Once Upon a Myth

  • Claire Beevis
This series of photographs was created with the intention of bridging the gap between the child like view of the world and the reality that adults perceive. My work is heavily influenced by the Legends of King Arthur and Merlin to represent Carmarthen, and a local ghost story to represent Kent and classic tales by Hans Christian Anderson and Joseph Jacobs to tie the different narratives together.

Additionally the photographs have been taken in both Kent and Carmarthen to enhance the legends that have been recreated. Through the use of cinematic styling I hope to bring the chosen stories up to date by incorporating modern aspects that may not have been in existence when they were written, whether this is my fashion choices or the props used within the imagery.
By reconstructing a combination of well-known and lesser-known stories that resonate on an emotional level with the audience, it is intended that the photographs will bring out the inner child in people, reflecting that stories are something that have the ability to stay with us for life and can shape who we grow to become.

I have been inspired by the work of Annie Leibovitz and Kyle Thompson, reflecting on the way they work to enable me to create photographs that are in keeping with a cinematic style. I have been drawn to this particular style as it resonates well with the fantasy theme.