Phillip Toledano is a British photographer living and working in New York City. As an artist, he works across mediums from photography to installation. His conceptual themes are primarily socio-political. Toledano has three monographs published on his artistic practice, with the most recent, Days With My Father, being received to critical acclaim.

My favourite project of Phillip's is 'Days With My Father,' as it's given me the most inspiration, which I will explain below. 'Days With My Father' is a son's photo journal of his aging father's last years. Following the death of his mother, photographer Phillip Toledano was shocked to learn of the extent of his father's severe memory loss. He started a blog on which he posted photographs and accompanying reflections on his father's changing state... Through sometimes sad, often funny, and always loving observations, we follow Toledano as he learns to reconcile the elderly man living in a twilight of half memories that his father has become, with the ambitious and handsome young man he occasionally still sees glimpses of 'Days With My Father' is an honest and moving reflection about coming to terms with an aging parent. I enjoy the reflected notes placed on the majority of these images and add great interest and contextual understanding and knowledge towards the project. 

This image creates lots of depth and intrigue here due to this open emotion which is portrayed through the blog and the photograph. The photograph of Phillip's dad and what I believe to his mother suggests a loving relationship between them due to affection shown through their comfort and close positions. The depth of field used here allows us to focus on the two individuals more so, as this technique allows their silhouettes to be outlined. The woman's closed eyes and the man's turned back suggest a lack of identity, which adds further intrigue and depth. 

The depth of field used here allows the camera to outline the father and son hugging, this technique shows us the level of how ill Philliph's father really is, this is suggested through his appearance. Phillip's father's facial expression seems direct and tense suggesting worry and self awareness. Phillip's open arm and closed eyes facing closely towards his father suggests grief and the love and care he carries for his father. This close up shot suggest that the father and son hold a close and loving bond towards each other. 

This image is quite emotional which juxtaposes with the hilarious message placed alongside it. This funny message suggests how important it is to focus on the small and funny antidotes in life (the present). I enjoy the depth of field used here to focus on the hands being held, this suggests affection and love. The depth of field also pick up Phillip's father's wrinkles in his hands really well adding depth as well as suggesting old age.

The empty wheelchair in this image suggests a lack of presence and care perhaps towards Phillip's father's birthday. The single ballon in the image in one way suggest a thought and effort made towards the man's birthday, while also highlighting the lack of gifts and presence suggesting isolation and loneness.  The title on the image highlights his age which may have anchorage towards the wheelchair and lack of presence. The long closed curtains which cover the full length and width of the image also suggests a sense of isolation. The over-exposure in the lighting moving through the windows suggest a presence of a spirit. 

This image uses depth of field which emphasises the message on the paper, which states "Philiip I've missed you -Edward" this also adds intrigue as we question who edward is and wanted to find out more. The blurred backgrounds also adds mystery as well as the hands suggesting a lack of identity and personal perspective. The dark and dull colours in the background connotes the unknown.

I have taken great inspiration from this photo in hope to produce something similar with the same style. I enjoy Phillip's position here, as the hand on the face suggest he is deep in thought and concentration. The lack of colour and the message next to the image have anchorage and draws attention towards his mother's ring that he is seen wearing. I enjoy how Phillip is placed towards the left of the photo as this matches with the hand he is lent on. The message seen above is very personal and emotional, which adds more meaning and feeling towards the photograph.

I believe this image to be one of my favourites. The image of the bedside table filled with personal belongings and warm light lamp suggest a home feel towards the image. The message next to this image also suggests that Philip's mother was home to his father, this is also further suggested through the photo of them both on the bedside table. The two clocks also spotted on the table suggest time and how quick things change in life. The contrast in lighting made from the light creates great depth and suggests perhaps a change in routine and life. The quote from the message "like sunlight" is suggested through the warm light seen in the image.

The depth of field used here focuses on the chair, which is seen empty suggesting a lack of presence and isolation. The bright green coloured chair suggests envy, this could suggest the upset and confused Philip's father holds towards his wife presence, which is presented by the lack of an individual. The embedded marks seen on the cushion and chair suggest that someone was here and is not anymore, this could be anchorage to Phillip's mother's recent death at the time.