Colour Photography

Guest blogger Nigel Wilson

This three day course focused on the power of colour in photography.

Each day the students were set a practical assignment which required them to re-assess their approach to colour in their work. By definition, we also explored where black & white was an appropriate choice.

Project 1 saw the students head out onto the busy Kensington streets, inspired by a quote from the legendary street photographer, Garry Winogrand:

“If you look closely enough, it is possible to take an interesting photograph of anything.”

On the second day, they had to demonstrate their understanding of the colour wheel and the concepts of ‘complimentary’ and ‘harmonious’ colours.

Finally, the most challenging project of all – Present a series of images, some that are suited to colour and others in black and white.

The course had a strong emphasis of learning from the great colour practitioners such as Alec Soth, Fred Herzog, Martin Parr and the greatest pioneer of all – William Eggleston.

A huge thrill for the class (and myself!) was access to the V&A prints and drawing study room http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/links/study-rooms/ where we saw original Eggleston prints – a very powerful experience.

The class did extremely well. As with all courses that I teach, I wanted students to push boundaries and break out of their comfort zones. They all responded to the challenge magnificently. The images below are a clear testament to that.

‘Colour Photography’ took place at the V&A on 3 September 2015 – Sat 5 September 2015 and was led by photographer Nigel Wilson http://www.photographycourses.org.uk/

Keep an eye out for upcoming V&A practical photography courses, all of which are listed on the V&A What’s On calendar http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/