Victoria Adamson

Bio:

On graduating in 2004 with a BA (Hons) in Photography from Salisbury College Wiltshire, Victoria pursued her love of fashion photography with a move to London to work as a freelance photographic assistant. Victoria’s break came in 2007 when she was asked by renowned catwalk photographer Anthea Simms to shoot street style shots for Grazia UK at the New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion shows. Victoria is now an experienced freelance photographer in her own right, working in both stills and video. Her comprehensive portfolio includes editorial, advertorial, commercial and look-book commissions from across the world. Victoria’s lifestyle, fashion and street style photography is regularly seen in Elle UK, Glamour and Grazia UK as well as many other global publications.

Why I chose Victoria:

I chose Victoria as she looks at Street Style in mainly the four biggest fashion nations across the globe. In her work, she rarely photographs away from the four cities of Milan, Paris, London and New York. One reason why I chose Victoria over the other street photographers on my list was because she cleverly crafter her images in a way which made the location recognisable. However, she still keeps the fashion and the model in the frame as the forefront to the image. Victoria Adamson uses a range of different iconographies in each location, such as iconic landmarks and also by using the formal element of colour to exhibit what you would expect to find in these cities. The clothing in which her models wear is very unique, as they tend to be more elaborate yet sometimes she also captures the style of the everyday person. There is also a range of postures and stances in the images to give the models emotions and differ them from one another.

London
Iconography in the background of the Red telephone box and the London Bus. Places the model at the forefront of the image, with a minimum depth of field so that the rest of the image is blurred out. However, due to the iconic formal element of colour that we associate with London being red, it is clear to see where the model is. The model is also biting her nail, in an unusual pose which adds some charm and wit to the image.

Milan
The model is wearing black and white, which compliment the other shades in the image of white and grey. The piece of iconography which links this model to her surroundings is via the use of a Vespa bike. These are often associated with Italy and therefore allow the audience to associate with where the model is situated. It is a long shot and therefore we are able to see the females entire body, with the short dress conforming to the Male Gaze theory. The model has a tilted head, which is a pose often used within the fashion industry. The model is also wearing a very patterned dress, which conforms to the formal element of pattern and attracts the viewer towards her.  

NYC
The main piece of iconography used in this image is the New York yellow taxi. This iconic object has been a symbol of the states culture for years and is fixated in the mind of the viewers. This image has a very American feel to it, with the colours being much bolder than the other images - perhaps exploring the vibrance of the city. For example, the model is positioned to be casually sitting on a bright red pole, where a red Stop sign is placed in between this and a yellow taxi is placed behind her. In the background of the image, among the yellow poles reflect upon the light windows, which make the bold colours at the front stand out even more.

Paris
Frances most iconic landmark the Eiffel Tower is placed behind the model. It makes her appear to be dominant, as she is placed directly in front of the tower yet she is nearly half of its size. This is due to the positioning of the model and how far away she is. The image is very dull, with grey colours making up the backdrop and the metal structure of the Eiffel Tower being explored in this respect. In contrast to this, the model is placed in front of the Tower but she is wearing much bolder clothing, with a red and black stripe and the tone of the females skin standing out amongst the backdrop.