Don McCullin

is a British photojournalist, particularly recognized for his war photography and images of urban strife. His career, which began in 1959, has specialised in examining the underside of society, and his photographs have depicted the unemployed, downtrodden and the impoverished.

This image is of Don McCullin's group of friends, a local gang he knew called the Guv'nors in 1958, In terms of youth culture this image shows the importance of taking pictures of people you know because itt often reflects the things you do, and how the place you've grown up in has shaped the dynamic of what cultures you're apart of, this is a true reflection because McCullin was from Finsbury park which was very rough and he knew and accossiated with  a lot of gangsters. The image connotes; rebellion, gangsterism and illegality. The black and white means that the image contrasts really well as the tones are very distinctive and varying, the image almost looks ethereal. The image shows the reality of post-war life and gangs.

This image is of a catholic in Northern Ireland 1971 stoning British troops, the fact that the young man looks so happy connotes pride for his country, rebellion and hatred towards the British. McCullin shows how youth culture is the belief and passion in something political and and a current issue to you, and fighting for something that effects your economic position. The main subject being in the centre of the image means that we are drawn to him straight away, he is also the darkest tone on the screen, therefore this contrast greatly against the background of the image, in the backdrop you can see the police- blurry and in the distance this shows good depth of field.

This shot is of the Beatles, the cultural significance of youth in this image is the fact that they are the embodiment of youth because they have orchestrated a generations music and continue to, they carved out their own niche, changing with the times, evolving, therefore they symbolise the music, fashion and spirit of youth. I like the way space is used in this shot, as their is  lot of unused (negative) space in this picture, all the members are grouped together leaving space on either side creating an interesting composition in the way they are bunched together in a strange formation.

This shot is of Bradford in the 1970s, the image depicts two black children staring solemnly in to the lens, standing in front of a wall saying 'No nazi's in Bradford', the image connotes problems with race, conflict and hatred. The links with youth culture is the stand against injustice and this is clearly visible here. The image is very eerie and bleak, the black and white makes the composition of the image contrast greatly, the words are cryptic and the brightest toned part of the image this stands out massively against all the dark houses and walls. The image shows how economically depraved bradford is and what a dismal place it is.

When shooting I have used and exhibited some of the ideas that Don McCullin has shot in his images, for example the way in which he shoots his friends and people that he knows and associates with, this is an idea I have used because often it is a great reflection of the culture that you're apart of because generally your friends are into similar things as you and can often show what sort of a person you are. Also the content of rebellion and music in Youth as these are all massive parts of what form and makeup different youth-subcultures.