"Photography allows me to show things from my point of view - I love that."
Creativepool manages to grab a cuppa with Hamish Jordan, Photographer, to chat about taking risks, networking and the irresistible power of The Force...
Describe your work in one sentence.
A different approach to photography.
What's the most important thing you've learned in your work?
Photographers don't tend to be good administrators but it's just as important to manage your business well as it is to actually take the photographs. Put processes in place to ensure your business operates efficiently.
What attracted you to your chosen field?
I wanted to be an illustrator but then discovered photography. I love being able to show things from my point of view - photography allows me to do that.
Tell us about your best project to date.
I always tell myself that my next project will be my best - it keeps me hungry!
What do you think sets you apart from your competitors?
I look at my friends I studied photography with at college and, while many of them wanted to work in the industry, none are. If you want to be a successful photographer you have to be prepared to take risks, both financially and creatively. I'd be stacking shelves somewhere now if I hadn't.
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
When I have chapped lips I enjoy rubbing lemon juice into the splits to give a glorious sensation - it's pain but not as YOU know it!
If you could work on any project for any company/organisation, what would it be and who would it be for?
An open brief for shooting the next U2 album cover, no expenses spared!
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing photographers like yourself?
Being properly equipped to do the job. I have good kit now but it was tough in the early days. Decent lenses are expensive and new camera bodies come out every year. If you are shooting commercially you have to keep up with technology or else your customers will look elsewhere.
Who inspires you and why?
Bill Brandt is one of my favourite photographers. He used a lot of contrast and captured interesting angles. I also love Paul Fusco's work on RFK's funeral Train. After Robert Kennedy was assassinated Fusco captured faces of the shocked American public, from onboard the train. They were watching their hopes passing them by with Kennedy's body - Fusco powerfully illustrated this.
What's your favourite bit of kit/program? My Canon 50mm prime lens. I don't really like using zoom lenses.
What frustrates you the most about your job?
The paperwork!
What pearl of wisdom can you offer to someone starting out in your industry?
Make lots of contacts and network. It also pays to do photo shoots as favours for friends at first - they'll spread the word about how good you are, which brings in paid work. I'd also recommend shooting with an old film SLR camera in your spare time. There's a whole generation of photographers out there who have never shot manually on film. Working out the exposures yourself gives you a superior technical understanding and sets you apart as a photographer.
If you could have ONE super power, what would it be?
The power of 'The Force' - I want to be a Jedi Knight!
What do you like about Creativepool?
They give new people in the creative industry the chance to shine! Creativepool promotes talent - and that can only a good thing!
What's your favourite song of all time?
Atomic by Blondie (long version), this song is a masterpiece!
And finally, what can a prospective customer expect from you?
High standard images produced from an organised and fun shoot, which fulfils the brief.
See more of Hamish's work
If you want to be in the spotlight, email us with examples of your work or a link to Creativepool profile.
Words: Miranda Dickinson
