Agree with the sentiment of your title, but you’re a brave boy if you turn up without at least sone preconceived ideas. After a couple of the dodgy shoots in the early 90s I’ve always had at least a few preconceived ideas to get the ball rolling (or some variation of them) and get them in the bag early, circumstances permitting. Then i can go and play feeling confident and more relaxed and aim for something better. Ace as always. Really great to hear how others, especially of your calibre, approach the work.Thanks!
Thanks @alf1ash9 Yes, agreed. It's definitely good to have a vague idea of your intentions, but to quote Iron Mike, "Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth!" So I try to be fleet of foot and malleable in my approach. Avoid getting stuck in one MO. Flexibility is key. I also find being playful and improvising a more fulfilling way of living a photographic life but to each his own. 🙏
The relationship between planning and improvisation is interesting in your photography. You almost seem to plan on improvising. These days, commercial photography is so regimented. The creative work is often done before and after the shoot but not during. It's so much better to trust your spontaneity, which is why your photos always stand out, I think.
Made me smile that :) and I adore the shots of Dominic in the natural window light, the one looking upwards.... Score! I like the idea of him facing away from you and slowly turning around in shots, may try that my next widow light shoot - as hey you got massive variation from just turning from back to front! inspired me :)
To put the great Holborn Studios into perspective, Helmut Newton called it ‘the Abbey Road of photo studios’ and he’s exactly right, I was there earlier this year, you walk in, see the famous Duffy portrait of Bowie, and everyone there EVERYONE treats you so well, so kind, so helpful. You can be a jobbing photographer who stays under the radar (moi) and be treated just the same as the big names. Harry probably has his name on the ‘one’ parking space 😂😂😂. Thanks again Harry & Fred for sharing your insights.
@stevesmith581 Ha! I always used to wrangle a parking spot but more by pleading than by reputation! It's a while since I had the pleasure of shooting there but as you say, they were always very accommodating. HS got in touch recently because they were curating an exhibition of photographs that had been taken there, so I game them a file to print. I always found the galley of other photographers work a bit intimidating! 🙂
Although I’m British I’ve spent most of my photo career abroad, so when I finally went there I was actually inspired… what DID intimidate me back in the ‘90’s was taking my book to Vogue House AND practically any model agency… they were always so cool, so in the moment and the receptions were do stylish.. I remember vividly taking in my naive portfolio case full of mounted prints, I quietly said hi and proceeded to hand it over, then I noticed an art buyer looking at 5x4 duped trannies in those neat Kenro mounts, on a light box, taking each one individually out of its custom box, complete with photographers logo… I could have given up right there and then..!😂 But I didn’t, I went and found someone with a 5x4 and bought some pack film 😂😂.
Interesting what you said about The Wire,as it was recommended by just about everyone,we sat down to watch the box-set…but I couldn’t make out most of the dialogue,so gave up,it seemed to be the sound editing that was the issue…should have put the subtitles on,but was too annoyed.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Excellent work. I love that shirt you're wearing.
Another great insight, you always seem to absorb any preconceive pressure and get the shots in that count, all sublime.
Thanks for the comment and the kind words :)
Agree with the sentiment of your title, but you’re a brave boy if you turn up without at least sone preconceived ideas. After a couple of the dodgy shoots in the early 90s I’ve always had at least a few preconceived ideas to get the ball rolling (or some variation of them) and get them in the bag early, circumstances permitting. Then i can go and play feeling confident and more relaxed and aim for something better.
Ace as always. Really great to hear how others, especially of your calibre, approach the work.Thanks!
Thanks @alf1ash9 Yes, agreed. It's definitely good to have a vague idea of your intentions, but to quote Iron Mike, "Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth!" So I try to be fleet of foot and malleable in my approach. Avoid getting stuck in one MO. Flexibility is key. I also find being playful and improvising a more fulfilling way of living a photographic life but to each his own. 🙏
Great photos, stories and insights as always!
Brilliant. Natural light is a dicey game in London’s winter. It really worked with the shirtless shots.
@@global001 thanks!
The relationship between planning and improvisation is interesting in your photography. You almost seem to plan on improvising. These days, commercial photography is so regimented. The creative work is often done before and after the shoot but not during. It's so much better to trust your spontaneity, which is why your photos always stand out, I think.
Thank you, always a thoughtful and perceptive take. 🙏🙏
I really enjoy your videos, It's such a fresh take on the medium. Your honesty and passion shine through.
Thanks a lot! We really love making the videos so means a lot when people enjoy them!
Thank you. Very kind. 🙏
Made me smile that :) and I adore the shots of Dominic in the natural window light, the one looking upwards.... Score!
I like the idea of him facing away from you and slowly turning around in shots, may try that my next widow light shoot - as hey you got massive variation from just turning from back to front! inspired me :)
Glad this video inspired you! As Harry says "flash kills the atmosphere". You almost always get the best results with natural light!
was rewatching the wire. what a happy coincidence.
Perfect timing! Thanks for the comment :D
Great stuff again.
thanks a lot! much appreciated :D
Strong pictures man
Thanks - means a lot!
And dramatic music too!
Haha yeah - Admittedly I struggled with music for this one and we didn't have much time for filming and editing :(
To put the great Holborn Studios into perspective, Helmut Newton called it ‘the Abbey Road of photo studios’ and he’s exactly right, I was there earlier this year, you walk in, see the famous Duffy portrait of Bowie, and everyone there EVERYONE treats you so well, so kind, so helpful. You can be a jobbing photographer who stays under the radar (moi) and be treated just the same as the big names. Harry probably has his name on the ‘one’ parking space 😂😂😂.
Thanks again Harry & Fred for sharing your insights.
@stevesmith581 Ha! I always used to wrangle a parking spot but more by pleading than by reputation! It's a while since I had the pleasure of shooting there but as you say, they were always very accommodating. HS got in touch recently because they were curating an exhibition of photographs that had been taken there, so I game them a file to print. I always found the galley of other photographers work a bit intimidating! 🙂
Although I’m British I’ve spent most of my photo career abroad, so when I finally went there I was actually inspired… what DID intimidate me back in the ‘90’s was taking my book to Vogue House AND practically any model agency… they were always so cool, so in the moment and the receptions were do stylish.. I remember vividly taking in my naive portfolio case full of mounted prints, I quietly said hi and proceeded to hand it over, then I noticed an art buyer looking at 5x4 duped trannies in those neat Kenro mounts, on a light box, taking each one individually out of its custom box, complete with photographers logo… I could have given up right there and then..!😂 But I didn’t, I went and found someone with a 5x4 and bought some pack film 😂😂.
I really love your videos and channel.
Thank you! so great to hear :)
Interesting what you said about The Wire,as it was recommended by just about everyone,we sat down to watch the box-set…but I couldn’t make out most of the dialogue,so gave up,it seemed to be the sound editing that was the issue…should have put the subtitles on,but was too annoyed.
Another fascinating video and interesting quotes too. It would be interesting to know which of your peers from around that era you admired.
It's a great question I'll have a think how to incorporate it into a new video :)
thanks for not being and industry gate keeper. really value these videos. thank you
Thanks for the great comment - That's why we do these videos!
Great video again! Thanks
Thank you - appreciate the comment!
Dominic is gorgeous x
Hi Harry, could you reveal the focal length of that "standard" lens you mentioned?
One more for algorithm 👌
Thanks a lot - It really does help!
I wouldn't call McNulty the protagonist or center of the show, there is no central character? the Wire is about communities and systems.