Tim Walker

Tim walker is a British fashion and editorial photographer. As well as starting off his career working as an assistant for the highly iconic and influential photographer Richard Avedon, his work has appeared numerous times in Vogue. His work is also on display at the Victoria and Albert museum and National Portrait Gallery as part of their permanent collections. I have chosen to look into his work as I like how crafted the images are, showing in a lot of images a constructed set. I also like his use of bright light, avoiding dark shadows in a lot of cases. His work relates to the idea of fantasy due to some of the elements that appear in his work in areas such as makeup, fashion and set design.

This image relates to my project theme of fantasy as it shows quite a dramatic pose and set, which reflects ideas relating to dreams. I chose to include this image as the pose and colours used create a really strong and dramatic image. What I like most about this is how the flowing material fills the composition. I also really like the models expression as it looks like she is in a trance, which adds to the dreamlike feel of the image. The colours are also good as the blues and black contrast with her pale skin. 

I think the photographer took this photograph to represent a fashion trend. 

The most important part about this image is the way the dress is flowing and filling the composition otherwise it would look empty. 

This relates to the idea of fantasy due to the the mechanical/futuristic/tribal setting and props that are being used. What I really like about this image is how it is constructed as a deserted place, but you can still tell it is in the studio which gives it a theatrical feel and adds to the futuristic illusion. I also like the strong contrast in this image as it creates a mysterious, dark feel. Something that catches my eye is the fact the model in not central to the composition, but to the right with the pole central almost creating a division between the model and robot. 

I think the photographer took this to show a futuristic, tribal fashion style. 

The most important think about this is the setting which is what creates the story and brings the image to life. 

This relates to the idea of fantasy due to the outdoor living room style backing for the image. I have chosen to include this image as I like how bright and vibrant it is, and how the setting gives it more of a story and dramatic look. As with the above image, this image shows the construction of the set which I like, as as well as showing an eccentric idea it also shows that it is false and constructed. I also like the colours, especially the yellow smoke cutting through the blue sky. 

I think the photographer took this to show a fashion idea. The most important thing about this is the fact it was taken outside and you can see the sky and grass which really adds to the image and how the fashion is shown. 

This relates to my fantasy project as the image has a medieval theme. I chose to include this image as I really like how the dress and props make this a really interesting portrait.  What I really like is how the black, red and gold on the model contrast so strongly which makes her stand out and appear stronger. I also like her pose and expression as they contrast - her hands cross against her gives an impression that she is guarded, but the expression on her face makes her appear strong and ruthless. 

I think the photographer took this to show how strong the woman is. 

I think the most important thing about this image is her strong expression, which makes her appear tough and not weak, indicating the theme of the shoot. 

Influence;

Tim Walkers work has influenced me throughout this project, although it has not been a very stark and noticeable influence. What influenced me the most from his work is how he constructs a set to give the image a more dramatic, cinematic look and create more of a story around and about the main subject. The shoot that shows this influence most is one of my exam shoots where I constructed a tea party scene in the forest to bring the shoot to life and portray the idea of Alice in Wonderland. This use of a constructed set tells more of a story and also fills up potential "empty" space. I have also experimented with having very bright images, even with darker, less saturated ones such as the one on the right which is quite dark and desaturated in most areas, but certain colours such as reds and greens stand out vividly. 

Summary; 

In summary, I have really enjoyed looking at Tim Walkers work and at his constructive mise en scene techniques, however, overall I do not think his work has made a big impact on my work and photographic styles, and I doubt I will refer to his work in the future.