LO1 - Martin Parr Analysis

Genre
Martin Parr is a British documentary photographer/ photojournalist. He documents everyday, un-glamorous side to British life. He tends to take medium shot images of the social/working class of England.


This photo denotes two teenagers in what looks like a run down diner/cafe in what looks like the 80's era. The teenager on the left has a bored expression, as does the one on the right, however displaying it in more of a mulling expression.


Rules Of Photography
The composition of this image is interesting. This is as both the subjects are placed on the lines of rule of thirds. This is a clever technique to get our focus on the subjects which is a pattern within many of Martins other works.

Purpose
The purpose of this image is to denote the life of teenagers during the 80's and 90's. Connoting how they are bored and have nothing to do during their time. Additioanlly the purpose of this image would be not be for any promotional/advertising, but can be for a collection of images that portray the life. Therefore this can be displayed in galleries and on websites.

Image Analysis
This image was shot in Finland in 1991 and was part of his collection of photographs called 'Bored Couples' in which the majority of the images depict two people generally sitting with bored expressions. This can also fit into the social reportage genre.

Another thing I find interesting about this image is how the male on the lefts' coat is red matching the red drink. However the male on the rights coat juxtaposes the others, as it is dull and brown. This may be Martin attempting to connote the personalities of the teenagers. This can also be Martin Parrs approach to to the theme of identity as he is using these two subjects, and their surroundings to express their personalities.

The lighting within this photograph is high key. I believe that it was taken with a flash as one of the images on the wall in the background gives off a bright reflection.

Meaning
I find this image hard to unpick and interesting at the same time. The image makes me wonder why their bored and why they are sitting in this place. The photo however seems very staged in comparison to other pieces of Martin Parr's work. The clothing they are wearing connotes to me that the location and weather must be cold as they are wearing large, warm looking coats.