Great photos as always. I had to photograph Jeremy Clarkson back when the first series of Clarksons Farm was released. I also had to film an interview with him during the same session. At the time, all I had for video were two Fujifilm X-T3s. As I was setting up, he started questioning me about my equipment, asking why I was filming an interview with something that looked like an old Olympus OMDs. I said they can be used for video too and I like to use them as I prefer using cameras with a dial, and the ergnomics are better for me as I learnt photography on a Nikon FM2. He nodded and said "are they any good for video?", to which I calmly said "Jeremy, if they weren't any good, I wouldn't use them", at which point he just said "ok, fine lad, carry on." After the interview, I then had to take his portrait, and he was quite accomodating. Didn't have much time with him, and his PR team were breathing down our necks, but was certainly a memorable encounter and one that changed the direction of both my work and my career.
The photos were really good so you could never have guessed about the difficulties. That's pure photographic skill and experience to snatch great photos from chaos and confusion.
He seems like a right prk. You are a true professional. Excellent photos considering the stressful wait. Really enjoying your channel. Such amazing insights.
Great video! The photos turned out great, particularly love the goat one! I’m guilty of overthinking about gear when shooting so it was refreshing to see you tackle this with natural light and just the one camera - did you use more than one lens? When it comes to shoots like this for the likes of the Guardian, do you have full control of the processing/editing of the image or do they people internally who give it a retouch? Thanks again for the content guys, really insightful and inspiring stories!
Thanks...Back in the 90s, I used to just give the Observer 5 prints. They never saw the contacts and had to go with my choices. These days, from a shoot of 500-1000 images, I'll send in a selection of around 50, low res un-retouched files. After they have made their choice I'll send the HR images. I don't do a lot of retouching as I usually get it in the camera. For that reason, I'm not particularly keen on them cropping my pictures. I don't think much is done to them after they leave. The repro-house might tweak the files for contrast or colour slightly but there is not a lot of money to waste on letting perfect be the enemy of good! 🙂
So pleased I came across your channel, as a professional portrait photographer these stories of your work are a wonderful insight into the joys of photographing celebrities. Loved the photo with the goats.
Great post and excellent pictures. I like these more detailed, extended posts, and the addition of some BTS coverage (which I guess you don't have when doing a story from the more distant archives) helps too. A well-earned KitKat.
I really enjoyed listening to your behind the scenes story about photographing Clarkson. You have a very interesting channel and a very refreshing change from all the other RUclips channels on photography. Thank you and looking forward to going through your other videos. Cheers
One of the best episodes yet (along with the Wu Tang shoot). Would be good to have another discussion vid: what drives these famous celebrities? Any common threads? Do they seem happy or even real? Great stuff.
I met him in 1993 at the London Motor Fair at Earls Court on the Top Gear stand, when I was 12. I was a huge fan of Top Gear even back then. He didn’t look busy, so my Dad asked him if he would be kind enough to sign a copy of the show programme for me. He looked at my Dad as if he’d just stepped in dog mess, signed the programme I was holding without saying a word and turned around. Even though I was happy with the signature I remember being disappointed by his attitude and even a bit frightened of him. I did continue to watch TG though up until he was finally booted. More recently a friend of mine told me he supplied cars for an episode of Top Gear when they did the rebooted series. After he handed over the cars he spotted Clarkson sitting by himself smoking a cigarette. So decided to walk over for a quick chat. Clarkson looked up, stared at him and mouthed “f*** off”. I can’t say I’d ever want to work around him, so you did well. The photos are superb!
Fantastic stuff! Really interesting to hear the story. Brilliant photos. Love the variety in the images. Were the goat images with flash? And how long did you spend shooting in the end?
Enjoyed this one. It's alway great to see a later shoot of a celebrity. Kind of tells the stories of their evolution. Liked your last point-the photographs contradicting your experience and how you found him. The photography gods might have helped but your experience (and stamina) might have played a role :)
Would love to hear from Harry about what it was like during the period of him transitioning from film to digital. Did he hang on longer than others? How did the earlier digital cameras hold up against film at the time?
This was one of your most interesting videos. Towards the end, you ask "what does is matter?" when talking about the 5 hour wait and the way you were treated, and I guess that's not an easy question to answer. Were your fee and the results worth it all? I don't think there's ever a reason to treat people badly when all they are trying to do is their job. As much as I am a fan of the content Clarkson puts out there I am never sure about what he's like in person.
Very interesting indeed. Two people that really know how to make the camera work for them and yet both having to get into, and remain in a certain space in order to conjure up some of that beautiful magic in their own ways. Jeremy was probably doing his own rituals beforehand, which in reality probably irritated both in equal measure and neither being able to fully appreciate and understand each others needs to find and get into that zone, come across well, and stay focused. Both needing each other to be at their best and yet like the weather, the subject seemingly so full of their own self importance, that they don’t seem to give a damn. Maybe it was even because of other issues entirely. Yet despite it all and out of that friction the pictures are stunning and remarkable. I love characters and we are sadly seeing those disappearing at an alarming rate. My Son persuaded me to watch the latest Grand Tour episode and it was, just like your stills, a relief from the relentless new normal. I embrace you both and the gifts you share ❤
Arguably black and white imagery is throwing away information. A distillation, if you will. But cross-processing was not that, more a fad. Love your insights.
I liked the cross-processing. It gave an instant look of heightened reality to the photos. It was essential for many album covers, for example, where plain images wouldn't have worked.
I really enjoyed Jeremy's work on Top Gear and the Grand Tour, but he's someone I hope i never actually meet. I feel like if I met him, my opinion of him would be soured completely.
What comes across in these stories is a lot of it is a juggling act to get to where you want to go visually, while circumstances and personalities need managing as things go off script. I'd imagine many photographers would burn out with the stress.
100%. From making these videos wjth Harry I've come to realise you not only need to be technically adept; you need to be able to deal with people. Thanks for th ecomment!
Whatever you thought of Clarkson, and the very very expensive licence-payer funded output that happened to include him, no person of real worldly experience would ever consider him as anything more than an insecure dilettante shouting swear words to show how special he was. Even his xenophobia was of the "spineless soft-targets only" flavour. I regret that someone like you had the misfortune of coming within his sphere of influence. Always great uploads, thanks.
I hope you don't still drive like THAT 5:18??? One hand limply on a central part of the steering wheel spoke? You will have ZERO chance of reacting if anything happens plus the Airbag in the steering wheel will literally at the very least blow your fingers off if it don't take your entire hand off! Do you understand how Airbags work? They inflate using the ultra high speed gases from an explosive device in the steering wheel! That Airbag inflates in under a twentieth of a second! Please be careful, I can't imagine you losing a hand will help you in any way at all?
Great photos as always.
I had to photograph Jeremy Clarkson back when the first series of Clarksons Farm was released. I also had to film an interview with him during the same session.
At the time, all I had for video were two Fujifilm X-T3s. As I was setting up, he started questioning me about my equipment, asking why I was filming an interview with something that looked like an old Olympus OMDs. I said they can be used for video too and I like to use them as I prefer using cameras with a dial, and the ergnomics are better for me as I learnt photography on a Nikon FM2. He nodded and said "are they any good for video?", to which I calmly said "Jeremy, if they weren't any good, I wouldn't use them", at which point he just said "ok, fine lad, carry on."
After the interview, I then had to take his portrait, and he was quite accomodating. Didn't have much time with him, and his PR team were breathing down our necks, but was certainly a memorable encounter and one that changed the direction of both my work and my career.
Amazing story, sounds like you dealt with him well!
Did it all turn out well?
The photos were really good so you could never have guessed about the difficulties. That's pure photographic skill and experience to snatch great photos from chaos and confusion.
It is ALWAYS all about the photography gods.
They can make or kill a shoot.
Keep your offerings to them always fresh.
Great strory.
You have the best stories - ever! Thank you so much.
great production - great story - great photos
Multiple fantastic shots, which goes to show what a professional can do in a bad situation. Love the goat image 👍🏻
He seems like a right prk. You are a true professional. Excellent photos considering the stressful wait. Really enjoying your channel. Such amazing insights.
Haha he was a pain to deal with for sure - Glad you are enjoying thanks for the comment
Those are fantastic photos.
Great video! The photos turned out great, particularly love the goat one!
I’m guilty of overthinking about gear when shooting so it was refreshing to see you tackle this with natural light and just the one camera - did you use more than one lens?
When it comes to shoots like this for the likes of the Guardian, do you have full control of the processing/editing of the image or do they people internally who give it a retouch?
Thanks again for the content guys, really insightful and inspiring stories!
Thanks...Back in the 90s, I used to just give the Observer 5 prints. They never saw the contacts and had to go with my choices. These days, from a shoot of 500-1000 images, I'll send in a selection of around 50, low res un-retouched files. After they have made their choice I'll send the HR images. I don't do a lot of retouching as I usually get it in the camera. For that reason, I'm not particularly keen on them cropping my pictures. I don't think much is done to them after they leave. The repro-house might tweak the files for contrast or colour slightly but there is not a lot of money to waste on letting perfect be the enemy of good! 🙂
@@harryborden6077 Thanks for the reply! Looking forward to more videos in future 🙏
So pleased I came across your channel, as a professional portrait photographer these stories of your work are a wonderful insight into the joys of photographing celebrities. Loved the photo with the goats.
Thanks a lot! I love that picture also 😁
Great post and excellent pictures. I like these more detailed, extended posts, and the addition of some BTS coverage (which I guess you don't have when doing a story from the more distant archives) helps too. A well-earned KitKat.
😋
Great video, I really enjoyed it. Thank you for posting your story and pictures, both of which are awesome.
Absolute belters 📸👌
Great stuff...top quality photos as ever!
Rather glad I stumbled on this channel, despite not knowing f all about photography. Very interesting explanations on the subject. Thank you!
Awesome, thank you!
Speech like from a Guy Ritchie movie, brilliant... 😎 Great work with the background music Fred!
Thanks Jan!
Great story and photographs. Thank you for sharing 😊
I really enjoyed listening to your behind the scenes story about photographing Clarkson. You have a very interesting channel and a very refreshing change from all the other RUclips channels on photography. Thank you and looking forward to going through your other videos.
Cheers
One of the best episodes yet (along with the Wu Tang shoot). Would be good to have another discussion vid: what drives these famous celebrities? Any common threads? Do they seem happy or even real? Great stuff.
I met him in 1993 at the London Motor Fair at Earls Court on the Top Gear stand, when I was 12. I was a huge fan of Top Gear even back then. He didn’t look busy, so my Dad asked him if he would be kind enough to sign a copy of the show programme for me.
He looked at my Dad as if he’d just stepped in dog mess, signed the programme I was holding without saying a word and turned around. Even though I was happy with the signature I remember being disappointed by his attitude and even a bit frightened of him.
I did continue to watch TG though up until he was finally booted.
More recently a friend of mine told me he supplied cars for an episode of Top Gear when they did the rebooted series. After he handed over the cars he spotted Clarkson sitting by himself smoking a cigarette. So decided to walk over for a quick chat. Clarkson looked up, stared at him and mouthed “f*** off”.
I can’t say I’d ever want to work around him, so you did well. The photos are superb!
Great photos great patience
Fantastic stuff! Really interesting to hear the story. Brilliant photos. Love the variety in the images.
Were the goat images with flash? And how long did you spend shooting in the end?
Thanks!
Just daylight. Directional at about 5pm. 🙂
Enjoyed this one. It's alway great to see a later shoot of a celebrity. Kind of tells the stories of their evolution. Liked your last point-the photographs contradicting your experience and how you found him. The photography gods might have helped but your experience (and stamina) might have played a role :)
You're a brilliant photographer and equally brilliant raconteur! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much 😀 Glad you enjoyed
Great video, your channel is very underrated.
I appreciate that!
Brilliant shots! The goats and the polytunnel ones are so good. Trying to ID the camera: A Fuji GFX?
Yep. 50mp 🙂& thank you!
Would love to hear from Harry about what it was like during the period of him transitioning from film to digital. Did he hang on longer than others? How did the earlier digital cameras hold up against film at the time?
This was one of your most interesting videos. Towards the end, you ask "what does is matter?" when talking about the 5 hour wait and the way you were treated, and I guess that's not an easy question to answer. Were your fee and the results worth it all? I don't think there's ever a reason to treat people badly when all they are trying to do is their job. As much as I am a fan of the content Clarkson puts out there I am never sure about what he's like in person.
Thanks for the comment! I also find these type of stories from Harry the most interesting.
What an interesting video! Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
I’d have been royally disappointed if he wasn’t an absolute ballache during your interaction. Good stuff.
Clarkson is a very complicated character but i love the guy. You captured his character
he's an idiot. arrogant, self righteous, conceited.
Harry, where'd you buy that shirt from ?
@waxlondon 😃
Very interesting indeed. Two people that really know how to make the camera work for them and yet both having to get into, and remain in a certain space in order to conjure up some of that beautiful magic in their own ways. Jeremy was probably doing his own rituals beforehand, which in reality probably irritated both in equal measure and neither being able to fully appreciate and understand each others needs to find and get into that zone, come across well, and stay focused. Both needing each other to be at their best and yet like the weather, the subject seemingly so full of their own self importance, that they don’t seem to give a damn. Maybe it was even because of other issues entirely. Yet despite it all and out of that friction the pictures are stunning and remarkable. I love characters and we are sadly seeing those disappearing at an alarming rate. My Son persuaded me to watch the latest Grand Tour episode and it was, just like your stills, a relief from the relentless new normal. I embrace you both and the gifts you share ❤
Arguably black and white imagery is throwing away information. A distillation, if you will. But cross-processing was not that, more a fad. Love your insights.
I liked the cross-processing. It gave an instant look of heightened reality to the photos. It was essential for many album covers, for example, where plain images wouldn't have worked.
I really enjoyed Jeremy's work on Top Gear and the Grand Tour, but he's someone I hope i never actually meet. I feel like if I met him, my opinion of him would be soured completely.
What comes across in these stories is a lot of it is a juggling act to get to where you want to go visually, while circumstances and personalities need managing as things go off script. I'd imagine many photographers would burn out with the stress.
100%. From making these videos wjth Harry I've come to realise you not only need to be technically adept; you need to be able to deal with people. Thanks for th ecomment!
doesn't surprise me.
Whatever you thought of Clarkson, and the very very expensive licence-payer funded output that happened to include him, no person of real worldly experience would ever consider him as anything more than an insecure dilettante shouting swear words to show how special he was. Even his xenophobia was of the "spineless soft-targets only" flavour. I regret that someone like you had the misfortune of coming within his sphere of influence.
Always great uploads, thanks.
I hope you don't still drive like THAT 5:18??? One hand limply on a central part of the steering wheel spoke? You will have ZERO chance of reacting if anything happens plus the Airbag in the steering wheel will literally at the very least blow your fingers off if it don't take your entire hand off! Do you understand how Airbags work? They inflate using the ultra high speed gases from an explosive device in the steering wheel! That Airbag inflates in under a twentieth of a second! Please be careful, I can't imagine you losing a hand will help you in any way at all?