Unit 57 – Task 3 – Photographer Research Essay

1. Unit 57 – Task 3 – Photographer Research Essay
By Chelsie Brandrick
Niki Gorick is a UK based fine art photographer specialising in black and white
images of London. She trained at the Montreal School of Photography and her 20-
year career has spanned journalism, television camerawork and scriptwriting. She
now focuses on photographing London as she “aims to capture the true character of
the city from its famous landmarks to its vibrant street-life.” She is famous for taking
black and white photos of London and selling them in limited edition batches. Niki is
currently artist-in-residence and exhibiting at the Guildhall, City of London. Her
photographs are in both private and corporate collections, including those of the
Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Sir Terence Conran, Grosvenor House Hotel, P&O
Cruises, the Intercontinental Park Lane and the Royal Garden Hotel Kensington.
I have chosen to research this photographer as her black and white style is simplistic
but manages to showcase London and its landmarks extremely well. I find her images
capturing and I think Niki has an eye for a good photo as they are often taken from
unusual angles. The black and white style sets Niki’s work apart from the rest of
landmark photography and creates nostalgia for the viewer. Niki also photographs
London’s landmarks from unusual positions so the audience doesn’t necessarily
recognise the location at first, which is a unique way of promoting these locations.
These photos are my favourite as they are different from all the previous versions of
the photo taken by other
photographers. The angles are
similar to those a tourist would
have whilst exploring London for
the first time, which enables
tourists to relate to her work and
residents of London to reminisce.
The black and white filter isn’t too
dark so the photos are presented as reflective rather than oppressive. Niki’s shots
represent and convey the whole essence of London.

2. These photos relate to my project as I wish to take pictures of London’s famous
landmarks for ‘The London Magazine’ to promote and provide entertainment for
those who are interested in London. After researching Niki Gorick’s photos I now
know I want to experiment with different angles and subject matter when I am taking
my photos around the city. Her photos are creative, unique and simulate positive
emotions from the audience; I wish to use her concept of famous landmarks shown
differently when I create my photos. I will be taking my photos in colour rather than
black and white but I shall keep Niki’s idealism and shots in my mind which will
hopefully improve and diversify my content from what is already out there.