Oliver Ruddock Photography
Projects
NTU Fashion Catwalk
As a photographer, I was thrilled to be approached by a group of fashion students who were putting on a catwalk show featuring their designs for a recycled clothing project. From the outset, I knew that this was going to be a unique and exciting project to work on. One of the key challenges I faced was capturing the essence of the designers' vision while also showcasing the recycled materials used in each piece. This required a delicate balance of creative vision and technical skill. I knew that I needed to pay attention to the details, highlighting the textures and patterns of the recycled materials, to really capture the beauty of these unique designs. In order to achieve this, I worked closely with the event organizers to plan the shoot, making sure that I had the right equipment and the best vantage points from which to capture the event. I also paid close attention to the lighting, ensuring that I could bring out the richness and depth of color in the fabrics.
Current project
Neuro-architecture is a relatively new term among modern society. It depicts, as described in; The embodiment of Architectural Experience, “an emerging field that combines neuroscience, environmental psychology, and architecture to focus on human brain dynamics” (Wang et al. 2022). This has been the basses of my work, as I show the relation and importance the built environment has on the brain and body through the medium of photography. My work consists of comparative examples and images symbolising the connection and effects environments have on emotions and overall health.
The Art of Lighting like Hollywood
I love making my own light and adapting the surroundings to how I like it and how I want it. The angles of light shining on a face can change a picture completely, not only physically but emotionally, so I love showing that and developing it into something new and improved. Photographers I gather inspiration from all use very dark lighting and love the sharpness and angles on the face, you can see reflected in their work. One of my biggest inspirations was CS Bull and in particular when he worked with Greta Garbo. He loved to capture the emotion and beauty of anyone he is photographing. In this picture I replicated of CS Bull’s photo of Greta Garbo. I tried to capture that darkness and mood of the photograph, as they say a picture can speak a thousand words. I tried to get the shadows from the hand and positioned it in the same sort of way. For me, the eyes are a key component of an image because they hold so much emotion and are often the focal point. I chose my model very carefully because Greta Garbo had a very strong jawline and sharp eyebrows, so I needed someone who also had those features. Having watched the BBC television programme “Shooting the Hollywood Stars” where Rankin recreated this same image of Garbo I realised that I had managed to capture very similar lighting at school that Rankin used and before him CS Bull.
Recycled Threads
I recently worked on a photography project titled "Recycled Threads" that involved taking photos of people on the street and asking them about their clothing habits. Specifically, I asked each person what percentage of their clothes were made from recycled materials. As a photographer, this project was a powerful reminder of the impact that our fashion choices can have on the environment. With fast fashion and disposable clothing becoming increasingly prevalent in our society, it's all too easy to forget about the long-term consequences of our consumption habits. Yet as I spoke with people from all walks of life and learned about their personal clothing choices, I was inspired by the number of individuals who were making a conscious effort to prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. From vintage and thrifted finds to consciously-made, eco-friendly brands, many people were taking steps to reduce their environmental impact and promote a more sustainable fashion industry. Through my photographs, I sought to capture the unique personalities and styles of each individual, showcasing the diversity and creativity that can emerge when we make conscious choices about what we wear. And by sharing their stories and perspectives on sustainability, I hope to inspire others to think more critically about their own fashion choices and their impact on the world around us. Ultimately, "Recycled Threads" was a powerful reminder of the power of photography to spark conversations and inspire change. And as a photographer, I am committed to using my craft to highlight important social and environmental issues and promote a more just and sustainable world.