Guest Lecture, Owen Harvey

Owen studied at university of Wales, Newport graduating in 2014. He found himself interns for Foto 8, Ideas Tap and Magnum Photos. He thought he wanted to do music but ended up finding more interest in Photography. However he merged the two and brought music into his photography. He captured people dancing at events. He liked the energy and the perfection of the outfits that they wore for these events. The black and white filter gave them a timeless effect, he didn't want people to put a time or place on them. 

Something Owen mentioned which no other guest lecture had said before which was to build a strong archive. We would probably benefit most from this when needing money or when we retire. When photos age they actually become more valuable and go up in price. They also become more interesting with the time they have on them giving them more of a price. 

As most of us realise now printing is very important when it comes to displaying our work as it should work with the concept. When I printed my recent project I knew I wanted fine art paper. The photographs were fine art/documentary capturing close ups of skin, clothing and was very meaningful. The glossy paper would have taken away that delicate feel of the project. I also find glossy works best for more cleaner images, definitely more fashion. Owen said to think about the way they're displayed and how it meets the concept. 

After university he found himself photographing for Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, London. Whilst there he was educated by wisdom, as he realised that if he wanted to get into the photographic industry then he needed to be patient. Things do take time, not everyone is as fortunate to get it straight away and it rarely happens to individuals. 

He got himself a commission for Fred Perry. His work very much fitted in with what they were after. However he knew that he had to think about where his work would sit in the industry without losing his style. 

Instagram is a great tool to display your photographic work on. Owen had actually received some of his commissions through Instagram. From using Instagram as a portfolio, entering competitions and applying for the take overs on AOP etc he managed to get his name out there. I set myself up an Instagram page as soon as I started university. I have always really enjoyed the concept of Instagram and is an app I use everyday without fail. I tend to use my personal account more regular but update my photography account as soon as I have stuff to put up. I do however need to take advantage of the take overs. I see many students have already done this and it is a great idea. Especially before I finish university. 

His work is inspired by Todd Hido and Gregory Crewdson. He loves the cinematic quality in images. Going back to his interests in music he is also inspired by music videos. He finds himself primarily a portrait photographer. He is technically geeky and enjoys learning about things. This is also why he likes to shoot using film because of the process that comes with it. It's exciting for him to wait and see the outcome and be reminded of some of the images he had forgotten about. 

As of assisting he highly recommended that we assisted a variation. That way it would give us a chance to learn new and different things. With different subject matters the photographer would light the subjects very differently to one another. He has assisted Laura Pannack and some others.