'Abdel'
Selected for the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize 2016 and exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery from 17 November 2016.
I've had a number of enquiries from students, a couple of newspapers and Olympus UK about how the above image came to be taken. So, I have collated them all together to give what I hope is the 'full picture'. For more information, please use the CONTACT page
Where was your photo taken?
The image was taken in May of this year. I was engaged in a tattoo parlour project and had just dropped off a print to one of my subjects and started looking for some footwear in a shop selling trainers on Shoreditch High Street, East London.
Was it planned?
No, it was a chance encounter with a fellow shopper. Many of my photographs come about as a result of approaching complete strangers. The young man was so stylish with his wide-brimmed red hat and great dress sense, he was a photographer’s dream. After a few head shots, I asked him to stand sideways. The profile was the last of six photos.
How much time did you have to take it?
The capture took place over just two minutes, the whole encounter lasted about five minutes.
Who is this man?
His name is Abdel. He was born in West Africa, raised in Portugal and is now living in London.
What gear and settings did you use?
My camera of choice is an Olympus OM-D EM-5. I used a 12-35 mm lens. Aperture f/2.8. ISO 800. Auto White Balance. Shutter speed 1/50th of a second
Why did you decide to enter this into the Taylor Wessing competition?
I feel that this image is probably one of the best that I have taken, it is very special to me. I like the simplicity of the composition, the subject’s dignity and his far away gaze. I was encouraged by family and a few friends to ‘have a go’. So I did!
Have you entered before?
No, and hopefully it will not be the last.
How did it feel when you found out your image had been selected?
I was having lunch with my wife, my son and his family, I looked at my phone and saw the email message from the National Portrait Gallery. Elation and a sense of disbelief, I think that sums it up.
Did you receive a prizes, award?
No, but to be one of the 44 photographers whose work was selected from the 4,303 entries submitted feels pretty good. My image of Abdel was selected for the exhibition catalogue cover, postcards and the large banner at the exhibition entrance at the NPG, plus used for an extensive publicity campaign on the London Underground network.
------- Some Testimonials ------
Selected for the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize 2016 and exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery from 17 November 2016.
I've had a number of enquiries from students, a couple of newspapers and Olympus UK about how the above image came to be taken. So, I have collated them all together to give what I hope is the 'full picture'. For more information, please use the CONTACT page
Where was your photo taken?
The image was taken in May of this year. I was engaged in a tattoo parlour project and had just dropped off a print to one of my subjects and started looking for some footwear in a shop selling trainers on Shoreditch High Street, East London.
Was it planned?
No, it was a chance encounter with a fellow shopper. Many of my photographs come about as a result of approaching complete strangers. The young man was so stylish with his wide-brimmed red hat and great dress sense, he was a photographer’s dream. After a few head shots, I asked him to stand sideways. The profile was the last of six photos.
How much time did you have to take it?
The capture took place over just two minutes, the whole encounter lasted about five minutes.
Who is this man?
His name is Abdel. He was born in West Africa, raised in Portugal and is now living in London.
What gear and settings did you use?
My camera of choice is an Olympus OM-D EM-5. I used a 12-35 mm lens. Aperture f/2.8. ISO 800. Auto White Balance. Shutter speed 1/50th of a second
Why did you decide to enter this into the Taylor Wessing competition?
I feel that this image is probably one of the best that I have taken, it is very special to me. I like the simplicity of the composition, the subject’s dignity and his far away gaze. I was encouraged by family and a few friends to ‘have a go’. So I did!
Have you entered before?
No, and hopefully it will not be the last.
How did it feel when you found out your image had been selected?
I was having lunch with my wife, my son and his family, I looked at my phone and saw the email message from the National Portrait Gallery. Elation and a sense of disbelief, I think that sums it up.
Did you receive a prizes, award?
No, but to be one of the 44 photographers whose work was selected from the 4,303 entries submitted feels pretty good. My image of Abdel was selected for the exhibition catalogue cover, postcards and the large banner at the exhibition entrance at the NPG, plus used for an extensive publicity campaign on the London Underground network.
------- Some Testimonials ------