claire, so beautifully dressed in a stunning royal blue gown topped off with a frilled short sleeve cardigan, to attend her ball... you could say.

Before her fellow students and chauffeur arrived we had enough time to ease in a small but elegant photo shoot that Claire was so eager to get stuck in to. It was perfect atmospheric wise, with the blue sky, the odd spots of fluffy clouds and a green lawn so perfectly scattered with little white daises. The setting was I guess magic! In all this helped create the right feel, look and effect that was just simply ideal for such an occasional shoot.

Next Chapter.

Prom Princess: Double Rainbow

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'

Prom Princess: The Princess's Boutonniere

Chapter 2.

The Princess's Boutonniere

In attending prom all of the girls received a Boutonniere, no not a Corsage. There's not much of a story to these photos, except that the following morning I charged out of bed grabbed my camera and ran down stairs to set up a little studio for the flowers. Even though I put them in a small vase before going to bed the night before they had already started to wilt and wither away. However I thought that this helped to create the impression, tone and sense of how enjoyable Claire's prom night actually was. So in turn it was a small bonus. 

These photos represent Claire's little souvenir. Like the remains of plant secured within pages of a diary entry or a piece of confetti from a rock concert tucked away in a safe box, that when ever looked upon in the future, brings that individual flash backs and strong memories from that particular event they experienced.

Next Chapter.

Prom Princess: The Sapphire Girl