Tim Walker

Tim Walker

Tim walker, who I’m sure in a favourite of many people, is best known for his spectacular fashion fantasy work. Walker, whose work has been in magazines such as Vogue and ID magazine, produces stunning and unbelievable settings which give his work a surreal feel. What I love most about Walker is how he reminds me of my favourite fairytales and stories. For example one of his most recent shoots for Vogue Walker’s recreated the image of the ‘snow queen’, a film I remember from childhood. Other recreations include the ‘princess and the pea’, ‘swan lake’ and the ‘nutcracker’. Another feature of Walkers work I enjoy is the use of lighting in his photographs. Walker mainly uses natural daylight but he often combines this with artificial light to give a more mystical effect. Walker has photographed many celebrates and famous fashion figures. An example of this is Natalia Vodianova an iconic fashion figure. I will never lose interest in these photographs as I fall in love with them every time the settings are breathtaking and his imagination is beautiful, I would love to live in his imaginary worlds.
In the first photograph Walker makes use of the natural light pouring through the window. The light casts over the model which ordinarily would be cast as a problem but in this case it adds to the fantasy element of the photograph. The clothing also adds to the fantasy element the materials and colours can all be linked to fantasy. The rope around the models feet makes the viewer think about why it is there. There are also shells in the right hand corner which could suggest that this shoot had a sea life or mermaid theme this could also explain the rope as ropes are used to hold boats to the shore. I love the innocence of this photograph the model creates with her expression.
The second photograph is of model Lilly Cole. Tim Walker makes my imagination run wild I have so many thoughts and wild ideas when I look at his work. The location is perfect and the long spiral stairs are astonishing. This reminds me of Rupunsel when the princess gets locked in the tower. The colour of the dress can be linked to the film Cinderella. I love how Walker takes ‘bits and bobs’ from stories and fairytales and recreates them in his own way. Lilly Cole is famous for being a red head and standing out from the crowd. Walker recreates his own unique fairytale princess this is an exciting and different way of seeing things for the viewer as most princesses have blonde or brown hair. The composition is beautiful, how the dress is draped over the stair well, how the model is posed, how the light is coming through the window. It is clear to see Walkers passion for his work.
The third photograph has the ‘nutcracker elements’. I like how the model and other fantasy figures appear to be very small, compared to their surroundings, almost as if we are looking through a children’s play house. The model is wearing the soldier’s hat which could indicate that a young child has been playing around with his/her ‘dolls’. The models expression is very ‘doll’ like as she makes no connection with the camera and is in a very stiff posture. Again the lighting used is very interesting in terms of composition as it separates the pair. I also like the use of fashion here it is very quirky and unusual which can be linked to the style of the photography.