Tattoos and Taboos

I don’t have any tattoos.
I don’t think I could.
I’m a bit of a wimp when it comes to needles.
When I got my ear pierced at 15 I fainted on the High Street outside the shop and forever lost my chance to look cool in front of the girl I was trying so hard to impress.
But I’m fascinated by people who put themselves under the needle to adorn their bodies in ink.
While getting a tattoo is now so commonplace as to be considered ‘normal’ what makes someone want to go beyond convention and express themselves through the artwork on their bodies.
Exploring areas of taboos and tattoos I’m indebted to Emma Garrard and Joe Munroe for inviting me into their world.

Crossing the Green Screen Divide

Working with Richard Jobson I got to DoP on my very first green screen for the filming of a viral for the Rolton Group
I’m probably not your first choice ‘go to’ guy when you think of green screen and I admit to being nervous about crossing the divide but if you take a challenge head on and apply your knowledge of photography and instincts for lighting –
it’s amazing how easily you can take the unknown into your stride and make it your own.
Here’s the ‘straight out of the can’ pre light test I did with my assistant using HMI’s for the background and Kino Flos for the subject. I’ll keep you posted on the final edit with the actor and the background visuals cut together…..

Christine Constantinescu 1944 – 2011

Looking through the family photographs put together for her Memorial Service last Friday, I realised the importance of photography simply as a memory.
As a photographer I’m always striving to produce work where the aesthetic is everything. The perfect light, a great composition, ‘the decisive moment’ and that feeling that you get when you just know you’ve got a great shot in the can.
Along the way it’s important to remember and always cherish the casual snapshot and its ability to capture and forever hold a moment in our lives.
It really doesn’t matter if the picture is taken on a dodgy compact, or if the framing is poor and the light wasn’t right -what really matters is the moment captured. the memories held, the places revisited and the people remembered.
Christine Constantinescu – it was an honour and a privilege to have known you.
I only wish it could have been for longer.

 

 

 

guide to dslr film making

Since the introduction of video enabled DSLR cameras some three years ago, there has been a fast moving revolution going on in the converging worlds of photography and motion.
Asked by Digital Photographer to talk technique, tips and kit you can click on the link below to read the article in full.

Banger Racing Kids

Before making the move into motion I did some audio visuals and had great fun making Banger Boys so thought
I’d return to take a few snaps the next time I got the chance.

Thanks to Tom Ralph for helping out and being as inspired and enthusiastic as always

Banger Boys by John Hicks from John Hicks on Vimeo.