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