"A little bit of history repeating"

No editing, just shipping...

"Like any great model, she doesn't mind being used."

"Like any great model, she doesn't mind being used."

-Annie Leibovitz

Ok, wait, who is Annie Leibovitz?

Annie Leibovitz - 1970

Born in the USA in 1949 Annie Leibovitz is a prolific and very talented photographer. Her first magazine cover was for Rolling Stones in 1970, the same year she photographed John Lenon for the first time.

Covering the 1972 election she then became chief photographer for rolling stones in 1973 which led to being the tour photographer for them in 1975. In 1980 she took this photo of John and Yoko the same day he was murdered.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono, New York City, December 8th 1980 - Annie Leibovitz

In 1983, she moves from Rolling Stones to vanity Fair. In 1984 I was born...and Annie receives 'photographer of the year' from the American Society of magazine photographers. 1985 she was the official photographer for the World Cup Games in Mexico City. 1986 she had her second solo show at the Sidney Janis Gallery. Skipping a decade, in 1996 she was the official photographer for the summer Olympic games in Atlanta. Skipping another decade, in 2007 she was commissioned for a series of images of the Queen. 2008 Annie was named San Francisco Art Institute McBean Distinguished Lecturer. 2009 received the International Center of Photographies Lifetime Achievement award. 2018 she received the Lifetime Achievement award for excellence in the Arts from the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

...This was a SERIOUSLY abridged biography... just listing it was 5 pages long in the book!

Sooooo where is the quote from exactly?

Annie Leibovitz at work

The book 'Annie Leibovitz at work', a signed copy no less. It chronicles the working life of Annie, from her humble start touring the US in the back of dads car going from military base to military base to shooting a portraits series of the queen. 

Cate Blanchett shot by Annie Leibovitz

In the section of the book where this quote pops up she is talking about her time photographing celebrities. Being fairly late on in the book it kinda comes out of nowhere but it does address the way photographers interact with models (especially celebrities). Specifically, she discussed how stage and screen actress Cate Blanchett's self-confidence "transcended any qualms about the photographic enterprise..." while others feel that "it doesn't seem to them to have anything to do with their work."

Why did this statement about using people shock me?

I don't consider myself a user.

Maybe this is wrong. Maybe I am? This statement forced me to consider that my work might just be that...using people. Does payment justify that? It also highlights my responsibilities as a photographer to the models and other people I work with. I understand that Annie was not using people in the meaning that is conjured up when you say that about someone but it still is a provocative word to be using.

Do you think this is true?

Yes, maybe, No. Ultimately a model uses their body to sell something. It could be clothes or it could be an idea but it is still a type of use. A photographer uses the model to get the image that they want in order to achieve a goal. This statement (the ‘use’ phrase especially) tends to bring up ideas that models are somehow victims which is not the case, not in a professional environment anyway. The models I have met are some of the most empowered and inspirational people I know.

The worst thing about this quote?

It seems to be the main thing that sticks in my head when I think about this book and that is a real shame. It's a great book with some truly beautiful images and important stories about her work.

Let me know what you think about this. Given how short the entry this is I am sure I have been a bit naive and ham-fisted about this.

A place to Work

So what are you doing?

I am renting a workspace. Away from my living space. Currently I operate my ENTIRE life from 1 small room and frankly, it's getting a little crowded in here. Ignore the fact that I own too much crap anyway, we then have to deal with the issue of my all-consuming passion for photography and by its nature the tendency to take up a shit ton of space. Space I have very much run out of...6 months ago.

My desk, after I have had a tidy. Yes, I am serious.

I am also trying to live and work very close to one another which (as I know from past experience) doesn't work too well. I type this blog within 1m of my bed! A mere 30cm from my Xbox (god I would kill for a game of Sea of Thieves right now).

Isolation is also a problem, I have blogged about this before (don't worry you didn't read that one either) and how damaging it can be. If there is someone in my room, however, I want to be doing something other than working.

Ok so, there is never someone else in my room but this only means I am stuck in my own personal echo chamber with no means of engaging with the outside world. Not a very creative environment.

Isolation was a hole I barely escaped from.

So I go to cafes to work. I am haemorrhaging money in black coffee and cake. I need to stop that.

This is actually an old photo of how I used to turn up at starshmucks and just f**k the place up! (I still do this just at better places than starbucks!)

What is the Plan then?

Setup - I need to set up my location and get the equipment and supplies I want to use from my space to the desk area. Taking all the things I might need is a fairly big deal as it will force me to separate life and work. If I have the urge to create I can't just get out of bed and start working...which means I get to stay in bed!

Production - I'm not just getting this space for photography. I am actually learned to sew and by extension, I am also learning to make clothes (because no designers want to get involved in the Search.er project I decided 'Fuck'em, I will do it myself then!') and other things. Its time to create then ship and ship often!

Collaboration- This means not stuck in my room with the only youtube for company! I might actually be able to speak to people and other creatives at that!!!

So how will this affect my future work?

Hopefully, a more organised working environment and setup will lead to a more coherent workflow and final results. This should be a lot more engaging for you.

It also means I will be able to create more and have the option to sell it because, well, I got bills to pay! (ship and ship often)

It also gives me the time to interact with you guys a bit more. I haven't been too great at staying in touch with people who express interest so making or connect with a community has been difficult. this will change and if you want to ask a question please do so.

I will post photos of my work in the future and I might even start a Patreon live stream if you want to see some BTS videos.

Patreon - www.patreon.com/itchyphotog

Ko-fi - www.ko-fi.com/V7V3W7SW

Instagram - @itchyphotog

Be polite

Be efficient

Have a plan to shoot everyone you meet.