Our Last Days as Children

The other half of my final university project....

It is often said that children are expected to grow up and behave older than they are at a much younger age. This is known as 'Age Compression', and it is the subject of a lot of concern in todays society, particularly the commercialization of childhood. I wanted to focus on children at an age where they are not only becoming more conscious of themselves, but also the way that they are dressed. Rather than looking at the negative aspects of children growing up too soon, I wanted to focus on the idea of enjoying childhood while it lasts and making the most out of these days.

I chose to shoot in a rather grand house, a place where the children would be expected to be on their best behavior, and I wanted to present them as almost rebelling against the situation. Despite being dressed up in their best clothes, they are still running around the house, having fun, being children. We all grow up, and lose the nature of 'play' but it is those last fleeting moments of childhood that I hoped to capture, the moment that we all hope we never lose even as we grow up - that sense of childish rebellion.

The road is life...

'American Beats'

The first part of my last project for university, I still can't quite believe it's all over! I felt so ready to finish, though I am now desperately craving tutorials and the comfort of our studios!

I wanted to try something a little out of my comfort zone, so I decided to work on a men's fashion brief. I have always been quite into reading, and Jack Kerouac's 'On The Road' is one of my favorite books, so I decided to base a fashion series on the theme of the American Beat writers of the 1950's. I wanted to portray a sense of the characters. It is the idea of this adult rebellion that fascinates me with the story, the hedonistic desire for travel; as well as the intimate friendships.

Most importantly, due to the nature of fashion shoots, the choice of clothing says the most. I wanted a modern take on the clothing, a mixture of the 1950's clean-cut American male mixed with todays image of intellectual and rebellious style. I feel the styling was the most successful part of the shoot, as it captures exactly what I intended.

Looking back I wish I had shot it differently. I had a lot of issues with the backdrop and I am not the biggest fan of retouching. I think the shoot craved to be on location, but I was so set on doing a studio project.

Nevertheless, I learned a lot from it & really enjoyed the project.

I am currently filled with an overwhelming desire to road-trip around America...

Currently listening to: The Computers

Currently reading: Jack Kerouac - 'On The Road' (Again)

Here's looking at you, kid...

A little bit more fairly recent studio stuff. This was for Sarah, and her children's clothing range 'Sarah-sarus'. The idea behind it was simply what children aspire to be when they grow up. I love the props, I think they add to a slightly nostalgic feel.

There were about 20 images from the shoot in total, but I have just picked out a few of my favourites. Feeling the need to do some more location work now though.

And I will get around to uploading my EMP, promise!

Aimee

Simple studio shoot, rather pleased with the lighting. I have been so behind in updating all my recent work. A mixture of stress from EMP's, moving house, finishing university, trips to America

is probably to blame. Need sort out my website too, dammit!

This shoot was done for Aimee's modeling portfolio. Such a lovely little girl.

Mostly pleased with how the black and white one turned out.

Currently listening to: Twin Atlantic

Currently reading: Philip Larkin -Collected Poems

The Lost Boys

“Young boys should never be sent to bed… they always wake up a day older”

Specialist Practice.

The Lost Boys are essentially a symbol of eternal childhood and I hoped to capture this spirit within my work. The images were intended as an editorial fashion story for ‘Milk’ Magazine.

"If growing up means it would be beneath my dignity to climb a tree, I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow up! Not me!"

The story of Peter Pan has been adored by many generations of children, the classic tale of the boy who refuses to grow up. In a world where children seem to be growing up so much faster, and taking on adult responsibilities, the story reminds us of the wonders of childhood and the endless possibilities of our imagination. The Lost Boys are Peter’s companions; they were the boys that fell out of their prams and were lost by their nannies in Kensington gardens. When they were not found, they were whisked away to Neverland, where they stay until Peter feels they are growing up.

The boys were styled in a more grown up manor, as if they are wearing their best clothes. I want to portray the idea that children will still play whatever clothes they are wearing, and I think this emphasizes the idea that they will not grow up. Even when dressed smartly, they will still be mischievous. Little details such as fur and feathers were references to the characters that were created in the film adaptations and give the feel that they are almost playing ‘dress up’.

I love the idea of children creating their own worlds to escape to. These are known as ‘Paracosms’ and children can often construct incredibly well defined imaginary worlds. However, growing up usually means we stop playing, which is why the concept of eternal childhood is such an appealing one. Fantasy is a phase we are expected to grow out of. I am intrigued by the idea of when we loose our sense of these imaginary worlds, and I feel that the story of Peter Pan is the essence of this.

The shoots were a lot of fun, particularly the one with the boat. I do tend to get quite determined when I have these ideas. If I want a blue rowing boat on top of a hill in the New Forest, I will do it!

I’m really pleased with this series of images, I think they fit in really well with my previous projects and I’m getting a pretty strong portfolio together. Developing my ‘Visual Voice’ and all that.

Just EMP to go now… then Graduation. Oh Christ.

Currently listening to… Frank Turner

Currently reading… ’31 Songs’ – Nick Hornby

The Railway Children

1940's themed shoot based on the children that were evacuated during the war.

I have a huge thing about vintage fashions, and particularly the 1940's era and I really enjoyed this shoot. Mostly because I got to go on an old fashioned steam train.