Why I Shoot Outside: The Streets Are My Studio
I’ve never been one for studios. The controlled lighting, the pristine backdrops—they just don't resonate with me. Give me the unpredictable, the raw, the real. That's why I shoot outside, where life happens unfiltered.
The streets of Cardiff are my canvas. The ever-changing light, the textured walls, the spontaneous moments; they all contribute to the story I aim to tell through my lens. There's an authenticity in the chaos, a truth that can't be replicated in a controlled environment.
Natural light is my preferred tool. It’s honest and unforgiving, revealing every detail, every flaw, every nuance. But it's in those imperfections that I find beauty. A shadow falling just right, the golden hour casting a warm glow, or the overcast sky adding a moody tone; all of it adds depth and character to the image.
Shooting outdoors also means embracing the unexpected. A passer by entering the frame, the sudden change in weather, the unique textures of urban decay; they all add layers to the narrative. It's about capturing moments as they unfold, not orchestrating them.
This approach isn't just about aesthetics; it's about connection. Being in real environments with real people allows for genuine interactions. It's less about posing and more about presence. I aim to capture the essence of a person, the story etched in their expressions, the life lived in their eyes.
So, why do I shoot outside? Because that's where life is unedited. That's where stories are waiting to be told. And that's where I find the raw, unfiltered truth that defines my work.