Martin Parr

Background informationMartin Parr (58) was born in Epson, Surrey. Parr is a British documentary

photographer who is well-known for the unique perspectives within his images. His photos specialise in modern society specifically consumerism, foreign travel, and tourism. Parr wanted to be a photographer from the early age of 14, having an grandfather who was an amateur photographer was an early influence. He studied photography at Manchester Polytechnic university for 3 years and began work as a professional photographer in the mid-70s. Martin was first recognised for his black and white photography in the north of England such as Bad Weather (1982) and A Fair Day (1984), in 1984 he switched to colour photography. Since 1994 Martin Parr has been a member of magnum photos (international photographic cooperative).

At first glance his photos appear a little bizarre as the perspectives and subject matters are strange. Parr is well-known for the motifs and brassy colours that are consistent throughout his work. His images are in the form of propaganda and this approach is interesting and entertaining. Martin Parr has been studying leisure, consumption and communication for some years on his travels in attempt to help the future understand cultural peculiarities.

Saatchi Gallery 2003

I think the colours in this photo are really effective and dynamic. At first glance the image looks black and white but we can see that the photo is really a coloured image. The focal point is the flower on the lady’s head, under normal circumstances this would not be the case. In effect the flower is a colour splash that stands out and really makes the image effective. The photo follows the rule of thirds and simplicity. In my opinion the meaning of this photograph is the eye-contact between the portrait and the person. The serial killer is being focused on and looks dark compared to the person with the bright hair. I like this picture because it reminds me of pop art and the use of focal point is very interesting.

MY IMAGEI think this image is in the style of Martin Parr’s work as the perspective is peculiar and the colour is quite brassy. I think this photo symbolizes that money is worthless as the paper is blurred and the less valued quantity of money is the main focus point. I this this is effective as the rule of thirds, simplicity and perspective are demonstrated in this photo

Mexico City2003

This photo demonstrates the rules of simplicity and balance; this works really well, as the main subject/foreground interest is brightly coloured and the background is a silhouette. I think the use of colours have made the photograph really interesting as it looks like layers within the picture. I think the meaning in this photo is that the foreground interest (cigarettes) are more important than anything else. I think the silhouette is really effective and acts as a frame; I like it because it is dynamic and interesting.

MY IMAGE Some of Parr’s work was centred on the theme consumption so I have used this theme in my photograph to illustrate the foreground interest and simplicity. I think this photo demonstrates Martin’s quirky style as I have used a Pot Noodle as my main subject.

Sun bathing 1992I really like this photo because of the unusual perspective . I think the colours make the photo look dynamic because they are so vibrant and remind you of the seaside. The three people make a pattern and also a leading line to the sea and the clouds in the background demonstrate the rule of simplicity. I believe the meaning of this photo is pure relaxation and pleasure of peace and quiet. I love the colours in this photo and the tranquillity it expresses however, I think there is too much open space.

MY IMAGEThis photo mimics the style of Martin Parr as the focal point is in the foreground and the background is blurred. I like this image because it looks interesting; there are other things going on in the picture but you are instantly drawn to the cat in the foreground.

New Brighton 1985

The colours in this photo are really brassy which add to the vintage effect. This is one of my favourite photos as it shows just a typical couple waiting in a typical café, but the way in which the photo has been taken makes the image really effective and interesting. There is a good balance between light and dark and people, there are leading lines which lead you to the main subject and the background is simple, this makes the foreground interest clearer. I think that this photo shows that there is extraordinary out of the ordinary.

MY

IMAGE

This image demonstrates the rule of simplicity and balance. This photo mimics the style of Martin Parr as in the New Brighton picture there is a couple the style is quite odd and interesting. I think to improve this picture the colour needs to be adjusted.

Sun bathing 1985

This is my favourite photo of the five I have selected because it is the most unusual as a woman is sunbathing next to a bulldozer. I really love the contrast between the brassy colours and the bright blue bucket and the pink costume the girl is wearing. I think this photo is making a statement and saying that you don’t need a beach to sunbath. This image demonstrates the rule of thirds and framing; the fence and the back of the vehicle frames the people.

MY IMAGE

This photograph mimics Martin Parr’s work as the perspective and aspects of it are quite interesting. In this photo the two pound coin is the focal point and seems to be watching over the person. Because the perspective is unusual the coin looks bigger than in reality and a surrealism is created, in the same way that Parr creates surrealism. This picture demonstrates simplicity and framing.