Make a Good Connection to the Subject to Take Great Photos - Martin Parr Interview
Good photography comes when someone has a good connection to the subject. British documentary photographer, photojournalist and photobook collector Martin Parr is best known for his brightly lit and color saturated images. After 15 years of taking pictures in black and white Parr started using commercial photography techniques and principles for his color documentary photography. He has worked on numerous photographic projects and has developed an international reputation for his innovative imagery his oblique approach to social documentary and his input to photographic culture within the UK and abroad. In 2017 Parr opened his foundation in Bristol and I was lucky enough to talk with him there about taking pictures, editing documentary work, wearing socks with sandals and much.
Join me for an engaging and informative podcast discussion with renowned photographer Martin Parr. I had the opportunity to delve into Parr's photographic journey, exploring the creative process, challenges, and the future of photography. This conversation is a must-listen for photographers and enthusiasts alike, as it offers valuable insights and inspiration. Here's a sneak peek into some of the thought-provoking topics we discussed:
Transcending the Mundane and the Obvious
In this discussion, Martin Parr shares his perspective on how photographers can push their boundaries to create images that stand out and tell a compelling story, going beyond the mundane and cliché.
Expressing Oneself in Commercial Photography
Parr touches upon the balance between artistic expression and commercial constraints, discussing how he maintains his unique voice in commercial shoots.
Presenting Your Work: Books vs. Exhibitions
We delve into the differences between presenting photographs in books and exhibitions, exploring the pros and cons of each format and how Parr decides which platform best suits his work.
The Test of Time: Aging Photos and Photographic Trends
In an era where trends come and go, Martin Parr shares his thoughts on the longevity of photos and whether he is concerned about how his images will age.
Family Photography: Documenting Your Family Life
Parr discusses the importance of documenting one's family life through photography and shares his approach to capturing these personal moments.
The Future of Photography and Fame
As we explore the future of photography, Martin Parr reveals his thoughts on the ever-changing landscape of the industry, the pursuit of fame, and the challenges that photographers face today.
Photographing Children on the Street and the Future of Street Photography
The podcast also touches upon the ethics and challenges of street photography, including capturing images of children and the potential future of the genre.
The Martin Parr Foundation Tour and the Importance of Archives
Martin Parr gives us an exclusive insight into the Martin Parr Foundation, discussing the importance of preserving photographic archives and the role they play in the world of photography.
Don't miss this fascinating conversation with Martin Parr! Tune in to the podcast to uncover a wealth of knowledge and inspiration from one of the industry's most influential photographers.
Socks and Sandals: The Quirks of Photography
In a lighthearted moment during our conversation, Martin Parr reveals his thoughts on the peculiar combination of socks and sandals in photography, offering a glimpse into his sense of humor and unique perspective on seemingly mundane subjects.
Valuable Advice: Parr's Message to His Younger Self
As we near the end of our discussion, Martin Parr shares the advice he would give to his younger self at the start of his photography career, providing guidance and inspiration for aspiring photographers.
Exploring Projects and the Art of Storytelling
Martin Parr discusses his approach to conceptualizing and executing photography projects, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and the role it plays in creating compelling images.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/36TS6kC
Listen on Google Podcasts: bit.ly/2UHwbun
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3rrYMA0
Listen on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-228441570
Index:
00:00 - Start
01:06 - How do you take pictures that go beyond the mundane level but also beyong cliché.
02:02 - How can you go beyond obvious?
04:41 - What is your process on location?
06:00 - Have you ever felt limited by your style?
07:55 - Do you have the freedom to express yourself during commercial shoot?
10:02 - Is there a difference between a book and exhibition? (when presenting your pictures)
11:33 - Do you care about how will a photo age?
11:59 - Do trends spoil photography?
13:00 - Family photography
13:32 - How can you document your family more seriously
14:04 - Chapter 13
14:45 - What is it that you are looking for when you open a photography book?
17:32 - Chapter 15
18:32 - Future of photography?
19:06 - You want to be a famous photographer?
19:57 - About Photography challenge
27:58 - Taking pictures of children on street
29:06 - Will street photography be banned eventually?
29:35 - What is it about socks and sandals?
30:11 - Advice to your younger self
30:33 - Martin Parr Foundation Tour
37:09 - Archives
40:56 - Library
42:16 - Looking at the projects
46:34 - The end, Thank you for watching!
If you want to watch the full story of how I came to Bristo you can do it here
