Live by the Lens, Die by the Lens

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Could be a great epitaph eh?

Are you keen on old films, Hollywood greats, film stars, portrait photography? Do you want to see the work of master photographers of their era? Or do you reminisce about beach holidays at Blackpool and Southport? All of that and more can be seen at the National Media Museum at Bradford right now.

“Live by the Lens, Die by the Lens” is a comprehensive look at Hollywood star promotional photography from the days of Clara Bow and Rudolf Valentino, right up to the present time. In addition to star portraits, you will find stills from well known films, magazine covers of the great and famous and the work of the paparazzi. If you study the styles and lighting techniques, there is a great deal to be learned.

One floor up are the exhibitions of seaside photography. Photographers were a frequent sight on holiday beaches and on the prom for many decades. Many of us will remember them capturing us as we walked along…you had to go along to the studio the next day to pick up the photos!

If you’re more into TV, there’s an interactive TV studio…you can become a newsreader or weatherman! Especially great for kids (of all ages).

Tips:

Go early and park in the museum car park behind.

Allow at least 4 hours.

Beat the school parties and coach trips by having an early lunch in the cafe.

Don’t go when you’re already tired or have a sore toe (I did!), in which case it’s a good idea to take a spare pair of feet.

Have a look in the bookshop before you leave.