2 - MY INTEREST IN PHOTOGRAPHY

This is me Fabiola Mann 

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pic of me taken by a friend nov 2013

I have always had a strong passion for photography, perhaps stemming from my love of capturing the ever moving reality of life and emotions in still images to be viewed and reviewed at any given time. The ability to read more into the images which we see every day, yet notice new and extraordinary things every time, that which most would not notice in the chaos of our impossibly busy lifestyles.

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(Alicante, 1934) taken by Henri Cartier-Bresson

This photograph (Alicante, 1934) taken by Henri Cartier-Bresson depicts 3 Spanish women in the process of grooming each other. this is perhaps a commentary on how modern life and such activities do reflect those of primates - for example the way that monkeys and chimps groom and pick insects off of each other's backs. The models in the photograph, all of whom were prostitutes look condescendingly straight at the camera lens, portraying a sense of strength and confidence in the women.

war photographer Martina Perret

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A photographer who I find particularly inspiring is female war photographer Martina Perret (pictured above). She works for the United Nations from conflict or post conflict zones, and claims that her work allows her to "tell the story of the people who are sometimes forgotten".

Martina Perrettaken from a miniature cattle camp, kwajok)

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Picture  i took on primrose hill Dec 2013

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A theme which I really wanted to capture from the beginning was that of the various forms of love, and I completed my first photoshoot on Primrose Hill on the 2nd of January 2014 with this in mind. Getting couples or interesting individuals was easier than I had anticipated, however the main problem which I encountered was the fact that as soon as the model was aware that I was taking pictures of them, they lost the expression which they had previously had, losing also the that which made them an interesting subject. Nevertheless, the people were all quite friendly and open to allowing me take shots from various angles of their poses, which was hugely encouraging. Here are a few of the shots taken from that morning:

Primrose Hill, London 2/1/14

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"Woman in the Sun" (above and below) I particularly enjoyed taking these pictures as it was a chance to capture the expression of peace and contentment which the woman pictured wears. I was lucky enough that she was one of the few subjects who did not change significantly after I had asked permission to take the photographs. I also really love the colours in these photographs, the combination of her purple clothes, the blue sky and the green grass.

 Primrose Hill, London 2/1/14

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(below) One of my first attempts to follow the rule of thirds (ROT), and although I find the actual image pleasant, it could have been significantly improved had I moved the camera so that the centre of the balcony in the distance falls on the bottom left point on the ROT.

Primrose Hill, London 2/1/14

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The couple above were kind enough to let me take quite a lot of pictures of them actually kissing, however there was something in the way they acted in between which I found quite beautiful. It gave an insight into the kind of friendship which they shared, and I tried to capture this intimacy in the picture. I also really like the fact that both are wearing bright red with a background of green and orange. 

Camden High Street, London 2/1/14

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This picture of two Goths was taken inside a gaming shop on Camden High Street, and although admittedly I wasn't sure how welcoming they would be, this was one of the friendliest couples which I met on the shoot. Even though I did ask the man to kiss her on the cheek, I really love the way that she automatically pursed her lips, as though she is enjoying this innocent gesture as much as she would a mouth kiss. 

Harrow on the Hill, 2/1/14

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The above and below pictures were simply images which I felt could be useful as a background to one of the pages of one of my photography projects. 

Taken By Fabiola Mann 

Harrow on the Hill, 2/1/14

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"Looking for Love" shot by Fabiola Mann 

Primrose Hill, 6/1/14

Main actress: Eve White

This film in its entirety was shot on Primrose Hill over the morning of the 6th of January. The sheer number of couples of varying ages inspired me to create such a film to express my views on "true love", and I was greatly inspired by the Opening of the film "Love Actually", directed by Richard Curtis. 

Taken By Fabiola Mann 

Primrose Hill, London 2/1/14

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The main reason why I felt the need to capture this moment was the intensity at which this man was reading. He was one of the very few subjects who did not lose his expression after being asked permission, such was his interest in the book. I was curious about exploring this side of love for art and escapism.

Taken By Fabiola Mann 

Primrose Hill, London 2/1/14

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The main reason why I like this picture is the colours. The subjects are too joggers who had just reached the top of the hill. The sky was blue, the grass was green and his clothes were neon. 

Camden High Street, London 2/1/14

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I cannot deny that the difference in skin colour of either member of this couple made it a more interesting image. The photograph could have perhaps been improved had I taken the picture from a larger distance, so that their heads can fit the ROT or perhaps from closer so that the subjects would be quite tight in frame. 

Primrose Hill, London 2/1/14

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This was another young couple I met just outside of the park. They both appeared to be quite privileged, and I felt it necessary to add some more of this richer side of London.