Barry of BreadandShutter.com is a photographer with a difference. His photography is captivating and so is his background and expertise. With his other day job, he lights movie sets with enormous tungsten lights, HMIs and Kino Softlights and it’s his experiences accumulated over 25 years in the film industry that moulded his style of photography. His approach to any situation is more than just making use of a brand or model of equipment but rather a fluid look at what works best. His advice? “Every day, every location is different. Just take one thing with you… Your Imagination!!” His style is inspired by the great Terence Donovan as well as the renowned cinematographer, Freddie Young. Both these iconic figures have worked in the movie industry just like him and it’s through these same insights that Barry looks to shape his own brand of photography. His style fits with the dark, soul searching genre where the ambience created speaks louder than a thousand words and draws the viewer to ask a thousand more. During his shoots, his iPod is never far away to keep all those present chilled and his love of the 80s and rock music adds another dimension to the ambience he tries to create.
While 25 years in the industry is a long time, he had only embraced still photography professionally 3 years ago. Persuaded by William Archer, Geoffrey Archer’s son, while on a set he was directing, Barry has thrown himself into professional still photography with a determination to succeed. His go-getter attitude and hands-on, learn-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of approach has expanded the possibilities of his every shoot. While aware of his advantage from his experience and network, he is not reliant on them alone. Barry is quick to point out that while nine times out of ten there are ways of getting around a situation with lighting, it’s really down to getting used to what you have that gets the job done. It’s the ability to change shutter speed and f-stop without having to stop and think that helps you capture that special image by being able to react and focus on the creativity rather than the technicality. Barry knows this well especially from his underwater photography, where staying creative while dealing with tides and cold currents is tricky. Some of his most memorable shoots include that of Liam Gallagher from Oasis and Duran Duran. His current “Top Secret” project is a 9 part composition which will be 30ft by 40ft when completed! Check out www.breadandshutter.com for more information.
