About Me
Born in Brighton, England, 1983. Growing up, I always enjoyed taking pictures and cameras fascinated me. However, until I began my first year of college, I hadn’t given photography very much serious thought. In addition to studying several arguably less creative subjects (Business, Psychology and Media), I had also decided to study traditional darkroom-based photography - mainly because I thought it would be a nice easy subject, which would make my time at college more enjoyable, which it did. However, at that time, I didn’t realise that this decision would significantly change my aspirations and interests, and ultimately help me become more creative, more inquisitive and more socially and politically aware. Within a matter of months, I had developed a real passion for photojournalism and documentary photography – with a particular interest in work that focused on social issues and injustice, both in the UK and abroad. Over the next two years, I spent countless hours in the college library familiarising myself with the work of great photographers such as Nachtwey, McCullin, Jones Griffiths, Cartier Bresson, Frank, Avedon, Goldin, Koudelka, Towell, Davidson, Salgado, Depardon, Erwitt, McCurry, Pinkhassov, Klein and Arbus – to name but a few. Before I had finished my exams, I had decided that I wanted to become a photojournalist / documentary photographer.
As a result, soon after finishing my A-Levels, I began a Photography BTEC National Certificate at City College in Brighton. Based on the work that I produced during this course, I earned a place on the prestigious BA in Photography at The London College of Communication – an institution with a strong reputation in the field of photojournalism and documentary photography (LCC forms part of The University of the Arts London and was formerly known as The London College of Printing). During my time at LCC, I studied photographic theory, history, concepts and practice, and developed a keen interest in the effect of photography, as a powerful and pervasive form of visual communication, on contemporary society and culture. While at LCC, I was fortunate enough to be taught by Lucy Soutter, Peter Osborne, Susan Bright and Val Williams (among others). For my dissertation, I wrote about the effect of digital technology on the idea of photographic truth – with particular emphasis on photojournalism, press and documentary photography. For my final third-year project, I began a long-term photographic documentary based on the redevelopment of Elephant and Castle in South London, and the effect on its inhabitants.
My photography is predominately about people and the physical and emotional spaces in which people exist. Photography is a tool of self-expression which allows me to explore these spaces and helps me to describe the world as I see it. I’m passionately committed to creating photographic work about issues that affect people from marginal, vulnerable and socially excluded groups. My photographic work has been exhibited in both London and Brighton. Since graduating, I have continued working on long-term documentary projects, and begun working commercially as a portrait photographer and freelance documentary wedding photographer (also known as a reportage wedding photographer or a wedding photojournalist). I’m currently still working as a film-based photographer (personal preference), however, I do intend to ‘go digital’ in the next twelve months.
Not that long ago, I taught myself how to build and design websites using CSS, HTML and JavaScript. Though I’m still a keen amateur, I have begun to work intermittently as a website designer. For example, I recently designed, built and now maintain www.jessicacoote.co.uk for professional textile artist and creative hand embroidery specialist, Jessica Coote. If you’re a fan of textile art, I’d recommend that you check out Jessica’s work – it’s very impressive.
Though photography is still my main passion, I am also working towards becoming a camera operator in the film and television industry. While at university, I was fortunate enough to work on several films by BA Film students at The University of Westminster and The London College of Communication. These films were predominately shot on s16mm Aaton and Arriflex cameras, using various types of film stock and lighting equipment. Now that I’ve gained some confidence as a photographer, I’m hoping to do much more cinematography work. So, if you are a filmmaker, writer or performer and you would like to work with me, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
I’m available for assignment and commission.