UNIT 7 (LO1) - Understand contextual perspectives and approaches to photography.(Research on : Martin Parr, Donato Di Campo, Andre kertez )AC 1:1: Identity and critically compare contextual perspectives and approaches to photography. I did research on the photographer Martin Parr to discover his approach to photography and also how he goes about producing his images.

 Martin Parr is a British Photographer who's known for his intimate, satirical and anthropological look at aspects of modern life, in particular street photography documenting the social classes of England, and more broadly the wealth of the western world. He has been a member of Magnum photos. He has exhibited extensively worldwide. He wanted to become a documentary photographer from the age of 14. He cites his grandfather, George Parr, an amatuer photographer and fellow of the Royal photographer society, as an early influence.

Parr's style is close-up, through the use of a macro lens, and employing saturated colour, a result of either the type of film and/or use of a flash ring. This allows him to put his subjects "under the microscope" in their own environment, giving them space to expose their lives and values in ways that often involve inadvertent humour. In his own words, his attitude is to show the good and bad side of contemporary life. In his own words, his attitude is to show the good and the bad side of life of contemporary life. "When I'm shooting, it is a bit like a soap opera. I identify the places where I want to photograph, and then I wait for the right characters to fall into place. His technique, as seen in his book Sign of the times : A portrait of the nation's tastes, has been said to leave viewers with ambiguous emotional reactions, unsure whether to laugh or cry.

Parr was a contemporary of of David Meadows and Brian Griffin. Parr and Meadows, collaborated on various projects, including working at Butlins as roving photographers, a loose British grouping , which, though it never gave itself a title have become variously known as "the young British "

While most of the master photographers shot in black and white, this was because 1) colour film was not readily available and 2) it was expensive. However, even when it became more accessible, a lot of photographers still opted not to use it. Parr had already shot colour film for the, Home Sweet Home project in the early 70's and fully transitioned to colour in 1982. He was using mostly Fuji 400 superior and Agfa Ultra, which resulted in the bright colours his photographs are known for.

Leisure in all its forms, has occupied Martin Parr for his entire career. But from funfairs to to food to flower shows, nowhere is the pursuit of pleasure more nakedly apparent than the beach. "The beach is always going to be an integral part of what I do - it just goes on and on" says Parr. Parr's most enduring photographs of the British coast were taken between 1983 and 1985, when he visited the Liverpool beach resort of New Brighton. He now characteristic use of saturated colour and on - board flash illuminated a country in a state of decay, but still finding pleasure when it could. The deterioration of the British economy and society as a whole seemed to writ large in the litter strewn, concrete promenade of New Brighton.

A small Selection of Martin Parr's photographs.

(LO1) 1.3 Analyse and evaluate research for photographic project.

In looking at the photographic approach and styles for Martin Parr and Donato Di Campo in relation to street photography. I've realised that although their styles are different. There are also similarities. Donato is inspired by Parr, and this influence is evident in his work. They both like to make phototograhs of marginalised people those on the edge of society, and use their power and influence to give these a voice. Both their approaches are different from the subject matter of what could be termed "the norm" for street photography. But also in terms of their composition. The angles and perspectives of their subjects are also what I'd term "off the wall" "thinking outside the box". And all these different elements goes to make their street photography fresh, heartfelt, authentic and original. 

Andre kertez whom I also researched has a different approach. He is said to be the pioneer of photojournalism and street photography. He was the first to employed a small/compact camera and walk around observing images to make on the street. He also shot in black and white. Which was all that was available at the time. Somehow, I doubt his images would have had the same impact had they been made in colour. Like Parr and Di Campo. Kertez also shoots from interesting perspectives and angles (see my selection of some of his shots) on the page with the screaming face in the broken mirror. If I had to make a choice of my favourite from the three. I think at the moment I'd have to say Kertez. Why? Because, I love the beauty of his shots, his compositions, his eyes, and his way of making the sometimes ordinary, extraordinary.