I work as a director of photography on documentary and current affairs films, although my passion remains film, especially actuality style drama. I love working with actors and performers especially when the setting is ‘naturalistic’.
My guiding principles especially in regard to lighting have always been to try and keep scenes as close as possible to nature. I am equally adept at creating 'beautiful' images in difficult situations, as well as getting the once only shot in tricky circumstances.
At the same time I like to keep all my work in perspective and remember that the story is more important than a series of great shots. On appropriate productions, I also enjoy creating vivid images with colour, shape and lighting, usually on pop promos or avant-garde productions.
I have been fortunate to travel extensively around the world and worked on many award-winning programmes in all corners of the globe. These have ranged from high profile landmark projects through to smaller intimate projects. However, of these, some of my favourite films have been the smaller projects where there has been no hype and the images have been allowed to speak for themselves.
I am well versed in film techniques, as well as video, being an owner operator of professional TV broadcast cameras for many years. After many years experience, of shooting on film, I enjoy creating rich images in whatever format I am shooting, but especially now that High Definition has finally come of age.
I am known for my high work ethic, artistic eye for composition and lighting, and one hundred percent reliability. Most of all, I like the thrill of being ‘in the moment’ when there are no opportunities for second takes, but also aware when shooting, of the stratagem of my director and producer. I use the balance of light and shadows and the relationship between camera and subject to achieve a healthy product. Further, I like to think about the crucial concerns of the editing process and how subtle images can affect the depiction and observation of real life. This intuitive process is as important and integral as the technical aspects of my cinematography.
Without wishing to sensationalise or run roughshod over people’s lives, I try to bring a certain amount of sympathy and understanding of the subjects I am filming whoever they are. At the same time I am quite passionate and thorough in my work and enjoy capturing people’s lives, thoughts and experiences. I know that the audience is the reason for me being there, and also the reason for my observing, and often feel very privileged to be a part of the creative process.
Perhaps the most important visual aspect of my career is the photographic eye that I developed as a photographer many years ago. It has stood me in good shape throughout my career and continues to do so now.
director of photography
