Description

Ryker’s work forms a representation of his own coming of age. “I tend to think of my subjects as surrogates for the boys I have had previous intimate encounters with, boys that I was dating or have feelings for”, he explains. Posing his subjects in a way that brings back specific personal memories, his work is consistently evocative with the models regularly locking eyes with the viewer with a tender gaze. Ryker’s use of analogue techniques and specific film stock, creates the soft yet striking colours that set the tone and feeling for each of his images.

This considered exploration of adolescence and masculinity is important not only in Ryker’s work, but also the development of his personal identity. I have come to the realisation that the confusion about my gender identity wasn’t because I am gay, but rather because I wasn’t really educated beyond the gender binary”.

I am inspired by Ryker Allens photos because he used a film camera to create such soft colours. This has made me a little bit more confident in my approach to using my film camera with my LED lights, however, I still think that I am going to use my digital camera. I am also influenced by the close up photographs of the human body and will use this when photographing. The fact that the face isn't shown makes the image more compelling. I quite like his idea of 'coming of age' and will take this into consideration however, I don't want to head in the direction of masculinity and femininity. Nevertheless, I do want to experiment shooting with male bodies as well as females.

Image and Reality

Image and Reality

Research - Ryker Allen

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