HIGH KEY: 3

Jim Naughten - Re-enactors

In the ‘Re-enactors’ project, thousands of people all over the world gather in a Kentish field and step out of their routine daily lives to transform into
historical characters from the First and Second World Wars. Their uniforms and costumes are so precise in their detail, it’s hard to imagine them in contemporary clothing. Jim Naughten confuses our perception of what we are seeing and that’s what I find interesting about his work. He gives the viewer the feeling that they are looking at both the past and the present simultaneously.

HIGH KEY: 2

Spencer Murphy - This kind of poverty

This project stood out as a really strong piece of work, we often see others less fortunate in our walks of life but this photographic project is captivating and enlightening. A contemporary take on campaigning which is effective. Spencer teamed up with ‘Save the Children’ and photographed young boys and girls from youth clubs in deprived areas of the UK. Asking them to write down their thoughts on poverty in the UK. 

Publishing the images as a pair provides more emotion which you may not get from them individually. The effect of a child’s handwriting makes this project more effective than if it were typed out. Putting a face to the writing makes the campaign more realistic. His use of high key lighting provides a documentary style to his work - emphasizing the campaign.

HIGH KEY: 1

Chris Floyd

These photos particularly stood out to me, mainly because they have been shot in a studio space which is relevant to this project, but also because they demonstrate identity and character in these individuals. They portray their mannerisms - especially the playful hair swishing from the children, so preciously capturing their bubbly personality - without physically seeing their identity, this image reveals enough about them. 

The portraits of Sheila Hancock and Katharine Hamnett capture the depth and texture to their skin, with minimal hair and make-up touches it captures their natural beauty within every crease in their skin. Floyd makes these women look powerful through professional lighting techniques, with no distracting background he is assuring that they are the complete focal point.