Here's My Card by James Price (December 1, 2009) 
(4 votes, average: 1.75 out of 5)
Loading ...
Categories / Conceptual Photography / Human Interest / / Click here to open comments section, click again when done to close / Comments Off
Stuck at my Desk
I, like most magazine editors or publishers I’d imagine, spend most of my time stuck behind a desk reading emails, considering or editing texts, opening or sealing letters, looking through books and reviewing portfolio submissions from photographers and artists. Most of what I review, sadly, is not up to much – either being technically or conceptually underdeveloped – but occasionally I get to see new work, which is accomplished on all levels and this is what keeps me here at my desk and happy. This week I am pleased to present some projects - by photographers based in the UK - that have recently made me excited about being involved in photography.
Note: When I say that work is technically accomplished, it is not about the practitioners' ability to use a camera – I am not a techno or stylistic bully – but is about the use of the camera in a way that suits the subject matter being explored. This may be the worn and torn remnants of a personal archive or the beautifully lit and photographed result of a studio project.
Next / Remembering, I Fight Back Tears / Previous / An Acceptance Of How Things Are /
Our poll "A photo essay always needs a great written story" closed. 267 people voted, 28% agrees, 72% disagrees. 233 people answered our follow-up question "Are you a photographer?" 82% indicated they are, 18% said no. Initially, negative answers to question #1 were almost 100% as was the pecentage of photographers among respondants. Then, when the level of non-photographers started to rise, the percentage of people indicating good text is always essential started to rise too. This seems to indicate that non-photographers think that adding good text to your photo essays is essential. In my opinion: if you want non-photographers to dig your work, you know what to do...
I enjoy making lo-fi props out of inexpensive materials, generally card and poster paint, taking something cheap and readily available like cardboard and transforming it into loud brightly coloured backdrops that can be easily carried from place to place.
In this series I have tried to paint patterns or make shapes that would encourage the participant to hold themselves or act in a certain way. It is important that all the props and text are in the shot so that the subject can interact with them.
The cardboard acts as cartoon-like element exaggerating the things that are already there, making the invisible visible or just simply transforming an everyday setting into a DIY fantasy world.
Gordon MacDonald is head of publications at Photoworks and editor of Photoworks magazine.
James Price (1987) lives and works in Preston, UK.
Click weblink jamespricephotos.co.uk or browse our archives
Out now! 50pm new issue
Sports Issue Magazine App
Posted in category 649
