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Professional Freelance Photographer
Arts Development UK Photography Residency
![Mike Garry [ Poet in Residence ]](BIGmikegarrypoetinresidence.jpg)
Mike Garry [ Poet in Residence ]
Taken at 10:01am. Friday 14th October 2011
Last month I spent two days working as the photographer in residence for the Arts Development UK National conference. The main task of the photography residency was to document a creative account of the conference that could be used to illustrate a published report following the event and circulated nationally. Over the two days I photographed a mix of keynote presentations, breakouts, study tours, and open forum discussion groups. This years conference, entitled ‘A Process of Illumination’, explored key issues including: the shape and future of arts development, the realities of the Big Society and navigating the political and economic landscape.
A Process of Illumination: AD:UK National Conference in Blackpool
A Process of Illumination: AD:UK National Conference in Blackpool
Three years ago I was commissioned as the Photographer in Residence for the NALGAO (National Association of Local Government Arts Officers) annual conference which, in 2008, was held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. The underpinning theme of the conference was the contribution that the arts and creative industries make in building sustainable communities and supporting regeneration. The conference was a huge success and I had a fantastic time photographing keynote speakers, workshops and cultural study tours. Earlier this year, NALGAO rebranded itself as Arts Development UK and is coming back to Blackpool for the first time since 2008. I’m pleased to say that I’ve been asked back once again to undertake the role of Photographer in Residence.
Welcome To The Golden Mile [ Print Of The Month ]
![Welcome To The Golden Mile [ Print Of The Month ] By Yannick Dixon](BIGwelcometothegoldenmilepotm.jpg)
Welcome To The Golden Mile [ Print Of The Month ] Taken at 02:30pm. Saturday 9th April 2011.
I love street photography, but what do you call photographs taken on the promenade? Promenade photography? It doesn’t quite seem to have the same ring to it does it?! Well this month’s ‘print of the month’ is an example of the kind of candid photography I love shooting. It may not be to everyone’s taste, but then again I’m not that sort of photographer. I hope you like it and if you do please enquire about purchasing a print of it.
Keep Fit On Blackpool Beach [ Print Of The Month ]
![Keep Fit On Blackpool Beach [ Print Of The Month ] By Yannick Dixon](BIGkeepfitonblackpoolbeachpotm.jpg)
Keep Fit On Blackpool Beach [ Print Of The Month ] Taken at 11:11am. Saturday 26th March 2011.
Each month I’m offering limited edition prints of photographs recently added to my portfolio. I often receive emails from art buyers regarding print sales and I thought that a ‘print of the month’ is a good way for collectors to get their hands on my work at discounted prices. Each print measures 17” x 11” and printed by myself on Ilford Galerie Smooth Pearl paper using a Canon Pixma 9000 Mark II. There will only be 25 prints produced of each monthly photograph and it will be signed, sealed and delivered to you.
Showzam Central 2011 [ Print Of The Month ]
![Showzam Central 2011 [ Print Of The Month ] By Yannick Dixon](BIGshowzamcentral2011potm.jpg)
Showzam Central 2011 [ Print Of The Month ]
Each month I’m offering limited edition prints of photographs recently added to my portfolio. I often receive emails from art buyers regarding print sales and I thought that a ‘print of the month’ is a good way for collectors to get their hands on my work at discounted prices. Each print measures 17” x 11” and printed by myself on Ilford Galerie Smooth Pearl paper using a Canon Pixma 9000 Mark II. There will only be 25 prints produced of each monthly photograph and it will be signed, sealed and delivered to you.
Continue Reading This Post...The Idiosyncrasies Of Photographing Strangers #2
The Idiosyncrasies Of Photographing Strangers #2
Taken at 03:26pm. Thursday 24th February 2011.
You never have to wait long while walking the streets of Blackpool (camera-less or otherwise) until someone you don’t know starts talking to you. Although I prefer to shoot portraits in a more candid manner, I don’t really mind people approaching me to ask if I’d take their picture. This guy was sat next to his friend on the promenade and as I walked past they asked what I was photographing and whether I’d ever photographed the homeless. We had a short dialogue before one of them offered to pose for a photograph. He grabbed a can of beer and started drinking, waiting for me to shoot. I asked him to put the beer down and just look directly into the camera. I shot three photographs of him before asking his name and thanking him for his time. The whole encounter only lasted a matter of minutes, but it’s all great experience of how to deal with people and working in a quick and effective way.
Winter Gardens Refurbishment
In November 2010 work began on restoring Blackpool's Grade-II listed Winter Gardens back to it’s original Art Deco glory. Blackpool Council appointed architects Donald Insall Associates to begin phase one of a restoration process that will take a number of years to complete. The Floral Hall and iconic dome was completed earlier this month, so I thought I’d head down with my camera to take a look.
Blackpool Stargate Transport Depot
Blackpool Stargate Transport Depot
Taken at 03:18pm. Saturday 29th January 2011.
Five years ago I was lucky enough to go “behind the scenes” and photograph life at Blackpool’s Rigby Road Transport Depot. It was a wonderful place to document and it was there that I began to develop my approach and photographic style. The work I produced led to being shortlisted and commissioned by LDC’s This Working Life Award in 2007 and marked the beginning of my exploration of all things Blackpool.
Runners On The Dunes [ Print Of The Month ]
![Runners On The Dunes [ Print Of The Month ] By Yannick Dixon](BIGrunnersonthedunes.jpg)
Runners On The Dunes [ Print Of The Month ]
Each month I’m offering limited edition prints of photographs recently added to my portfolio. I often receive emails from art buyers regarding print sales and I thought that a ‘print of the month’ is a good way for collectors to get their hands on my work at discounted prices. Each print measures 17” x 11” and printed by myself on Ilford Galerie Smooth Pearl paper using a Canon Pixma 9000 Mark II. There will only be 25 prints produced of each monthly photograph and it will be signed, sealed and delivered to you.
The Starlings Season Begins In Blackpool
My First Photograph From The New Starlings Season In Blackpool
Taken at 17:49pm on North Pier, Blackpool. Friday 15th October 2010.
October is the month when we begin to see murmurations of starlings returning once again to the Fylde coast. They are one of my favourite subjects to document and I’ve eagerly awaited the day when I’ll see them once again.
Over the past two weeks I’ve noticed an influx of visitors to my website searching for information relating to the best time to see starlings flocking in Blackpool. Searches include “are the starlings in blackpool in oct”, “best time to see starlings at blackpool”, “starling murmuration blackpool”, “blackpool starlings morphing near blackpool”, “starlings in blackpool 2010” and so on.
High Tide #1 [ Print Of The Month ]
![High Tide #1 [ Print Of The Month ] By Yannick Dixon](BIGhightide01potm.jpg)
High Tide #1 [ Print Of The Month ]
Each month I’m offering limited edition prints of photographs recently added to my portfolio. I often receive emails from art buyers regarding print sales and I thought that a ‘print of the month’ is a good way for collectors to get their hands on my work at discounted prices. Each print measures 17” x 11” and printed by myself on Ilford Galerie Smooth Pearl paper using a Canon Pixma 9000 Mark II. There will only be 25 prints produced of each monthly photograph and it will be signed, sealed and delivered to you.
Blackpool Air Show 2010
On Sunday 8th August 2010 thousands of people gathered on Blackpool beach to admire a fabulous air display. The event took place between South and Central piers just after 4pm and began with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight which featured a historic Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster Bomber. The Breitling Wing Walkers (the world’s only formation wing-walking team) were also there and, to conclude the airshow, the RAF Red Arrows Formation Team performed a spectacular aerobatic display.
An Insight Into The Homeless Of Blackpool
Taken at 08:27pm in Blackpool, UK. Sunday 1st August 2010.
Last night, after far too many hours looking at a computer screen, I decided to go for a walk along the promenade with my camera to see what I could find. You never know what may happen in this town. There’s always a chance to encounter a photographic opportunity or come across something interesting on your travels. No more than half an hour had passed before I stumbled upon a man who I’d photographed and featured in a blog post back in June entitled ‘The Idiosyncrasies Of Photographing Strangers’.
Stargate Sand Dunes #1 [ Print Of The Month ]
![Stargate Sand Dunes #1 [ Print Of The Month ] By Yannick Dixon](BIGstargatesanddunespotm.jpg)
Stargate Sand Dunes #1 [ Print Of The Month ]
Each month I’m offering limited edition prints of photographs recently added to my portfolio. I often receive emails from art buyers regarding print sales and I thought that a ‘print of the month’ is a good way for collectors to get their hands on my work at discounted prices. Each print measures 17” x 11” and printed by myself on Ilford Galerie Smooth Pearl paper using a Canon Pixma 9000 Mark II. There will only be 25 prints produced of each monthly photograph and it will be signed, sealed and delivered to you.
The Great British Holiday: Blackpool
The BBC documentary 'Great British Holiday: Blackpool’ on BBC iPlayer.
(Available until 12:44am Thursday 5th August 2010)
“It’s a fight in which billions are at stake, ministers are derided, partners fall out and transvestites have a key role.”
Last night I watched the documentary ‘Great British Holiday: Blackpool’ on BBC iPlayer. Directed by Patrick Forbes, this film offers ‘behind-the-scene’ access to Blackpool Council’s bid to land the UK’s first super casino during the summer of 2006.
The Idiosyncrasies Of Photographing Strangers #1
The Idiosyncrasies Of Photographing Strangers #1
Taken at 6:59am on Saturday 26th June 2010.
I made my way towards the seafront with my camera this morning to catch the first rays of sun over Blackpool beach. It was an early start to the day and by 5am I’d already encountered the last of the Friday night revellers attempting to find their way home. Two young men (both clearly intoxicated, but [thankfully] only the one of them exposed bare-chested) approached me near Blackpool Tower to ask why and what I was photographing. I explained that I’d photographed Blackpool for a number of years and that it was simply something that I love to do. They didn’t quite understand my explanation or motive for taking photographs at this early hour of the day, but nonetheless they asked me if I’d take a picture of the two of them together. I obliged and continued my journey towards the beach. I knew that the photographs I’d taken of them weren’t really to my liking, but it certainly wasn’t an act of futility. These encounters with strangers on the street are nothing new to my photographic practice (it comes with the territory of being a documentary photographer) and each time I’m faced with this situation I usually find that its for the best to smile, take the photographs and depart on good terms.
Coca-Cola Championship Play-Off Final 2010
I think it’s fair to say that my optimistic plans for posting more frequent blog entries has somewhat failed. In an attempt to redeem myself, I thought I’d share a selection of photographs that I shot at the Coca Cola Championship Play-Off Final 2010 between Blackpool FC and Cardiff FC last Saturday at Wembley stadium.
Murmurations: My First Canon 5D Mark II HD Video
Watch This Video In HD On My YouTube Channel
This short film is inspired by my documentary photography project 'Starlings Above' which won third place in the 'Fine Art - Natural History' professional category of the Sony World Photography Awards 2009.
There is something innately beautiful in the way starlings fly together, forming hypnotic shapes and patterns in the sky above.
"Impenetrable as the flock's movements might seem to the human eye, the underlying maths is comparatively straightforward. Each bird strives to fly as close to its neighbours as possible, instantly copying any changes in speed or direction. As a result, tiny deviations by one bird are magnified and distorted by those surrounding it, creating rippling, swirling patterns. In other words, this is a classic case of mathematical chaos (larger shapes composed of infinitely varied smaller patterns). Whatever the science, however, it is difficult for the observer to think of it as anything other than some vast living entity."
Passing Conversations
Taken at 03:11pm on Blackpool Promenade, Lancashire. UK. Thursday 17th December 2009.
Yesterday I spent the afternoon shooting on the wonderful camera that is the Canon 5D Mark II. It’s an absolute pleasure to shoot all my new work with this camera. The superb Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens combined with the 21.1 Megapixel Canon 5D body results in amazing image quality. I must have read countless reviews about this camera over the past year and couldn’t wait to use this camera for myself.
Murmurations Signal The Beginning Of Winter
Taken at 04:30pm on North Pier in Blackpool, UK. Tuesday 27th October 2009.
Since my last blog post back in October (Blackpool Public Artworks Photography Commission) there have been several noteworthy developments to my photographic practice. One of the most exciting items of news is that I’ve been asked to be an Associate Lecturer in Photography at UCLAN’s Media Factory in Preston. I’m currently teaching and mentoring first year photography degree students undertaking PH1010, a module that consists of a number of traditional black & white photography assignments. The last time I was in a lecture I was studying for my Masters in Blackpool, so its great to get back into the classroom and brainstorm new ideas about photography with the students.
Blackpool Public Artworks Photography Commission
'The Wave'. Taken at 07:23am in Blackpool, Lancashire. UK. Sunday 20th September 2009.
Last month I was commissioned by Blackpool Council Arts Service to photograph five new public artworks for their promotional postcards and permanent records. These artworks consisted of a WWII soldier sculpture in Salisbury Woodlands, The Choir Loft next to the war memorial near North Pier, The hoardings around the site of the old Yates's Building, illumination artworks on Dale Street and a number of installations (including the 'The Wave' sculpture) in the newly re-developed St. John's Square in Blackpool's town centre.
Blott Artist Studios Summer Exhibition 2009
Preview of Blott Artist Studios Summer Exhibition 2009
The summer exhibition at Blott Artist Studios in Blackpool officially opened on Saturday 25th July 2009 and features an array of new artworks from Blott’s current members alongside paintings from this year’s guest artist Nazmin Abdullah. The preview night was a great opportunity to discuss the work, meet up with all of the artists and have our photograph taken for the local newspaper (as well as enjoying a few glasses of wine). The gallery is one of the few independent art spaces in Blackpool where local artists can exhibit and sell their original artworks to the general public, so its quite a pleasure to show my documentary photographs of Blackpool within this space.
Blackpool Revellers
Taken at 01:05pm in Blackpool, Lancashire. UK. Wednesday 24th June 2009.
I recently read an article entitled ‘Personal Projects Can Make A Difference’ written by Grant Scott for a recent issue of Professional Photographer magazine that inspired me to take a closer look at the current direction of my photographic practice and, more importantly, to continue shooting new images for my personal projects. Like many photographers, personal work is the driving force for my creative inclinations and is an important aspect of any artistic practice.
Bloomfield Talks Book Launch & Exhibition 2009
Bloomfield Talks Photography Exhibition By Yannick Dixon. Saturday 9th May 2009.
I was asked to join the community based arts project Bloomfield Talks in August 2008 by internationally renowned artist Simon Grennan. Bloomfield Talks is a year-long oral history project commissioned by Blackpool Council and ran between July 2008 and May 2009. The project focuses upon the experiences of people who have connections with the Bloomfield, Foxhall, Revoe and near South Shore area of Blackpool.
April 2009: Recent Work & News
Taken at 02:49pm on Blackpool’s South Pier. Tuesday 31st March 2009.
Today’s blog post is chance to show the latest addition to my Blackpool: An Unimagined Space? project and to share some news regarding the forthcoming SWPA Global Tour exhibitions and a reminder about the Bloomfield Talks book launch next month.
Blackpool: An Unimagined Space? Book Preview
A preview of my photography book ‘Blackpool: An Unimagined Space?’
“Everyone has heard of Blackpool, and it projects, enduringly, a permissive but unthreatening image of proletarians at play. That the image is unduly simple goes without saying, and there are many intersecting Blackpools, including the residential, respectable and poverty stricken ones, behind and to either side of the pullulating, pulsating sea-front of the Golden Mile and Pleasure Beach, living out a more prosaic existence alongside the glitter and gowns of the night-clubs and cabarets which represent a more recent dominant image of Blackpool’s pleasure identity”. - Walton, J.K (1998)
The production of my series of documentary photographs exploring life on Blackpool’s seaside fringe has undergone many transformations and alterations since I began the project back in July 2006. My approach has always been organic, free to adapt in response to the town’s ever-changing topography and characteristics. Inspired by many aspects of the town’s unique character, cultural heritage and history the project documents the mélange of experiences and ‘vistas’ that I’ve encountered throughout my daily life by the sea. Central to my approach was my desires to not only record these experiences, but to celebrate the medium of documentary photography itself.
Starlings Above (Part Two)
Taken at 04:33pm in Blackpool, UK. Thursday 29th January 2009.
This black and white photograph is the latest addition to my on-going personal project documenting starlings in flight. Photographing natural subjects like starlings requires a great deal of patience as you never quite sure what they may do next. I usually find the best way to approach them is to compose the image the way you want it and then hope that they will do something rather spectacular within the frame (which doesn’t always happen!). They also demand that you think quickly on your feet as they are often unpredictable and incredibly fast in flight.
The Winter Gardens
Taken at 02:19pm in Blackpool, UK. Thursday 22nd January 2009.
The Winter Gardens is home to Europe's second largest theatre (the Opera House) and is one of Blackpool’s most treasured historical buildings. It opened in 1878 and has seen the likes of Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey and a host of West End theatre productions over the years. I’ve seen several gigs (including The Arctic Monkeys and The Subways) there and I also had the job of photographing NALGAO’s three-day conference throughout the venue back in October 2008. Although the interior decor needs sprucing up and looking after, I personally think that it’s still one of the town’s better assets.
Blott Artist Studios
I have the pleasure to announce that I’ve been invited to be a member of Blott Artist Studios in Blackpool.
Blott Artist Studios was founded in 1998 by Corrine Streetly with help from Sean Hanford and Ann Carragher for professional artists living in and around the Blackpool area. Blott Studios have put on some great exhibitions in their gallery and I can’t wait to exhibit my own work alongside the other members of the group. I’ve already printed some of my photographs ready to be framed and I’m really excited about showing & selling my work in a local gallery. Much of the work that comes out of Blott represents the artists individual responses to the town and I’d like to think my photographs will fit in quite nicely. As I’ve only joined this week my details are yet to feature on their website, but I’ll be sure to announce it on this blog as soon as they are.
The Pleasure Beach & South Shore Promenade
Taken around 4:50pm on South Shore Promenade, Blackpool. Tuesday 8th April 2008.
This is a panoramic photograph made from nine images taken of the Pleasure Beach in Blackpool back in April 2008. The backdrop features one of the town’s premier attractions, the Pleasure Beach’s biggest ride, ‘The Big One’. It is Europe’s largest roller coaster rides and certainly needs the panoramic treatment. To the right of the image are several of the new sculptures produced by contemporary artists (for example, those of Sir Peter Blake) that now feature on the newly revamped promenade. It is a great walk from Stargate, past the Pleasure Beach and onwards towards the centre of town, with plenty of attractions to enjoy and things to experience.
Starlings Above (Part One)
Taken at 3:51pm from North Pier, Blackpool. Tuesday 4th November 2008.
North Pier in Blackpool is a wonderful location to view starlings during the winter months and this afternoon I got another opportunity to photograph them. This is the first chance I’ve had to do some personal work since finishing my MA course and completing my recent freelance assignments, so I’m really pleased to be starting my postgraduate life with this photograph of starlings over Blackpool beach.
Bloomfield Talks Tea Party
Taken at 3:04pm at St. Peters Church, Lytham Road. Blackpool. Saturday 11th October 2008.
In September I was asked to document the website launch of the community-based arts project ‘Bloomfield Talks’. After the madness of the NALGAO conference, this was a nice way to round off a busy week of work. There were quiet moments where people would write down their experiences of the Bloomfield area juxtaposed with live web-broadcasts, balloons, cake, music & much more!
Blackpool Illuminations Tour
Taken at 8:37pm during the Blackpool Illuminations Tour. Wednesday 8th October 2008.
The conference was an exciting opportunity to photograph a number of events and presentations. The highlight of the morning was Wayne Hemingway MBE (Co-founder of Red or Dead & Hemingway Design) and his keynote speech (or should that be performance?!). In the afternoon there was an ‘Open Space’ forum which provided a major opportunity for delegates to discuss their ideas and concerns. In the early evening we all gathered for the annual AGM meeting at the Grundy Gallery, set with a beautiful backdrop of the current exhibition from Heather & Ivan Morison entitled ‘The Opposite Of All Those Things’. After the minutes were taken, we walked towards North Pier to be taken for a tram tour of the Blackpool Illuminations. I’ve never been on the tour before, so it was great to finally learn more about about it and take in the whole experience.
NALGAO Delegates
Taken at 2:27pm in the Spanish Hall at Winter Gardens, Blackpool. Wednesday 8th October 2008.
This is my first blog post featuring a photograph taken during my photography residency at the NALGAO ‘Switched On!’ Conference 2008. The three-day event was held at the spectacular Winter Gardens and was a fantastic experience. The NALGAO conference has become a key date in the national arts calendar and is an important event for local authorities and their delegates. As mentioned in one of my previous posts, this year’s conference focussed upon “the contribution that the arts and creative industries make in building sustainable communities and supporting regeneration”.
Sunbathers On The Promenade
Taken at 3:31pm on Blackpool Promenade. Tuesday 23rd September 2008.
In the summer of 1969, the photographer John Gay was commissioned to produce a photographic assignment documenting English holiday-makers in the town for Country Fair Magazine. This work was featured at the Grundy Gallery in 2006 and the series of photographs offer a remarkable insight into Blackpool culture during the post-war heyday. Almost sixty years on, the photographs I’ve taken in Blackpool over the past two years hope to offer a contemporary view into the character & identity of the resort.
Photographer In Residence: NALGAO Conference
Earlier this month I was commissioned to be the photographer in residence for this year’s NALGAO (National Association of Local Government Arts Officers) conference. The conference is entitled ‘Switched On!” & will focus on “the contribution that the arts and creative industries make in building sustainable communities and supporting regeneration”. This annual event is held at a different venue each year, with this years being held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. The photography residency will document a creative account of the event, including keynote speakers, breakout sessions & study tours.
Return To Rigby Road (Part Two)
Taken at 12:21pm at the Rigby Road Transport Depot, Blackpool. Thursday 11th September 2008.
When I visited the depot in 2006 I never got a chance to photograph them cleaning the trams, so I was absolutely thrilled to catch this shot the other day.
Return To Rigby Road (Part One)
Taken at 12:08pm at the Rigby Road Transport Depot, Blackpool. Thursday 11th September 2008.
In late August I was asked to join the artist Simon Grennan and his group of volunteers for the community-based art project ‘Bloomfield Talks’. One of the volunteers organised a tour around the Rigby Road Transport Depot, so I thought I’d grab the chance of returning to take some more photographs. In 2006, I was asked by the author John Woodman to produce a series of photographs recording the fabric and infrastructure of this important historical site. I’ve also photographed a book launch at the depot in April 2008 and I’ll take every opportunity I get of documenting a space with such a strong identity and rich heritage.
Life On The Sand Dunes
Taken at 2:45pm at Stargate, Blackpool. Saturday 2nd August 2008.
Over the last five days I have frantically been gathering together all my research, contact sheets and notes for my MA course. Next month I will have to hand it all in and that will (hopefully) be the end of my studies (for now!). The only problem with coming to the end of the course is that I have to catch up on some written work, but I’m just constantly drawn to my camera and the thought of being out & about taking photographs. Anyway, I think I’m starting to get some sort of balance to the whole thing and all should be just fine.
Sea Life
Taken at 2:40pm on Blackpool Beach. Sunday 13th July 2008.
I began work on making a book featuring some of my favourite photographs I’ve taken in Blackpool over the years. It will include a diverse photographs not featured on this website, but are hopefully quite interesting nonetheless. I took this photograph yesterday and it shows holiday-makers making the most of the lovely sunshine and new promenade.
The World Famous Seagull
Taken at 12:17pm on Blackpool Promenade Bridge. Monday 17th December 2007.
Since I started my documentary project on Blackpool in 2006 I have taken thousands of photographs, so every now and again there are photographs that I don’t spot straight away during the editing process. Editing and revisiting my work on a regular basis can help re-shape and re-imagine the whole feel of the series. I recently came across this photograph I took six months ago during this process and it features two locally well known subjects; the art deco of the old Palace Discotheque and the world famous Seagull.
The Living Statue
Taken at 2:03pm on Blackpool Promenade. Saturday 14th June 2008.
A walk along the promenade reveals the living statue, one of a number of street performers providing light entertainment for Blackpool tourists during the summer months. Blackpool is synonymous with providing popular entertainment for the masses, but I wanted to explore what is available on street level (there is certainly more to the town’s ‘pleasure identity’ than The Pleasure Beach and Blackpool Tower). This location (opposite Central Pier) is a popular hot spot for local street vendors, performers and beggars as there are usually many passers-by along the promenade.