Personal one - Juliet Taylor interview
How are you today? Great. Just finished a shoot in Auckland and now winding down with a Margarita at the hotel bar.
Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your journey as a photographer?
I've always had a deep want to be a photographer from an early age but was initially pushed toward a more traditional career path. When I was living in London at 20, I picked up the camera and that was that. Just needed a change of environment to bring it out of me.
How would you describe your style or approach to photography? I love creating visually interesting and dynamic images that make you question what you are looking at. Unfamiliar compositions, unique shapes, strange forms.
“ When I was living in London at 20, I picked up the camera and that was that
When did you first hear about this exhibition? The amazing Selena Simpson was in touch. I'm so happy to be invited and involved - thank you.
Is this your first time participating, or have you been part of it before? I have been involved in previous 'This time it's personal' exhibitions.
What’s your strongest memory of the exhibition? I love that it brings the industry together and it builds on the community. We all know the names, but sharing the walls is meaningful.
How did it feel to see all the works displayed together on the wall in past editions? The exhibitions are always curated really well together. It's great to see everyone's personal work and the images they choose to show. It is very personal.
What does it mean to you personally to be part of this collective exhibition? Being a photographer is a very solo experience (apart from shoot days) so it feels good to be part of something that brings us together.
“ Genuinely ask yourself which images you like and why. Question yourself and your honest feelings
What do you hope audiences will take away from experiencing your work here Authenticity. I've always included work that is honest and genuinely makes me feel good.
How do you see the photography scene today, especially with younger generations coming through? It's inspiring to see new photographers coming in. There are some great young talents out there doing cool and interesting things. There are no limits and infinite possibilities in photography so it's always inspiring seeing people experiment and present unique visions and perspectives.
What projects have you been working on recently (If you can tell)? It's a WIP but I'm pretty excited about it.
Is there a future project you’re particularly excited about and would like to share? Nothing to share but the intention is to make you think 'what the fuck is that'.
Looking back, is there a past project you consider a milestone or turning point in your career? The more you get to know yourself, the more authentic your work will be. But the more authentic your work is - the harder you are on yourself to deliver - for me anyway! There are always new challenges you face as you progress throughout your career and you just have to navigate them the best you can. Remove any ego, bravado and just shoot purely for your own personal fulfilment. And to not be afraid to delete all your work and start again, no matter what age. I've done that many times.
How has your photography evolved from when you first started until today? It's always evolving and transforming. I've learnt that we all work differently and all thrive in different conditions, and it's having the right people around you that can understand and support you so you can all thrive together. I work intuitively, and listen to my instinct, when you're hating what you're shooting, you have to stop and work out what it is causing this. You then have to find a quick solution to fix it with the least amount of chaos. It may mean throwing a small bomb at the time, but will be worth it.
What inspires you right now—whether in photography or beyond? Everything. I travel internationally a lot, love meeting new people, and sharing different worlds. I'm obsessed with art and photography probably more now than when I started.
What equipment are you currently using, and why? I've always been a Canon gal - Film and digital. But I also shoot Hasselblad / Phase One medium format and have a collection of lots of others.
How does your gear shape your process or the kind of results you aim for? It doesn't matter what you shoot on as long as it works for the method in which you shoot to get what you want. I shoot a lot and I shoot very fast, so I need a camera that can facilitate these conditions. There are new popular cameras that come into the market - but there is always a compromise in these - huge files but slow, beautiful colours but poor ISO etc - you just have to work out what is your priority.
Is there a photographer, work, or experience that has been especially influential in your path? I'm inspired by Martin Parr, Ken Grant, Mirsolav Tichy. I went to Arles this year and was really inspired by exhibitions by Letizia Battaglia and Louis Settner.
What advice would you give to amateur photographers visiting the exhibition? Genuinely ask yourself which images you like and why. Question yourself and your honest feelings. I always find when I get a little jealous about an image there is something in there - Why am I jealous? What is it that makes me feel this way? When you can hold onto that feeling and dissect it and put it into your own work authentically and consistently is where the magic happens. It's true that you need to listen to the voice inside you and find the best way to express this and draw it out.
Anything you want to add? Everyone has their own journey as a photographer. You just have to follow your own path and don't force anything or anyone. Have a focus - what is the dream? Do whatever you can to remain passionate, curious, dedicated and focused - everything else will unfold as it should.
That’s all from now. Thank you for your time, next stop Personal One on November 20th.
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