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…..

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.

Artists on the Block

There’s something about the faded glamour of a British seaside town – especially out of season, that has me captivated. Walking along the seafront in Swanage I chanced upon these amazing trompe l’oeil murals by local artist Nina Camplin and just had to snap, stand back in awe to appreciate and and then share them.