Sunday, 17 June 2012

A Fashion Photo Essay in Manchester's Northern Quarter

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

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