Thursday 16 January 2014

Return to the Abandoned House

Hi all!

I'm still in disbelief at how quickly January is flying by! So far 2014 has been full of work, wonderful friends and lots of llamas. For any of you who follow me on twitter you'll know that my obsession with llamas has rapidly excelled from moderate to extreme... However, aside from all the llamas and plenty of the day to day fun, Mark and I have also quickly got back into the photographic swing and have ALREADY done some really exciting shoots that I can't wait to share with you!

Last Saturday we returned to the abandoned house which many of you might remember from an abundance of flickr images and many references on youtube. It was one of our favourite places to shoot due to how atmospheric it had become in its dilapidated state. The bright colours on the walls particularly appealed to Mark due to his signature style of pairing colours together. Infact, I think some of my favourite shoots came out of days spent at the house (even if I complained of being horribly cold at the time!)

However, in the last few months the house has been entirely transformed. In a rapid renovation, the once abandoned property is now a warm, inviting gothic revival family home and Mark and I jumped at the chance to be able to shoot there. We decided to recreate many of the shots we had previously taken, however this time there was an added twist - although the location was fundamentally the same, the look was now entirely different! It meant we had to approach something which was once so familiar with entirely fresh eyes. Below I will post some of the beautiful pictures of the house and you can see just how much it has changed. The interior design and feel is so in keeping with the style I love so it was almost impossible to tear myself away and leave at the end of the morning!




I began the day early in the morning at my family home in Kent. For once I wasn't rushing around from London like a lunatic, so I had the time to have a good pre-shoot pamper with a face mask and lots of moisturiser (I think my skin was very glad!) I opted for my tried and tested make up look of a subtle smokey eye. It's very adaptable as it doesn't look too glamorous but at the same time really helps to accentuate all of my key features. 



Travelling to the location, Mark prepped me on the shoot for the day. We were going to film two videos - manipulating window light and making the most of locations. These were two topics that particularly inspired me as it's such a fundamental part of Mark and my photography. I also love being able to look through the wealth of photos we've taken and to really be able to reflect on all the work and Mark's wonderful vision that has gone into their creation. Furthermore, I was so excited to see the property and beyond that, to take photos there again.

The renovation was so beautiful and completely in my style and it was wonderful to see the difference between the old photos we'd taken and how different the same outfits looked in the new(ish!) locations. The pictures themselves are still very atmospheric but in an entirely different way - now looking far more warm and plush they tell an entirely different story. In the videos we shot on the day we talk in depth about the photos themselves and how we use the different lighting and locations and I'm very excited to share them in time with you all so you can see all the wonderful shots we took on the day. However, for now, I wanted to give you a little sneak peek by showing you some of the raw shots from the day and their comparison with the old pictures...






I hope you've enjoyed looking through some of the photos from our shoot. It's been wonderful to see how the house has been transformed and I hope you find it fascinating too!

Check out more of Mark's photos in the house at http://www.flickr.com/photos/peopleofplatt/sets/72157624572361792/



Big photo love!
Im x

11 comments:

  1. Wow from what i can tell, whoever did the renovation it looks like they did a good job. Nice and light, expansive and airy. I like the idea of returning to certain sites or revisiting themes. It's not just a matter of doing the same thing over again but like you say seeing the changes. Approaching things anew. The site is the same but different and i guess the same could be said about you guys too. Older, wiser heads as it were. A different point in everyone's life - the building included. There is something nice and special about that. Love the photos but then everything you guys put together is an intriguing visual treat regardless. Can't wait to see all the rest of the photos and new shoots planned. This blog is going to be great i know it!

    P.S.
    All the Llama love is bizarre!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Yes I completely agree. One of the things which I think makes mine and Mark's photography so interesting for me personally, is the way we've photographed at least once a month for 4 years. It's really fascinating to see the subtle changes or in this case a huge one!

      Delete
    2. Yes that's the great thing about creativity. It unfolds in all directions.

      Delete
  2. I have nothing of value to say but I would just like to tell you that I am enjoying your blog so far.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Imogen.
    First of all I would like to say that I love the way You pose. Don't know the guy who took (i suppose) almost all Your photos but he did a great job.
    Secondly I would like to ask (cause I follow Your photos on Flickr) when You will decide to pose topless? You're quite close to start shoot such photos, love the one wearing opacity pink dress.
    And third thing (last one) could You please visit my blog and comment or critique my photos? It's http://kacperpokorski.com/ . Please select Photos (Fotografia) from categories (Kategorie) top menu.
    Thanks in advance

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow, it's crazy how much the house has changed. Quite a transformation! I'm a big fan of yours and Mark's photography and look forward to more from your blog, YouTube videos and wonderful pictures! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  6. First of all congratulations on the blog and for your wonderful work, also let you know that use one of these photos for my work which you can see by going to the link I left you then

    http://dibuline.blogspot.com.es/2014/03/imogen.html

    A big hug and it goes well.

    PD: Sorry for my English

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great shots all around. My favorite in this series has to be the shot of you in the window modeling the outfit with the black Pantyhose. (eye-catching Legs by the way!) You did a great job with the look on your face / acting, and the pose and the outfit. Keep up the lovely work. Hope to see more like this one.

    ReplyDelete