Punk Rock Photography

Presenter: Jackson Robb

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Academic Year: 20-21

Semester: Spring

Faculty Mentor: Hillary Homzie

Department: Communication & Media Studies

Funding Source/Sponsor: SYRCE Symposium

Screenshot URL: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_z4JkE5GwAoH2fKZ29Jmc7l-gWGfCBHC

Abstract:
Before the 1980s, the genre of punk rock was largely a late-70s music genre revolutionized by the working class of Britan with artists like the Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Damned (with the expection of The Ramones being the largest American punk band). Leading into the 1980s, the presidency of Ronald Reagan and the influence of a strong conservative society led into the renaissance of the 1980s hardcore, American punk movement, with bands like Minor Threat and Black Flag spearheading a message of anti-Conventialist traditions. The strongly outspoken bands of the time were located on home base in Washington D.C. while preaching this message of rejecting everything pushed onto them by politicians and people in power. In a time of great trepidation, these bands became a huge part of history in the long line of American counterculture. 

Within the stratosphere of punk rock, many elements of the culture will stand out to newcomers and fans alike. Whether it be the music, fashion, or wild hair colors, certain parts of the culture will draw new eyes to punk. Despite this, punk is not an aesthetic in the eyes of listeners and fans. The true punk attitude lies within the concept of individuality, being true to yourself, and going against anything considered the norm within a conventional society. So how does one capture the attitude of punk in a creative project without relying on the obvious choice of music? Well, photography. The photography in punk culture is a staple that remains relevant, with iconic photos of old punk icons and heroes continuously catching the attention of popular culture and mainstream media. The grainy black-and-white images capturing the grit and grime were one of the first things that caught my attention and soon got me into researching the history of punk rock. Going back to the roots of this interest and passion was what seemed like the most correct choice, with every image in this project meant to catch the attention of punk and photography fans alike. 

All images within the project are meant to be emulations inspired by old 80s punk photography. Shot on Nikon F (Film) and Canon Rebel T5 (DSLR).