David Bailey- Skulls and Roses.

Although constantly recognised for his fashion photographs, David Bailey's still life work tittles 'Skulls and Roses' is something of a masterpiece. The simple yet powerful use of lighting alongside symbolism can be seen as a representation of the final presence/act of time…Death.
It is clear that when merging the two concepts of still life and time, death acts a prominent thematic  structure. Whether this is something I too would like to use to compliment time I am yet to discover. However, this will be straightened out once I get into the studio and begin to experiment.
Personally, what I admire most about this series by Bailey is the unique relationship between the 'Skulls and Roses'. Both structures were once full of life, yet they now act as inanimate objects; they are inactive. In a similar sense, Bailey cleverly shows the variety of time. Both objects have perished, yet the roses still remain beautiful and colourful; compared to the dull and heavily decayed skull. He is showing how time in a sense has a conscience…it does not have one similar outcome.
Initially, when looking at the more technical aspects of the photograph, Bailey has chosen simplicity. Perhaps to represent the simple nature of death in relation to time. However, when photographing my selected objects, I would personally prefer to adopt a lighting style similar to Irving Penn- Bold, powerful and in your face.