In the world of photography, some artists go beyond the ordinary and capture the true essence of life and the beauty that surrounds us. one of them being a fine art portrait photographer.
One such fantastic artist is Peter Dazeley, who is known as Dazeley. He is a fine art portrait photographer who has painted vivid portraits of London’s soul.
About Peter Dazeley
Dazeley was born and raised in West Kensington, London, in 1948. His journey to becoming a famous photographer is a testament to his determination and creative talent, despite facing challenges like dyslexia and leaving school at the young age of 15 without formal qualifications.
However, his dedication to the art of photography has brought him great recognition, including a Fellowship from The Royal Photographic Society and the prestigious British Empire Medal.
As a life member of the Association of Photographers, Dazeley has significantly impacted the world of photography.
He is renowned for his meticulous planning and innovative problem-solving skills, which have paved the way for many industry-standard photographic techniques.
Today, we have the privilege of exploring the remarkable life and successful career of this extraordinary artist whose unique gift lies in turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Gain more knowledge about various photography genres in these insightful photography interviews.
Let’s begin the Interview
Q. What first inspired you to pick up a camera?
Answer. In 1950s and 60s I was educated at Holland Park school in London with the most amazing facilities including photographic darkrooms and studios, where I was taught with plate cameras and glass plate negatives.
I had undiagnosed dyslexia, so I was failing at school but luckily photography discovered me. Aged 15, with my Mum, I went for an interview as an assistant photographer at an advertising studio. I got the job and never went back to school.
Q. Your portfolio showcases a wide range of subjects, from architecture to portraiture. What draws you to these different genres, and do you have a favorite?
Answer. I love my advertising work, as it gives me the opportunity to shoot all sorts of subjects. I especially love creating imagery with brilliant art directors and designers.
Quite often I’ll be shooting subjects that push me in places I wouldn’t go. But the joy of working with great talent, is that when you see the finished Campaign, it’s like Wow, the creatives took me to somewhere I wouldn’t have got to on my own.
Q. You’ve authored several books uncovering hidden aspects of London, such as Unseen London and London Theatres. What inspired you to delve into these?
Answer. I’m a born and bred Londoner and I thought I knew London really well, but I have discovered so many amazing places which I was unaware of, which set me on a mission to record my London to share and encourage people to go out and discover London for themselves.
Q. What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
Answer. I’m 76 now. I was taught on plate cameras and glass negatives. My advertising work was shot on 10 x 8 inches and 5 x 4 inches Sinar and Hasselblad cameras shooting on transparency film.
In a speck of time, not even a lifetime, I’ve gone from glass plates to digital photography and still working with all the latest technologies as they develop.
Q. Are there any photography tricks you have learned over the years that you can rely on?
Answer. No trick, it’s all about preparation, testing and surrounding yourself with a great support team such as stylists, hair and make-up artists, model makers, home economists, assistants, set builders, retouchers etc. And finally, be very prepared to problem-solve.
Q. How do you unwind after an intense shoot or major project?
Answer. Working with clients and creative teams, it’s always good to stop for a good lunch and a drink at the end of the day. Plus, I always like to have music on in the studio. It’s important that shoots should be fun for everybody.
Q. How do you see AI and digital art influencing the future of photography?
Answer. AI has amazing potential for many usages, but I am appalled at how AI is looting and stealing creators’ work to train their algorithms.
We have governments who don’t seem to understand how copyright protection is so important for creatives and who think that AI should have free rein to use people’s copyright. How will the next generation of creators be able to monetise their work?
Q. You’ve mentioned your dyslexia has shaped your creativity—how do you think it has influenced your perspective behind the lens?
Answer. At school, I had dyslexia and dysgraphia so school was very hard for me. It took many years to understand my disability but now I consider it a super-power for problem solving and a real asset for a photographer.
Q. Have you ever had a creative block? If so, how did you move through it?
I don’t think so. I have had the joy of working with great, talented art directors and it’s fun sharing with their creativity.
Q. How do you decide whether an image should be in color, black and white, or platinum?
Answer. It’s not a problem with digital photography. You have the choice with an image including fantastic latitude and dealing with mixed lighting, long exposures and amazing sharpness. Unlike a negative or transparency which has to be scanned, a digital file just gives incredible possibilities and opportunities. But now I am also shooting on my new iPhone which gives me very large files.
I was in Florida last Christmas and was on the beach at Naples at sunset and was shooting on a expensive Nikon camera. My kids were shooting on iPhones. The way the iPhone dealt with being back lit by the sun was brilliant, far better than my Nikon. Apparently according to Google, Apple has in excess of 800 engineers working on the iPhone camera alone so I suspect there will be big improvements rapidly.
Q. What do you like doing when you’re not behind the camera?
Answer. I love going to the theatre, art galleries and exhibition, but most important spending time with my wife and young family. I’m also an avid watcher of sports on TV. I love doing talks – podcast, radio, TV about my work to share my world, my experiences.
Q. What do you believe makes a photograph truly timeless?
Answer. The joy of my London pictures is that they are a record of the city and theatres in the 21st century for future generations.
Q. What advice would you offer to emerging photographers looking to develop their unique style and navigate the industry?
Answer. Experiment like mad! For my work featured in my fine art Monochrome book, I have used all sorts of techniques such as anamorphic lenses, mammograms, solarisation, x-rays and limited focus. Art directors and photographic galleries are always looking for exciting new work for shows and helping art directors win awards.
Sign and date your pictures and hang them on walls. Be proud of your work. I’ve also done a great deal of pro-bono work for charities over my career. I’m still continuing to do that which is my way of giving back.
Always have a camera with you -there have been several times when I’ve seen things and people I really wished I had a camera to record.
Don’t wait for the phone to ring, go out and make it happen. Get your work seen. Be prepared for knockbacks, have thick skin and feel good about yourself.
Q. Lastly, are there any current or upcoming projects you are excited to share?
Answer. Still photographing amazing places for my 5th London book and looking to work with a new publisher.
Conclusion:
Peter Dazeley is an amazing fine art portrait photographer who goes beyond the ordinary to capture the true essence of life and the beauty that surrounds us.
Additionally, his dedication to photography has earned him many awards, including a Fellowship from The Royal Photographic Society and the prestigious British Empire Medal.
As a lifelong member of the Association of Photographers, he has made a significant impact on the world of photography. Also, Dazeley’s careful planning and innovative problem-solving skills have led to the development of many popular photographic techniques that are widely used in the industry.
We are lucky to learn about the incredible life and successful career of this extraordinary fine art portrait photographer, whose journey has been filled with endless inspiration and a deep love for the art of photography.
Want to know more about check out: What is Fine Art Nude Photography
To view more of Peter’s work, click here.
