You know how you can see a sign and the thought goes through your mind, "what on earth were they thinking using that font?" But you'd never admit it for fear of sounding like a massive geek. Okay, maybe I'm the only one, but I find there are some type-styles that just really work for me and others that make me cringe.
The idea behind found-type and photography, the way I see it, is to strip away much of the clutter of our society. Every business, association, church or school has some sort of sign. Some are beautifully done, others extremely gawdy, while others still cling to the retro-glam vibe that is neon. As a whole these signs and type, whether telling us to keep off the grass or informing us of a new drama on the telly, become a massive jumble of wordage. But taken out of their context they can become something altogether different.
There's a type out there for every personality. Some of it is decaying, some suprisingly - even unintentionally beautiful, some is hidden away by newer more modern lettering and others are so smooth and sleek you can't resist the urge to touch it.
I've just recently dived into the world of shooting typography. It's interesting to me what various people make of it and how every person would shoot the same group of lettering in completely different ways. I've found myself becoming more keen to the colour combinations, the composition of the letters in a shot and how all of this needs to be considered when you're choosing a perspective from which to shoot it.
It's something that's readily around us, available any time of day and in any weather. (even 20 some odd crazy days of rain!) So if you've been stumped lately on what to shoot in all this rain or if you just want to try something different, find some cool signs and snap from every angle possible!
Photographer Enrique Pardo has some beautiful examples on his site.
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