This project was
mainly inspired by the vintage fashion photography of French and Gundlach. But
I also wanted to make reference to Manchester’s
musical and industrial influence. Holli was my model as she has a really great vintage look, pale skin and
dark hair which were perfect for the mood of the shoot. On
the day itself was weather was showery so some of outside shots I had planned
had to be cancelled, but thats how it goes.
Koffee
Pot Cafe, Stephenson Square
This
is a great little café in Stephenson Square. It was really busy
when we visited - Sunday morning I suppose……..so I
was conscious of not disrupting anyone else, nor lingering too long at our
table - so shot quickly and didn’t do any wide/ long shots – just close ups of
Holli at our table. I was disappointed I didn’t get some wider shots of the café in…as it’s a really cool
location. I
was pleased with the results however. I wanted to reference a Dennis Hopper photo
used on The Smiths album cover where the girl looks really
nonchalant. I like the steamy windows as well as the image of The Fall – I
think it gives the images a clear reference to Manchester music and Manchester weather.
The
coat is Holli’s and the brooch is vintage one from my collection.
Biker Couple, 1961 by Dennis Hopper
Launderette,
Hilton St
After
leaving the Koffee Pot we were heading for Withy Grove but it started to really
pour down……we made an impromptu stop at a launderette on Hilton St for shelter. It seemed like an
opportunity to take some spontaneous shots. We played around with a few poses
and ideas. It was difficult working with the strip lighting in the shop but we
just had to go with it. I used a Morrissey book as a prop, for the Manchester reference.
The
dress is a vintage 70’s dress bought at a Vintage Fair in Todmorden.
The belt is a vintage piece from Urban Outfitters.
Thomas St
Heading
en route to Withy Grove once more, I spotted the street scene with the old doorway
and posters of the Northern Quarter and wanted to try out some images. Again –
the heavens opened and we had to take some shelter outside a café for 10 mins. However,
the red paint outside the café provided a brilliant backdrop for some
spontaneous portraits so we took advantage of the situation. I love the red and
black.
The bag is from a charity shop . Coat is vintage 60’s from Revival, Accrington. The brooch is vintage from Decades, Blackburn.
Keko
Moku Bar, High St
Heading
to Withy Grove again. I spotted this bar and knew we had to get some shots here.
The outfit Holli had on really complimented the artwork on the shutters/ door. I
thought this would work wonderfully as a colour image. I waited until some
passers by were walking past to experiment with capturing other people in the
frame. I played around with a few framing ideas to see what worked best.
http://www.kekomoku.co.uk/
Withy
Grove Stores, Withy Grove
Finally
we made it to Withy Grove! I wanted to have an image of Holli with the Withy
Grove Stores as a backdrop as it’s a really old Manchester building. I liked the idea also of
having the modern fast food place in the image also as a contrast. It was
difficult to get the shot as people kept parking cars right in front of the
store! We experimented again with props (sunglasses and clutch bag) to keep the
images fresh. I like the ones with the sun on Hollis face – a contrast to the
rain filled images.
The
sunglasses are vintage 80’s from a charity shop, The clutch is
vintage Jane Shilton from Oxfam Originals.
Piccadilly
Records, Oldham St
I
wanted to try out some shots in here as it’s an iconic Manchester store. I also liked the angles and
shapes in the store. We played around with a few posing ideas. The light coming
in through the door was great for portraiture…….I was really pleased with these
images as I think the whole concept worked well. I liked the fact I was able to
capture other people in the background which gives the images more depth and
context.
The
dress is a vintage from a vintage fair in Saltaire.
http://www.piccadillyrecords.com/shop/index.php
Mangle
St
This was
one of my favourite shots to try out when doing my research. I love the rundown
feel of the street, the old signs and fire escapes etc. This street has been
used in the past in films & TV to represent New York. We experimented with some poses
inspired by Gundlach/ French as well Smiths album covers.
Many thanks to all the businesses who allowed me to photograph on their premises
