Photojournalism

Emilio Morenatti

I like the idea of taking an image whilst on the move, as in the image by Emilio Morenatti (right). The technique sometimes called panning can add an extra dimension to the work, since it creates a full stop in time and the idea of time passing someone or something by. The Past Revealing the Present could work when taken using this method to illustrate how times have changed to reveal the state of things today. I am using this technique for my final images to reveal how a seaside town near my home has gone from a vibrant Victorian holiday hot spot to a virtual dump, with closed shops, derelict bus stations et al.

For more examples of Morenatti's work see his website on the following link:
http://www.emiliomorenatti.com/newfront.html

Morenati's work along with countless other examples of photojournalism past and present can be viewed on the website of the National Press Photographers Association, by following the link below.
http://www.nppa.org/news_and_events/magazine/

I took my image of the derelict Divine Gift shop from a moving vehicle to get the sense of time passing and the insignificance of the place. The closure of the shop was the starting point for my story, which emerged when I was researching Southport in general. The shop made the newspapers in February 2010, when it closed leaving a note pinned to the window from the owners, thanking their loyal customers, and explaining that their closure was caused by the general lack of investment into the town, and the rise of the charity shops in recent years, leading to a disenfranchised public.

Although the image is out of focus, there is still the sense of the empty unit, and the charity shop almost making it look like it has become a charity case itself.