A Northern Heart
On the blog this month, I wanted to say a little bit about a new venture I’ve set up as a sister business to FKB Photography.
A Northern Heart is an idea that’s been circling around in my mind for quite a while, so I’m really excited to be launching the website on 1st June and getting it out there finally!
The concept for it is a joining forces of a few things;
Firstly, the light. The pillar of any great photography! But more specifically, I have a soft spot for Rembrandt lighting which comes from my love of art. This is a gentle side light that originated in the paintings of the masters. It gives its subject a painterly feeling, creating a classic, timeless look. I knew I wanted to incorporate this where I could, to make these portraits really special.
Secondly, the concept of time, or timelessness. I’m lucky enough to have a back catalogue of childhood photos to look back on, and I would rather look at these old pictures than anything taken on a camera phone, because they feel so authentic and permanent, unlike the throwaway culture of thousands of instant photographs we have now. Don’t get me wrong, I love my phone for capturing in-the-minute moments just like everyone else! But for something to love and in treasure in years to come, I want a beautiful portrait that feels like those old photographs feel; like a real moment stood still, a person or much-loved pet remembered on a physical piece of paper - like something that will be handed down in the family over the years.
And thirdly, the Northern bit. Why A Northern Heart, I’ve been asked? Growing up in West Yorkshire I’ve been deeply influenced (and massively spolit) by the landscapes we have here. They are where I feel at home, my go-to destination when I need to reset, and my work and play grounds. I love the north and its characters, from Yorkshire to Northumberland and beyond. The humour, grit, innovation, self-deprecation, traditions and the accents all add up to an army of fascinating people, businesses, and families.
This, coupled with a flair for storytelling, has brought everything together under one mission; to create beautiful painterly portraits featuring the people and places of the north, and to translate these into beautiful, luxury wall art prints to be loved in years to come.
I will continue to run FKB Photography because it still has loads to offer for people who are looking for a lighter, more fun element to their photography, or for the usual business and events work. A Northern Heart is much more about formal portraiture.
