When meeting photographer David Richardson for the first time, the experience could only have been described as a bumpy ride. Trying desperately to keep up with his chatty, extrovert nature, his photographic wisdom poured out in one long continuous stream.
David Richardson by Lasse Dearman
Richardson’s character doesn’t come across through his photography, though it’s clear that one couldn’t have developed without the other. He is a rough-around-the-edges, no-frills kind of guy, who tells his outlandish tales without any hesitation. His photographic style is much of the same, which in turn draws out his subjects’ personalities and captures a scene that the majority of people around him would have missed.
Settling down with his second cup of tea, Richardson continually plays with his curly locks, pushing them away from his face. Fidgeting like a naughty schoolboy, he states, “I like to get involved with my photography. If you want to capture something that is full of life you have to be a part of it. But then again, if you’re too involved in the moment you can’t see what the next thing to happen will be.” Full of unexpected perceptions, Richardson is witty and relaxed, answering every question without holding anything back.
Though he seems quite laid-back, he would easily be tempted to stir up a situation to produce a more intriguing scene.
“Sometimes it’s about creating the bubble and then popping it and then creating another one if you can.”
Richardson manages to create eye-catching images without forcing the subject into obscure poses or make-believe settings.
He was keen to cast several strong opinions on the present state of fashion photography and though he is currently trying to break into this field, he feels it’s important to keep a firm grip on his own signature style. “[Fashion photography] has become really fake and a lot of photographs are really heavily photoshopped with the models looking like china dolls. Basically they’re trying to recreate mannequins and I don’t really understand the point in that. I’d much prefer to shoot a mannequin because I can control it more.”
Richardson has several projects in the pipeline, including a spread for Lachs Magazine, which will be inspired by Madonna’s 1992 book, Sex. He is also one fifth of a new collective, London’s Finest Young Creatives. The pack, who are all masters within their creative fields, are set to change the face of the British art scene. Richie Culver, James D.Kelly, Sarah Maple and Miriam Elia make up the collective.
During the interview, Richardson admitted he wasn’t too clear on the details for his collaborative shoot with LOOKK and wasn’t exactly sure which garments to use… so he took them all. After browsing his very graphic portfolio, to say we were a little apprehensive about the overall result would be an understatement. However, meeting him in person and getting to know his lovable but erratic character, we knew the editorial shoot would have Richardson’s distinctive style all over it.
We think it’s been a triumphant collaboration, what do you think?
Presenting…
The LOOKK CO-LAB Series | November 2011
See David Richardson’s portfolio here.
CO-LAB Model – Sydney Lima
Tags: Co-Lab, David Richardson, James D.Kelly, Lachs Magazine, Lasse Dearman, London's Finest Young Creative's, Miriam Elia, Richie Culver, Sarah Maple, Sydney Lima
