Liam Ricketts

I moved

2011-09-01T11:15:00.001+01:00

I am now on Tumblr.

http://liamricketts.tumblr.com/

Blade Brown for VIBE

2011-07-08T19:33:00.002+01:00

Read the article here.

A page out of Revolvers book.

2011-06-23T20:40:00.002+01:00

A page of lyrics from Revolver's rhyme book. Taken from the project Grime to Five.

New project : Grime

2011-05-18T18:51:00.007+01:00

For my latest project, I have had the incredible opportunity to document the Urban music subculture of Grime within the UK.

For months now I have toyed with the idea of breaking my way into the scene, and making a photographic series on the people I meet. I finally built up the time and effort to meet the people, and hopefully produce some interesting work.

I have just started the project, and by no means see this as a finished body of work. Realistically I would like to have a finished project by the end of the summer, but for now I have a fair few portraits that I am happy to show, and some videos coming very soon.

When I look at Grime, I see it as an energetic, lively, and promising subculture within UK music. When I look back over the last 10 years I see progression. People have come, and people have gone. But really what I am interested in is the MC’s that have been evolving through the years. For me anyway, I see some of the MC’s changing their style, and the way that we now have “Commercial Grime”, Grime music that is ready for mainstream radio, and of which is encompassing more recognition from the UK, and now, the world.

I think the media have been a bit too harsh on Grime. I wanted to show MC’s in a more “positive” light. After all, they are just normal human beings, like you or me.

New project : Grime

2011-05-13T17:50:00.001+01:00

Will be unveiling my new project about Grime next week on my website & a little write up on here. Stay tuned.

Featured: House Of Frasers website:

2011-03-30T16:20:00.004+01:00

I recently had the great task of being commissioned by House of Frasers in-house brand, along with 7 other photographers to undertake a whole rebranding brief for the clothing brand "Criminal Clothing".

Was a good few months planning, pitching, and pursuing the brief in my own photographic way, had alot of creative freedom with the shoot which was good, just had to wait for that one day in January for the weather to look like "summer". The rest of the photos I took can be seen here on my website

Unfortunately I didn't win, but Faith Mason took the top spot, so well done to her!

Take a look at the other entries here

Featured: Lisa Pritchards blog.

2011-03-28T13:29:00.005+01:00

Featured over on Lisa Pritchard's blog today.

Lisa recently gave us a portfolio review, which was proper useful to hear from her about my portfolio

Ta Lisa!

.

2011-02-27T22:04:00.001Z

New project prep

2011-02-26T20:24:00.003Z

Right now I am currently preparing for my new project which I am starting next thursday. Really exciting stuff as this is my last project of the year, and a project that has taken all my free time up over the last few weeks to be able to gain access. At last, through perseverance, guidance, and a little nudge now and again, I am finally going to a do a project this year that I will be sticking with. Its going to be a tough few months, but seeing this body of work shape together, along with a video that I will be working on alongside the stills will be interesting to see the final result!

Mikko:

2011-02-10T22:52:00.002Z

I have just purchased a Kiev 60, and this is my results from the first roll I put through it. The pictures are of my good friend Mikko who absolutely loves his sports jacket. Doesn’t even support Portsmouth, but enjoys looking like a hooligan more than anything. Hopefully this comes across in the pictures.

2010-12-28T18:59:00.001Z

New Years resolutions:

Take more photos

Work hard

Portfolio

2010-12-26T13:57:00.004Z

Although I am not 100% with my work thats inside, even just seeing your portfolio put together is an achievement.

Portfolio from Liam Ricketts on Vimeo.

Few tweaks and next years will be a vast improvement.

Christmas

2010-12-21T13:18:00.004Z

Hello. Lots been happening recently, but nothing that I can really feel is blog worthy. Starting a new project, and doing some really cool things over xmas, which I will put up soon!

The do's & don'ts

2010-12-15T18:29:00.001Z

The Do’s

Do something old in a new way
Do something new in an old way
Do something new in a new way, Whatever works . . . works
Do it sharp, if you can’t, call it art
Do it in the computer—if it can be done there
Do fifty of them—you will definitely get a show
Do it big, if you cant do it big, do it red
If all else fails turn it upside down, if it looks good it might work
Do Bend your knees
If you don’t know what to do, look up or down—but continue looking
Do celebrities—if you do a lot of them, you’ll get a book
Connect with others—network
Edit it yourself
Design it yourself
Publish it yourself
Edit, When in doubt shoot more
Edit again
Read Darwin, Marx, Joyce, Freud, Einstein, Benjamin, McLuhan, and Barth
See Citizen Kane ten times
Look at everything—stare
Construct your images from the edge inward
If it’s the “real world,” do it in color
If it can be done digitally—do it
Be self centered, self involved, and generally entitled and always pushing—and damned to hell for doing it
Break all rules, except the chairman’s

The Don’ts

Don’t do it about yourself—or your friend—or your family
Don’t dare photograph yourself nude
Don’t look at old family albums
Don’t hand color it
Don’t write on it
Don’t use alternative process—if it ain’t straight do it in the computer
Don’t gild the lily—AKA less is more
Don’t go to video when you don’t know what else to do
Don’t photograph indigent people, particularly in foreign lands
Don’t whine, just produce

Chris Burden: Metropolis II

2010-12-03T17:29:00.002Z

Artist Chris Burden has created this piece Metropolis II, a kinetic sculpture consisting of 1200 Hot Wheels cars currently being constructed at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Simon Roberts talk

2010-11-30T19:35:00.003Z

Just had a really interesting talk from Simon Roberts. Was fascinating to see how is early career started and hearing how he spends vast amounts of time creating such in depth projects.

It has made me think about sometime in the near future packing my life away for a few months into a motorhome and travelling extensively.

Wolfgang Tillmans

2010-11-16T20:19:00.003Z

Just had a fantastic lecture from the great Wolfgang Tillmans. A brilliant photographer, who gave me a fascinating insight into his life, work and career.

A brilliant thinker, and infinitely full of knowledge.

This months reading:

2010-11-15T22:50:00.003Z

Books I have bought over the last month:

Classics such as Stephen Shore's uncommon places, to the new issue of Foto 8's biennial '8', and Ewen Spencers new book, 'Three's a crowd'.

Pieces of a song Exhibtion: Host

2010-11-14T18:48:00.005Z

CSN Stores has great online stores where you can find everything from great cookware to beautiful bedroom furniture to chic lighting pieces!’

Some of my favourite photographers are exhibiting at Host over Christmas that is definitely going to be worth a look for anyone interested in Photography.

Simon Norfolk, Jane Hilton, my lecturer Aaron Schuman and even Ewen Spencer. One helluva show for sure.

Sandbanks

2010-11-10T14:15:00.005Z

Just started a new project, based on the area of Sandbanks in Dorset.

I wanted to look past the tourism & wealth side of the area. Its widely recognised as being known as one of the UK's most exclusive residential hotspots, with the fourth highest land value in the world.

What I found was the last remaining buildings on the peninsula that haven't been redeveloped.

I found abandoned properties, squats, and homes that you wouldn't necessarily link to the area. Bit of a shame that these buildings will be knocked down sometime soon and redeveloped to make another lavish property not in-keeping with the architecture once seen in this area.

Oops By Chris Beckenham

2010-10-27T18:36:00.000+01:00

oops from Chris Beckman on Vimeo.

Chris Beckman's short film Oops recently won the top prize in the Vimeo Awards' Experimental category. It cleverly edits together a whole range of home video clips that each feature a camera being accidentally dropped...

Keelan:

2010-10-26T17:31:00.004+01:00

I bought 60 sheets of 5x4 film over summer so thought it was only fitting to start using it

You know when a video just works?

2010-10-24T21:49:00.000+01:00

This works. So well.

Brighton Photo Fringe/ Biennial

2010-10-20T22:18:00.007+01:00

Today I went to the Brighton photo biennial and photo fringe, showcasing the newest in cutting edge photography. With about 40 different exhibitions I had my work cut out trying to get as much time as I could looking at exhibitions. I am full of inspiration now.

Few snaps:

Big up Mittsy for one of the most epic games of Jenga I have ever played.

Homemade Spacecraft

2010-10-18T15:21:00.003+01:00

Wow

Homemade Spacecraft from Luke Geissbuhler on Vimeo.

A father and son from Brooklyn, New York sent an iphone into the stratosphere a few weeks ago to record a video of the earth's curvature.

The two spent eight months researching and testing their homemade craft, which was made of a weather balloon and a styrofoam case for the iPhone, before launching in Newburgh, NY.

The phone apparently braved winds of 100 miles-per-hour and temperatures as cold as 60 below zero (the iPhone was smartly packed with hand warmers).

The recorded video shows the phone reaching a height of 100,000 feet before the balloon burst, plummeting the contraption back to earth, where it landed 30 miles from the launch point, in a tree, where the father and son found it in the dark because of the iPhone's LED light.

Via Huffington post

2010-10-13T23:57:00.002+01:00

Good smell, that is good Camera,

bad smell or no smell,

that is bad camera

— Dr. Nakamats

Via Thomas Brown

Last week of summer:

2010-10-05T13:27:00.003+01:00

The opening night for Jane's new book was a huge success, people turned up in their hoards. So nice to see some of the old faces again, and meet new ones too.

An incredible end to the summer that provided so much opportunity for me.

Until next time, Thanks.

Disposable perspectives: Camera #37

2010-10-05T13:20:00.000+01:00

Camera #37 - Liam Ricketts

A visual study into urban spaces, in particular empty ones before they are occupied by students. A follow-up camera will be shot in a couple of months showing the mess that we (as people) create and leave behind us; it can also be seen as a reflection of the consumer society we endulge in.

I think the next film will be excellent as a follow up, to see what has happened to the house once it has been inhabited, and more importantly, if the grass gets cut.

http://www.disposableperspectives.org

Jane Stockdale's show at KK outlet: "I predict a riot"

2010-09-27T18:00:00.001+01:00

This week I'm helping out Jane with her show at KK outlet for the launch of her first book "I predict a riot" which is going to be an awesome few days with some brilliant people. If anyones about, come along, Its going to be seriously amazing.

30th sept, KK outlet 7-9pm!

2010-09-23T13:28:00.002+01:00

This is England '86

2010-09-21T23:29:00.003+01:00

Just finished watching such an incredibly well put together series by Shane Meadows. Really lovely work, and quite weird to think that the film and the tv series was based on Gavin Watson's photos of my hometown, High Wycombe.

Fenech-Soler's album artwork

2010-09-21T13:34:00.006+01:00

Coming up to my last few weeks of summer now, I can't quite believe I have had since April off, I am feeling proper excited to get back to uni now, and crack on with my own projects.

Helped out the lovely Jane and Kate Moross shoot Fenech-Solers album & single artwork recently, a really cool shoot, apart from all the injuries and scars I obtained in the process.

Big thanks to Toby for his studio, i'm gonna miss Netil house & Matteo's coffee making skills big time over the autumn, such an amazing block of creative offices and such good vibes every time I visit that part of town. Cheers guys!

Making Future Magic: iPad light painting

2010-09-19T18:00:00.005+01:00

Just got locked out my house with nothing but my laptop, so thought id bop round to my mates and get on the 'net to sort some stuff out. Fancy some wardrobes?

Anyway, this is probably the most intelligent use of an iPad I have seen with software to create an amazing series of work, don't you just love clever people that can think of stuff like this?

Ta Michael Compton for the link

Robert Montgomery

2010-09-16T15:15:00.005+01:00

One day, much later, after the

passing of all of our egos we

might come home, and become

again like the movement of the

leaves, moving all together

with one clear singing voice as

the wind hits the trees.

But it will be a long time from now.

Paul Wenham-Clarke wins Gold in 2010 AOP photographers awards.

2010-09-13T15:48:00.003+01:00

Big congrats to my tutor, Paul Wenham-Clarke for winning gold in the AOP awards this year. A very well deserved win for his images based on people who sell the big issue in the UK.

3 Weeks...

2010-09-08T15:49:00.002+01:00

They need to hurry up so I can add this to my bookshelf.

2010-09-07T18:48:00.003+01:00

Trying to think where all this time has gone. Working, eating, sleeping, festivals, making plans for the future.

& Reading lots. Oh, this months CR is good too, esp for students in visual communication, you could even say it was reassuring.

Shortlisted for the first time.

2010-08-16T22:36:00.004+01:00

Got some good news today, I entered a competition that Kopparberg are holding to find the best in new young talent from fashion, film makers, musicians and photographers. Luckily I have been shortlisted as one of the photographers who has been selected as a runner up for the competition. Big thanks to Vice, Kopparberg & everyone that was involved in helping me get to this stage!

I hope we can collectively fill up the bin with lots of Kopparberg bottles.

Greetings from Berlin

2010-08-15T12:29:00.001+01:00

Who needs souvenir keyrings when you have Black & White photobooths.....

The good old days.

2010-08-02T23:09:00.014+01:00

"CSN Stores has amazing online stores where you can find everything from cookware to ceiling lights to furniture!"

Recently:

I have noticed that typewriters are very, very loud.

And I made my own stamp...

Short "making of stamp" video. Hopefully should be more of these time-lapses from shoots and general stuff that happens from time-time.

I made a stamp from Liam Ricketts on Vimeo.

I also bought a new lens...

Not just any old lens..... its a cup.

Melt! Festival 2010. Good Stimmung!

2010-07-23T19:47:00.018+01:00

A few months back my classmate, Rosie Apples cordially invited me to attend a festival that I had never heard of, to a country I have never been to before, and with people I have never met.

I didn't quite know what I was letting myself in for. It was such a risk that I just had to check it out. Ryanair flights were seriously tempting and the prospect of a holiday over the summer that a student can afford is something unheard of.

Anyway, this is my Journey of Melt! Festival 2010 with lots of writing & photographs from myself that I am sure may even surprise some of you greatly.

Arrived at the campsite after trying to navigate the Berlin Metro which was pretty awesome, really nice and clean, few problems on the train after realising if you are in the wrong seat you are kicked out which was.... surprising. Had to sit in the part of the train where they keep all the bikes, a little annoying, but nonetheless I didn't care, I was on holiday and just keeping positive.

Arrived at the campsite greeted by Claire & soon after the great Nicholas. At first it felt like a normal english festival campsite, with lots of drinking and organising. This soon changed as our neighbours, who were all so amazing got on well and we would start a good old England VS Germany drinking contest which provided us with lots of fun, and free beer.

What surprised me the most about Melt! was that it started and ended so late in the day! First bands would be on at about 3-5pm and they wouldn't stop until 8am most days. There was a stage that had non-stop DJ's from friday afternoon until sunday morning. Completely nuts in my opinion.

So here we go, Melt! festival 2010 as captured by myself, wish my camera didn't run out of battery, and was so annoyed I didn't bring out any 35mm cameras. Great to see so many people still using analogue photography.

Jamie XX put on a fantastic set

Sunset over the lake whilst watching Jamie XX

Bubble boy @ Pantha du prince

An incredible first day with lots of bands & DJ's that I was completely blown away by, most of them I didn't even know what made their set even more enthralling.

Bench Gemini stage

Bench Gemini.....again.

More amazing lights

Bumped into Wyn from my old university Ski & Snowboarding team, good to see they are going worldwide! Such a surreal moment.

Stimmung! ( Good vibes/party)

Yeasayer put on an incredible lights show!

Converse crane with amazing visuals.

Jonsi's visuals were probably some of the best from the whole weekend

Bigger view of the crane

Took so many photos of the cranes, but they were so amazing to look at!

The xx & short video of the ending. I don't take videos of gigs, and really I should have just enjoyed the ending, but hey, at least I get to share what we all saw which was amazing:

Untitled from Liam Ricketts on Vimeo.

Some guys put on a really good campsite rave right outside where I was camping which was ridiculous. Never seen two Lidl trollies full of speakers, DJ equipment, a generator, and more cables you can shake a stick at. But this was another awesome thing to witness people running to pretty much your campsite from all over the festival to see these guys play. They are called Schluck Den Druck ( Which means swallow the pressure) :

Short video of them playing, which was pretty cool!:

Untitled from Liam Ricketts on Vimeo.

Sunday was a pretty awesome day, lots of chilled out bands like massive attack who closed the converse main stage, Broken bells did an amazing set at around sunset, was perfect, as the lack of sleep really did get to me on sunday afternoon!

Have never seen juice cartons with tape to sling it from your shoulder, was also one of the only ways to smuggle booze into the festival, as you would lift up the flaps and pour your desired liquor with a refreshing carton of lidl's finest OJ.

Broken Bells set with yet another Crane ( wish I had access to get up there!)

Changing of Dj's/ the mess left behind

view from the marlboro vibes tent

VIBES. A very important part of the festival. I can't believe how chilled out and friendly everybody was that I met! I was even more surprised when people would talk to you as soon as they knew you were English. I regret not taking a language in a school. Knowing thank you & counting from 1-3 in German did get me by, but jeez did I feel like an idiot!

I would say this festival was such a turning point in my life in so many different ways. As a photographer, an artist, a person in general. My general perceptions of people, european festivals, and myself have all changed greatly, and I am pleased to say for the better too.

HUGE shout out to everyone that I met at the festival, I have been completely bombarded by emails from all you incredible people that I have met, and its so great to still keep in touch as you are all fantastic people and I really enjoyed getting to know you all.

Thank you so much, and hopefully I will see you at Melt 2011!

Greetz

Liam

2010-07-23T18:46:00.004+01:00

Well Done to my brother Todd on graduating from Aberystwyth university with a degree in International politics & intelligence studies. Very proud of you buddy.

2010-07-22T21:58:00.002+01:00

I just got back from Berlin, to all those I met ( who are all waiting for the blog!) I will be putting it up soon! So please bear with me.

Dankschen

Behind the scenes: Creative Review's illustration annual 2010

2010-07-12T13:29:00.003+01:00

A small video showing the 3 day shoot for Creative Review's illustration annual 2010. Shot by Jane Stockdale & Sean Freeman

Creative Review Illustration Annual cover from Jane Stockdale on Vimeo.

The lights moving from side to side in the middle of the video is the best part. Looks amazing

Thanks again Jane!

2010-07-08T11:57:00.003+01:00

Just got my invite through the post ( I didn't think people still used the postal system) for the AUCB Commercial photography graduate show.

I hope to see many people attending, some great work being featured, with copious amounts of time, money and ridiculous amounts of effort to get to where they are now. I have seen the struggle first hand so I would appreciate anyone and everyone coming along to view some of the future photographers of our generation showing off their work. Plus there will be loads of booze if you get there early ;)

2010-07-05T16:23:00.003+01:00

Bought a little motivational note to hang in my room forever:

Check out Anthony's other woodblock posters here.

2010-06-29T21:31:00.003+01:00

Currently admiring the work of Mark Siber's Floating Logos project – which comprises dozens of images of logos on various photographed signage but with all the supporting structures "removed" in Photoshop...

You can see the rest of the images here.

Recent

2010-06-24T21:05:00.002+01:00

Few weeks back I helped out the amazing Jane Stockdale & Sean Freeman with photographing the front cover for Creative Reviews Illustration annual 2010:

An amazing shoot, really enjoyed seeing it being pieced together. We had to build an infinity mirror from scratch which, at times was hard work but the results produced were incredible.

Really great to meet such creative people on such a challenging project. Thanks Toby,Hugh,Clare & Matteo was really nice to meet you guys & all the others that helped piece this together!

The daily Chessum

2010-06-21T13:50:00.006+01:00

Renwoned portrait photographer Jake Chessums daily photo blog.

Link:

The Daily Chessum

Website is now alive........

2010-06-15T23:14:00.004+01:00

www.LiamRicketts.co.uk

The best name for a figaro dealership:

2010-06-09T22:07:00.006+01:00

Only in Bethnal Green eh?

The flag is everywhere

2010-06-09T21:45:00.008+01:00

Going to be doing a review on some Lights soon for CSN, I feel I need a new light source in my room, which will come in handy for retouching, etc. They have loads of lights that are well worth looking at.

Amazing few days on a shoot working with some really talented & creative individuals, all will be revealed in July!

L

Super sampler

2010-06-04T22:49:00.001+01:00

No viewfinder & four photos on one 35mm frame=

I've been carrying my Vivitar Ultra wide & slim about lately

2010-06-04T22:48:00.000+01:00

This is what I have seen, mostly while being on work placement/London:

Bumped into my old art foundation pal on the train, which was nice and awkward as per usual. Her blog is nice though, check it out here.

Todd's Room

2010-06-01T16:11:00.004+01:00

This boat has been in my family for years. it belonged to my great grandmother. Now, resides on my brothers window sill.

Enjoying the bank holiday in the countryside with my new mate

2010-05-31T12:17:00.001+01:00

Jonny.

2010-05-31T11:38:00.000+01:00

Boys ( +1 girl ) & their toys

2010-05-29T00:16:00.002+01:00

What are we like eh? spending an eternity cleaning cars, let alone being stooped over the bonnet trying to figure out whats wrong.

What I think is great here is showing the team work that went into fixing each others problems. I didn't have a clue, so I just sat back with a light meter in one hand and a camera in the other. Heres how it looked:

Mr May, otherwise known as "boss":

All completed & taken out for a test drive ( spot the middle finger of oliver? Silly little boy)

Was a very good sunday afternoon, apart from getting told my car isn't "cool" enough and is too rusty. They don't know what there talking about. More afternoons like this please ladies & gentlemen

Over & out!

L

From the archive

2010-05-28T18:17:00.006+01:00

All I have been doing this week, apart from the obligatory beach visits which, were smashing, is keeping on top of my scanning & organising, I completely forgot about some series of images that needed scanning.

These come from about easter, i'm pretty pleased with the photos, there not perfect, but nothing ever is!

Anyway, took some photos in my car when I was stuck in traffic, these are some of the first I took with my new 6x6:

Pic of the day

2010-05-25T19:12:00.002+01:00

I quite like this pic of the day stuff, its so easy with digital, can't really say the same about film though.

I wanted to capture one of the school kids that was at Lulworth Cove today running past me, one of them said

" I'm getting a donut as a souvenir!" I thought what a good lad he was.

I am now feeling the sunburn after two days lazing on the beach, it hurts.

L

Pic of the day

2010-05-24T21:47:00.004+01:00

Some lad cycled to the beach, and just KO'd on the sand after cycling there, he looks completely exhausted/dead.

Severely burnt after a nice day on the beach, and my moustache has gone :(

" Welcome to New Forest!"

2010-05-19T23:44:00.013+01:00

I Went to the New forest on tuesday with my future housemates. We saw it as a good time to bond before we all go our separate ways in the summer. This is rob, embracing the New forest with open arms while Keelan & Alex look lost/confused.

Tuesday included such activities as:

Strolling in a daft manner

Mooning

Trying to get a walking shot and getting in the way therefore resulting in a potential good photograph being ruined

Climbing

Dribbling

More walking

Climbing tree's/pretending your in a boy band

Sitting on a bridge & nearly falling off

Exploring

Getting lost

Being on a golf course ( Photo highlight, it looks very Massimo Vitali this photo eh?)

And more walking

But most importantly

Having fun out of any situation.

Yes the colours are pretty well off, gimme a break been scanning all day. Right, now i'm off to listen to Sebastien Tellier. C&C would be fabulous.

Goodnight.

L

AOP student awards in a nutshell

2010-05-15T22:47:00.012+01:00

I always like to support my friends in there photographic careers, so I thought what a great idea it would be so support my fellow course pals Jameson Kergozou & Sarah Brimley, who, have been shortlisted from around 3700 entries to be exhibiting at the AOP gallery for the student awards 2010 in Shoreditch, East London. After booking my coach last minute, we embarked on the 4 hour journey. I hate coaches.

After a swift few in vice's pub, the old blues, we went along to show our faces. Myself and Jameson proceeded to find his and sarah's prints for a rather intricate inspection.

Hairs in the frame and the spelling incorrect aside, the print looked pretty well worth travelling for 4 hours. Im sure for Jameson & Sarah it was pretty amazing to see your print in a gallery hanging up.

Sarah's submission, a series for fashion.

Got pretty busy, its a shame the bar only had beers and the wine ran out pretty fast.

Then the awards ceremony started. The head of the AOP giving a very well organised speech. Written on the back of the shortlisted photographers.

Guess who came up trumps?

Congrats to Mr Kergozou! Jameson had been selected from around 3700 entries to be one of 5 selected for judges choice. Congratulations to him, well deserved. Hairs and mispelt names aside, the print looked great. The standard was really high, he was up against some really tough people in his category and the shortlist in general, so he should be proud.

So there it is....

Judges choice.

Well done Jameson, lets hope its the beginning of many.

Liam

Steezy Steve

2010-05-06T22:09:00.001+01:00

Dividing my time up between Bournemouth & London leaves not much room to just mess about with your pals. But two weekends back was an exception. Also gave me a chance to try out the new camera I had been blessed with. Canon G10 if your interested.

Went round chateaux de Payne avec Sakovich for a few bevs:

Decided it was time to get on the trampoline and time for Mitch to show off:

But Mitch didn't know about my steeez:

More showing off occurred......

Then we busted out some triggers.......

Feels nice to unwind for once and just be yourself, just chilling out in the sun with good friends and having some good clean fun.

Then in the evening it was nice to catch up with this lad, didn't want to take lots of photos, as I was pretty tipsy, not gonna lie

At the end of it all, Its back to reality, and back up to London, I have been doing the commute for the last 4 weeks, its pretty killer, racked up 800 miles, but its been worth it. The next blog will be about my work experience, which sadly ended today with me and the photographer getting all teary and dishing out the "man hugs". Bless.

also an interesting conversation with Sølve Sundsbø is here if you want to watch it, I found it quite enthralling and restored some faith in photography.

When I have a working memory card reader

2010-05-03T17:20:00.002+01:00

I will update my blog like theres no tomorrow, oh, if you do have a spare card reader for an SD card, then let me know.

also im kinda busy at the moment

being a businessman! hahah

L

" Easter Break? What easter break?"

2010-04-08T21:14:00.004+01:00

I have learnt so much in this short space of time. This is supposed to be two weeks of bliss, where I relax, put my feet up, and relax after a "hard" term at university.

This Easter has been nothing of the sort. Assisting a photographer in London, whilst sorting more experience, whilst also helping with a photographer in Brighton, has really pushed me. But pushed me in such a way that its good to find my boundaries ( If my classmates are reading, imagine the stress of technical workshops on the day before hand in, but doubled) and see how far I can go.

I like being busy, I don't like the early starts, but it seems i'm good friends with coffee, and always look forward to my first coffee when I get off the train to my local italian deli.

Today, I asked a photographer if he needed a hand with his work, and to my delight he said yes, which is fantastic! Tomorrow he's off to do a 16 page spread for Dazed & confused & Nike. Its been amazing to follow this job go from big, International Nike money, to european money, to "only a few thousand" In the words of himself. Its a large decision, he wants me to work for a minimum of 6 weeks, where I will learn everything I want, but its the commitment that gets to me.

Do I wanna work for this guy for 6 weeks? It seems so good. & he knows the director of the agency I want to work for, so if I did work for him, will I get to work for the agency I have been wanting to work for? decisions, decisions.

(Sloppy writing I know, but im shattered from the last two weeks, I hate computers/emails, and just want to relax.........)

L

And you're always busy

2010-04-03T13:23:00.004+01:00

Really busy
Busy, busy
Oh, hairdresser on fire
All around sloane square
And you're just so busy
Busy, busy
Busy scissors
Oh, hairdresser on fire
(only the other day)

Fresh from Brighton, I met an absolute chief yesterday, had a coffee on hove high street which was perfect, sun came out just in time too.

We pretty much took over this coffee shop with negatives & contact sheets, it was fantastic to see people having a little peep at what we were up to. And so many times we heard " I haven't seen contact sheets in years!" which is great, long live analogue is what I say.

A chap came and sat down next to us, who, incidentally, was a fashion photographer! and it was just amazing how this week has been such a " right place, right time" scenario, and things are going swimmingly at the moment. Apparently this 'tog in the coffee shop has assisted leibovitz and some other big names, and shot the old Vivienne Westwood campaigns and did the stills for such music videos as Duran duran & wham! Lucky fella.

I was also given this pretty green thinking envelope, with a task.... that seems pretty reasonable!

This week I have learnt to be a 'yes' man. Few days ago when I was on placement in London I had a conversation that went on the lines of:

Photographer: " Can you drive? "
Liam: " yeah"
Photographer: " how long have you had your licence for?"
Liam: " just over 3 years"
Photographer: " Great! Lets get you insured on my vespa!"

I have never ridden a moped in my life.

Although the thought of my on a little vespa whizzing round London conjures up a thought of Jamie Oliver when he was "the naked chef". Good times!

Happy easter!

L.

April First.

2010-04-01T18:03:00.004+01:00

Had a pretty good start to April. I've had an amazing week. I haven't been this busy since forever, so I like this pressure to deliver, and its going to be even more pressure tomorrow after a meeting thats been arranged in the lovely coastal town of Brighton.

Oh, and hello you......

It was inevitable that I purchased a medium format camera. A hassie is twice the price of what an SQ-A cost me, so I did the deed on this beauty, been under some guys bed for 4 years, looks perfect ( shout out to Mikko for the eye level prism).

After the good reception from the conservative club project, its only right that I carry it on with the Bronica. Ive been using Mr Lilliey's ETRS and I think he's fed up of me for the amount of times I used it ;) his blog is here.
You should check out his work, he's got some really cool images that are really captivating and most importantly, inspire me! check out his series of mediums, they are incredibly rich with depth, and some of the stories ive been told about them are pretty spellbinding.

I also thought it was time to get with the times, as i've been living in a bubble this week, also got the choice of something to read for the journey down to Brighton tomorrow.

Liam.

Welcome to the family.

2010-04-01T13:56:00.006+01:00

I want this for my Office or bedroom.

It belongs to Tom, a very talented and successful Fashion photographer, it stares me in the face from my desk.

I also want this one:

I'm in the process of trying to make my next house a home, and my office/bedroom to be even better than my current.

When im in London next week, I will be purchasing one of these beauties.

My friends are shortlisted for the aop student awards.

2010-03-27T13:39:00.004Z

© Jameson Kergozou

© Sarah Brimley

Brilliant news for my fellow course friends today. Sarah Brimley & Jameson Kergozou have been selected for the shortlist for the aop student awards!

To make it this far is such a good achievement, and I really hope great things come from it for both of these talented photographers, as I have learnt alot from these two, and they will go on to do brilliant things in the future. So watch out for them!

Jamesons Website & blog

Jamesons website

Jamesons blog

Sarahs website:

Here.

Congratulations guys, you deserve it.

Liam

Winton Conservative Club.

2010-03-23T17:34:00.007Z

“ No betting, unlawful gaming, drunkenness, bad language or disorderly conduct shall be permitted.”

I have spent about 30 hours so far on this project, and feel that why should I stop here? I've put so much time into this project that its just starting to blossom.

I don’t know where to start really. What a journey this has been for me. I have started off as a shy little boy, who couldn’t even begin to think how I will get access to a club that’s members only, but now I have a body of images, and have the confidence to go back there again and try other, more interesting/pushing projects.
It sounds very cliché, but if I didn’t go to New York, and meet Platon and Phil Toledano, I wouldn’t have even started this project. My peers not to give up, and the kind words Mitch and Dan say when they have assisted myself on numerous shoots have also spurred me on. I owe a lot to those two friends, as they helped calm my nerves and were a hand to hold when times got tough, which they certainly did at times.

I enjoyed throwing myself in at the deep end, and I really did take on board what the brief said, and push myself out of my comfort zone, and get beneath my subjects. I thought that the choice of brief was quite difficult, at the start my project could have been about portraits of conservative club members, but then in all honesty I don’t think 6 portraits would be good enough, it doesn’t show my journey, and what the club is about. I could have composed 6 people quite well, but I wanted to show people things that only my eyes have seen. Its really hard to gain access yet, once you have a way of getting in, such as with a member, then its fine.

Ill be honest I felt really uncomfortable at times, and it was only towards the end that I felt comfortable with going. I felt that once I got into a routine, I fitted in a lot better. Saying hello, getting a drink, asking how people were, asking them about the weather/news/conservative club really helped. At first, I was pretty much interviewing people, and I didn’t look too approachable in my suit, but then again I just didn’t know how to dress or do anything around these people.
My highlights include meeting lynsey, and getting a real insight into how members are. Lyndsey would introduce me to other members, and tell me who would be good or not to approach. As a lot of old people don’t like students, let alone photographers. So this was a huge advantage to myself. I also found out he has the same birthday as me, which I thought is why we got on so well.

Lowlights would probably include being rejected by certain members. They said it in such a way that was disgusting. I approached them really politely, but a small minority were incredibly rude towards me and looked down on myself like I was nothing. So I stayed clear of these members. Also I couldn’t really tell when a member would be joking or not. There were instances where I felt really intimidated, and I didn’t know what to say or do. So I just did nothing and reacted to what was in front of me. The last thing I would want is to be kicked out of the club that was my project.

This isn't the end.

Something to sink your teeth into

2010-03-21T22:49:00.001Z

While i crack on with my projects.

Coming soon!

Conservative club plus many many more treats......

Ikuru kuwajima

2010-03-07T16:40:00.008Z

I found Ikuru's photographic work on on manchester photographys blog which is here so take a look, this blog is something I always look at. Has some absolute treats on there that any photographer should look at

Ikura has some absolute cream on his website in terms of photo journalism, at the moment for my CAP I find him really inspirational, looking at his composition of his subjects, and how his subjects are in a way so varied. from the Cossac series

to this photograph of japanese horse racers, which was taken in '07. Im a big fan of photographs that un-intentionally look older, like my New York Photos. which are a few pages back ;)

just a collection I have gathered from his website, Which range from fisherman to people dependant on drugs. Im sure you will agree with me and say they convey some deep thoughts in the photographs, really captivating, and just fills me with juice for my conservative club project.

*** click on the photos and you will see a little description.

If your free and have twitter, or just fancy a gander, check out this group, they somehow found me and added me to there list of some pretty talented photographers, where they found me I do not know? Regards.

March 1st

2010-03-01T18:07:00.002Z

To do list this month:

PPRD
CAP
Digital Imaging
Work placements- Send off final emails

Also just came across this on Terry Richardson's blog, sounds really weird but it gets me nostalgic, right outside Platons studio just off canal street. Ah what a good day that was....

Highlight of the week

2010-02-23T17:18:00.004Z

Started a new project at university. I have chosen to photograph conservative clubs around Bournemouth. This has been a really tough assignment for myself, as I wasn't sure what it would entail. I went along with Mitch, and didn't have a clue what to expect. looking back on the shoot, it was something i'd love to carry on with, and I shouldn't give up, as I met some really interesting people who asked me to come back. They just want someone to talk to at the end of the day.

Im going to stick with it, after some words of advice from peers, and looking at what was achieved yesterday, it'll be worth it when I have a strong body of images to show.

New York

2010-02-13T15:37:00.015Z

What can I say?

Amazing week.

What I arrived on 7th avenue, it just sunk in that I was in NY, and in a sweet location. Bit of a palaver with the hotel, but I lucked out and got a double to myself, which was nice.

Highlight For me was probably meeting Platon, Incredible guy, and I've waited to meet him for a long time, due to him being on the same course as my art foundation tutor, which is very weird. I think he also gave us the best advice saying that we should be ok as photographers in the next few years, so who knows what will happen. I also found it amazing that he said to make the most of university, surround yourself with good people, get drunk, but work really hard. Back up your work or unique style, as you will be challenged, and you will come across people who will dismiss your outlook on your techniques.

"Learn from your favourite photographers, but find your own path and do something only you can do."

We also met Phil Toledano, who was a great character and really passionate and easy to talk to. he said that the stuff in your head really counts, and was also talking about one of my favourite users on twitter. Its a shame when I went to the strand bookstore his book was so tatty, I really wish I bought it now as its worth quite alot!

Although this trip wasn't as social as I made out, I got to know some really nice people, and some total douche-bags. I found out some really interesting opinions, and some things I really didn't want to know. I really do believe we have a really good class filled with passion and charisma, and hopefully Platons philosophy of going out to the pub and discussing photography does happen, as itll be a shame otherwise.

In terms of photography, I shot most of it on a simple fixed camera, purely because some parts of life can't be captured on an SLR, and i'm not a strong believer of putting a camera on "auto", id rather do the whole lot manually. I guess another plus of 35mm is I don't know how the photos will come out .

I didn't even take 100 digitally, and most are just copies getting the right exposure etc. Please give me some feedback, like Platon said:

" As soon as you see someone slipping in there creative ability tell them."

Highlight? Platon's talk

Lowlight? Hotel messing up our booking.

Best meal? Hard Rock Cafe.

Would I go back? Definitely.

Coming sooon......

2010-02-02T17:19:00.002Z

Just gotta write an essay, Go to New York, Sort out Some work experience and ill be back.

2010-01-22T15:53:00.004Z

Terry Richardson

I would write more about his work but im too busy at the moment with writing a silly essay.

so for the meantime ill leave you with this video, which actually makes alot of sense ( to you 4 people that actually follow me haha):

Christmas

2010-01-16T19:52:00.003Z

Evening. Sorry its a bit late. These are the scans from over the christmas period. Which look very christmas like indeed. I was hoping of getting some portraits of people, but that idea flopped! also the idea of shooting 10 rolls of slide film flopped. But then again, I have lots of film chilling in the fridge nicely for when I want to do get it done!

In all honesty, im not a fan of these photos. They aren't really my usual style, I'm sure ill appreciate them soon, the more I look at them the more I like them. So who knows.

Skate At Sunset - Alex Wein

2010-01-14T20:05:00.003Z

I came across these images from reading platform magazine. The images themselves are really gracious, as though they are showing a warmer side to skateboarding. I like how it shows some guy doing his thing, but its not really "skate boarding" and its more posing.

Nonetheless a good series, and a good photographer

Damien hirst.

2009-11-18T19:30:00.000Z

First.

I came across this video this week, thought it was quite good to get an insight into a Annie failovitz photoshoot, I also like the interesting look of Grace Coddington, I cant really believe she is employed by vogue, she reminds me of Elizabeth I.

Liam Ricketts

I moved

Blade Brown for VIBE

A page out of Revolvers book.

New project : Grime

New project : Grime

Featured: House Of Frasers website:

Featured: Lisa Pritchards blog.

.

New project prep

Mikko:

New Years resolutions:

Take more photos

Portfolio

Christmas

The do's & don'ts

Chris Burden: Metropolis II

Simon Roberts talk

Wolfgang Tillmans

This months reading:

Pieces of a song Exhibtion: Host

Sandbanks

Oops By Chris Beckenham

Keelan:

You know when a video just works?

Brighton Photo Fringe/ Biennial

Homemade Spacecraft

Last week of summer:

Disposable perspectives: Camera #37

Jane Stockdale's show at KK outlet: "I predict a riot"

This is England '86

Fenech-Soler's album artwork

Making Future Magic: iPad light painting

Robert Montgomery

Paul Wenham-Clarke wins Gold in 2010 AOP photographers awards.

3 Weeks...

Shortlisted for the first time.

Greetings from Berlin

The good old days.

Melt! Festival 2010. Good Stimmung!

Behind the scenes: Creative Review's illustration annual 2010

Recent

The daily Chessum

Website is now alive........

The best name for a figaro dealership:

The flag is everywhere

Super sampler

I've been carrying my Vivitar Ultra wide & slim about lately

Todd's Room

Enjoying the bank holiday in the countryside with my new mate

Jonny.

Boys ( +1 girl ) & their toys

From the archive

Pic of the day

Pic of the day

" Welcome to New Forest!"

AOP student awards in a nutshell

Archive

Steezy Steve

When I have a working memory card reader

" Easter Break? What easter break?"

And you're always busy

April First.

Welcome to the family.

My friends are shortlisted for the aop student awards.

Winton Conservative Club.

Something to sink your teeth into

Ikuru kuwajima

March 1st

Highlight of the week

New York

Coming sooon......

Christmas

Skate At Sunset - Alex Wein

Damien hirst.