Mark Duffy
His recent photography work documents British politics, often with a sense of fun and humour.
He formerly worked as photographer for the Houses of Parliament for 4 years, during which his photojournalism appeared on many memorable front pages.
How did you get into photography?
I got started in transition year. The school magazine needed a photographer and I had already played around a bit with cameras so I signed myself up.
This was in the days before digital photography and so having a budget from the school to buy and process film negatives were a great help getting started.
What makes a great photograph?
It's hard to say what makes a great photo. There’s a really important distinction to be made between a great photograph and a photograph of something great.
Do you need expensive equipment to take good photographs?
No, definitely not! The best camera is always the one you have to hand.
People can get lost obsessing about the pixel count of a camera or the sharpness of a lens. Taking a good photo is about what you see and how you see it.
Images © Mark Duffy
How do you come up with your ideas for projects and how do you get inspired?
I get a lot of inspiration from just walking and looking around.
Inspiration comes at different times and often in strange ways. The secret is being open to that inspiration and being ready to do something with it.
Any top tips for people who might find they are blocked when inspiration just will not come to them?
I think one good exercise is to try looking at the most common of things you can find in your house - a plant, a kettle, a telephone, anything!
Take the time to look at your chosen object from all angles, in different light, up close and far away. Then try any photograph it in a way that no one will recognise it.
Most importantly, have fun with your photos!
What advice would you give anyone who wants to be professional artist, or pursue a career in the arts?
You really must love what you do since it still can be tough to make a living in the arts! Most artists I know have other jobs tosupport their practice.
Any advice for young artists who might think their work is no good?
Make work that makes you happy and don’t worry about what other people think of it!
