This blog post means a great deal to me. It is both a return to something familiar, and the beginning of something new. Before I shot weddings, before I got lucky enough to be too busy to think about anything but weddings, I used to make a lot of personal work. Photography was an outlet for my ideas and an expression of what was going on inside. And while I obviously love love love calling photography work now, for the longest time I’ve missed not making personal work, not shooting anything just for myself.
Sure, I’ve talked about starting a personal project. A lot. I’ve abused Instagram and I’ve tried to complete a 365 project on the iPhone. But it is not the same. When ever I thought about a ‘proper’ personal project, I felt it should be something… grand, something with a wider reach, something that would help people… and yes, that’s something I still want to do down the line. But I realised that in order to start making more personal work, I have to start with something more straightforward. I have to start from within. I have to start with what gives me joy, right now.
So, almost by accident, I finally stumbled onto a project. The music of Message to Bears has been hugely inspirational to me for a while now. Many a wedding has been edited to the beautiful songs written by Jerome Alexander, and I felt this huge pull to spend some time with this man and make a few photos along the way. When we got together and walked around Southwark chatting about music and chasing the sun, a feeling of a flame being ignited took over. I had nearly forgotten how amazing it felt to be taking photographs just for myself, just because. And then and there I decided that this would continue…
The working name for this project is ‘Dreamers’, and I mean to photograph people who inspire me in different ways. People who dream big.
I am so fricken excited.
Brilliant – I love Jerome’s music so pretty amazing to see him right here on the MTP blog! Looking forward to seeing what’s next for your Dreamers project.
Can’t wait to see where this project goes. Really pleased to see you’ve made time for some personal work too. The photos are excellent and I’m listening to Jeromes music for the first time right now and its ace.
I’m a massive fan of your work and love how honest this blog entry is. It makes me excited about your project! It goes without saying that the shots are just fantastic. Can’t wait to see where it goes!!
Absolutely beautiful work and super exciting times for you on the horizon! Love his music to! Dreams and sunshine mother nature and the human race at its best!
Super exciting project :)
Great photos as always! And so happy to hear about your project. Looking forward to the next Dreamer;)
Love these! That shot with the birds is amazing.
Fantastic work- you’ve worked so well with the light here, and the result is some wonderfully dramatic portraits- fantastic!
Beautiful shoot! I love your work, you are very inspiring. xo
Lovely pictures and really exciting to hear about your project, I think it’s a great idea and look forward to seeing more of your inspiring subjects! xx
Wonderfully wonderfully beautiful.
These are really moving and inspiring Marianne.
Awesome work. xx
Fantastic portraits – the shot with the pigeons taking flight is my favourite!
I love the pic with the pigeons and the last one! Keep up the great work!