Movie inspired shoots
Cinematic visual imagery closely resembles my photography style. When movies and TV shows are the primary sources of inspiration, David feels the most immersed and connected to the project, heightening his excitement for visual photography.
Here are some of David's favourite film-like projects that best illustrate my motifs.
FALLEN ANGELS
WONG KAR - WAI (1995)
January 25 2023
This end-of-year show tells the story of David's journey from the darkest and loneliest moments of his life during the pandemic to the happiness and freeing relief he experienced once it was over. He realised the importance of not taking everyday moments for granted; after feeling trapped indoors for so long, the ability to escape and live again felt incredible.
David was heavily inspired by the iconic scene featuring the two leads on a motorbike in Wong Kar-wai's "Fallen Angels" (1995). He aimed to channel the negative and dark emotions from the pandemic into something creative. In that memorable scene, cinematographer Christopher Doyle shot in an underground, gritty tunnel, which inspired David to choose a similar location. The tunnel provided an intentional feeling of being trapped, reflecting the lockdown experience.
Additionally, David incorporated the personal, ultra-wide-angle perspective seen in the film into his work. This approach heightened the discomfort and emphasised the uncertainty that characterised everyone’s lives during COVID-19. The green and dark khaki colour scheme in this scene also informed the editing process, evoking a darker, more ominous tone that complemented the mood of lockdown.
Location
Greenwich Foot Tunnel, London
I've worked with Yhongyu a few times before, but this was the first time we did something based on a movie and something that was also personal to me.
BLADERUNNER
AUGUST 17 2023
Location
Gravitax, Liverpool
This marked my first photoshoot with my friend Catherine outside of London, and it was an exhilarating experience. David chose Liverpool as the location, and as a passionate Liverpool football fan, he embraced the opportunity to shoot in this vibrant city for his inaugural project away from London.
In the photos above, David skillfully aimed to capture movement and express his unique style. He utilised techniques such as fast motion blur, slow shutter speed, and shutter drag. This latter technique involves intentionally moving the camera using flash in low-light conditions, resulting in striking images that convey a sense of velocity and dynamism.
David drew powerful inspiration from the sci-fi elements of iconic films like "The Matrix" and "Blade Runner 2049." These movies profoundly shaped his motifs and artistic direction, fueling his creative vision.
These were from separate shoots and locations but from the same model I’ve worked with twice thus far. We also did a Bladerunner-style and Peaky Blinders-style photoshoot together in 2023.
PEAKY BLINDERS
OCTOBER 26 2023
Location Wapping, London
Before the shoot, I used quotes from the movies as a source of inspiration, and I would add quotations from Peaky Blinders, as shown below. Also, swapping was perfect for the location, as it hasn’t changed since the 1800s. It had that authentic history I was after.
MIDNIGHT MEAT TRAIn (2014)
24th FEBRUARY 2024
Location
Bakerloo Line, London
I did two films with Irina, with two different films, but the main shoot was from the Midnight Meat Train movie above.
MATRIX (1999)
february 24
Location
Bermondsey Station, London
Irina - @irinaholidays