Identity

book stock + web.

Identity [aɪˈdɛntɪtɪ]

n pl -ties

1. the state of having unique identifying characteristics held by no other person or thing

2. the individual characteristics by which a person or thing is recognized

identity - definition of identity by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.. 2012. identity - definition of identity by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.thefreedictionary.com/identity. [Accessed 4 April 2012].

I really love photography when the personality is bursting through someone’s work. My favourite example of this has got to be Martin Parr. Martin Parr was born 23 May 1952 and is a British documentary photographer. He is also a  photojournalist and photobook collector. He is known for his photographic projects that take a critical look at aspects of modern life, in particular provincial and suburban life in England. He is a member of Magnum Photos.

In the majority of Parr’s work, he does not hold back when trying to capture the ‘real’ Britain that we live in. his images are shameless and absolutely fantastic.

I have look at his book ‘Last Resort’ to evidence my thoughts.

Parr, M, 2009. The Last Resort. 4th ed. England : Dewi Lewis Publishing

In this book, Parr viewed the decaying holiday resort of New Brighton and its holidaymakers in a way that was new, unique and deeply disturbing. And he did so in colour, something which at the time was seen as revolutionary for documentary work.

I’m not too sure if it is for me to say, but us Britain’s are awful. Soon as the sun comes out, everyone strips off, has no shame despite what size you are. We are hardly a reserved bunch. And the way Martin Parr has captured this whole series is fantastic.

The image above of a man with the most striking tan lines you have ever seen. The way Parr’s photographs are so extra saturated really extenuates this and I don’t think this images or the whole book would have worked without this method of working. and because Parr's way of working is so iconic, this gives him such identity.