Kate Woods Photography

PHOTOSHOP_CONFESSIONS

2012-03-10T12:29:00.001-08:00

Baring in mind I have been taking photographs from a young age, and taking it seriously for a year and a half...

I am...

a complete

photoshop

NOVICE

I VERY rarely edit my pictures. Maybe Ill mess around with some contrast or saturation but very little else.

You may find this a little bazaar.. in fact i'm sure some of you will question my abilities as a photographer if I don't use such a system... but really? Is it all about the post edit? Why?

Why adapt a raw image?

Today, however, I installed photoshop...

I don't really plan on changing my post edit habit.

I do however need to start watermarking my photographs as of late my images have been popping up on a couple of websites and publications without credits. Highly irritating.

PREVIEW:_SUMMER_BALL_PROMO_

2012-03-05T14:53:00.000-08:00

LEEDS_UNIVERSITY

SUMMER_BALL

PROMO_SHOOT

In collaboration with the Leeds Student Newspaper fashion stylists.

Today I ventured a mere two minute walk from my house in Leeds to the skate park which sits to the edge of Woodhouse Moore (more commonly known as Hyde Park).

I was approached by Leeds Student fashion stylist Scarlet a month or so ago, whilst working on another job, regarding shooting the summer ball fashion shoot on the skate ramps. This was something we had both considered doing before now so It was great to see it come together.

I shall remember in the future however that skaters (in general? - correct me if i'm wrong) are a little hard to work with and were certainly not interested in cooperating with our team.

Our idea was to place the models on the ramps and have the skaters/bmx'ers moving in the background. Sadly no such luck as they were unwilling to cooperate and sent foul language, skateboards and footballs flying in our direction.

The lack of cooperation from the guys on the ramps only fueled my desire to get the shots so we kept pushing until I got the desired images. Kelly our model here was a dream to shoot and took direction well.

After the ramps we moved in to the play park which worked fantastically with the second outfit change. The shoot was being filmed for the Leeds Student website (and i'pad app). This was a strange one as every now and again I saw in the corner of my eye, a camera pointing in my direction. A strange sensation when I'm so used to being behind the camera... definitely NOT in front of..

Oh spring!!

Dear old Leander whipping out that charm*..

*girls beware

TANTILISING_TASTES_WITH_TESS

2012-02-29T14:29:00.003-08:00

Last night I was invited over to dinner by friend and fellow History of Art student Tess Ward.

Her passion?

Food.

I warn you, this is not so standard student quisine. No tinned beans, pot noodles or cheese which resembles plastic here...

It was only when I waitressed in a fine restaurant that I realised that food is indeed an artform. So it is perhaps not surprising then that Tess has turned to cooking.

(Garlic, Spinach and Creme Fraiche)

(Freshley boiled home made gnocchi)

(Tess's favourite Wild Boar Ragu and splashes of Balsamic Vinegar)

Tess's mantra for her cooking is

Hippy, Healthy, Happy

A true believer in good food.*

*No additives or preservatives here

It is our intention to collaborate henceforth.

So no doubt you will be seeing more food popping up on K_W_PHOTOGRAPHY!

P.s why not check out my portrait of Tess's housemate Archie Burden @ my blog

PORTRAIT OF A PEOPLE...

BASEMENT_SESSIONS:EMILY_

2012-02-27T10:35:00.004-08:00

BASEMENT SESSIONS:

EMILY ELWES

These shots are some of the first images I took in the basement. Pre spring clean tidy. As you can see this was when the washing machine was sitting in a fairly irritating position. This girl I have known since she jumped on me one 3am in Edinburgh and asked me to go shooting (of the pheasant kind) at her home in England.

Emily is quite a character...

FLUX_FIRST_BIRTHDAY_

2012-02-23T07:15:00.000-08:00

FLUX

MINT WAREHOUSE

In a city as musically spoilt as Leeds, it is easy for aspiring nights to disappear without a trace, swallowed by the big names that dominate our weekends. In the year since its conception, Flux has distinguished itself from the rest with its unique focus on the atmosphere of its parties, as well as the quality of the music. Flux’s live instrumentals and exciting venues have helped it quickly develop a loyal following.

From the highly acclaimed Leeds debut of Tanner Ross to the sellout success of the Ryan Crosson and KiNK at the Fresher's Week Terrace Party at Stinkys Peephouse, Flux has shown itself to be adept at constructing some of the most forward thinking lineups around. Expect a fusion of house, techno and disco, offering you the finest cuts from across the musical spectrum.

It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since Flux began its journey with the For No Reason Showcase in the intimate confines of Wire. A lot has changed since then, and we now find ourselves celebrating our 1st Birthday in the amazing surrounding of the most talked about club in Leeds, the new Mint Warehouse. Joining us, on his highly acclaimed Balance 020 World Tour, will be Swiss man-of-the-moment Deetron, alongside the eclectic label boss of Simple Records and Aus Music, Will Saul. Bringing the support we have much-hyped UK up-and-comers Casino Times and Liverpudlian house don Jesus Pablo.

THE_SOCIAL_SNOT: JOSH_JASKIEWICZ

2012-02-22T06:36:00.000-08:00

STREET_STYLE_MANCHESTER

for

THE_SOCIAL_SNOT

Theres nothing like getting one's beau involved in the odd project...

Josh Jaskiewicz is wearing:

Wax Jacket: Barbour

Scarf: Vivienne Westwood

Jumper: Cheap Monday

Jeans: Farah

Belt: Elliot Rhodes

Brogues: Hudson

Ring: Vivienne Westwood

Bracelets: Links of London

Earing: Hannah Martin

GET_INVOLVED_

2012-02-22T04:11:00.001-08:00

I am currently looking for contributors to K_W_Photography_

If you are an inspiring young artist, writer or journalist please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Or indeed if you would like me to photograph for you please contact me at

katewoodsphotography@gmail.com

SARINA_HAWKINS

2012-02-21T05:03:00.002-08:00

So... after clearing out the basement I thought I would get stuck right in to shooting my housemate Sarina Hawkins. Although horribly shy about having her photograph taken, she always proves to be a natural in front of the camera.

I invited along my friend Lydia Herve who has the same Canon as me so that I might show her some tricks and tips with the camera. In showing her my methods of just shooting a simple portrait I was able to identify my own patterns of process. Vocalizing my techniques gave me such a great understanding of what I look for... and maybe what I should be looking for which I don't.

I rarely encourage the use of props in my portraits but it is something I have considered developing in order to add an extra dimension to my portraits, especially with working on my Portrait of a People project.

At first the vinyl looked horribly cliche and appeared as if to be stills from a shopping channel. But once Sarina had relaxed with the object, had it spinning in her fingers the vinyl actually proved to work quite well. Maybe we should have had Sinatra playing while we worked... as opposed to Rhianna.

Those who follow my blog regularly will know that I love a bit of movement in a photo. Capturing Sarina flicking her hair was great, and definitely captures an essence of her alter ego 'Roxanne' in the glint of her eye.

This is quite possibly my favorite shot from the shoot. So natural and her hair looks golden, whilst movement still exists through her hair we can still see her smile.

It is Sarina's Birthday this weekend... the theme is Cowboys and Indians... No doubt I shall upload my shots from the night... Till then. KW x

HERE'S_A_THOUGHT

2012-02-20T15:06:00.001-08:00

TEXTURED_SPACE

2012-02-17T15:12:00.000-08:00

Upon moving in to our house last year, I had grand visions of turning our basement in to a space I could utilise for my photography. I have taken a few photos down in this dark textured space before, see these shots of India and Emily. It was only this weekend however that I made moves towards turning it in to a space in which I can continuously utilise.

Frustratingly I have to share the space with the washer and dryer... but they serve well as surfaces to work on so after a little shifting about I was able to create more space for myself.

I brought my lighting kit downstairs and threw down some chairs.

I considered attacking the walls, smoothing them over, picking off the flaked paint and re painting white. But there is something about the raw textures in here which I couldn't get rid of.

...after all it's easier to find a blank white wall than a grainy surface such as this. And who wants blank? Certainly not KW.

WILL AND THE PEOPLE

2012-02-16T12:53:00.001-08:00

K.O.

presents:

WILL AND THE PEOPLE

CARGO, Shorditch

The boys are off on tour...

Good luck, Love and Peace x

MATT CAPLAN

2012-02-02T12:52:00.001-08:00

Matt Caplan wears:

Canada Goose Yorkville Parka

Alife Jumper

Nike 60 chinos

Nike Stefan Janoskie shoes

LIVE VIOLINS AND KEYBOARD STRINGS

2012-02-02T06:39:00.000-08:00

ROY, FOR FLINGLY

2012-01-17T13:04:00.000-08:00

Interview with Imogen Roy for the Finnish Flingly magazine.

NYE @ QUENBY HALL

2012-01-05T09:56:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS DAY

2012-01-05T09:33:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS CHEER

2011-11-30T16:20:00.001-08:00

Its all feeling a bit festive here. What with work piling and eye injury recovery, I have had little time to consider the fact that it is almost Christmas. I love home in the winter. Possibly more actually than the summer, as Glenalmond seems to come alive and thrive in the depths of it. Think... Narnia.

Last Christmas...

Oh how I cant wait to be home.

ROY

2011-11-29T14:11:00.001-08:00

MANCHESTER

2011-11-29T12:22:00.001-08:00

... a city little yet explored by me, I was given a whip round tour over the weekend. This included what i can only imagine to be the start of what Manc has to offer in its delights. I was taken to the Camera Exchange, vinyl shops, vintage shops and Mr Scruffs tea room... whose cakes exceed that of Mr Kippling tenfold. What really struck me was the amount of art on both the streets and every interior. Driving round the city was a little issue as there was just too much to look at.

On Friday night we saw Solomon DJ at the Islington Mill. I have, for a long time had a vision of creating a large and dynamic space for the arts. And this vision was realized here at the former cotton spinning mill. Unlike much of Manchester's industrial heritage which has been converted into loft apartments, Islington Mill is now home to over 50 artists studios, two art galleries a recording studio and club space. It’s one of the few creative spaces in Salford, and has evolved over ten years to become the cultural haven that it is now. Bill Campbell... I shall be in touch!

PREVIEW: KO!

2011-11-29T07:26:00.001-08:00

SUPPER PARTY

2011-11-24T05:37:00.001-08:00

KING CHARLES INTERVIEW

2011-11-24T04:49:00.001-08:00

It is a mistake that I make every time. A mistake indeed that I should think the 99% of us would make with the ‘famous’ or indeed the semi-known. I largely expect musicians to give me the time of day in an interview. And yet again last week I was given a bravado of vanity oozing out of King Charles’s hand made shirts (he does get them made… obviously –I’m told this with a snotty look which could only come from a public school boy). I walked in to the Brudenell Social Club on time, a little early in fact so I got to sit back and watch sound check. I have been a fan of King Charles for about two years now, since a friend in first year whipped out a video of him skateboarding past Harrods on Youtube. My expectations were high. Of course someone who professes to love quite so much is going to be thoroughly interesting and give a lot to interview. Really? Not quite.

I met a completely uninterested arrogant demi-star. Head in hands, yawning or sat slumped eyes wide. He didn’t strike me as quite ‘with it’. Indeed, upon being asked the question ‘do you prefer gigs or festivals?’ I was given the reply ‘…hmmm figs’ and not in a funny way… in a I don’t quite know what to do with that.. way. It was only when I questioned his apparent love for Bob Dylan that I realised… is that what he was doing? Was he pulling a Bob Dylan? And if so is that ok to a) imitate your idol, and b) even do that in the 21^st century when you’re not promoting a movement?? There is much to be said for the lack of protests songs in today’s music when so many young people are taking to the streets for what they believe in. It’s funny, because I look back at those old Dylan interviews (youtube ‘Bob Dylan interview with Time Magazine’ – a particular favourite of mine, where a young Dylan rinses the interviewer) and they make me chortle at the farce, on Dylans side for having the balls to be quite so offensive. However, interviewing King Charles I was on the receiving end of this charade. And it ruined it. I was unable in his gig to detach myself from his attitude and just hear the music which I have enjoyed so much for a while now. Dylan was an icon, his music affected masses of people as a musical voice of the Civil Rights Movement, and so is it for this reason I’m allowing him to get away with his… mockery? Charles… your music is good, but it isn’t that great, and its not exactly profound in the same way as Dylan, despite your ‘vision for unity in a generation’.

What further irritated me was watching people fall for this bravado. ‘I love your moustache!!’, ‘I love you!!’, ‘I love your hair!!’, and it only encouraged him. Jumping around the stage in some theatrical pirouette his hair would fly out of its strategically loose bun and he would swing it around to the delight of the audience. I couldn’t help but raise my eyebrows and refuse to sing a long to the songs I knew so well. Writing this, I question why I actually had such a problem with his behaviour, or indeed why it came as such a shock to me. I think, quite honestly, it was because of his previous proclamations of love and lust through his music… obviously you would expect that person to be as loving in character. Interviewing Tribes with Emily Ames last week, I had no expectations of them giving us much time, and indeed the wide eyed lead singer didn’t give much, but the drummer was a delight to talk to! So I ask, should the character in the music always be reflected in the character of the musician?

The gig was ok. I was expecting a little more folk and a little less rock. KC was in his usual attire, and both bass and keys (also the manager) imitating this look donning their cravats. The drummer however looked a little out of place in a baseball cap against the backdrop of what I can only assume was the King Charles coat of arms. ‘Sway with me, sway with me’ he whispered in to the mic fairly early on and was largely ignored by the chattering audience. Clearly the crowd was there for his big numbers of Love Lust and We Didn’t Start the Fire. His new single Bam Bam was… catchy sure. But didn’t have that essence of Charles that I had grown to love over the last two years. Dare I say, a little more pop than his proclaimed ‘glam folk’.

THE CORRESPONDENTS: Interview for JAM

2011-11-22T06:01:00.001-08:00

BON IVER

2011-11-15T13:22:00.001-08:00

Last week I was privileged enough to be one of three photographers to shoot Bon Iver at the 02 Academy in Leeds.

This was an incredible experience for my first time in the Academy.

The gig itself was just out of this world.

Annoyingly however at the 02 you can only shoot the first three songs, and they you have to leave the press pit. So I went from being a matter of feet from Justin Vernon to way way at the back of the gig as there was no way I was squeezing my way in to the huge crowd (the gig sold out in 8 hours), especially with my massive camera bag in tow. It didn't ruin it though.

Kathleen Edwards

2011-11-15T12:41:00.001-08:00

Los Campasinos

2011-11-15T11:47:00.001-08:00

So it was during this gig that my eye gave up on me. Thus why there are so few shots. I only made it through the first two songs before the bright lights just got too much. The start to this week has not been great. I have been in and out of hospital, blood tests and seeing (or rather not seeing) different consultants. Eyes are such precious things so Im taking it easy now. This has been somewhat difficult going from 'go go go' to sitting inside avoiding light all day. Its not great but then I have been able to sit and relax and listen to some vinyl that a bough the other day and haven't had decent time to sit and listen to. My body has finally told me what my friends and co-workers have been saying for a while now... to take it easy. So this weekend, I'm heading home to Scotland. I haven't been home in two months and i'm in need from some TLC. Home is so beautiful and peaceful and I cannot wait. Here's to home and the comfort it brings.

BACKSTAGE WITH JAY HAWLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

2011-11-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

Friend and fellow photographer Jay Hawley invited me along to assist him on this fashion editorial shoot for his magazine JAM, for which I have been contributing to of late.

The shoot was a long one... up at 7am (after getting in at 4am after a friends electro swing night) and we didn't stop shooting until 7pm. The 12 hours effort was well worth it though as the collaboration of the team was amazing and I LOVE these images. Both models were lovely and made it all look incredibly easy taking every instruction from Jay.

Stylist, Holly Macnaghten did a stunning job with all clothes sourced from Harvey Nichols as well as some of her own. McQueen, Ralph Lauren, Loubiton, Jimmy Choo. I particularly fell in love with an Alexander McQueen skull bracelet (see bellow).

Scott the make up artist kept us laughing all day with illicit tales of men and 'work' in France.

All in all a wonderful day, and I cannot wait to see Jay's final cut.

KING CHARLES @ THE BRUDENELL SOCIAL CLUB, LEEDS

2011-11-09T08:25:00.000-08:00

(SOUND CHECK)

(POST INTERVIEW)

Nigela's vodka soaked sun blush tomatoes

2011-11-09T03:03:00.000-08:00

Motion in art

2011-11-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

So here the art historian in me appears...

Whilst editing my Tribes photos this morning, I started thinking about my own style and taste in photography and the images that I might select for publication over others. The play of light in my work is almost always apparent, especially in my gig shots of late. I use my DSLR to capture the sensation of movement by taking photos at very slow shutter speeds, a technique that registers movement and creates pictures with motion blur, and thus adding character and life to an image. This got me to thinking about my study of painting. (I am in my final year of studying History of Art at Leeds and this came as a natural connection for me to make).

The sensation of movement in art is not a new idea, although it was abandoned in the recent past. For about 500 years painters (and later photographers) in the western tradition have approached the idea of movement and motion in their work

If we take a look at the work of Giacomo Balla, Marcel Duchamp or indeed Harold Edgerton; we see how painters have attempted to make a visual suggestion of motion.

This 'sensation of motion' was origionaly inspired by the advances being made in photography at the time. before the advent of photography, human and animal movement could only be studied by observing an action as it happened in front of you.

And so to my images as a comparrison..

TRIBES interview and gig for JAM

2011-11-03T04:36:00.000-07:00

PREVIEW: The Greatest Show in the Universe, Madame Jojo's, Soho

2011-11-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

Will and the People spontaneous gig at Passing Clouds

2011-11-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

Halloween in Leeds

2011-11-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

Occupy London

2011-11-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

I had a life changer this weekend.

I will not preach of inequality in the economy, for this is your choice to learn about it. I will however say that outside St. Pauls right now are some of the most inspired and interesting people I have ever met. The creativity of these people is oozing out of the tents and on to the streets of London, and indeed happening all over the world.

The campsite is a sort of... utopian society. In one tent you find kind souls relentlessly pouring tea for anyone, be they part of the occupation or just passers by. Next door is the piano where any time, day or night there is a group tinkering away, singing or just listening. On the steps themselves are artists painting for the sake of painting.. not for any monterey gain as they hand out their creations to those around them. I think I have been looking for the passions of these people for a long time.

What struck me most from this weekend was the openness of every person there. And in the knowledge that everyone was there for the same reason... you have something in common and therefor people immediately seem more approachable. Upon leaving the occupation there was a dramatic contrast. I found myself wanting to approach everybody and say my hellos, and instead of the open smiles I found closed books. Returning to Leeds has been especially hard.

I took time to watch and listen before i started taking any photographs... I wanted to absorb my surroundings first - something i rarely take time to do. I could never capture what this place is to me and the others at the occupation, but I hope that I can show at least a more enlightening view than that which is presented in the media.

Dedication to a cause

2011-11-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

When photographer Lewis Whyld of the Press Association arrived on Tottenham High Street on 6 August, the first and fiercest night of this summer's riots, he soon saw three other photographers being attacked. For the next hour he was forced to shoot on his mobile phone, and only pulled out his cameras once it was dark.

Shooting by the light of the police helicopter searchlight, Whyld captured these images that went right round the world.

Click here to see Whyld reveal how he documented a night of unrest in north London.

All photographs copyright Lewis Whyld/Press Association. Interview by Miles Warde, slideshow production by Phil Coomes.

Benjamin Francis Leftwich: Live Review and Interview

2011-10-25T06:27:00.000-07:00

Last week I shot Benjamin Francis Leftwich for JAM Magazine, a publication not yet a year old started by friend and fellow photographer Jay Hawley and co. Ben was playing in the Brudenell Social Club which is a really great venue, which in my opinion isn't made the most of in Leeds - well certainly not by the people around me. Next week I'm heading down to The Social to shoot King Charles... of whom I am a massive fan. Check it... We Didnt Start the Fire

I first saw Benjamin Francis Leftwich on a brisk evening in September at Bestival in the Isles of White. Competing with the distant base of Magnetic Man’s set on the main stage, Benjamin Leftwich played on the Band Stand to a silent crowd seeking refuge in his humble acoustic sounds. A month later at the Brudenell Social club in Leeds, with the lesser competition of drunken northerners in the bar next door, Ben once again created a still atmosphere where his husky tones and quiet demeanour became the focus of attention.

To read the rest of the interview go to JUST ANOTHER MAGAZINE's website.

Words: Emily Ames

PREVIEW: HALLOWEEN FASION for LEEDS STUDENT

2011-10-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

OCCUPY LONDON

2011-10-23T16:52:00.000-07:00

At the end of the week I will be on the streets of London. Joining the peaceful protests. I will document this for all of you whom wish to be there but cannot make it. Peace x
http://occupylondon.org.uk/

JAM: Benjamin Francis Leftwich interview + gig

2011-10-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

SUPPORT ACT:

DAUGHTER

CLEGG

2011-10-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

NME RADAR TOUR: WOLF GANG

2011-10-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

NME RADAR TOUR: S.C.U.M

2011-10-14T07:52:00.000-07:00

NME RADAR TOUR: NIKKI AND THE DOVE

2011-10-14T04:29:00.000-07:00