Steven Meisel, "make love, not war"

I had a lecture yesterday on how to find a work placement and what to expect when you get there. It was really interesting. I was scribbling away in my note book so i didn't miss any good points. I've been reviewing what i wrote today and i realised we haven't got long to sort it out. I have decided i'd like to aim high. I want to shadow or assist someone that inspires me and that i look up to. It takes a lot for me to be 'star struck' for lack of a better term, but someone who is influential to my work would be great. Why settle for someone who doesn't make you tick?

Iain Crawford's name popped up a couple of times in the lecture. I had seen his work on the Morgan Lockyer website a couple of week previously because i found out my auntie works for that agency. He was one of my favourites and i gathered i've got a head start what with having a family member in that business. I emailed her last night... No reply as of yet. I am checking every couple of hours (keen kid). I need to be persistent with her (Wendy), because i don't see her that often and she doesn't know how much i love photography. She is my key to the next step... I'll update this when i get some progress.....

And so, about the essay....

The Avant-garde nature of fashion photography is fuelled by the fact that the market is constantly looking for something new. In this sense, more than in any other genre, the is a demand on the photographer to come up with something to challenge established values. How have fashion photographers responded to this demand, if such a demand exists?

Heavy stuff....

'If such a demand exists', throws me off a little. I think it does and throughout that question i'm led to believe it does and then right at the end... BAM... it takes that assurance away from you.

Here's what i think; A demand does exist and they respond by recycling old ideas which doesn't exactly challenge established values it uses them, but they give it a modern twist. A twist that will stir up controversy in its present time and raise questions.

It's taken me a week to realise what i think about that. I know it sounds stupid but i physically couldn't find anything to write about. I think i've got my head around it. I really must start writing it now!

I haven't got into the habit of writing on this yet so forgive the lateness. This is supposed to be updated once a week but i seems i am falling behind. I have made a vow to myself that i will update it very frequently to make up for the past few weeks. It will look a bit lame if i say that and then don't keep to my word as it will be written for all to see!

I had a lovely time at home in kent. The warmth of my family just makes me so happy and i really enjoyed the time i was there. I ended up spending a month at home rather than 3 weeks. I just couldn't face parting with my mum again, i really miss her when i'm studying in Bournemouth. We went for many walks in the woods and i took my pentax k1000 loaded with black and white film. I appreciated every moment and it felt really special. I have been using black and white film because to me, it makes single moments in my life seem rare and delicate. I forget what i have taken photographs of and when the negatives are developed it gives me such excitement to be reminded of the things i captured.

I had not used film for a year or two before i started this course, the main reason being i don't like handing the responsibility of my film over to somebody else. The best quality of using film, in my opinion, is that when i produce a final print, i know i was in control of every aspect. It has given me a greater understanding of photography and a greater respect.

Over Christmas, i photographed my friend dressed in a little dress and my vintage umbrella i got from a shabby shop in Boscombe. She was very easy to work with and i got some good photos that i'm proud of. I'll put a couple up...