Back in December of last year, we had the pleasure of interviewing aspiring photographer Louis Fitzpatrick. Since we last caught up with Louis he has completed one of his collections which will be published on his website shortly. However, The Arts Platform has been given exclusive access to publish the collection.
The series named “Extraordinary People” is a collection based on how people are perceived. How we as individuals judge and make assumptions before we know anything about others.
“I have taken each image in a way that doesn’t reveal the subjects background, unbeknown to the viewer each individual has an amazing story to tell. Once the narrative is revealed the viewer’s perception of that person may change. The series is to show why we shouldn’t judge people based on their appearance.”
Using the Nikon D800, Louis created a collection that is of high quality images that once explained can cause a viewer to do a double take, to appreciate the photographs and individuals in a different way.
“My favourite thing about producing these images was getting to know each of the individuals personally. At each photo-shoot I had to opportunity to chat with each of the models and find out about their extra ordinary stories on a one on one basis; at one of models houses I spent a couple of hours chatting before even taking any photos.”
Louis has taken the opportunity to tell the stories of those who otherwise would not have a chance to. Taking something that potentially can be extremely personal, Louis has respected each individual and in turn developed a collection that makes its viewers think twice about how they perceive others.
Ten years ago Michael Gregson was scheduled to have an operation to remove a growth on his left leg, during which there were complications. Michael’s heart stopped beating on the operating table for a period of time due to an allergic reaction to the anesthetic. Shortly after the removal of the growth it was discovered it contained cancerous cells and unfortunately Michael’s leg has to be amputated above the knee. Originally Michael was due to stay in hospital for day. His stay lasted approximately a year.
Ena Shepherd previously worked as a social worker specialising in caring for autistic people at Mencap. As a younger woman, Ena was diagnosed with systemic lupus. At the time there was very little research or medication for the condition. More recently, Ena has recovered from and been given the all clear from breast cancer which has been a battle she has fought for many years.
Mark Taylor has been completely blind since birth. Although he has no vision, Mark works full time in administration at The Leeds College of Art. Fully capable of travelling independently, Mark likes to attend gigs and concerts that take place all over the country. Mark is a talented musician and can play almost any instrument.
James Whiting, who is now retired, was a former RAF serviceman who was based over five different locations during his time in the forces. Since he joined in 1956 he was stationed in West Kirkby, Honington, Kirkham and Cardington. James was also stationed in Malta during the Suez Canal crisis. He was primarily an armorer, which consisted of maintaining and repairing air craft weaponry systems.
David Owen at the age of twenty, suffers with autism and depression. David is unable to work due to his disability and finds many everyday situations quiet hard to deal with. David appears to look like an average young man however this is not the case as social situations can become extremely stressful for him to handle, therefore David is isolated from his peer group.
Bryan Shepherd up until very recently, had been a minister of religion for a local church in Chapeltown, Sheffield. His career spanned over the course of 35 years. Even though Bryan is now retired, he still takes on funeral work due to his popularity and excellent reputation in the local area. To date Bryan has conducted over 5,000 funerals since he started his career in 1969.
In the summer of 2014, Steven Fitzpatrick suffered a brain hemorrhage whilst working as a roofer. At the time an ambulance was called but never attended to him. Not knowing his condition was worsening as time went on, Steven was taken to hospital via car after waiting over an hour for the ambulance that was called. In A&E Steven then spent another 30 minutes waiting for treatment. Steven luckily made a full recovery which is extremely rare, especially considering the amount of time that had passed before getting medical care.
Shortly after the second world war, Mavis Easter became friendly with a former prisoner of war who had just re-located to England. Stainislaw Zych was taken from his family at the age of eleven from his home town in Krakow, Poland. Forced to work in a German POW camp, Stan never saw his family again. When Mavis and Stan met he had nothing other than the clothes he stood in. Stan was welcomed into her home and was given a place to live until he sadly passed away in 2005.
We look forward to seeing what new collections Louis will be creating over the next year.
Update: Extraordinary People is now available to view via Louis’ wesbite via this link http://www.daukarhoto.co.uk
Tweet us @theartsplatform with comments about this post or if you or anyone you know would like to be featured.
Pingback: Louis Fitzpatrick: Feature Presentation