We take a sneak peek at Brooklyn Beckham’s blurry photo book — and get an insight into his privileged family life
Art critic Tabish Khan, 34, casts an expert eye over Brooklyn's efforts from outdoor activities to snaps with the family
THEY say a picture speaks a thousand words – but in Brooklyn Beckham’s case, it’s more of a mumble.
David and Victoria’s eldest son will release a glossy book of photos he has snapped during his privileged life. It’s just a shame so few of the shots are actually in focus.
Called What I See, the £16.99 offering features blurry shots of Brooklyn, 18 and his family at everything from A-list parties to luxury holidays.
Sun royal photographer Arthur Edwards said: “None of these pictures is sharp and many are badly lit.
“It’s a bit early to start releasing books when you have not mastered the basic skills.”
Some snaps do, however, offer a fascinating insight. Who knew, for instance, that sour-puss Victoria was a fan of fishing?
Brooklyn, who celebrated the launch at London auction house Christie’s, says he was given his first camera by dad David when he was finding school “frustrating”. And he reveals that taking pictures soon became his “obsession”.
An early look at his images shows there is still room to turn his hobby into an art form.
Here, TABISH KHAN, 34, art critic for culture blog Londonist, casts an expert eye over Brooklyn’s efforts.
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Brooklyn says: FAMILY salmon fishing. My brother Cruz was the best but I didn’t catch anything – annoying but still fun.
Tabish says: AN attempt to show a more everyday side to his mum – fishing rather than at a glamorous party. However, the use of black and white aims at a timeless quality that contradicts this effect.
Brooklyn says: DINNER. I like this picture – it’s out of focus but you can tell there’s a lot going on.
Tabish says: THE fact this shot is out of focus is more user error than a deliberate style choice. On the plus side, Brooklyn is only 18 and there’s clearly a lot of room for improvement.
Tabish says: THE constant use of black and white is confusing. Surely a sun lounger next to a pool would look much better in colour, capturing all the brightness in this scene.
It feels like a failed attempt to give a sense of mood. By releasing a book of photos rather than a celebrity aftershave, maybe some of his many fans will be inspired to take up photography seriously.
And if one fan manages to create great images as a result, then there could be a happy ending after all.
Brooklyn says: ELEPHANTS in Kenya. So hard to photograph but incredible to see.
Tabish says: BROOKLYN’S caption that elephants are “so hard to photograph” suggests he couldn’t get his settings right – rather than that he was aiming for a silhouette effect.
It makes the elephant seem threatening when we should be revelling in its beauty.
Tabish says: FANS are probably mostly interested in Brooklyn’s dress sense.
But the fact his bankable face is not visible feels like an attempt to make him seem more relatable and anonymous – even if he is on a private jet.
Hundreds of quality fine art photographers will never get a book deal – and they would still struggle to sell anywhere near what this book will amass.
Brooklyn says: NEW Year’s kiss. Playa.
Tabish says: FINE for Snapchat, but to be taken seriously as an art photographer, Brooklyn clearly has some way to go.
But let’s face it – nobody wants this book because of the quality of the images.
His loyal followers just want to own a piece of his life.