For a little more reading, Photo London have just published their review of this years Fair:
Photo London 2024 May 16-19 Somerset House.
This years Photo London exhibition was well worth a visit. 120 exhibitors from 55 countries.
If like me you know what you like but find the scope of photographic talent out there daunting, exhibitions like these are invaluable . So much talent and knowledge under one roof, not just the image makers but the galleries to.
We are all individuals, and you are going to walk into some of the rooms and say “nope”, but the chance of turning a corner and finding something new that tickles your fancy and fires up your mojo in a collection of artists such has been put together here is very likely.
It’s all very well swiping through images on your phone or clicking on pictures on a screen but in my opinion the framed printed piece stands out head and shoulders above all.
I’ve added some of my favourites below, even Gordon Ramseys depiction of Christ , which I thought was hysterical, his must be made of brass!
Photographer: Shai Kremer Artsy Gallery
Photographer: Shai Kremer Artsy Gallery
Chef’s Last Supper by John Reardon
David Yarrow “Story Telling” Exhibition, Maddox Gallery, Mayfair.
First time I’d been to this gallery, and like all Maddox houses it delivers. I’d bought the book a while ago, but obviously theres nothing like seeing the printed image just how the photographer intended his work to be seen. The exhibition had opened the previous weekend with queues around the block, I’d arrived on the following Wednesday, and whether it was the snow or pot luck, I had the place to myself, result!
The images speak for themselves:
David Yarrow "Story Telling" Book Signing Langans Brasserie, Mayfair, London
Some amazing images in this latest book from David.
Foreword from the publishers:
Storytelling by David Yarrow, published by Rizzoli, features over 130 of David’s images taken in the last three years. The books foreword is written by American cultural icon Cindy Crawford. All copies purchased through DYP come with a digitally signed print and all profits will be donated to the UW Health Kids Cancer Care Charity.
Words by Rizzoli:
For more than two decades, legendary British photographer David Yarrow has created evocative images of some of the world’s most iconic personalities, sporting moments and endangered wildlife. The images in this book alone have generated nearly $40 million and raised more than $6 million for charities, making him one of the most relevant and best-selling photographers in the world.
In Storytelling, Yarrow takes his work to the next level through tales of adventure and misadventure on an epic scale. This stunning volume is a retrospective of Yarrow’s storytelling work, which has earned him even wider acclaim in the fine-art market. This assemblage of truly unmatched work brings the magic and brilliance of the big screen to still photography. Inspired by the great film directors, Yarrow tells his own cinematic stories – from the wide-open vistas of the American West to the beaches of the Caribbean, from the coasts of Alaska to the plains of Africa, and from the Sea of Cortez to an old saloon in Montana. Whether poignant, dramatic, or provocative, the images are always magnificent.
The book features a mix of more than 130 never-before-published and already iconic photographs, including work from assignments with some of the biggest names and brands in fashion, sports, and culture, such as Cindy Crawford, Cara Delevingne, Russell Wilson, Ciara, Alessandra Ambrosio and Gary Player. This stunning new collection of images, paired with behind-the-scenes photographs and Yarrow’s first-person contextual narratives, offers insights into a man who can never be categorized and who will never accept second best in his relentless pursuit of excellence.
“ON MY JOURNEY, I INCREASINGLY USE MY CAMERA TO TELL STORIES AS OPPOSED TO TAKE PICTURES. TO THE EXTENT THAT ART SHOULD BE INTERPRETATIVE RATHER THAN LITERAL; THIS IS A PROGRESSION” – DAVID YARROW
David Yarrow "Changing Lanes" Exhibition Maddox Gallery Westbourne Grove
An exhibition featuring some of Davids most iconic images alongside a series of new work made during the pandemic. Changing Lanes is a collection of stories inspired by Hollywood hits – from American Beauty and Fargo, to Thelma & Louise and Bonnie and Clyde.
Below are just a few of my favourites.
On The Road Again
Fargo
The Thundering Herd
Dead Man’s Hand
Aces and Eights
REV150 CHARITY CYCLE RIDE, 150 MILES THROUGHOUT THE YORSHIRE DALES
This October on the 1st & 2nd was the REV150, a charity cycle ride covering 150 miles thorough the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. The aim was to raise as much money as possible for two very worthy charities, Surfers Against Sewage and The Woodland Trust. I landed the job of event photographer, well its charity isn’t it!
Organised by Matt Pysden & Nigel Fowler from PHG Buying Group and supported by Tour De Force Events a bespoke events company, the event gathered together some 70 odd riders and sponsoring company’s.
Day 1
The day started with an early start leaving the Premier Inn at Harrogate, heading off in small groups, Garmins & Strava’s charged, todays challenge being a gruelling uphill slog to test the most hardy of riders.
Happily the sun was out and although most riders were a ltttle aprehensive spirits were high.
Their first stop, Bolton Abbey Village Hall where the riders recharged on tea & cake.
After they pushed on through the Yorkshire country side and in contrary to the weather forecast the rain remained at bay.
Leaving Bolton Abbey Village Hall
The Fox & Hounds Inn, Skipton
Lunch Stop on the first day was at The Fox & Hounds Inn, Skipton where the riders fuelled up for the afternoon ride.
Chicken broth & chip buttys being the food of champions.
The afternoon break at Askrigg Village Hall was followed by the final push for that day, finishing at The Premier Inn Catterick.
Askrigg
Day 2
Leaving Catterick
The second early start and the riders headed off with thoughts of “just how steep is this 25% downhill run the organisers have us warned of, going to be ?
It turns out very steep, but I’m happy to confirm that all made it down in one piece.
First stop of the day, Osmotherley Village Hall for tea and refreshments before getting back into the saddle.
Entering Osmotherley Village
Rievaulx Abbey
The beautiful setting of Rievaulx Abbey was todays lunch stop, lamb stew and chunks of fresh bread proving very popular as bowls where eagerly emptied.
By the time the riders had reached Minskip Farm Shop the weather had taken a turn for the worse, the miles had taken its toll on our weary cyclists, and hot drinks where a must.
Minskip Farm Shop
The Finish
One final push drove the riders on to their final destination the Double Tree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel back to the town where it all began.
The day ended with a celebratory three course dinner and prize giving attended by Steven Crawford from Surfers Against Sewage & James Jesson from The Woodland Trust representing their charities, the riders and the sponsors.
Steven Crawford Surfers Against Sewage
James Jesson The Woodland Trust
The Riders
David Yarrow "Pride Rock" Exhibition & Book Signing
David Yarrows latest book Pride Rock and exhibition currently showing at the Maddox Gallery’s in Mayfair & Notting Hill is one you’ll not want to miss.
I was recently at a book signing in the aforementioned Maddox Westbourne Grove Gallery where David gave a short talk about his latest work and travels.
As you would expect he spoke of his commitment to animal conservation, his work with Tusk Trust, Wild Ark and many other worthy charity’s and organisations.
If you get the chance to go to attend one of his talks he really does have a way with words, he’s informative, emotive and engaging on a subject that so often is cloaked in the horror that humans are capable of.
I’ve loved his work for a number of years and his commitment to animal preservation is truly inspiring and encouraging.
Below is a press release from Maddox Gallery which details the exhibition.
Maddox Gallery is pleased to present ‘Pride Rock,’ a major exhibition of David Yarrow’s latest photographic works.
For more than two decades, legendary British photographer David Yarrow has been putting himself in harm’s way to capture immersive photography of the world’s most revered and endangered species. Now, carefully curated for the first time, ‘Pride Rock’ will offer a compelling retrospective of Yarrow’s spectacular work in the wild, as well as his elaborate storytelling portraiture.
Featuring over 40 of Yarrow’s most iconic photographs, ‘Pride Rock’ highlights the beauty of the endangered planet and the art of narrative as conveyed by one of the most relevant fine art photographers in the world. Yarrow says: “The balance now suits my personality and has no doubt helped my creativity. Both genres can play off each other and spark ideas.”
Coinciding with the release of his second book – a compendium of some of his greatest works published by Rizzoli – the exhibition will take place at both Maddox Gallery Mayfair and Maddox Gallery Westbourne Grove; offering unprecedented access into Yarrow’s stunning archive.
“There are no universal rules in photography—only personal ones. My central premise is that if photography was a language, then focus would be the most important word in that lexicon. Focus deliberately includes or it deliberately excludes, and it should be emphatically clear what the photographer is trying to say.”
With his images heightening awareness of these species and raising huge sums for charity and conservation, ‘Pride Rock’ celebrates one of the most relevant and evocative photographers in the world today.
Michael Kenna 45 Year Retrospective Exhibition at The Bosham Gallery
Michael Kenna at Bosham Gallery
I recently had the pleasure of visiting The Bosham Gallery in West Sussex, who from June 1st to August 31st 2019 are hosting a superb exhibition by Michael Kenna consisting of 40 images produced over a 45 year period from 1973-2016.
The exhibition itself was curated by Angus Hayward, who working closely with Michael (which apparently involved plying him with local ice cream) has put together a wonderful body of work and a real treat for the eyes.
Angus clearly has both a good understanding of the photographers work and vision, plus a true passion in what he does, which is evident here.The gallery has even taken the unusual step to give all of its valuable wall space to Michael, quite right to.This has clearly paid dividends with 32 pieces being sold as I write, something we should all feel good about as we strive to hold on to our independent gallery’s.
Below is the galleries exhibition summery together with three short video clips filmed at the exhibition featuring Michael Kenna which Angus has kindly shared, along with a Photo Active podcast by Kirk McLhearn relating to the exhibtion giving the artists thoughts behind each body of work, which is well with a listen.
Exhibition Summery by Bosham Gallery.
Michael Kenna has held over 450 solo exhibitions in 40 countries, he has produced over 65 Monographs of his work, and perhaps the biggest testament to his collectability is the fact that over 110 museums worldwide have requested his work for their permanent collections. He is a remarkable artist who continues to make a significant contribution to the world of fine art photography.
All of his photographs are personally hand-printed in a traditional darkroom as silver gelatin prints, which is what gives them their unique luminance and depth. It is good to know that the silver halide crystals make the prints truly archival. They are all limited editions of either 25 or 45, and we encourage all collectors to buy early before Michael increases prices as the edition sells through until his final print. His work is sold in 30 galleries across the world - early editions start at £2000 and rise to over £10,000 by the time you reach the last number, so any of these would represent a good investment.
A series of short videos discussing the work filmed when Michael Kenna visited the exhibition.
Michael Kenna discusses his silver gelatin printing:
Michael Kenna explains that every print in each edition is unique:
Michael Kenna discusses his love of Japan and the trees that appear like ink drawings:
One hour audio podcast in gallery between Michael and New Yorker Kirk McElhearn https://www.photoactive.co/home/episode-44-kenna
The Bosham Gallery is certainly one to keep an eye on and sign up to their news letter, great job guys!
National Geographic The Photo Ark
Photo Ark pop up Vilamoura Portugal
I recently had the opportunity to visit National Geographic’s Photo Ark exhibition whilst in Vilamoura Portugal, although the exhibition is touring extensively and showing in many museums and pop ups worldwide.
The Vilamoura exhibition hosts over 50 pieces of works by Joel Sartore and runs until September 30th, entrance fee €10. I may add it’s worth watching the accompanying video which gives a light hearted look behind the screens showing how Joel mostly uses a light box with either white or black background to great success (most of the time) to ultimately represent the 12,000 species of endangered animals featured, highlighting their plight due to habitat loss.
Below is a statement from Joel Sartore on his ambitious project, I wish him the best of luck.
National Geographic Photographer and Speaker Joel Sartore
About the Photo Ark
The Photo Ark started back in 2005, when my wife, Kathy, was diagnosed with breast cancer. My career as a National Geographic photographer came to an abrupt halt as I stayed home to tend to her and our three children.
It’s been more than 10 years, and Kathy is fine now, but that year at home gave me a new perspective on the shortness and fragility of life. I was 42 at the time, and as Kathy recovered, one question continued to haunt me: How can I get people to care that we could lose half of all species by the turn of the next century?
Perhaps a series of portraits, made as simply and cleanly as possible, would give us all a chance to look animals directly in the eye and see that there’s beauty, grace, and intelligence in the other creatures we share the planet with. Black and white backgrounds level the playing field, making a mouse every bit as grand as an elephant. In these portraits, they are equals.
All species are vitally important to our very survival; we need bees and even flies to pollinate the fruits and vegetables we eat. We need intact rain forest to regulate the amount of rainfall we get in areas where we grow crops. But beyond what’s in it for us, I believe that each species has a basic right to exist.
There are about 12,000 animal species in human care around the world. So far, I’ve made portraits of more than 8,000, and we’ll keep going until we get them all. It’ll take another 15 years or so. The goal is to show the world what biodiversity actually looks like and get everyone to care about saving species while there’s still time.
I hope you agree that the future of life on Earth is something that deserves our full attention. If so, please tell your friends that you care about all creatures, great and small. Share the photos. Help us celebrate. Join others devoted to saving species and habitats. We all can make a difference.
Joel Sartore
Nick Brandt - This Empty World
Having been a fan of Nick Brandt for a number of years, an opportunity to view his new exhibition and meet the man himself was one I wasn’t going to miss.
Waddington Custot Gallery, Cork Street, London are showing 17 pieces from his new exhibition “This Empty World” from February 7th until March 7th 2019.
Once again Nick focuses his lens on East Africa, and brings to us the plight of some of our great animals, how they fight a loosing battle to compete with mans environmental destruction and how our governments remain apathetic.
This Empty World shows a move from black & white to colour the use of clever lighting, emphasizing the juxtaposition between the natural surroundings our animals live in, and our ever increasing concrete jungles.
This Empty World by Nick Brandt
River Of People with Elephant at Night
Nick Brandts photography and his work with the comendable Big Life Foundation continues to hammer home the message about the destruction we are doing to our planet, a wonderful, thought provoking exhibition, well worth a visit.
Kevin Cummins - So It Goes
I had the pleasure recently of meeting the legendary Kevin Cummins when he exhibited at the Lucy Bell Gallery in St Leanards, East Sussex while promoting his latest book “So It Goes - Punk And The Aftermath “
Punk music played a massive part during my teenage years in the late 70’s.
One of my weekly rituals was to buy the music papers that would hit the news shelves on a Thursday morning, always Sounds & NME, (New Musical Express was for the dinosaurs).This would be our guide to what gigs we would travel to over the next week or so, (this was the pre-internet age).
The music press was my introduction to Kevin’s work. Living in the south, the northern scene was unreachable to me, those superb Manchester bands where rarely within my reach, but the reviews of these gigs where often published along with Kevin’s photographs.
So It Goes encapsulates the the northern punk scene, the author was in a unique position, working so closely with The Buzzcocks and several other pivotal bands, he was totally imsersed within that scene.
As I mentioned the punk movement had a big influence on me as it did many others of mt era, talking to Kevin and reminiscing about this time was great.
Congratulations Kevin on the publication of your latest book, in my opinion a great piece of work well worth a few quid!
As for my copy and the B’dum B’dum annotation, if you weren’t there you won’t get it!
Nick Brandt: Inherit The Dust
Couldn't help but share these two amazing, inspiring and heartfelt short films by one of my favorite wildlife artists the wonderful Nick Brandt.
Nothing more to do other than let Nick in his own words describe the concept behind his latest beautiful poignant art piece, enjoy.Nick Brandt
Monovisions Interview →
So Sebastian Markis editor of the online black & white photography magazine Monovisions contacted me to do an interview for his publication, quote:"We admire your work and we think it fits perfectly with essence of our publication." - your dam right flattery's gonna get you everywhere!
Mono vision is a great publication, full of inspiration from long past to up and coming photographers, as their byline states "Your everyday source of b&w inspirations", so I really do suggest you bookmark this one and use it to top up your creative juices, may your mojo bottle never be empty!
Here's the link, enjoy .......
Sussex Lavender
All The Purples......
All The Mono's.....
Thought I'd share with you a lavender shoot I went on last weekend, at Lordington Farm near Chichester, West Sussex.
Although black & white is normally my first choice, it would be a crime not to post a colour version, something I sadly cant share with you is the smell and constant humming of the bees, it truly is quite a special place.
Tech Stuff: BW110 10 stop nd + Lee 0.6 nd 2 stop +Lee 0.6 nd grad 2 stop, ISO100, f22 - this little stack of filters gave me 10mins which was handy because although the pics don't show it, the farm is only open for a few days a year and was quite busy, so the long exposure got rid of most of the people, except the die hard butterfly & bee watchers.
I've put a link to the farms site above for directions, just click on "Lordington Farm"
All The Gear.....
Miggo - A new kind of camera strap, cover thingy!
Every now and then something different comes along, this is one of those things.
Miggo is a protective camera strap, click on the image to take you to their kickstarter site.
Quite often rather than lug around all my kit I'll just stick on a lens and pop my DSLR in my "man" bag (it is manley, honest), however something I not very good at is keeping my Nikon away from my keys, I think this may be the answer to protecting my kit.
Website Updated
I've made some "behind the scenes" changes to the website, hopefully you shouldn't notice too much, but if you spot any screaming howlers please let know.
Source: http://bill-allen.com/portfolio/
Eastbourne Pier
It's been a while since I posted anything to the blog, so apologies for that.
I shot this the other week at Eastbourne and if your interested here's a little behind the scenes look shot with the Iphone and edited through instagram to give it a bit more impact.
I've stared using Instagram for my iphone colour shots, I seem to have so many places online to post stuff, but when it came to sharing these little snaps I had no place for them but Instagram seems to fit just nicely.
Oh and if you want to follow me on Instagram I'm billallen_
ND Magazine
Got invited to post to ND Magazine, not only is it a another place to share online it's also got some interesting articles and interviews.
I particularly like the layout, very simple and easy to use, they seem to be having something of a growth spurt at the moment with new content being added daily, along with the familiar names you find on Flickr, G+, 500px etc there are also some big hitters, with the likes of Levin, Lange, Brandt etc included in the mix, which I like.
Free (donations accepted) and well worth a look me thinks!
Cobblestone
Not the easiest of shots, the wind was gusting over 30mph right to left and the incoming wash traveled the whole distance of these cobbles with each wave.
Cobblestone
Ive tried to shoot this location at Langney Point in Eastbourne on the UK's south coast a few times, it need the right combination of tide and a rough sea, but not to the extent that I risked being swept away, or that the camera shook too much in the wind, Saturdays conditions were quite favourable.
Another from that day!
Behind the scenes.
And for those who are interested , here's a little behind the scenes shot.
Get your eye in, one image two views!
One Image two views, it can take years to get your eye in and see in black & white (and composition & perspective).
One image, two views, one the spectator, one the photographer.