Suddeutsche Zeitung Editorial // /  by sophie green

New editorial for Suddeutsche Zeitung fashion issue - the entire issue is dedicated to 100 recommended book titles. Each photograph describes the narrative/ themes of a particular book.

First up - ‘The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared’ by author Jonas Jonasson Featuring my 95 year old neighbour, Mr T! Wearing brands Versace and Tods. The book follows an 100 year old man who on his hundredth birthday party escapes out of the window of his old people's home and does a runner – or more of a shuffle. Escaping (in his slippers) through his bedroom window, into the flowerbed, he makes his getaway. And so begins his picturesque and unlikely journey involving criminals, several murders, a suitcase full of cash, and incompetent police. Many people want to grow old but are afraid of doing so. But you can also experience ancient adventures, as the books protagonist, Allan proves.

This image below depicts the book ‘Make Love’ by Ann-Marlene Henning -
Featuring couple Daisy & Tige wearing brands Mui Mui, Calvin Klein and Sandro Paris.
Learning about sex has never been easier, the internet, television, magazines - pornography and eroticism are everywhere. But that doesn't mean that young people are better informed today than they used to be - on the contrary. Those who grow up today are mainly dealing with misleading ideals and false perfection. What is really important is intimacy, love and communication - which has no place in modern media. ‘Make Love’ takes us into the authentic and individual realities of different couples as an educational new book about love.

THE OBSERVER NEW REVIEW COVER // /  by sophie green

The Observer New Review publish two of my images as part of a ‘Love Photography Special’ issue. The front cover features portrait of couple Lottie & Teagan kissing. This image was originally shot as a campaign for the jewellery brand, Alec Doherty.

Suddeutsche Zeitung // /  by sophie green

I was commissioned by Suddeutsche Zeitung Magazine to photograph fashion items and accessories.

MESSUMS 'SHOWTIME' EXHIBITION PICTURES // /  by sophie green

'Showtime' at Messums Wiltshire Gallery. Dates 22 October – 28 November 2021.

Throughout time, tribal communities have always had a celebratory showtime or ceremony. These events are identifying signposts of a culture, a physical display of identity, a positive expression of life, and of who we are. Empowering it’s participants to reinforce and transmit their values, customs, passion and identity.

In this unique display, my three series ‘Gypsy Gold’, ‘A Day at the Races’ & ‘Dented Pride’ all documenting the 'Showtime' of under-represented subcultures & communities in Britain, are exhibited side by side. Taken at events, shows and fairs across the UK, my images explore the fashion styles, mannerisms, cultural customs and rituals deployed in the social gatherings that define each group.

‘Dented Pride’ comprises a series of Banger and Stock car surface abstractions. This contact motor sport encourages its participants to smash their repurposed bangers into each other - the winner is the last car in motion. Where some would only see damage and destruction, I saw beauty in the dented, scratched and textured surfaces of the car exteriors.

Images from my series ‘A Day at the Races’ present a different window into the UK car racing scene, from regional racetracks to super-sized modified car festivals depicting a colourful world whereby pimped-up machines are fashioned as metallic extensions of their young drivers. Within the subculture of the ‘boy racer’ the car is frequently perceived to be a symbol of masculinity, prestige and respect.

‘Gypsy Gold’ captures the main calendar events of the Traveller world - horse fairs. Here horses are traded, girls search for husbands and family and friends from far and wide reunite. It was through this window that I was able to expose the characteristics of this unique and colourful aspect of traveller culture.

Curious to push the boundaries of traditional social documentary practice - I like to play with a balance of spontaneous documentary realism combined with stylised constructions. Merging portraiture and still life images, I’m drawn to the details that surround my subjects as a way of revealing a deeper story of person and place. Colourful, graphic and sometimes humorous incidentals punctuate the compositions within each series to heighten their resonance.

VOGUE ITALIA // /  by sophie green

New editorial for Vogue Italia titled ‘Doggy Style’. Stand aside, cats; dogs are a human’s best friend. We all know it. Ever since the domestic dog evolved from the wolves that latched onto us for our food scraps, 15,000 years ago, we’ve been joined at the heel. There’s no other human-animal relationship quite like it, and this iconic interspecies duo just loves to show it off, from the show ring to the park.

The domestic dog or canis familiaris has specifically evolved to live alongside humans, and modern science proves there’s more to our sacred bond than meets the eye. It starts with a look. Stare a dog in the eye, and it will hold your gaze – tongue lolling, tail wagging and eyes smiling. You coo and gabble at it, and it’s almost as if it understands what you are saying. It’s a look of love, and it’s reciprocated. It’s not just humans that get the special treatment, dogs seem to form emotional attachments to anything from lambs to ducks.

The hypersocial behaviour shown by dogs stems from genetic evolution. Japanese researchers discovered that a pooch who stares at its owners for a long time has elevated oxytocin levels, the love hormone. After receiving these soppy looks, the owner’s levels of oxytocin also increases. This hormone fosters nurturing and attachment. Dogs have cheekily hijacked humans primary means of communication, eye-to-eye contact, and it definitely works.

Dog shows are used by enthusiasts as an arena to showcase just how well they can communicate with their pooch. For many, dog shows are a bit of fun – the chance to show off your most trusted companion. But for others, dog showing is a lifelong commitment. In fact, there are so many dogs shows, you could travel across the UK (and globe) to attend one every weekend. Many do, travelling in the car for hours, laden up with pooch paraphernalia. 

Dog shows are not without fanatics, and the level of attention that the handlers bestow on their wagging wards backstage is feverish. The table becomes a poodle parlour. Pampered pups stand ready to be preened for the catwalk, next to handlers dressed to the nines. The dog’s coat is carefully washed, brushed, blow-dried, misted and combed; their nails are manicured, and their teeth brushed. These pooches wouldn’t look out of place in a L’Oréal advert, and they lap it up. Stroke them if you dare. But woe betides you if you ruffle their fur. 

It’s hardly surprising that puppy sales skyrocketed during the pandemic. Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association revealed that 3.2 million pets were purchased across the UK. For the vulnerable, a dog can be a lifeline. 

These photographs celebrate the devoted and at times humorous relationship between humans and their dogs. The series juxtaposes the pageantry and cultural traditions of dog shows and the participating community with photographs of dogs navigating the contemporary landscape of London city. In some images dogs are posed in high fashion pet apparel, giving a visual harmony between dogs & their owners, who both radiate character, attitude and style.

Made in collaboration with Journalist Emma Latham Phillips and Stylist Adam Winder.

See the full article here; https://www.vogue.it/fotografia/gallery/doggy-style-by-sophie-green

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SOLO SHOW & TALK - 'SHOWTIME' AT MESSUMS WILTSHIRE GALLERY // /  by sophie green

I’m super excited to announce my exhibition 'Showtime' at Messums Wiltshire Gallery in partnership with Messums over dates 22 October – 28 November. The preview tour of the exhibition is 11am-12pm on Saturday 23 October. You can register to book here; https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/preview-sophie-green-showtime-tickets-174214439077

I am also doing an online talk and will be interviewed by Messums director of photography Dr Julie Bonzon on Fri, 22 October 2021, 18:00 – 18:30 BST. You can book tickets here; https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-talk-photographer-sophie-green-presents-showtime-tickets-161070507223 it’s free to attend but register to be sent the Zoom link.

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MORE OR LESS MAGAZINE // /  by sophie green

Medicinal mud is an ancient healer, dating back to ancient Egypt times. But Peloid therapy is celebrating a renaissance, from face masks in Kuyalnik in Ukraine, mud massages on the lake shores of Bulgaria, to volcanic baths in Columbia. Published by More Or Less Magazine in collaboration with journalist, Emma Latham Phillips. View the full series on my website.

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SKY ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN // /  by sophie green

'The Power of Belief’ print campaign spotlights Sky’s social initiatives through a series of important stories following real people who have benefitted from Sky’s investments in a diverse range of social initiatives across the UK. These personal stories raise awareness of the issues involved and document how these initiatives are creating positive change directly within individual lives. Showing how opportunity, dedication, purpose and community can transform people lives.

Beginning with Barbara's story of loneliness in 'To Hear A Smile', highlighting how Sky’s befriending service has helped her. And ‘New Innings’ following Prisha’s passion for cricket and how Sky cricket initiatives can help young people to get out the house away from screens and into sport. Commissioned by EveryFriday studio.

AIRBNB ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN // /  by sophie green

New campaign for Airbnb who commissioned me to make a unique travel diary on a trip with my friends to capture how travel reveals experiences and personal connections with a new place, community and culture.

VICE MAGAZINE PUBLISH ‘BEACHOLOGY’ // /  by sophie green

Vice magazine publish my work in progress titled ‘Beachology’…

In the summer of 2020, the resuscitation of the British seaside began. When the first lockdown relaxed in the UK and people were allowed out their front doors again, I began to make regular trips to our charming and eccentric British seaside resorts to record the return to life. In the face of COVID-19, the beach has become a valuable place of fun, freedom, and community, but has remained a unique space where it is still possible to experience the idiosyncrasies and quirks that distinguish the British.

With the phenomenon of the “staycation,” individuals and families from every class, race, and religion united in the desire to escape their homes, get out in nature, and enjoy communal connectivity. Conversations could be shared and sea air could be breathed without the constraint of a face covering.

The Great British seaside flourished post World War II, with the allure of ice cream parlors, helter-skelter slides, and amusement arcades. Yet with the rise of affordable flights abroad, the landscapes of these seaside towns plunged into decline, and many now carry a complex socioeconomic narrative of underfunding, a high rate of unemployment, poor healthcare, and an aging population. The scenery looks, at times, dystopian—industrial backdrops, barbed wire fencing, and rotting fairground rides. The sand and stones are infested with cigarette butts.

But since the pandemic, many Brits have been heading to the beach for an accessible alternative to going abroad. These seaside towns could end up being gentrified by more affluent and dynamic holidaymakers, causing an evolution in the social, political, and cultural landscape. In opposition to such forces, the British seaside radiates a defiant strength. As the country reemerges, I hope that our underappreciated British seaside towns will thrive as places of escape, entertainment, and excess for all.

You can see the article here.

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PALM PHOTO PRIZE 2021 // /  by sophie green

My portrait of Emily has been selected for the Palm* Photo Prize 2021. The exhibition opens on the 20th of May - 30th August at 10 14 Gallery, London and will be by appointment only.

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