Neil Turner: Chosen Photographer for Pastiche

From looking at the images by photographers using various lighting techniques, the photographer whose image interested me the most is Neil Turner. He is a UK based photographer who photographs a range of subjects, and also teaches occasionally in colleges and universities. Although, he has done a lot of other varied work. He uses a unique creative outlook on most of his images to provide a photo that is different in terms of lighting and perspective. I especially like some of his more posed portraits that come across as natural to the subject.The image that I like is the portrait of British Conservative Party politician and Member of Parliament, John Alan Redwood, which was taken in January 1994.


From: http://neilturnerphotographer.co.uk/2009/03/10/there-are-apparently-two-types-of-news-photographers/

The main reasons that this image caught my attention are the composition, the unconventional pose that John Redwood is making (considering he is an MP), and the dramatic lighting used. By using a black background, the effect of the split lighting technique is increased, accentuating the shadows on his features. The direction the light is coming from is the subjects left side, with the right side of his body thrown into shadow. Redwood's left side is highlighted in the harsh light due to his close proximity to the light source, as well as the angle to which he is facing it. The focus is sharp throughout the image, with a possible slight lack of focus on his extended finger. His facial expression is one of nonchalance and superiority, which intensifies the striking effect of the monochrome filter. Although half of the subjects body is in the frame, the viewers focus is centred on his face as this is the most illuminated area of the photograph, with lots of empty space to his right.

This photograph is the one I have chosen to emulate as part of my portraiture project. I may try a couple of others as well so that I have a variety of final images to choose from.