The rise of digitalism has seen a shift in the usual order of things. From music to fashion, from art to politics, people are embracing the possibilities and true meaning of power and autonomy. Whether this means self-promotion through social media or, on the contrary, the choice to reject digitalism and embrace innovative alternatives, there's little doubt that the world has opened up – particularly within the creative industries.
Notably, the landscape of fashion photography has begun to morph and expand, mostly due to a select group of forward-thinking photographers. These individuals have begun to promote their own work outside the control of galleries, agencies and other established institutions. There's no thread between their work and their photographic techniques are dynamic and multifaceted, from processing in the darkroom to embracing a digital aesthetic. The only rule is that there aren’t any.
So, who are these people? Luckily, they’ve all been collated into one place; Fashion Photography Next (Thames & Hudson), a book by Magdalene Keaney, and an exhibition presenting twenty of the thirty-five photographers included. The two part show opens today at LCF'S Fashion Space Gallery. Part I will run from Thursday 15 January - Saturday 28 February 2015; focusing on the themes of materiality and play. While Part II, which occurs from Friday 6 March - Saturday 18 April 2015, will alternatively explore the ideas of authenticity and artifice. The exhibition is set to feature exceptional work from emerging photographers and long-time Dazed favourites Harley Weir, Charlie Engman, Julia Hetta, Robi Rodriguez, Daniel Jackson, Jamie Hawksworth and Daniel Sannwald amongst many others.
Julia Hetta, a fashion photographer known for her striking, Renaissance-inspired portraits, who also works frequently with Dazed, commented that, “The future of contemporary fashion photography is for me a more personal interpretation of fashion. I also think that we'll see more personal post-production. I think it would be fresh with more female fashion photographers and artists from other fields contributing in fashion.”
The Don’t Stop Now: Fashion Photography Next exhibition opens today and runs until April, at the London College of Fashion's Fashion Space Galley. The accompanying book is available to purchase from Thames & Hudson here.
