We recently sat down with the winner of our Everyday Lives photo competition Hugh Langlands-Bell to get the inside scoop on his photography, the story behind his winning shot and more!
Your image ‘Clown’ caught the eye of all the judges, what is the story behind that shot and what made you choose it as your entry?
'Clown' was the first in a set of candid street photos that I took on an short trip to Melbourne, earlier this year. A friend and I had just arrived at our hostel, and whilst she finished checking in, I took the opportunity to immediately, and satisfyingly, slump on the curb and watch passers by. It was late afternoon, people were leaving work, the light was changeable. In between clouds there was an interesting shaft of light on a wall, directly across from me on A'Beckett Street. I had a couple of minutes so I waited to see who would walk by. Bouncing along came the clown, a perfect example of playful melbourne fashion, and I made sure I got the photo.
I submitted 'Clown' because I felt it appropriately fitted the competition requirements, reflecting the commonly repeated scene of the city environment, on any given working day. But also, more specifically reflecting the individual choice of style, and energy that I find unique to Melbourne's urban culture. In that sense I'm pleased the image reminds me of qualities I fondly relate to Melbourne, and I hope I'm able to return this year, and get some more shots.
What is your background in photography, are you a professional or simply a keen amateur?
I'm twenty five, a self taught photographer, and I've been shooting since buying a Canon EOS 450D and a couple of lenses, three years ago. I've studied as a filmmaker, but prefer shooting photographs; I enjoy the creative process of photography. I started off shooting cityscapes and urban streetscapes, and now really enjoy candid street and portrait photography. It took a while to feel comfortable shooting strangers, to be honest. As well as for my own interest, I occasionally shoot for Renew Adelaide, a cultural regrowth initiative, and for TheThousands, an online cultural publication.
A career within photography is certainly my intention. Artistic photography and exhibiting interest me, I see a lot of value in exhibiting. Also photojournalism, particularly as an exploration of a culture abroad, or publicising a current event. I'm currently enrolled in a Graduate Diploma in photography, at the University of South Australia, to get a better grip on how to apply my skills professionally. I feel that many of the opportunities for people seeking photographic work are interstate, or indeed, overseas. Adelaide is exceptionally nurturing for people pursuing a creative outlet, but the ceiling is low, and we have a short scope in terms of job opportunity.
Your prizes included editing software from Corel, and a studio kit from Manfrotto, have you got any plans for what to shoot with your new kit?
The prizes that have been kindly provided to me, are massively impressive! It really is high-end kit, something that I couldn't afford myself. As I mentioned, I've recently started a Graduate Diploma, so the studio equipment will be exceptionally useful in the studios at uni. I also have some photographer friends looking over my shoulder, wanting to get their paws on the equipment, so it'll be nice lend it around. It's also nice to have a bag that can hold multiple bodies, as it means I can bring an old 35mm AV-1 around with me, finally!
Finally do you have any advice or tips that you have found instrumental in your photography that you want to share with your fellow photo art members?
I'm at a stage where I feel I should be asking that question of fellow Photo Art Gallery members, but I'll offer a few tips that I regularly put into practice. I work carefully to enhance the images I've taken, I feel there's always room for improvement over what is captured by the camera, even if only marginal, especially in the digital format. Having said that, I used to tutor introductory Photoshop at uni, and I would say that my most common criticism was heavy-handed editing. Work subtly.
I choose the photos I take, and the ones I keep, based on what I think a viewer's response might be, sort of like shooting with an emotional barometer. It really helps to feel your way through an environment, or later on, through a set of photos. Be ruthless in deleting what doesn't work, regardless of whether you delete the entire set in the process. I've deleted a lot of photos, many I've been otherwise technically or thematically happy with.
Finally, I'd say always have a camera with you, even if it's cumbersome. It goes without saying. Half of the shots I keep come from days where I could have left my equipment at home, and given my back a rest!
Check out Hugh's personal site at www.hughlb.com
