Category: Photography
#StreetStylePolaroids – LFWM AW18
I missed the simple joys of shooting with a Polaroid in life. My family never had a Polaroid camera so I never got the childhood thrill. I did however get myself a FujiFilm Instax camera a few years back and that was a treat. There’s something strangely calming about shooting with instant film.
A few seasons ago, you may remember that I decided to shoot street style photography using only an Instax camera. I wanted to get a real rawness to the images and get photographs that were different to what all the other photographers were doing, a fresh perspective on the season.
I shot a mixture of famous faces and cool looking people heading from show to show and I even documented London Fashion Week for Atlas Magazine one season with my handy FujiFilm camera.
Last year I finally bit the bullet and purchased my very first Polaroid camera. Originally, my intentions were to buy the new OneStep 2 i-Type camera – a modern take on an old classic. However, me being me, I decided to buy the Taz Cam, a 1999 special addition camera in collaboration with Looney Tunes.
And of course, I bought some coloured framed film to go with it, because if you’ve got the world’s gaudiest Polaroid camera, sophistication and minimalism certainly isn’t something you think about.
Photography: Harry J Bartlett // David Beckham
Photography: Harry J Bartlett // Richard Biedul
Photography: Harry J Bartlett // Deano Bugatti
Photography: Harry J Bartlett // Munroe Bergdorf
Photography: Harry J Bartlett // Dylan Hartigan
Photography: Harry J Bartlett // Toby Huntington-Whiteley
Photography: Harry J Bartlett // Angelo Mitakos
Photography: Harry J Bartlett // Lennon Gallagher and co. at the Belstaff presentation
Photography: Harry J Bartlett // Robert J Railton
Yes, it was some what of an expensive season of street style for me which is why I only documented a brief bunch of people, however, I had fun and I managed to meet some rather interesting folks. I hope you enjoyed them and who knows, maybe I’ll shoot some more polaroids in the not-so-distant future.
Let me know if you enjoyed the polaroids, if so, I will definitely start taking more. (I just wish they were cheaper!)
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BIG SHOP by Harry J Bartlett
BIG SHOP was a editorial shot in my final year at Falmouth University. I was inspired by Roisin Murphy’s ‘Overpowered‘ album artwork and music videos which feature the singer wearing an eclectic mix of high fashion attire.
I wanted to mix the mundanity of a weekly shop and general routines and outings with the eccentricity of wearing unique fashions.
It was important for my models to not appear to be particularly confident or braggadocious, the clothing was the feature of my shoot but not the narrative. I wanted my models to look like women going about their everyday business in a variety of drab locations.
The garments used were created by 3rd year Fashion Design + Performance Sportswear Design students from Falmouth University.
Photography & Styling: Harry J Bartlett
Models: Cleo Lim & Emma Hughes (with thanks to my child model Baylin)
Assistants: Leo, Damien, Jacob, Ashely, Sophie
Designers: Sophie Molyneux, Millie Melbourne, Jacob Stevens, Ashley Piggott, Jessika Winstanley
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Backstage @ Kingston MA Graduate Fashion Show 2015
I had the pleasure of working backstage as a dresser for the male models at the Kingston MA Graduate Fashion Show at the Vinyl Factory in London and while I was there I managed to sneak in a few backstage snaps of the AMCK models.
It was a treat to work with such a great team and a fun bunch of sassy gentlemen. The day consisted of a lot of running around, stress, laughter and panic… Oh and alcohol, yeah, lots and lots of alcohol!
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A-Level Photography students study Harry J Bartlett’s GLITCH portraits
I was pleasantly surprised to find that my friend spotted a video on YouTube where an A-Level photography class had used my “GLITCH” editorial as an artist of reference for a unit of work based on distortion.
George Robinson-White, teacher of Art & Photography at TAHS introduced the students to my work and me as a contemporary artist, looking at my unique take on photographic portraiture.
The students analysed my work and were asked to create their own interpretation of my glitch portraits as well as using me as a contemporary artist reference for their A-Level essays.
I’m flattered to know that my work is being shown to a new generation of potential photographers and artists. I didn’t expect my glitch series to be something students would study as part of an A-Level project or even to be referring to me as an artist.
Laura Moran x Harry J Bartlett
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‘牛仔褲 / JEANS’ by Harry J Bartlett
It’s been an incredibly hectic little adventure since I last posted on the blog. For those who were unaware, I had been working in China for 3 months and have only been back in the UK just short of 2 weeks so its the first chance I’ve had to update the blog post-China and London Collections: Men.
So I was working at DeTao Masters Academy (a creative university in Shanghai where the course leaders are predominantly western creatives who are experts/masters in their fields). I worked for Studio Gottelier’s Advanced Fashion Design program to set up a social media platform for the course which could be accessible both in China and for an international audience.
One of the biggest burdens I had was China’s strict internet policies and the fact that nearly ever western social media platform we use everyday is banned; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, WordPress and Google are all banned. Yep, even Google, that proved to be a bit of a challenge when trying to access my emails. But alas, I survived!
Anyway, back to the main relevance of the blog post. One of my main tasks while working at DeTao was to photograph projects and escapades that happened throughout my time in China. I was allowed full creative freedom with this shoot for the student’s Jeans project.
After selecting a mixture of jeans and giving the students a pep talk on styling and my vision, we got to work and got the shoot done. I wanted to give each students jeans their very own character and personality to try and teach them about creative styling and story telling through photography which they later used for their 1st year Fashion Show. Once we had printed the images, I decided to collage some of the photographs to give them a “DIY” feel, so with the help of some of my assistants, we performed our final edits and the images below are the results we got.
Photography & Stylist: Harry J Bartlett
Model: Minnie
Assistants: Arean, Tina, August, Iris
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Oliver Greenall x Harry J Bartlett
I had the absolute pleasure of catching up with Oliver Greenall. After seeing his (incredibly unique) face in various ad campaigns and runway shows, I knew I needed to photograph him at some point. I was drawn to the shaggy hair, hammerhead shark eyes (his words) and his Mick Jagger attitude in photographs.
After talking with a few friends, I figured it would be more exciting to dress Oliver up to get some variety in the shots and so we headed down to meet the gang at Thomas Farthing. What started off as a few street style shots soon turned into a mini editorial using a variation of props and a copious amount of beautiful gentlemen’s attire.
Once we had finished the shoot (which was already starting to turn a few heads), we unchained the large penny farthing and wheeled it down towards The Old Crown Pub (over the road from the Old Sorting Office where Oliver Spencer was getting ready to show) and had a nice pint which followed with a lot of photos and me taking Oliver to watch his first ever runway show.
Interview with Oliver Greenall
You normally walk in shows at LC:M, what was it like watching your first fashion show?
It was actually quite bizarre. The show seemed to last a lot longer. When you’re walking in the show everyone is in a state of mild panic as you’re having to change as quickly as possible and something usually goes slightly wrong whether it be a case of missing shoes or even a whole outfit.
What has been the most bizarre modelling job you have done?
I did a shoot for Essential Homme in Berlin which was pretty weird. We started shooting at six in the evening and didn’t finish until 3.00am. I was naked under an open coat at about two in the morning when a random pair of Canadians wandered into the studio with a bottle of wine and asked if they could watch. That was a bizarre moment.
If you could be the face of any brand, who would it be and why?
I like a nice suit so it would be cool to be the face of a brand like Dolce & Gabbana or Dior. And I know everyone mentions it but it would be nice to be the face of Burberry too. Could I just be the face of every brand while I’m at it?
How would you describe your personal style?
I’d say it’s quite rocky (as in musically, not geologically). I love a good hat. I’ve had long hair since I was about ten years old so hats help to mix things up a bit. Long hair can get really tedious after a while…
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
I’d still like to be alive. That would be a good start. I’d like to have written and directed at least one feature film by then. Orson Welles was only 25 when he wrote, produced, directed and starred in Citizen Kane. I’ve got five years to make my equivalent of what many people consider to be the greatest film ever made. I’d say that’s a fairly good challenge.
A huge thank you to the guys of Thomas Farthing for support with the shoot, use of clothing and of course, letting me sit on the penny farthing.
I strongly suggest you have a look at the Thomas Farthing website, you will find some absolute treasures, and if you’re in London, definitely go have a look in the shop (you can’t miss the giant penny farthing)!
Photography: Harry J Bartlett
Model: Oliver Greenall
Assistants: Robert J. Railton, Oli Chiswell and the Thomas Farthing team.
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Jake Hold x Harry J Bartlett
It was an absolute pleasure to meet up with the ever charming and handsome #KingOfTheGingers (aka Jake Hold) at London Collections: Men before he jetted off to Milan. I have followed Jake’s modelling career for a while now so it was great to be able to go for a pint and have a moment of calm during the very busy week. After talking about Jake’s tattoos, I felt there had to be a shot where I could capture them… This of course means getting the boy naked in the toilets of the pub.
When did you coin the phrase #KingOfTheGingers?
I made the name ‘kingofthegingers’ up just over a year ago now as a bit of fun and it seems to have caught on.
What has been your favourite runway collection to walk in?
I’d have to say Vivienne Westwood hands down every season. Vivienne and Andrea are always so creative and fun which I love as I’m also a creative individual. When we try the looks at the fittings they always ask my opinion, taking into account my own style. I find this nice as it makes it more personal, making me feel a part of the brand and less of a mannequin.
If you could be the face of any ad campaign, what would it be and why?
I’d really like to shoot for Diesel (let’s make it happen?) I think I fit their aesthetic really well. I do dress smart at times but those who know me know that I’m a rebel and a rogue through and through.
Out of your many tattoos, which one means the most to you?
Although I’ve had tattoos for particular reasons, I don’t necessarily treat them as deep and meaningful. I just prefer to enjoy them aesthetically as a whole. At present, I really love my more recent Leonardo da Vinci back-piece. It is a large work in progress but I like it looking unfinished as you never know how it will turn out. It tells a nice visual story to the viewer.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
In ten years’ time I see myself looking happy and content with life. A mind full of wisdom and knowledge from my travels. A head full of crazy memories with friends. Nice moments with family. A heart full of love. Mistakes learnt from and head held high looking to an even brighter future.
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#StreetStylePolaroids – The Best Of The Rest @ London Collections: Men AW15
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#StreetStylePolaroids Famous Faces @ London Collections: Men AW15
After shooting Street Style on polaroids at the last London Fashion Week, I thought it would be a fun idea to capture some of the magical men of LC:M. Here a just a few of the recognisable characters I saw on my escapades.
Darren Kennedy
David Gandy
Dermot O’Leary
Douglas Booth
Dylan Hartigan
Nathan Stewart-Jarrett
Oliver Cheshire
Oliver Proudlock
Paloma Faith
Will Young
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Topman Design AW15 @ London Collections: Men
After a brilliant pre-LCM show from Joshua Kane Bespoke (and an after party to match) it was time start London Collections: Men in proper fashion. I threw on my bright red Moschino sweater and a large hat to try and disguise my raging hangover and we were off!
First show of the season was Topman Design and what a bloody show to begin with. I was in pure ecstasy watching endless amounts of tall, young skinny creatures adorning large tartan suits and big oversized fur coats. It was a bizarre nostalgia trip with models sporting what looked like bowling shoes, western shirts, boiler suits and a whole lot of attitude while the video screen played some sort of acid trip not too dissimilar to The Beatles’ more “experimental” days. The video beautifully transitioned into different colours and shapes which complimented (or dare I say clashed) with the collection nicely. It was perfection watching Topman boldly and brashly capture a spectrum of cult clothing and key trends of yesteryear, from the punk movement to the mod scene and with teddy boy fit coats and all the charm of Marlon Brando in the film The Wild One. And Oh The music! With the song Crazy Horses being blasted out with such ferocity it was clear to see why everyone was bobbing there heads and tapping their feet and thinking about ‘the good old days’ of the seventies.
You can find my other mini reviews from London Collections: Men on the Atlas Magazine website.
The Norm Can Conform 