Nothing Is Real

I returned to shoot The Bootleg Beatles at Epsom Racetrack this month. I had hoped to try and capture a few more portraits in the Sgt. Pepper’s outfit, but unfortunately this was not possible as the band were not doing any costume changes. I did, however, push my portraiture skills a little further, adding a brolly to the off camera flash which softened the light much more compared to the portraits captured at The Royal Albert Hall. I feel that my technique is much stronger now, and although the location for the shots was not ideal, (in front of a bush backstage as the sun set in the background), I did achieve a “studio environment” aesthetic to the portraits.

 

In one of the final tutored sessions in uni, I received positive feedback on the images by tutors and peers. I am in contact with The Bootleg Beatles about the possibility of shooting more portraits for them in a studio environment in London. Portraits will be used for their promotion, and obviously for my project. If possible, I am looking to capture a portrait of “the new” John Lennon, with his back to the camera. Looking at the back of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album, Paul McCartney’s back is facing the camera, which at the time sparked conspiracy theories that he was dead. If the opportunity arises, I would like to capture the new Lennon, and the rest of the band, in a similar pose. It would be interesting to see if, with the denotations and connotations mentioned earlier surrounding the Sgt. Pepper’s uniforms, if visually the band appear more alike the original band members. It would also be interesting to play with the viewers own perception of the shot and band member too, with them questioning the validity and authenticity of the images.

 

Following the previous post concerning entering the two photography competitions – unfortunately I have been unsuccessful for both. You’ve got to be in it to win it, as they say. I guess it is just a prompt to push my work further, more professional and improve the quality.