Street Style photography is a fast emerging and much recognised popular mode of photojournalism in the fashion media, documenting ‘real’ people in the street and the individual ways people interpret fashion and culture.
Leading the way are world renowned street style blogs such as ‘The Sartorialist’ by Scott Schuman and ‘Advanced Style’ from Ari Seth Cohen. Here in Bournemouth, second year BA (Hons) Multi-Media Journalism student Joseph Kent, 20, is capturing the growing fashion scene through his own camera lens.
Originally from Woking in Surrey, Joseph’s widely read blog ‘Unlimited by JK’ is both documenting and celebrating the eclectic style here on our streets. He spoke to us about his blog, fashion finds and photographic plans for the future....
Please tell us about yourself and how you started out in street photography
I have had an interest in fashion since I was about 15, but I didn't want to set up a blog until I came to Bournemouth. My journalism course is very news-focused, so I created Unlimited by JK as a means to direct my career towards fashion journalism. I began using only a Sony Cybershot digital camera, but eventually bought a Sony Alpha DSLR camera and gained confidence the more I used it. I blog about all sorts, not just street style – catwalk, costume, vintage, London Fashion Week, and also my own personal style. However, my street style photos in particular have been published by Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair, Brief Magazine, and even the New York Times website.
What sort of things do you look for when you are scouting for people to photograph?
That's tricky to answer. I don't exactly look out for anything particularly, but if someone's outfit catches my eye, I assess them and decide if I want to take their photo. It could be anything which grabs my attention – layering, cool accessories, bright colours, etc. I do, however, like people who dress smart but snazzy.
Are you inspired by the work of any famous street style photographers or bloggers – if so who? And why?
I was inspired to set up my fashion blog after following ‘The Sartorialist’ street style blog for more than a year. I follow it still. Scott Schuman has such an eye for detail and captures street style around the world from the simplest fashions to the most extravagant. I'd love to one day be as renowned as he is.
How do you go about approaching people and asking them to pose for you in the street?
With courage! Despite doing this for a while, I am still a little shy. I generally ask out straight: “Excuse me, would it be okay to take a photo of you for my fashion blog?” Politely, of course. Most people say yes, albeit they are slightly startled or surprised. It is easier, however, to approach people my own age.
Do you have an all time favourite photo of street style you have captured?
I think it would have to be when I photographed The Noisettes at London Fashion Week. I didn't know they were The Noisettes at the time (a friend pointed that out later!), but I was just amazed by Shingai's pink pom-pom dress, and I had to photograph her. Twinks, who I snapped in Pokesdown, with her sparkly jacket and ice-cream cone earrings would come a close second.
Why do you think there had been an explosion of ‘street style’ photography in recent years?
The fashion industry realised, I think, that the greatest source of fashion inspiration is the customers – the people who buy the clothes and wear them according to their own style. Magazines can only do so much in steering us in the right direction, but I believe no photo shoot can outmatch the occasionally quirky and fabulous fashions put together by ordinary people going about their lives. It's more natural, I suppose.
Does vintage clothing tend to feature heavily in street styles that catch your eye, or is it a total mixture?
I would say I have come to love vintage fashions over the past several months. Vintage-esque styles certainly grab my attention more than modern styles, I must admit. They tend to be smarter with a dash of pizzazz. But I do enjoy a mix of vintage, high street and designer clothing. I go for whatever my lens is attracted to.
See more street style photography and read Joseph’s blog at www.ulimitedbyjk.com or follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
Images copyright to Joseph Kent.
Want to showcase your style? Send us your street style snapshots to editor@bournemouthvintage.com or upload them straight to our Bournemouth Vintage flickr group.
Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 3:24PM 