Sunday 30 October 2011
Cambridge Jones on Lord Lichfield (BBC1)
Lichfield is quoted as saying
"At 64, I am the luckiest man alive, paid to conduct my hobby for 45 years. Once you retire you take up a hobby - well, what would I take up? Photography."
I think that this quote sums up his attitude to his craft.
Ref: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7UorvdpIgU
Patrick Lichfield - A lifetimes hobby
Recently I was lucky enough to be visiting Shugborough while Lord Lichfields private apartments were open to the public. Lichfield had not really been on my list of photographers to research but when I started looking at his work I revised my list. I prefer his natural shots but appreciate the work involved in setting up the portrait shots he took. Maybe this is because I am now looking at photographs in a different way from doing this course?
Lichfield - "Remember that the person you are photographing is 50% of the portrait and you are the other 50%"
There were many of his pictures on display and a lot of them had never been published. I saw two that particularly caught my eye. One was taken at the front of Shugborough by the pillars at the main entrance. It was taken in black and white and the only colour was the red balloons that a young girl was holding. It worked so well with the tall straight pillars and the shape of the balloons drew the eye into the shot.
The second one was taken in colour of the Walton sextuplets. They were all young toddlers and were outside. Each one was busy doing something, either climbing, swinging, moving around a rope that was used to corden off a pathway. The shot captured each child's movements brilliantly. These shots have never been published. I would recommend that its worth a visit to Shugborough to see Lichfields private collection.
Patrick Lichfield (aka The fifth Earl of Lichfield) was a cousin of the Queen and born with a silver spoon in his mouth which was in the form of a vast country estate - namely Shugborough Hall in Staffordshire While many of us would have thought that this would have opened many door for him it actually caused him far more problems as he wasn't taken seriously as a photographer for much of his career and had to work extremely hard to achieve his reputation,
He was given a camera by his mother when he was eight years old. When he went to Harrow, he took photographs of his class mates when they left college and learnt that he could sell them for 4p each while the school shop sold them for 6p each. After leaving the Grenadier Guards he got a job as a photographer assistant and built up his own reputation. His family thought he was playing at being a photographer so they cut off all his personal allowances until he 'came to his senses' - He went on to find worldwide fame for his 'hobby'.
His first commission was in 1964 and from then on his reputation grew. A lot of his shots were set up and posed by famous people, Britt Ekland, Joanne Lumley, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Jacqueline Bisset and also with his connections there was royalty including the Queen and the late Princess of Wales.
Britt Ekland - taken in the grounds of Shugborough in 1970.
Lichfield was quoted saying "You need the model as much as he or she needs you. If they don't want to help you, it will be a very dull picture."
This shot uses the rule of thirds very well. The branch above the models head helps frame her and the tonal range is used to good effect. I like the soft feel to this picture.
Jacqueline Bisset - Taken at Wilton Place, London in 1964
In 1983 he was commissioned to take the photographs for the Unipart Calender which he went on to do for 17 years.
The main focal point is the monument that the model is leaning on and the image has been cleverly framed by the edge of two pillars just out of the shot. I like the use of the black and white tones and just the small amount of colour.
+
I believe that this quote sums up this photograph.As well as taking the set, staged photographs , Lichfield also took pictures 'in the moment'.
The Hon Nicholas and Lady Miranda Beatty, Chicheley Hall, Bucks, taken in 1966.
I love the movement that is captured in this composition. The scale of the mower against thechildren making them look quite small and the use of the tree used as a background. The tonal shades work very well.
The Earl of Snowdonia. Watersking in Sardinia in 1969
This photo has good perspective with the use of the mountains in the background and the ski rope coming out of the foreground. There is a lot of movement captured and the skier stands out which draws your eye to him as the focal point.
When shooting his portrait of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh for the Golden Jubilee, Lord Lichfield was told by Buckingham Palace he could have as much time as he wanted to "recce" the Palace.
But he was warned the Queen "would walk into the room at 6.25 and walk out again at 6.30" giving him less than four minutes to capture the perfect portrait.
Lichfield was known for getting his photograph in almost one shot - given that he had 5 minutes from start to finish it was a good job!
Below are a few images that I took while visiting his private apartments.
A guest room with the door open to the en-suite.
The circular breakfast room.
Lichfields Boots - Left in his sitting room
Lichfields Helmet and gloves
http://forum.alexanderpalace.org/index.php?topic=5135.0
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2011/mar/18/lord-lichfield-photograph-exhibition
http://www.chrisbeetles.com/gallery/exhibition_detail.php?id=1002
http://www.socialaffairsunit.org.uk/blog/archives/000657.php
Lichfield - "Remember that the person you are photographing is 50% of the portrait and you are the other 50%"
There were many of his pictures on display and a lot of them had never been published. I saw two that particularly caught my eye. One was taken at the front of Shugborough by the pillars at the main entrance. It was taken in black and white and the only colour was the red balloons that a young girl was holding. It worked so well with the tall straight pillars and the shape of the balloons drew the eye into the shot.
The second one was taken in colour of the Walton sextuplets. They were all young toddlers and were outside. Each one was busy doing something, either climbing, swinging, moving around a rope that was used to corden off a pathway. The shot captured each child's movements brilliantly. These shots have never been published. I would recommend that its worth a visit to Shugborough to see Lichfields private collection.
Patrick Lichfield (aka The fifth Earl of Lichfield) was a cousin of the Queen and born with a silver spoon in his mouth which was in the form of a vast country estate - namely Shugborough Hall in Staffordshire While many of us would have thought that this would have opened many door for him it actually caused him far more problems as he wasn't taken seriously as a photographer for much of his career and had to work extremely hard to achieve his reputation,
He was given a camera by his mother when he was eight years old. When he went to Harrow, he took photographs of his class mates when they left college and learnt that he could sell them for 4p each while the school shop sold them for 6p each. After leaving the Grenadier Guards he got a job as a photographer assistant and built up his own reputation. His family thought he was playing at being a photographer so they cut off all his personal allowances until he 'came to his senses' - He went on to find worldwide fame for his 'hobby'.
His first commission was in 1964 and from then on his reputation grew. A lot of his shots were set up and posed by famous people, Britt Ekland, Joanne Lumley, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Jacqueline Bisset and also with his connections there was royalty including the Queen and the late Princess of Wales.
Lichfield was quoted saying "You need the model as much as he or she needs you. If they don't want to help you, it will be a very dull picture."
This shot uses the rule of thirds very well. The branch above the models head helps frame her and the tonal range is used to good effect. I like the soft feel to this picture.
I like the perspective of the wall on this photo as well as the tones. The shape and lines of the bricks make the picture feel solid while the shape and form of the model softens it.
Princess Diana - 1993
One of the most photographed women in the world. Lichfield has captured at first glance, a relaxed informal pose but when you look closely you can see sadness reflected in her eyes.
+A picture taken for one of the Unipart Calendars. I think this shot captures Lichfields belief of
"A photograph is two people - one the subject, one the photographer. They must get on."
I believe that this quote sums up this photograph.
I love the movement that is captured in this composition. The scale of the mower against thechildren making them look quite small and the use of the tree used as a background. The tonal shades work very well.
This photo has good perspective with the use of the mountains in the background and the ski rope coming out of the foreground. There is a lot of movement captured and the skier stands out which draws your eye to him as the focal point.
Rock musician Mick Jagger and Nicaraguan Bianca Perez Morena de Marcias just after their wedding in St Tropez, France on 12 May 1971
This is one of Lichfields more famous photographs. Besides it being a photo of two very famous people - Mick and Bianca Jagger - from a photographic angle it has great use of tone, movement, texture, shape and form. A fantastic composition.
This is one of Lichfields more famous photographs. Besides it being a photo of two very famous people - Mick and Bianca Jagger - from a photographic angle it has great use of tone, movement, texture, shape and form. A fantastic composition.
Britannia fools the waves ... Queen Elizabeth II larking on the royal yacht in 1971.
There are very few informal photographs Queen Elizabeth and Lichfield was in a very privileged position to be able to capture this shot. An almost bland background frames The Queen to make her the focal point.
Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Phillip - Offical portrait for the Golden Jubilee in 2002
But he was warned the Queen "would walk into the room at 6.25 and walk out again at 6.30" giving him less than four minutes to capture the perfect portrait.
Lichfield was known for getting his photograph in almost one shot - given that he had 5 minutes from start to finish it was a good job!
Below are a few images that I took while visiting his private apartments.
A painted portrait of the Earl and his wife which sits on top of the wall units in the kitchen.
"I don't think old photographers retire .... they just go out of focus" - Lord Lichfield
Thomas Patrick John Anson, 5th Earl of Lichfield (25 April 1939 – 11 November 2005)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2011/mar/18/lord-lichfield-photograph-exhibition
http://www.chrisbeetles.com/gallery/exhibition_detail.php?id=1002
http://www.socialaffairsunit.org.uk/blog/archives/000657.php
Monday 24 October 2011
A visit to Coventry Transport Museum
I was asked if I fancied a trip to Coventry Car Museum - My first thought was - No - Not really! Why would I want to go and photograph cars??? I'm so pleased I went and would recommend it highly.
When we got inside the museum it was like a rabbit warren with lots of arrows pointing to different themes.
Here are some of the photographs that I took which as you will see are not all cars!
When we got inside the museum it was like a rabbit warren with lots of arrows pointing to different themes.
Here are some of the photographs that I took which as you will see are not all cars!
Nature
I have chosen nature as part of my course work as it covers a lot of subjects that I like to try to photograph in their natural habitat
Being a keen gardener I enjoy taking photos of plants that I have grown from seed myself, nurturing them and seeing them bloom - rather like a proud parent at their childs graduation!
I only have my trusty Fuji to use but I try and put it too good use.
Being a keen gardener I enjoy taking photos of plants that I have grown from seed myself, nurturing them and seeing them bloom - rather like a proud parent at their childs graduation!
I only have my trusty Fuji to use but I try and put it too good use.
Assignment 208 - Principles of Location photography. Theme 1 - Built Environment
For this assignment I will look at buildings and architecture, looking at shape, design, colours, texture and features.
It has been an interest of mine for a number of years and I enjoy looking at and comparing old and new building.
My camera is a Fuji Finepix S5000 and I have several different types of lens ( ) that I wish to try.
It has been an interest of mine for a number of years and I enjoy looking at and comparing old and new building.
My camera is a Fuji Finepix S5000 and I have several different types of lens ( ) that I wish to try.
Assignment 208 - Principles of Location Photography. Theme 1 - People and Portraits
For this assignment I will be looking to capture natural shots of people going about their everyday life.
I will be photographing at a wedding (informally) and also taking photographs for friends for various events they have.
I will also be taking random shots of people who are totally unaware that they are being photographed.
My camera is a Fuji Finepix S5000 and I have several different types of lens ( ) that I wish to try.
.
I will be photographing at a wedding (informally) and also taking photographs for friends for various events they have.
I will also be taking random shots of people who are totally unaware that they are being photographed.
My camera is a Fuji Finepix S5000 and I have several different types of lens ( ) that I wish to try.
.A night on the Whiskey
The night started with an empty ice bucket, empty glasses, bottle opener and in the background, a tray laden with alcohol........... The focal point is the ice bucket, the square shape and straight lines along with the colour draw the eye into the picture.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - the 1st of 2 bottles of this that were opened.......... I like the reflection in the cut glasses and the shadow of the bottle against the wall.
4 of the 5 bottles........ Not too happy with this shot - Too many shadows, but in my defence I was being pushed to take the shot as they wanted to open them!
Informal portraits of the guests - before the drinking began.......... Like the composition of this with one person looking straight at the camera and the other looking slightly away. Its also a bit over exposed.
New relationship - and only 2nd time of meeting the parents.......
The happy couple - newly engaged.........
Old married couple - totally at ease with each other........ but the night was young........
 |
| The gentleman and his wife who's Whiskey we were drinking...... |
Again this is over exposed but the focal points work well.
 |
| The first of the bottles was opened, and the measures weren't measured.............. This is one of my favorite shots of the night, the composition, focal point of the glass being filled, and the colour. |
This lady was one glass ahead of the rest of us, hence the lone dancing..............
A natural shot with the subject being totally unaware that she is being photographed. The shot captures movement while the patterns of her top are the focal point. I like the way the shadow adds to the picture instead of distracting from it.
Dropped bottom lip........... Think he was getting a short measure....... or the correct one!
Well she thought it was funny............. I like the tones in this picture, the patterns on the ladies top next to the plain shirt of the gentleman, they work well together.
Turning Japanese............ Apart from the clock growing out of his ear, I like this photo.
Eating lime! It was a Whiskey night - not Tequila???
The Whiskey was starting to kick in........
Then the ice cube fight began..........
Note the perpetrator disappearing........... I love the look on the lady's face.
 |
| The victims get their revenge............. |
My Fuji camera is nicked to take photo's of me........ When I saw these shots it gave me some confidence that at least I can get some decent photos with it, well at least in focus.......
Two heads are better than one............. My friend who took this assures me I was in focus!!
Back to just blurry.......... She also tells me that she wasn't drinking....... ;-)
Nice ornament.......... At least she has managed to get the ornament and flowers ...almost.........
The flower........ This is her attempt with my camera on a close up shot
The flower take 2 ......... This is my attempt at the shot - and I knew then that my camera wasn't broke - it was operater error......... LOL
Get your heads togther now ladies........... I like this photo for the tones and patterns of the clothes and also the different colours in the hair. The eye is drawn to the lady who is laughing.
The kids helping themselves....... Lots of colours here. Like the way their eyes are all focused towards the bottle.
Oooopps.... Maybe a drop too much......... too many shadows on this but the moment is captured.
Think I've been rumbled...........
He's found his favorite of the night......... Apart from the door growing through his head, I think this shot captures the mood of the night, all light hearted fun.
Do I look sick???........ The whiskey glass stands out as the ladies colourful dress acts as a backdrop but your eye is drawn to the face that is being pulled.
Heres to you! ........ My favorite shot of the night - not well composed, not particulary well focused either but it captures the subject totally relaxed - and that was what the evening was about.
~~~~~~~~~ ********~~~~~~~~~
The types of photos I have taken emulate the way Henri Cartier - Bresson took his photographs as in they are taken at 'The Definitive moment'. They are not composed or set. And in the case of these photographs then his words of " Life is once - forever" are particularly poignant.
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