Stephen Calcutt

5 characteristics of Stephen Calcutt’s ‘Bus Stop’ Graffiti Photo Series:

  • all the photos are taken from a reflective surface
  • scratches on the frame
  • involves people as a subject
  • taken from the street: background complex
  • the focus of the image is not as sharp

This photo series created by Stephen Calcutt is taken in city streets instead of a photo booth. Every image in this collection captured subjects from a reflective surface with (possibly) deliberate scratches and tape rather than directly photoing the subjects themselves. The common subjects included in Calcutt’s work are people, architecture, and trees, making the background packed with things to look at. However, the camera of the image is intentionally blurred to leave out details, which balances with the choice of the complex background.

I choose Stephen Calcutt as my inspiration because of his choice of using a mirror (or a reflective surface) to photograph. Specifically for the scratches, I like how it is purposely combined as a part of the piece to create a ‘damaged’ feeling.

I chose this image in particular because the scratches in the frame fit in smoothly with the figure and background compared to other images in this collection. I found it surprising how, although the image is really out of focus, I can still picture the original detail of the photo and get a sense of walking through a city. Moreover, I think the most important Formal Element in this photograph is focus; the photographer intentionally lowers the sharpness of the work to leave out unnecessary details. This works well with the busy background, city street, where the image is taken, adds layers to the image, and creates a solid visual effect. It is considered an abstract photograph because it captures a moment in time from a unique perspective and deliberately breaks some photography rules. Finally, as mentioned before, I love the use of reflection and scratches in this work. I wish to use this idea in my photography by photographing people with nature in a broken glass or mirror.

 

Revised plan:

“Reflection”

In this collection, I want my audience to reflect on the relationship between nature and human society. In modern days, fewer people are spending time with the natural world (turning to technology) or showing care for it. I want my audience to feel a broken connection between nature: plants, flowers, and sky; the photograph should give the audience a soft, delicate, and blurry feeling. My inspiration comes from Stephen Calcutt and photographs that use natural elements and combine humans with other objects in their work. At last, I aim to display a connection between the natural world and human beings–overuse of technology, human-made destruction in nature, etc–it should raise awareness and make people reflect upon it.