In conversation with... Jamie Tilley

Tell us a bit about yourself, where you are based, and what your creative process looks like.

I'm Jamie Tilley and I'm based in Peckham, South East London, U.K. I've lived here since completing an MA in Photography from the Cambridge School of Art (ARU) in 2015. Since completing my studies I've worked for a photography agency and studio where I specialise in Fashion photography. My day to day work is very commercial and client driven but I make my own work with time outside of the 'bread and butter'. My process has changed somewhat over time and now I make work with a couple of projects in mind, over a longer period of time. Often the ideas and methods change and a lot is brought together in the editing process.

Your work spans both commercial and personal artistic photography. How do you approach these two worlds differently, and what challenges do you face in balancing the commercial demands with your own artistic vision?

Often the two are kept apart by the nature of the work. My commercial work will often involve photographing in the studio with a large team, multiple clients, an art director and stylists etc. All coming with their ideas and inputs to achieve a joint goal over a short period of time. Where as my artistic practice may just involve myself, walking and being out in the city/nature and being much slower and more contemplative. They are often very different practices, using the same tools. However, it can be really rewarding when the two overlap.

You’ve worked with both well-established fashion brands and emerging designers. How do you adapt your approach to suit the different needs of these clients, and do you find there are distinct challenges when working with new, lesser-known brands compared to global name

I try to treat everyone the same way, in all walks of life and I wouldn't say anyone is more or less challenging. It's always great when a team is working from the same sheet, so ensuring you're all briefed and the communication is clear, is really important. Obviously with smaller brands, you often have less decision makers in the process and maybe ideas can get signed off quicker!

 

In your personal photography projects, you often capture the essence of both nature and urban life. How do these contrasting environments influence your work, and do you see connections between these themes in your art? 

I'd see both of these as landscapes essentially and I love taking landscape photographs and I also love walking and being outside! I kind of see nature and urban life as one and the same. The landscape image is a great canvas for which to apply your own meaning to something.

You’re based in London, one of the most dynamic cities for fashion and culture. How has the city’s creative energy influenced your work, and what role do you think location plays in shaping your artistic perspective as a photographer?

It's great to feel close to so much that is happening all at once, though it's also sometimes a little overwhelming. One day I can be focused on a certain idea and the next something else will happen and shift my focus elsewhere. It's important to slow down where possible in London and making time and space for that is something I try to do a lot.

Do you have a favourite subject or theme you keep returning to in your personal work?

I think the idea of tension is really interesting to me. Whether that's the tension between the present and the future or the tension between ourselves and the objects/landscapes around us. Even the tension between ourselves and others. To me this tension isn't positive or negative but is simply there and is inherent in our relationship to the world and is something to be investigated!

How do you approach lighting to create mood in your images

Since working in the studio I've become really accustomed to using studio flash and constant lighting with all sorts of modifiers and reflectors. I'd really like to work more with studio flash on location, but there's something very satisfying about being out with small amount of kit and not relying on too much equipment. That being said, I would take an on-camera flash and foggy day happily!

What’s one thing people might not know about you as a photographer?

My dad built us a darkroom in our garage when I was about 15. It was the most amazing space to work in and I'll never forget the kindness in that action.