Mike Brodie, an American photographer also known by the moniker of “Polaroid Kidd, is notable for his imagery following his own experiences of trainhopping across North America in a period of five years, dating from 2004 to 2009. Inspired by punk ideologies and the photographs of National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry, Brodie set out to create images of those around him and they experiences they shared together, presenting them in a way that feels raw and intimate; something that comes as a side effect from a lack of formal education in photographic composition and technique.
– Mike Brodie
Brodie’s photographs encapsulate a powerful sense of youth and freedom that represents his outlook on both life and the others around him at the time of shooting. Take this image, for example; a young man holding onto the railing on the back of a fast-moving train giving the middle finger to the camera, with a confident expression on his face. Compositionally, the man is the focal point of the photograph, filling up a small section of the bottom half in the image, directly in the centre. Aside from him, the only other section of the piece in focus is the railing he dangles from, whereas the rest of the image is blurred from the fast motion of the train. Despite this, the track can be made out behind him and acts as leading lines to bring the viewer’s eyes away from the man and toward the rest of the composition. The expressions and gestures provided by the man represent the rebellious behaviours of youth culture, and their mutual desire to be free of the constraints of societal expectations through one way or another, living off the grid and on their own terms. Additionally, the colour palette of the photograph primarily utilises yellow and grey tones, the mans pink details on his shirt being the only differentiation.
In my own work, I want to represent the rawness of wanting to stray from the norms enforced by modern society, and the idea of forging my own path as opposed to a more typical career and lifestyle. I feel similar values appear in both my own and Brodie’s photographs, and I’d like mine to capture these emotions even better through the influence of his style.
what: For my first shoot I am going to base it off of Eugene Atget’s work with the theme of old and historical architecture. Once I have collected a set of images I am going to edit them to try and create the same effect on my images that Atget has on his.
when: I am going to take this shoot maybe an hour or so before sunset so that my images have a gloomy effect and they turn out more dull that taking my images in the middle of the day. I want an effect that adds to my image and make it more alike Atget’s as all of his images were taken in monochrome with an old effect to them which I want to try and recreate.
where: For this shoot I am going to go all over the island to find building that are similar to Atget’s. This shoot won’t be my only one on old architecture so I wont worry too much about photographing every old building but just the ones that are similar to Atget’s.
why: I have chosen to do this as my first shoot as I wat my project to start in this place as I want to show the evolution of architecture so I think starting at older building is a good place to begin.
how: For this shoot and most of my other shoots I am going to use a digital camera and for some images I may use a tripod to ensure that my images are straight and are focused/steady to produce a good quality image.
key inspiration
photoshoot 2:
east side of the island-
what: For my second shoot I am going to focus it on buildings located on the east side of the island as that is where I live. This may include buildings that I have a connection to or ones that show how architecture has changed.
when: For this shoot I will take my images at around noon so that there is good lighting and it makes the building be the main focus point and is clear.
where: As this shoot is based on the east side of the island I am going to focus on architecture in St Cements, Grouville, St Martins and maybe St Saviours.
why: As I live in the East side of the Island I think that this would be a good place to start as I know the area well as also have connections to some of the buildings in this area.
key inspiration
photoshoot 3:
Ezra Stoller shoot-
what: For my third photo shoot I am going to base it off of Ezra Stoller as his work captures modern architecture which is what part of my personal study is based on. His work includes lots of lines and symmetry so that it what I am going to try and find to capture in this particular photoshoot.
when: I think for this shoot it will look better in day light at noon so that my images are clear and the focus will be on the buildings as opposed to having duller lighting as I don’t think that it would add much to my image.
where: Similar to my shoot inspired by Atget, I am going to start on the East side of the Island but also focus on the style of the buildings to replicate Stoller’s as I will do other modern shoot to add to my study.
why: I have chosen to do this as my third shoot so that I have a beginning and an end with the old and modern buildings. I think that this will help me to realize what kind of images I need more of to develop my project.
For my first artist reference I am going to look at the work from Vibeke Tandberg. I feel that her work is really prominent in her collection “living together” as she takes two images of herself and depicts what it would look like living with a twin sibling. I feel like her work can relate strongly to the work I am trying to produce as I am trying to capture what its like living with a twin sister and how it drastically alters a persons way of living.
Image analysis
This image of her work in the collection “Living together” Really stood out to me. I feel that this image showcases a captivating scene of personal engagement. The compesition skillfully captures the subjects seated at the table, drawing attention to their expressions, body language, and the overall atmosphere. The use of lighting and shadows adds depth and dimension to the image, enhancing the mood and creating a sense of intimacy. Tandberg’s work often explores the complexities of human relationships and shared spaces, and this image seems to reflect that theme.
Tandberg is a Norwegian artist known for her thought-provoking work and conceptually rich work. Her work often explores themes of identity, perception and the relationship between the viewer and the artwork. Tandberg’s use of various mediums, including photography, video and installation adds depth and complexity to her artistic practise. Her work challenges traditional notions of art and pushes boundaries, inviting viewers to question their own understanding and interpretation. Tandberg’s contributions to the art world have been recognised internationally, making her a significant figure in contemporary art. Her work “living together” is significant because it delves into the complexities of human relationships and the dynamics of coexistence. She prompts her viewers to reflect on the challengers and joys of living together whether its through family, community or just as a society as a whole. Tandberg’s work encourages us to examine our own roles and responsibilities in fostering harmonious relationships and creating inclusive environments. By addressing these universal topics, “living together” resonates with a wide audience and sparks meaningful conversations about our shared human experiences.
Irina Werning
For my second artist I am going to look at the work by Irina werning. She specialises in taking two separate images and combining them into one, she mainly uses old images from her childhood as her younger self and then crops in an image of what she looks like today to create the illusion that they are interacting with each other and in the same time zone. I would like to take inspiration from her from my upcoming project as I could take old images with me and my sister together when we where children and then crop new images of us when we are older to create the illusion that there are four individuals in the image instead of two. I feel that her work can also link to Vibeke Tandbergs work as she also edited two images of herself to create the illusion that they are interacting together.
Image analysis
In this captivating image by Irina Werning, we see a person elegantly dressed in formal attire, sporting a suit and tie. The subject’s expression exudes confidence and approachability, creating a sense of professionalism. Werning’s careful attention to detail is evident in the composition and lighting of the photograph. The choice of formal attire signifies sophistication and societal expectations of professionalism. It prompts us to consider the significance of appearances and the role they play in our lives, even as a child or a grown adult. The subject’s pleasant expression adds warmth and invites viewers to connect on a personal level. It conveys a sense of confidence and readiness to take on challenges. Werning skillfully captures the essence of the moment, evoking emotions and prompting reflection. This image by Irina Werning showcases her talent in capturing the nuances of human expression and the visual storytelling that lies within. It serves as a reminder of the power of photography to convey messages and evoke emotions.
Irina Werning is an exceptionally talented and renowned photographer who gained widespread acclaim for her captivating project called “Back to the Future.” In this series, Werning goes beyond mere photography and delves into the realm of art and storytelling. She meticulously recreates old photographs by meticulously matching the subjects, locations, clothing, and even the tiniest details to capture the essence of the past. What makes Werning’s work truly exceptional is her ability to not only recreate the physical aspects of the original photographs but also to capture the emotions and stories behind them. Her photographs are windows into the lives and experiences of the people she portrays, allowing us to witness the passage of time and the changes that occur in our lives. Werning’s attention to detail is unparalleled. She meticulously researches and recreates every aspect of the original photographs, from the props to the lighting, ensuring that every element is just right. This dedication to authenticity and accuracy is what makes her work so captivating and resonant. Through her photographs, Werning explores the complex relationship between memory, identity, and time. By juxtaposing the past and the present, she invites us to reflect on our own lives and the ways in which we change and evolve over time. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience. Werning’s work has received international recognition and has been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums around the world. Her photographs have a timeless quality that transcends cultural and generational boundaries, resonating with viewers from all walks of life.
Gabriele Galimberti
For my last artist I have decided to look at the work by Gabriele Galimberti. this project of his is called “Toy stories where he took images of children and their toys from all around the world. I find his work in this project really interesting to see the contrast in children and their toys from all around the world. I am going to take inspiration from him in my upcoming project where I am going to explore the contrast between mine and my sisters childhood toys growing up, Even though our approaches are not going to be exactly the same, I would like to take some of his ideas behind the project its self.
Image analysis
In this particular photograph, we see a young person standing in a room filled with an incredible variety of toys. The toys are spread out all around, creating a colorful and playful environment. As we take a closer look, we can see that each toy tells a unique story. There are action figures, dolls, stuffed animals, building blocks, and much more. These toys reflect the child’s interests, preferences, and personality. They are a reflection of their individuality and the things that bring them joy. The image captures a moment frozen in time, allowing us to appreciate the child’s sense of wonder and excitement. It reminds us of the boundless imagination and creativity that children possess. It also highlights the importance of play in a child’s development, as they learn, explore, and make sense of the world through their toys. Galimberti’s “Toy Stories” project aims to explore the cultural and social significance of toys in different parts of the world. By photographing children with their toys, he captures a glimpse into their lives and the stories they create.
Gabriele Galimberti is an esteemed Italian photographer celebrated for his remarkable project called “Toy Stories.” This project took Galimberti on a journey around the world, where he had the opportunity to meet children from various countries and document their cherished toys. “Toy Stories” stands out due to Galimberti’s meticulous approach and attention to detail. Through his lens, he not only captures the toys themselves but also delves into the personal stories and cultural contexts that surround them. The photographs offer a glimpse into the lives of these children, reflecting their unique personalities, interests, and the values instilled in them by their respective communities. Galimberti’s portrayal of the relationship between the children and their toys is both captivating and thought-provoking. Each photograph tells a compelling story, shedding light on the diverse experiences of childhood across different cultures. From simple, handmade toys in rural areas to technologically advanced gadgets in urban environments, “Toy Stories” showcases the rich tapestry of childhood around the globe. The photographs in this project not only serve as visual masterpieces but also prompt viewers to contemplate the universal aspects of childhood and the significance of play in shaping our identities. Galimberti’s work is a testament to the power of photography in capturing the essence of human experiences and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
This is a mood board compiled of Alessandra Sanguinetti’s works.
Alessandra Sanguinetti is an American photographer born in New York City in 1968. Moving to Argentina at two years old. This connects to her main work ‘The Adventures of Guille and Belinda and the Enigmatic Meaning of their dreams’ where she documented two cousins Guillermina and Belinda across five years in Buenos Aires. Across the span of these five years, Sanguinetti documents these cousins throughout their childhood.
Her project ‘The Adventures of Guille and Belinda and the Enigmatic Meaning of their dreams’ was created through an organic process, meeting Guillermina and Belinda’s grandmother through her family’s farm and in their surrounding area. Sanguinetti knew the pair of cousins since they were around 4 years old. Her initial intention was to focus the subject matter upon animals on the farm, however this shifted in 1988 when she decided to include the girls in her image making upon discovery of a story within them. Though they are not family, this relationship of knowing someone for many years creates a sense of comfort. This allows Sanguinetti to capture these portraits naturally among the farm, which is their natural born home. She did not predict the nature of the project, not expecting it to develop into a series through time, emphasising the natural and organic nature of her work. Through reflection of her project, Sanguinetti realised the importance of having a larger perspective and being able to view the whole story.
These images are of sentimental objects from around my house that hold significant importance to me. I will edit them by removing the background in photoshop in order to make them stand out against the background.
