Bill Cunningham: New York

During the induction week of the FCP course, we were taken to the Broadway Cinema in Lace Market to watch a documentary about one of the first and most influential street style photographers; Bill Cunningham. 

 

Aged 85, Bill Cunningham still continues to get involved in his photography, creating content for his pages in the New York Times. But he never just takes the photos, he wants his work to be displayed perfectly, so works all day and night with the graphic designers who create the layouts for these pages in order to build the perfect finished product he cannot find any faults with.

The documentary shows Bill Cunningham speeding around New York on his bike in order to capture the cities best dressers. Whether that be celebrities, commuters or residents, if they dare to dress differently, Bill will definitely catch them! Living and working from his tiny apartment with barely any room to even sleep, the film expresses Bills passion for fashion photography, and capturing something beautiful which many catwalk photographers may never get the chance to.

 Bill never accepted forms of payment for his work, and this allowed him more freedom than other photographers may have, but also further stressed his own desire to take these photographs. This makes Bill completely unique from many other fashion photographers, doing work just for the love of fashion, rather than for the money that may come with it.

Bill's talent and enthusiasm is contagious and really made me want to get my camera out and shoot others on the street. I plan to be confident with my camera, asking members of the public to take photos of their styling to use as inspirational sources for my own work; after all, surely they will take it as a compliment?!

I would definitely recommend giving this documentary a watch, as shows a completely different side to fashion, highlighting how inspiration does not necessarily have to come from the expensive designer catwalks, but can come from anywhere! It's also amazing to watch this sweet and friendly guy enjoy his work and fight for the things he truly believes in.
#fcpreflection