Mike Brodie:

Mike Brodie is a photographer that I have been looking at in relation to the current development of my project and the photography that I have been doing, due to exploring movement and the metal frameworks of the bikes. These two shots are from a series of images where he documented the life and journeys of train hoppers in America. 

These two images both showcase and capture movement in a really effective way, the subject is the main focal point and is in perfect focus. While the background is a blur allowing the image to feel as if it is in motion. I believe that this is an effective way of pulling the viewer in as these images invoke a sense movement and if you stare to long you being to feel dizzy. I love the colour grading of these two images, I think that the greys, browns and copper tones paired with the mail frame work that can be seen invoke an industrial atmosphere. I think that these colours also add a sense of bleakness to the images, the grass is beige and dying and the metal work is rusted and dirty. I believe that this also serves as a reflection in to the subjects on a more personal level, these people live hard lives and are often struggling more than they would like to let on. 

However, I do believe that there is a sense of freedom that resonates form these two photographs. In the first image the subject shirt is flowing in the wind like a cape, they look like a superhero on a mission and I think that because of this these are undertones of strength and liberty throughout the image. The second image is very bold. The subject is holding up their middle finger and I believe that this invokes a carefree atmosphere and it gives off the impression that they have a very strong character. He has his shirt open and he is hanging off the back of the train, instantly, I think that this adds a sense of fearlessness and empowerment to the image. While they are on that train they are free.