I think the ordinary is a very under-exploited aspect of our lives because it is so familiar.
Part of the role of photography is to exaggerate, and that is an aspect that I have to puncture. I do that by showing the world as I really find it.
Choosing sepia is all to do with trying to make the image look romantic and idealistic. It’s sort of a soft version of propaganda.
There are two parts to the process: taking the picture and finding ways of using it.
For those aspiring to make a living from travel photography, it’s a sad fact that the boring shots are the shots that are going to make you money.
We are drowning in images. Photography is used as a propaganda tool, which serves to sell products and ideas. I use the same approach to show aspects of reality.
I try to photograph my own and society’s hypocrisy.
Taking photos is a form of collecting.
The danger is, you have a formula and you just repeat it.
Filming is always a challenge because I’m not used to it. But I approach it head-on. I’m not technically brilliant, but it’s the spirit that counts.
The easy bit is picking up a camera and pointing and shooting. But then you have to decide what it is you’re trying to say and express.
I am a big fan of Jim Jarmusch, and I do love big screen documentaries.
I toyed with the notion of being an actor, and am so glad that this whim did not go any further.
I have been photographing people dancing for 20 or 30 years now, and I think I will eventually do a book of dancing photos.
Criticism is hypocrisy; society is hypocrisy. I’m a tourist. I’m a consumer. I do the things that I photograph and can be criticized of.
Dictators are interesting, no?
I get up early and open my emails, write cheques, and answer the phone; whatever needs to be done.
My black-and-white work is more of a celebration and the color work became more of a critique of society.
I always take photographs when I attend a funeral. Most people there know who I am and expect me to be there with my camera.
Color was the palette of commercial photography and snapshot photography.