The project was shot from September 2016 to September 2017. I used two Canon 5DII bodies with Canon 16-35mm f2.8 L, Canon 24-70 f2.8 L and Canon 70-200 f2.8 L IS lenses. I also used a pair of Canon 430EXII Speedlites triggered by a Canon ST2. I used various reflectors and softboxes.
images were processed in Adobe Lightroom CC using my own preset.
This is the Artists Statement and images I've submitted.
People are the most interesting subject to photograph yet also one of the most difficult when it comes to capturing some essence of their personality.
So, with that challenge in mind, I decided to create a photographic essay. I ride a motorbike and, in spite of the common stereotypes held by the public, I know how varied individual bikers are. I put out a request on the web to the motorcycle community and received an email from the Chair of the Lippy Ladies, a female only motorcycle club based in the North of England. As soon as I met them, I knew I’d found my subject.
Over the next 12 months I photographed as many Lippy Ladies as I could, and over the time I got to know them, I also incorporated some south Yorkshire Lady Bikers as the two clubs overlap territory and members.
What I learned as I went along was, as Edward Steichen said: “A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it.”
Meeting and getting to know the Lippy Ladies was a much bigger part of the project than the technique of taking the photos themselves, building that rapport with them has been vital to the success of the project.
Each of the Lippy Ladies has a fascinating story. These are strong independent women, Pilots, Engineers, Bike Racers, ex-HGV drivers, with varied backgrounds but all with one thing in common, a love of speed and motorcycles.
These women are quietly leading extraordinary lives, but with this project I hope to make them more visible and celebrate them as role models to other women – and also men – of all ages.
