Behind The Blur! - Interview Extracts From Perspetiva Magazine
Learn more about my thoughts, inspirations and photographic process with excerpts from a recent interview I took part in with Perspetiva Magazine.
Welcome to the Christmas edition of ETHEREAL! To wrap up the year, I thought it would be nice to delve into a recent interview I took part in with a Portuguese magazine called “Perspetiva”.
Before I dive into the interview, a big welcome to all of the new subscribers - I hope that you enjoy the content going forward. And of course, many thanks to everyone who has subscribed to the publication this year - we have just hit over 1,500 subscribers which I am very proud of. Thank you to everyone who has supported the publication by reading, liking, subscribing and sharing, it really means a lot.
I hope this interview provides you with some interesting information, and I wish you all a peaceful and merry Christmas, however you choose to celebrate.
How did your connection with photography begin?
I have always been intrigued by imagery and visuals, having studied Film (Cinema) at University. When the DSLR revolution began with the Canon 5D series, I spent a lot of time watching videos on Vimeo that had been made using these cameras. My first camera was a Canon 550D, purchased initially for making video, but I soon found that creating stills was far more rewarding a process for me, and that was the start of my journey and career in photography.
Could you tell us about your connection with abstract photography?
I think subconsciously, I have always been more drawn to the abstract, rather than the more conventional way of documenting a scene. this was evident even when making videos, as I was always more interested in creating effects with bokeh, shallow depth of field and colour.
As my journey into photography has progressed, so has my interest and understanding of abstract photography, my consumption of other abstract photographers and artists, and the benefits of practising this style of photography.
Your images, while invoking a sense of the imaginary and unreal, are always grounded in the natural world, particularly natural landscapes. Why is that?
This would mainly be due to the connection that I have with the landscape that I am photographing, which is predominantly the Coast. This is where I spend my time as a photographer, so although my representations of the Coast are abstract, I also want to ensure that my audience can recognise the landscape and form their own connection to that place.
What are your main influences? Where do you draw inspiration for your photography? Does this include other photographers, or perhaps artistic movements?
Yes to all of the above. I have countless influences and people who have inspired me to move forward with my photography. Some of these people are personal connections - such as my wife’s late Grandfather. He was a life-long photographer, and president of his local photography club, and was a key mentor in the early days of my career.
The type of images that I make, unsurprisingly has a strong influence from the art world, and especially the work of Turner, and his representation of the Coast. There is no bigger compliment then when a viewer of my work can recognise that style and similarity.
I am also inspired by contemporary artists, such as David Mankin, who creates stunning abstract pieces inspired by the Cornish Coast. I would urge people to view his work if they are in need of some inspiration.
There is also a growing community of talented ICM, abstract and landscape photographers who post on social media, and this has become daily inspiration for me, as Im sure it has for many other photographers.
Impressionists sought to capture the impression of a scene rather than a literal depiction. Your photography, being abstract yet recognisable, seems to explore a similar tension. would you say your work is more about interpreting the emotional or atmospheric reality of a place then strictly documenting it?
Absolutely, that is a very good way of explaining it. My work relies heavily on the connection that I feel with the places I am shooting - emotional and physical. The Coastal areas that I shoot mean a great deal to me, and to other artists, and when I am in those places, that is where I feel inspired to create my best work. I have always said that you will only create your best work in a location that truly means something to you, and a place that you have a genuine connection with.
One of the key benefits, and the reasons that I use ICM and abstract photography is this then allows me to express this connection to the landscape in a way that is unique to me, rather than a “classical” interpretation.
You state on your website that it’s not just the beauty of the Coastal landscape that attracts you, but it’s importance for your personal reflection, tranquility and mental well-being. Does your photography always need to reflect these elements?
Yes I think so. Making images Is just one part of the process. Primarily, I visit the Coast with my camera as an escape, a place to reflect and contemplate. To be outdoors and feel and hear the sensations of the Coast and witness its beauty. I then use my camera to try and capture those feelings through imagery.
Being in this environment helps to control my mental health and brings me a great deal of joy and positivity. It has been fundamental in helping me to control some of my anxieties. My aim is for people who view my work to have a similar experience, and to help bring some positivity to their day.
What kind of photography do you mostly “consume” or look at?
My photography book collection is quite diverse and probably surprising for a person that shoots almost exclusively at the Coast! Looking at it now, I have a large collection of street photography books, ranging from Saul Leiter, Alex Webb, to Todd Hido. The use of colour and abstraction by these photographers Is exquisite, and more then inspiring.
I also have a large collection of landscape and documentary photography books, with one of my favourites being Kyle McDougall’s “An American Mile”.
I also like to keep up to date with publications released by independent landscape photography publisher Kozu Books. (Since this interview took place, I have had the pleasure of working with Kozu Books to create my first book “ETHEREAL”.
Do you still feel it’s possible to create something new in photography?
I do, but agree that it is becoming increasingly difficult to stand out in the crowd, especially in the world of social media, and the pressure that puts on photographers to keep creating at an unrealistic hit rate.
One of the great things about abstract photography is that we may be using a similar technique, but our representations and final results will always be unique to us.
Could you share with us what’s typically inside your camera bag when you go out shooting?
My current kit includes:
Sony A7IIIR and Sony A7IVR Camera Bodies
Sigma 14-24m With Kase rear mounted filters
Sigma 28-105mm
Sigma 100-400mm
Selection of Lee Filters - Primarily 6 / 10 / 15 stop ND and a selection of graduated filters
Lens cloth and cleaning spray - essential when at the Coast!
Flasks and ramblers for hydration
What other passions do you have besides photography?
I am an avid reader, of both fiction and non-fiction, and always have a least one book on the go (currently binge reading the “Slow Horses” novels by Mick Heron. Also, cinema, film and popular culture collectibles is a big passion of mine.
Sport and activity is something we try to involve ourselves in as a family, especially running, indoor climbing and roller blading.
Mark, I have been very much drawn to your photography since discovering you on Substack. Each photo gives me a moment to pause and imagine all the sensory experiences of that particular image. I am inspired to continue thinking about and planning for a contemplative photography experience that helps demonstrate the connection between the physical and spiritual world, focusing on relationships: with the Sacred, others and within the self. Keep them coming, and thank you!
Hi Mark, Recently received your book and what a beautiful collection of images you have there. Not really surprised having spent two days at West Wittering with you over the past twelve months, but I also found the words inspiring as well.
Happy Christmas and New Year to you and your family.