The images, opinions and occasional ravings of a photographer and PHD Candidate.
I would like to talk to you, about a journey I made recently. But that journey had a purpose, and so I should really talk about that as well. And so if I begin with the journey before I discuss the destination, then we’d be left with a fascinating narrative, but perhaps not a lot … Continue reading A journey toward … something.
I’ve written a great deal about photography as an art form, and about its place when everyone carries a camera. A few years back I presented a conference paper, in which I argued that there’s always a role for the dedicated photographer. My argument was that the best image comes from the engaged observer – … Continue reading Blue ocean, black and white film : When photography becomes incidental.
As I might have mentioned, in September of last year I took a withdrawal from my PHD studies in order to take on a lecturing role within the same department. For the last few months it’s been “Alex Gilbey MA, Lecturer In Fine Art”. Which is a little alarming. It’s been rewarding, it’s been interesting, … Continue reading The Camera Obscura – Lockdown Teaching, Light Painting And The Thrill Of Ancient Technology.
Like a lot of people just lately, I've had copious amounts of time to focus on my hobbies. I'll elaborate. I'm the guy who pitched a PHD concentrating on photography of the theatre, the seaside, large public gatherings and the interaction of people over the last century. Then the seaside was locked down, public gatherings … Continue reading Photography In The Time Of Coronavirus – Or Why I Haven’t Taken A Decent Picture In Months.
Everyone has their favourite saying about what it takes to be a successful artist. They talk about work, grit, determination, talent, self-promotion, persistence and a host of other things. What only some of them will admit is that a massive amount of success is down to an intangible factor. Call it fate, ju-ju, something written … Continue reading Places and Times -Why your artwork probably won’t be succesful.
There’s an interesting assortment of reactions and gut instinct that kick in as we get toward exhibition time (2 weeks away and change). First there’s the collision of art with reality. Being a photographer (read alchemist) my work occupies a nether world of megabytes and 35mm film until I perform the rituals to turn it … Continue reading Exhibitions And The Fine Art Of Curation Anxiety.
If you’ve read my last entry - and if you haven’t, then please do - you’ll know that I recently decamped from the provinces to dear old Mother London for a week’s worth of culture and immersion in the photographic arts. It’s something I’ve wanted to do ever since I discovered that one of my … Continue reading Meeting Your Heroes – Photo Exhibitions
I’ve written about street photography before - about my photographic first love, the times we’ve had together and the stars and city lights under which I’ve carried it on. The charm of it is simple. While you might go to a football match to take sports pictures, or to a a studio to take portraits, … Continue reading Street Photography Is The Poor Man’s Psychotherapy.
The people I most admire - both in my personal life, and of the people whose life stories I’ve come across - are the ones who fit the term renaissance man. People who’ve applied themselves to many things and gotten good at them, or who while known mostly for one thing did not let … Continue reading Broaden Your Portfolio – Academia, Work / Life and being a Jack Of All Trades in a specialist age.
If you’ve read some of my more recent posts, you’ll have read about my sports photography. Well, this Sunday I took my last sport shots for the foreseeable future. Since October of last year, on a more or less weekly basis, I’ve headed down the hill from the University’s main campus and through the gates … Continue reading Bittersweet Art – Closing Out A Photo Project.
Photos By Alex 