My theme for this project was ‘shopping’. I chose this topic as it gave me the opportunity to work in the photographic genre I enjoy the most – urban/street photography . The people, the shops, the food, all tell a story in my photos. I try to capture emotions in my pictures,  joy, happiness, the good experiences but also the bad ones. I want the viewer to be transported into this world of markets, businesses and shoppers.
In my first photoshoot I focused on the bustling nature of markets. From the busy stall owners to the eager shoppers, I aimed to present their spirit to the viewer. In the second photoshoot I wanted to explore bigger businesses’ and the life around them. I captured and isolated the signage. I also looked at the buskers and street artists that thrive in busy commercial areas.  I wanted to capture the emotions of these people - both the façade they put on for their day to day job, but also show their true feelings - like frustration, annoyance or boredom.
For my last photoshoot I compared shopping by day, and by night. I wanted to show the differences between natural and artificial light, day markets and night shops, the feelings of both, the similarities and the differences. I found that the day markets were more full of life, while the mood at night was more mysterious.
For my final piece I am going to explore further the differences between night and day shopping. I plan to use photographs I have taken in the same location and with the same framing - one during the day and one during the night. I will digitally merge the two, to emphasise the differences and similarities.
This project was eye opening for me. Looking at the work of Andreas Gursky, William Eggleston, Robert Frank and Henri Cartier- Bresson inspired me, helped me develop my ideas, and my shooting style.
Overall, the project encouraged me to do something that I had never done before - to go out with a purpose, and an idea in mind and a narrative to pursue. Before, I would just wander, taking photos with little intention.
It has helped me to expand my photographic skills and has improved my eye, as I had to find specific moments and subjects that related to my theme.