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Speakers' Corner - Luke Curtis - part 2 of 1 2

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How do you stay ahead of the game?
If you come to my home you would think I am a passionate reader, however I am dyslexic and go out of my way not to read, I just love looking at the pictures! Taking inspiration from high fashion magazines like Hunger, Dazed etc. These breed the ideas I put into my work within the music industry. One thing I always say is ‘You’re never too good to be a fan.’ The moment you stop appreciating is the moment you stop getting the commissions you want! Photography is ever changing and if you stop evolving with it, your doomed'

How do organisations such as The Societies of Photographers help?
One of the best things you can do as a hobbyist or pro is join a society, for me and my work it made sense to join The Societies - SWPP specifically. It gives you creditability as a reference point to potential clients, it is the richest learning platform out there and it is tailored to all the genres you could need. There is so much out there in terms of information, and having it organised for you in a place with others within the same genre, rather is truly priceless!

Why is The Societies of Photographers Convention such a big deal for photographers?
There aren’t many places out there where you can listen to your idols talk about their work, talk to the key manufacturers and network with other like minded ‘togs’. It a great networking event that is often over looked, it’s so easy to get on the forum find others work that you like, reach out to them and arrange a coffee to find out more and inspire your own works!

Is it primarily about the chance to learn from the experiences of imaging icons?
The opportunity to learn from the leading pros is so exciting, we all have heroes and this is an opportunity to sit with them and listen to their story and how they produce their work! I always make time to go and listen to the people that inspire me…. I once sat through the same talk twice!

Your own mentors (living or dead)?
I am self taught but have taken huge inspiration from a couple of photographers;
Ryan Dinham - his work inspired me to get into the music industry.
Rankin - hands down one of the biggest inspirations in my journey!
Finally Tom Barnes ….. I have followed a similar path to his and I find his work so simple but so effective and you only have to look at his workflow to see how effective he is at what he does!

Who today is leading the way in creative social photography and why?
RANKIN!! - just head to his Instagram…. he is on trend and has been for a long time, which shows he is ever changing!

If you could pick just FIVE seminars (other than your own of course!) to attend at The Societies of Photographers Convention whose workshops would you attend?
Terry Donnelly
George Fairbairn
Christina Lauder
Melissa Love
Melanie Anderson

What do you think will be the next big thing in the industry?
LED flash is going to be the next big thing! Really clever stuff!

Would you want your own children to take up the reins of your empire (or have they)?
Isabella is the reason I picked up camera and I always try to get a camera into her hands, she has and continues to show interest and I would love it if she followed me…. but I think she loves music more than photography!

Your plans for the next five years?
The five year plan –
Going into 2018 I will be setting up my own studio in East London. Once this beds in I would like to take the studio model to Ibiza, I work in the dance music industry and over the years I have come to realise any artist that is doing well will end up there at one point throughout the season - so opening a studio there to use in the summer would bring the talent to me! I would also love to see one of my images on a billboard travelling in from the airport! My other plan is to become a Sony Artisan!

The Societies' 2018 London Photo Convention

Luke will be speaking at The Societies' 2018 London Photo Convention. For more information on the Convention please see http://swpp.co.uk/convention/

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1st Published
last update 09/12/2022 14:56:13

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