Tell us a bit about yourself…
I’m a young 32-year-old working as a writer, photography studio owner and studying a Masters in Magazine Journalism. I have unlimited creative interests, each month I’m onto something new, currently its lino printing and puzzles! Photography has been a huge part of my life, I first picked up a film camera at twelve and I haven’t really put one down since. I studied the subject at college and university and I now have a slightly obsessive collection of film cameras.
What is the story behind the cover?
Our fab LeftLion editor Sophie tasked me with taking a photo of the Herbie Hare art studio at Sneinton Market. I’d walked past this place several times peering into the windows at the sheer volume of colour and bizarrely enticing art pieces and sculptures. I rocked up on the day of the shoot, met Adrian the owner whom I immediately vibed with, he’s such a nice chap! Then together we set about moving his heavy and delicate mannequins around to get the best shot that represents all that he does. It was such a fun shoot.
What inspires you as a photographer?
I’m inspired by moody and grainy street photography, expired rolls of film from eBay, rain-soaked streets, neon lights, friendly people, cinematic scenes, a good cup of tea, black and white movies, windy days, electro music with a hint of jazz, good looking film cameras, magazines, little trips abroad and to the Peaks, pets, street art, beaches, candid portraits and the golden hour.
Although I don’t often shoot moving image, as a huge movie fan I am often inspired by great cinematography, for example movies such as A Ghost Story, Poor Things, The Lighthouse, Melancholia and Psycho (plus more that I can’t think of right now).