Finding "Local" with a digital M

[CrisR]

So i've contributed to a lot of threads, submitted photos related to the topic and created some threads asking for gear advice, but I've never made a thread about a photo projects of my own, until now.

I found myself in the situation, that my personal Leica blog (www.analoguerobot.co.uk) had been shown to some people at Tesco (for non-UK people, they are the 2nd largest retailer worldwide, think Wal-Mart) and as a result, i was asked to go out and shoot for them. Lucky me!

The brief was quite simple: 8-16 black and white images, to be printed 12"x12", framed and hung in the cafes of new stores being built.

Tesco are building new stores all the time, all over the UK, so i was sent out to a number of small to medium towns, with the task of capturing images that were interesting, portrayed the area positively and that above all, were identifiably local.

I was also asked that the photos not include any people, something that concerned me at first, given that i consider myself a street photographer first and foremost. I like the context that people provide.

Now lets just say, some towns sure were easier than others.

With some of them, it was clear that there was history and industry there, jobs and income were good and Tesco store was just one of many businesses in the area. These places were nice to shoot indeed. Lots of choice.

But some were a place where industry and prosperity had been and gone. These were certainly more of a challenge, but it made me look harder and not just aim for low hanging fruit.

I also found the square format tricky, as i've gotten so used to seeing 3x2 now.

Naturally, i submitted more photos than were used at each location, but i thought i would share a selection of images over the coming days, a few at a time.

Any constructive criticism is more than welcome, I'd love to hear thoughts and comments.

Camera: Leica M9
Lens: Voigtlander 15mm f4.5 Super Wide Heliar


Door To The Tower / On Location by Cris Rose, on Flickr


Camera: Leica M9
Lens: Voigtlander 50mm f1.1 Nokton


Flags of Rememberance / On Location by Cris Rose, on Flickr

 

[furcafe]

Congrats on the assignment. I love it when a client likes your work, hires you, & then insists on conditions that contradict or undermine your style! 🙄 It appears you did a fine job regardless.

So i've contributed to a lot of threads, submitted photos related to the topic and created some threads asking for gear advice, but I've never made a thread about a photo projects of my own, until now.

I found myself in the situation, that my personal Leica blog (www.analoguerobot.co.uk) had been shown to some people at Tesco (for non-UK people, they are the 2nd largest retailer worldwide, think Wal-Mart) and as a result, i was asked to go out and shoot for them. Lucky me!

The brief was quite simple: 8-16 black and white images, to be printed 12"x12", framed and hung in the cafes of new stores being built.

Tesco are building new stores all the time, all over the UK, so i was sent out to a number of small to medium towns, with the task of capturing images that were interesting, portrayed the area positively and that above all, were identifiably local.

I was also asked that the photos not include any people, something that concerned me at first, given that i consider myself a street photographer first and foremost. I like the context that people provide.

 

[CrisR]

Thanks Furcafe, I'll add more to the thread soon.

Honestly, i don't mind the constraints - it's given me an opportunity to try out new things, look for new photos and develop myself. I still feel the results are my own style, just adapted to fit a client's needs 🙂

 

[furcafe]

I know constraints are an inherent part of commercial work & can be springboards/opportunities for experimenting, but sometimes they're pretty ridiculous. Glad everything worked out for you.

 

[tjh]

Nice tones from the M9.

Tom

 

[CrisR]

A couple of shots from a South London location, both shot on the M8, the first with the VC 25/4 and the second with the VC 50/1.1


Pumping Station / On Location by Cris Rose, on Flickr


Dragon Hinge / On Location by Cris Rose, on Flickr

 

[CrisR]

A couple more M8 shots, the first with the VC 25/4, the second with the VC 50/1.1


Cloud Factory / On Location by Cris Rose, on Flickr


Tower Bonsai / On Location by Cris Rose, on Flickr

 

[scottm]

great stuff, particularly like 'door to the tower' and 'cloud factory'. I'll keep an eye out for them, they may end up in the new store near me (Sheringham, Norfolk)

 

[Rodchenko]

Interesting assignment, and congratulations on getting it! Local photos on display help to re-humanise the sterile unibox supermarkets, and I have found myself looking at some prints with my shopping bags in my hands.

Some great photos here. It's interesting trying to capture the essence of a place, and re-present it to the residents.

 

[CrisR]

Thanks Scottm, Rodchenko,

Interesting assignments indeed, it's interesting just to see how varied one place can be to another and how "photogenic" some places really aren't unless you look hard!

I've not shot in Norfolk so far and am not lined up to, but you never know...


So, a couple more today, both with an M8 + 50/1.1 combo, showing it's abilities both wide open at 1m, and stopped down near infinity (I'd have used the 50/2 Planar for this, but couldn't be bothered to swap lenses)


The Encroaching Angles / On Location by Cris Rose, on Flickr


Number 1 / On Location by Cris Rose, on Flickr

 

[hausen]

That must be the dream assignment. Congratulations and keep them coming.

 

[CrisR]

A little extra detail, my "other" bit of gear on location


My "On Location" Gear by Cris Rose, on Flickr


As part of my recent freelance photography gigs, i've been asked to travel all over the UK to shoot local towns. That means looking round as much of the area as possible, while finding creative shooting opportunities, all in a limited number of hours.

Sometimes i travel via train, sometimes by car, but when i get there, this is the bit of kit i just can't do without, my custom Brompton "Newt"

Newt is a 2013 S6L-X in Sage green and white, a six speed folding bike with titanium forks, triangle, seatpost, saddle and mudguard stays. Good for keeping things as light as possible.

I've lightened the bike in a number of ways, upgraded parts like the hinge clamps and fitted walnut mudguards and tan leather Brooks parts.

I still need to get the rear wheel rebuilt with the lighter black rim and the black front brake cable swapped for black, but i'm really pleased with the result.

On the front is a customised Billingham camera bag, big enough to carry every piece of Leica gear i need on a location shoot, plus more. When fully loaded, the bag of cameras weighs more than the bike, but i can cycle around for 4+ hours without feeling the weight at all.

The bag was customised by myself and Irene, my lovely lady's mum - very talented with a sewing machine as it works perfectly, both on and off the bike! 🙂

A normal shoot sees 15-20 miles of cycling, sometimes less if the areas of interest are close together. I cycle with my "main" camera over my shoulder on a strap, with any secondary body or alternative lenses within each reach under the top flap. The bag just clips off and can either be slung over the shoulder or carried in the hand.

 

[MCTuomey]

great gig, great gear, great pics - yes, i'm envious 🙂

 

[CrisR]

Thanks Mike! I'm very grateful, that's for sure.

Today's shots were taken with an M8 and the VC 90/3.5 APO Lanthar for the first, and the stalwart 50/1.1 for the second.


Elephant Tower / On Location by Cris Rose, on Flickr


A Brewing Tradition / On Location by Cris Rose, on Flickr

 

[Richard G]

Congratulations Cris. Not surprised. Always liked looking at your shots.

 

[CrisR]

Many thanks Richard 🙂

 

[CrisR]

M8 + 50/1.1


Iron Detailing / On Location by Cris Rose, on Flickr

M9 + 90/3.5


Overlooking The Town / On Location by Cris Rose, on Flickr

 

[Rodchenko]

I love those latest ones. Really punchy.

 

[Mudman]

Now I have even more reasons to like Tesco's. They were a great market when I was traveling through Scotland.

 

[CrisR]

Thanks guys.

I've been using the assignment as an opportunity to try out a lot of different shots, look for things i wouldn't normally photograph. Keeping people out of the shot is always a challenge, not because there are lots of people around, but just because i'm normally looking at the people first and the background, is just, well, background. They give places and things context to me, so it's interesting to find the context elsewhere.