PRO ADVICE

Pete Jobson offers insights into his career and his photographic approach to portraits

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How did your photographic journey begin?

I really started to take an interest in photography back in 2015 on a trip to New York City. I owned a Canon 1300D at the time, so I took it along with me and started capturing iconic locations and scenes – the Chrysler Building, yellow taxis, steam pipes. However, the photos weren’t how I envisaged them. That was when I decided to look into photography in depth, learn how to use my camera properly, and find out what makes a ‘good’ photo.

From 2017 to 2020 I was a street photographer, and I used this time to hone my skills. I learnt that I enjoyed taking photos of people, but something wasn’t quite right and I couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t loving it. Then I discovered the work of a master of photography, the late Erwin Olaf. In an interview, Olaf explained that he used to take street photos but he was always left with that feeling of ‘I wish the light was different here, I wish they were wearing this, I wish I could move this here’. Eureka! That was what was missing from my work.

I wanted to be in control and create my own art, in my own way. That’s when I began to get into the studio and start using strobe lighting, and working with teams and models. From there, portraiture has captured my heart, and I owe all that to Erwin Olaf.

What is your favourite portrait style?