Artist Research - Nicholas Goodden

Nicholas Goodden is an English photographer and an expert in Urban Photography (EyeEm, 2022). According to Cowan (2016), Goodden was a DJ and then studied to become a chef in a French school. However, in 2008 he decided to established itself as Photographer with his first shoots (Cowan, 2022). In 2010 he have decided to invest in a website and after that, in 2014, he decided to create his company (Cowan, 2022). A brave and quite recent journey in Photography, after few changes in career. Nico has not studied photography, the artist claims that he is self taught (Nicholas Goodden Photography, 2022). An inspiration for many other artists that have not the financial opportunity to invest, Goodden it is a good example that with the right attitude and sacrifice people can pursue their dreams. Goodden has a variety of cameras, however, his preference goes for mirrorless cameras which help the artist carry less things during his time working (Nicholas Goodden Photography, 2022). A very recent artist that has solidify his name next to other big names in photography.

''I’m not the kind of photographer who'll name old masters of photography as their inspiration. I wanted to be a photographer to become a better, happier “me”, not a poor copy of some old masters which I respect but who are past and not in charge of my life. It may sound ungrateful but Henri Cartier-Bresson or Vivian Meyer have no responsibility in where I am today, my work is.'' (Nicholas Goodden Photography, 2022).

According to CreativesGo (2015), Goodden creates different content that brands can use on social media. An artist that no only creates his own art but also cooperates with other companies such as Adidas, Amazon, Peugeot and many others (Cowan, 2016). 

Figure 1 - Ladbroke Grove, Colour London Street Photography, Nicholas Goodden, N.D.

Looking at the Figure 1 we can see an example of street photography that Goodden has taken in London. A unexpected moment, certainly, for this couple. Where we can clearly see that they are enjoying their moment. Two subjects outside their house enjoying the moment. The man is smoking a cigarette looking quite relaxed whilst the woman seems more apprehensive body language. It seems that the artist was passing by and caught the couple by surprise. Both subjects are in the centre of the photograph which make them important and relevant when I look to it. The photographer did this very well to share in total their figure, but also not forgetting the ambience around them where I can still see some elements such as window, curtain, the grass or the brick wall. Every element show us different textures. However, probably due to some software editing the colour green is a very strong presence in this photograph, matching the man outfit, the grass and the parasol. Even the curtains show us a green tone which is very interesting. A very interesting tone that the artist added. On the other hand I see the women with a very contrasting outfit, such as white a red. The woman is undoubtedly contrasting with all the environment. By staying outside this create a good light for the artist rather than to use a flash or a slower speed setting. Some light shadows can be seen, however, does not changes or affects the outcome, and this could tell that this photograph could be taken around midday when the sun is higher, however, I have no clue on that. I think is a very strong photograph. That shows me how people can enjoy some moments just outside, while in their garden. The same time they seem friendly and they have approved for someone to take their picture. For me, the woman is the strong subject as she is wearing a totally different colours that gives her an important role in the photograph as my eyes go to her figure directly. 

Reference

EyeEm (2022) Behind the Blog: Meet Nicholas Goodden of Street Photography London. Available at: https://www.eyeem.com/blog/behind-the-blog-meet-nicholas-goodden-of-street-photography-london (Accessed: 27/04/2022)

Cowan, K. (2016) Nicholas Goodden on street photography, moving images and the importance of social media. Available at: https://www.creativeboom.com/features/nicholas-goodden-on-street-photography-moving-images-and-the-importance-of-social-media/ (Accessed: 27/04/2022)

Nicholas Goodden Photography (2022) A Level Photography Information. Available at: https://www.nicholasgooddenphotography.co.uk/london-blog/a-level-photography-information (Accessed: 10/05/2022)

Creatives Go (2015) Career Insight - Nicholas Goodden - Photographer & Cinemagraph Creator. Available at:  http://www.creativesgo.com/guest_article_nicholas_goodden.html (Accessed: 10/05/2022)

Image Reference

Goodden, N. (N.D.) Ladbroke Grove, Colour London Street Photography. Available at: https://www.nicholasgooddenphotography.co.uk/london-street-photography (Accessed: 10/05/2022)