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As photographers, we know that a picture can paint a thousand words. By the same token, we also recognise that imagery is a powerful medium to conjure and create moods.
New for 2021, our monthly mood boards offer tranquil inspiration through downloadable desktop screensavers. With more of us working from home and tied to our desks, they offer a sea of serenity amid our digitally focused worlds.
Every month, a new mood board will set the scene. At the same time, our blogs and social media feeds will carry the mood throughout the month, bringing with them a positive and uplifting frame of mind.
The mood for February is texture. With this in mind, let’s take a moment to ponder. Why is texture important to photographers and stylists? And where can we find inspirational texture in our Light Locations?
As humans, texture is imperative to the way we feel and consider the world. The touch of a soft feather elicits a differing mood to that of a crisp autumn leaf. We view a painting with greater depth where artists have used texture to depict richness and dimension. Texture can change what we see and feel, and how we experience it. It can dramatically impact our mood.
Whilst photographers often look for a blank canvas backdrop in a photoshoot location; others will seek the interest created by a textured surface. Depth, drama and character all rise to the occasion when a stylist performs their magic against a textured wall.
Whilst many of our Light Locations utilise calm and uplifting textures through smooth surfaces or white panelling, the most dramatic use of texture appears when a multitude of layers are exposed. Years of history encapsulated and laid bare. Peeling wallpaper, crumbling plasterwork and long-concealed brickwork come together in a magical patchwork.
The two safe houses in Peckham offer stripped back walls, fireplaces and floorboards. Two different echoes of the Victorian era. Safe House 1 brings a brighter tone courtesy of daylight weaving through the open floors and exposed wall structures. Safe House 2 offers the depth and drama created when a bricked-up window excludes the light and world outside.
More drama is evident at the Top Floor and The Chapel. Historical textures overlaid with fire damage at Top Floor provide a unique location popular with fashion shoots. And as a result of WWII bombing, distressed surfaces fill The Chapel in South East London.
A different approach to drama has been purposefully created at Mount Pleasant Road and Marmora Road as distressed plaster walls enhanced by a wash of strong paint brings a modern approach to texture as an interior design choice.
For more texture inspiration throughout February, follow our social media pages. And for more quirky locations featuring textures such as exposed brick, panelling or parquet, search all of our locations.
