Creative Islington

Check my profile at Creative Islington

How does it feel to be the subject of my own project?

I’ve put myself in my neighbours’ shoes earlier today when I became the subject of my own project and was photographed by two of my neighbours.

David and Olalla, the first neighbours I photographed for this project back in January, asked me whether someone would take photographs of myself in my flat and offered to take the photos. As this was always meant to be a participatory project in which my neighbours became protagonists rather than subjects I took this chance and had myself on the other side of the camera.

Interestingly, at the beginning I felt uncomfortable and anxious. I didn’t know what to do, what to expect, how to react. I actually wanted it to be over soon! Giving up power was an interesting experience and a great way to learn how it feels to have someone you do not know well taking your own picture. Photography is intimate and requires trust and confidence between photographer and subject/protagonist. It was valid to put myself in my subject’s shoes and I might from now on do that before I start any project just to make sure I empathise and understand better the ones I photograph.

I appreciate now more than ever how amazing those that took part in this project are!

How did you like taking part of the Highbury Stadium Square Photography Project?

It's been 3 months since I posted the letters onto my neighbors mailboxes and it's been a pleasure to photograph them.

For those of you who took part, how has it been so far? Did you enjoy the photo shoot? Post your comments here.

I've been busy photographing other flats (already 25!) and you will be able to see the final edition of photos around June/July.

There is still time if you haven't contacted me yet. Just give me a call or drop me a line if you are interested in taking part.

How does it feel to be taught in Magnum’s print room?

A weekend full of interesting people: art directors, editors and other photographers and uncomfortable chairs. Overall it as very good to attend the Magnum Photos Professional Practice course and discuss with my peers what is going on in the photography, journalism and arts world.

Taking photos for Amnesty International – campaign on corporate accountability

I always enjoy taking photos for Amnesty as it helps to bring change to stop human rights abuses. This time I photographed human rights activists in front of Vedanta headquarters in London. Vedanta’s planned mining operations threaten the human rights of indigenous communities in the Indian state of Orissa.

Learn more about Amnesty campaign and check my photos on Amnesty’s website.

Highbury Stadium Square Project

As part of my Post-Graduate at St. Martins College I am photographing my neighbours who live at Highbury Stadium Square using a mix of visual and written language.

It's been an amazing experience to meet my neighbours, photograph and film them, observe the difference amongst flats at Highbury Stadium Square. I feel more at home now that I met you.

Thank you very much for those of you who decided to take part at this project.

There is still time if you haven't contacted me yet. Just give me a call or drop me a line if you are interested.

If you would like to suggest any ideas for this project, please post them here.

Self-portrait with my family

On Christmas Eve I experimented taking self-portraits with my family. I guess my parents and husband make good, funny models and we had a good time taking dozens of shots using my new tripod.

Learning from the Masters

In the past few months I have attended lots of lectures and talks of photographers, which made my eyes shine and inspired me. But beyond ideas, I also learnt more about the type of photographer I am.

When listening to Tom Stoddard, a well-known English photojournalist, I realized how important it is for me (and not so much for him) to have a relationship with the subject photographed well beyond the fact that a photographer is there to pass a message. I felt reluctant after his lecture and it was only when I met Jenny Matthews, an amazing and poetic photographer that I found comfort that shoots in war and conflict zones can be done with sensitivity, dignity and respect. And that’s the type of photographer I am – I am not only a messenger, but I see photography as a way for change.

Listening to Simon Roberts is always a pleasure. I like the way he works with his family. For the “We English” project his wife and daughter traveled with him around England in a motor-home. Also he is someone who has a background other than photography (geography) and I identify with that. I feel I have something else to say beyond photography techniques. I want to use my background on development and human rights in my photos.

When Christopher Anderson, an intriguing Magnum photographer, talked about the beginning of his career it reminded me about the child inside me. Photography can be a passport to the world and an interesting way to interact with people in a world where face-to-face interactions are less and less common.

Listening to Martin Parr at the BJP’s annual London event, was to say the least a lot of fun. His style is so particular that the photos and his persona merge and it was amazing to spend 2 hours looking at his photos and listening to his irony, obsession and critical style. Fabulous!

Eugene Richards, another great master, makes so penetrating images that I can easily close my eyes now and remember in most detail the prisoner crying, the people in the Mexican hospice or the Iraq war ex-soldiers. His mix of video, interview and photography is powerful and his images stay with you.

Insights Workshop

Yesterday I assisted in the delivery of a one-day photography workshop for 18 young people as part of Insights. The aim of this programme, which is a partnership between Camden Arts Centre and Central St. Martins, is to support young people to make informed choices about their interest in studying art. The workshop went very well and the students learnt a lot through the pinhole and light-painting exercises. It was hands-on and enjoyable: both for students and tutors. I particularly enjoy teaching and working with young people.

Paris Photo 2009

Au milieu de milliers de photographes géniaux, ceux qui m’ont captivé étaient : Les Femmes du Maroc par Lalla Essaydi ; Portraits de travailleurs par Philippe Chancel, Auto-portrait avec la famille par Tatsumi Orimoto et par Julie Mack. Les photographes que j’ai découvert sont Karikm Kakebeeke et Scarlett Coten.

Après 7 heures de visite d’exposition et de galleries, nous sommes partis nous ballader le long des Champs Elysées et avons gravit les marches jusqu’à la cîme de la Tour Effeil. Dimanche nous nous sommes promenés le long de la Seine et nous sommes offert le plaisir des Impressioniste au Musée d’Orsay. Un weekend fabuleux et ma tête est pleine d’idées…

© Simone Novotny