..reflective photography?

matt-hilde.co.uk © 2009

As some of you may know, train travel has been more than a regular occurrence for me over the last few months. The money that has disappeared down the tracks, bares not worth thinking about. Though there are moments on the journey that can forgive the raised fares, forgive the sweaty tramp and forgive the horrendous coffee at a disgusting 6am in the morning – And I didn’t even mention the punctuality of these overcrowded tin cans. This is of the course the opportunity of photography. Being able to view the outside at a fast pace, with the intermittent stop, as a visualizer this gives me the platform to see new things and capture them – the idea of capturing a moment has always united me, and photography.

As we can see from a selection of photographs (iphone) from last weeks travels, I stumbled across an instance where the reflection upon the trains windows interacted with the outside environment. Initially I thought cool photography, great effect easy upon the eye – creating a collage image of both inside and outside environments, created through a pane of transparent material…. yeah right! I just saw it for its beauty.. it was 6am for a start!

matt-hilde.co.uk © 2009

matt-hilde.co.uk © 2009

matt-hilde.co.uk © 2009

Though I was made to think beyond the aethetics, after speaking to a friend about the processes of a photograph..

Challenged and accepted…this entries purpose is to introduce a future post that questions – when does a photograph become design? What defines The involvement of manipulation techniques and manipulation instances, how are these defined… and how does this effect how we read a photograph?..

well, this is the aim!

Until next time – keep snapping away!

The Big ‘Shoot’ Out! – Wembley Stadium, London

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk

Photo Shoot with Matt Cant, Lifestyle photographer.
The Saracens Rugby Team ‘Big Day Out’ at Wembley Stadium, London

Working as a second shooter, this day was different to any other I have experienced while working alongside Matt. Access to large areas of Wembley Stadium, that most who visit are oblivious too – this was a day of photography primarily but as an avid sports fan, it was difficult not to let the whole occasion tackle you to the ground.  It was not just a rugby match that was shot, a host of activities were captured as a sometimes congested schedule tried to get the better of us.

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk

This was altogether a great day! Upon reflection it still created a great image.. but, a moment occurred while reviewing the images,

It’s time to get myself a Nikon! ..with a healthy looking lens or two!

Saracens photoshoot. w/ Matt Cant

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk

Welcome to the Saracens training ground!

A great looking place, kitted out with everything a professional rugby player might require.  The Saracens rugby team play in the Guinness Premiership Championship, against the likes of Northampton Saints and Bath.

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk

The studio shoot alongside Matt Cant as an assistant was to photograph the team with a new set of flags, that had been designed with each flag sporting a different position in the team, for example, fly-half etc.  It was important that the actions of the players in the photographs reflected the traits of the position. The Locks created a very tight and secure appearance to symbolize their strength and unity, for instance.

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk

The equipment for a studio shoot stacked up nicely, with the potential to stack my arms up also – nothing better than a bit of manual labour to feel alive!!

Next stop.. Wembley!

Assistant photographer. w/ Matt Cant

Another busy month of no money! But I’m actually enjoying not earning the dosh.. this is one of those curves that everyone seems to be talking about, not the curves on Lightroom or Photoshop, but a learning curve! It certainly is that – with every moment focused on developing my skills.

Working alongside clients such as the BBC, S4C and the Saracens rugby team – it’s a great start to progressing my photography ambitions.

BBC Photo Shoot (iplayer + publications)

The photograph (above) of Lisa Rogers, BBC Sport Wales reporter, who has presented a number of well known TV shows, such as The Big Breakfast + Top of the Pops etc. was the first image I worked on in an assistant role, with photographer Matt Cant. This dreaded but excitable first day, saw me assist with four photo shoots on location, with BBC presenters and newsreaders.

Matt Cant is a commercial / lifestyle photographer, now based in Cardiff, after eighteen years of the London lifestyle! With a wide client base Matt has been very helpful with a mass of knowledge and experience that is seeing me progress steadily with the ups and downs of commercial photography.

To be continued..

Banksy Vs Bristol Museum

If you missed it..

..here’s an insight into the exhibition that took place through the summer months at Bristol Museum, by the formidable street and graffiti  artist, Banksy.

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk

So there we have it.. An exhibition by an artist who has marked our streets, provoked and empowered authority through his political and socially aggravated subjects. It was worth the visit and worth the two + a half hour wait outside in the infamous Banksy queue – but was it right?

This public platform can be seen as a follow up or development or progression or even an extension of the street. Though I question the authenticity of his art when the stage has changed from what was purely through the street, which creates a rawness and lawless canvas, that his life as a graffiti artist has been founded upon. Does the shelter of a museum, a model of order jeopardise how he is viewed by his public?

But lets step back for a moment!
Banksy is reknowned for creating a stir, thriving on the mystery with an intrigued approach. The decision to place his art in a place of containment conflict upon his works of the street that draw conclusions and open questions on political orders, amusements and quips upon the fools of government and society. By using a traditional space, the contrast of the street is a clear reflection upon his postion of where he sees himself in the arts-sphere. I see the exhibition as a singular entinty – one that is a stencil, a message and response to his life as a fledged artist of the street, where he has gained control.

It was a shrewd move by Bristol Museum – it created much public interest in Bristol itself and of course the exhibition. The exhibition space did not only inform and educate through the works of Banksy, but permanent works of Bristol Museum interacted and featured in the incredibly popular, crowd pleasing city pleasing exhibition.

Spencer McGarry Season – Ivy League Session

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk
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Spencer McGarry Season is formed by a collection of artists from a number of bands, including Sweet Baboo and The Hot Puppies.  This orchestral gathering creates a sound that needs to be heard – luckily for you it’s now fresh on the Kruger website for you to listen to. Enjoy!

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk
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The guys.. and girls rolled into the studio with obviously a lot more equipment than what would be seen at a usual Ivy League session. working with nine highly professional and enthusiastic musicians brought with it some demands, but for sure it was worth it and a lot of fun!

Oh yes.. there was a tenth member. A little follower of the band in the form of a tot, not more than two foot high graced the studio with a softer side, sporting some baby pink ear protectors – very cute! I especially think she enjoyed the skittle (the candy) throwing at the end of the day .. maybe not!

© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk
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© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk
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© 2009 matt-hilde.co.uk
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Kruger Issue 22 – Alpha Bravo Charlie Delta Echo..

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How are you for some A to Zee?! This months Issue of Kruger Magazine brings you exactly that! As regular readers will be familiar with, Kruger is a bi-monthly Independent Music Magazine that throws at you some of the best in new and undiscovered music talents from across the globe. Each issue brings with it a definite theme and from there, the magazine really brings the best music insight from an unique angle.

Highlights this month – interviews with Sweet Baboo and from across the Atlantic, Mika Miko get the Kruger treatment! (A recent Ivy League artist, check them out.) Of course with Kruger they don’t stop there, so get down to your nearist stockist and grab yourself earful of Kruger goodness.


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Sweet Baboo – Phonetic photo shoot.
As you should be able to make out from the images below, (photography by Mei Lewis) this shoot involved a large amount of preparation and of course time, selecting and positioning the props for this heavily themed magazine. Following the alphabet theme of this issue, the photo consisted of a mass collection of items that related to the phonetic alphabet. For example, ‘Golf’ obviously referring to the letter ‘G’ is featured in the centre of the image with the golf balls and the artificial grass. It’s a crazy cool idea that was a lot of fun to be involved with. Oh yeah I’m in there too, It wasn’t as fun being on the other side of the lens, but I got stuck in and struck a pose!

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Diverse Music – Top of the shops
A new feature of the magazine profiles independent record stores/shops throughout the UK. The first episode saw me visit Diverse Music of Newport and capture a few snaps of the friendly faces you might meet if you were wanting to buy some music from there.  Friendly they were too – Matt Jarrett who stands proud in front of his shop, creates a relevent feeling of independent music shops needing to stand tall amongst the giants of music retail – offering loyalty and a local feel to whatever you want to listen to from some Michael Jackson to Adequate Seven. (I was a little bit jealous of Matt’s Adequate Seven T-Shirt)

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Photography
Mei Lewis
Christopher McLallen
Matt Hilde

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Diverse Music
Kruger Magazine

The Truckers are in town…

..get your pedals at the ready! The Latest Ivy League Session with the Truckers of Husk is available for you to wrap your ears around!

Last month, local pedal heroes rolled into the Offshore Studios in Cardiff with a truck load of pedals and a rolling instrumental set that offered the Ivy League a vocally absent sound that was pure and absorbing.  Though this wasn’t the first time they had come face to lens with my camera.  They played a local gig in Cardiff at Spillers Records for the annual Record store Day event that brought in the crowds from the Saturday streets.  As it goes, they remembered my impromptu few shots of them outside the record store and were as easy to work with as play-doe!

Straddling bicycles and laying in wheel barrows, they were great to work with. Good fun!

Before I forget!!
… Why not check out some more images from the Truckers shoot and loads of other Ivy League sessions @ Kruger Labs. Flickr page

Out!

BA Graphic Communication: Degree Show ‘09

The end of the beginning..

Screen printed degree show posters..

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So.. there we have it, university has passed through my fingers like sand in a precious hour glass.  Three years have gone by as quick as it’s taken me to write this short ‘reflective statement’. I won’t apologise for the amount of photos in this post – the images tell a story and show the vibrancy and diversity of work that was on show! Below offers you an insight into the degree show and the quality of work that was on display from BA Graphic Communication – Class of 2009.

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Luke Richards, dedication and extreme concentration..

Tom Harle

The crowds gather..

Chris Welsby

Jenny Phillips

Dave Cuvelot

Dan Rawle

Emilie matches the faces to the works..

Jenny Phillips

Jess Donnan

Dave Cuvelot

Luke Richards

Matt Hilde

Laura Scull

Jo Williams

Goodbye, Cardiff School of Art & Design.

A big thank you to the tutors and to my fellow colleagues/friends.
Three years of ups and downs – the struggles and the giggles.

Best of luck to everyone for the journey ahead…
BA Graphic Communication – Class of 2009

Mika Mikoooooooow lets shout!

Hey Guys Just a little shout out to y’all.. Mika Miko Ivy League Session is now available on the Kruger webby site. Check it.