Focus On…Anthony Gould-Davies!
For this “Focus On…” I had the pleasure of interviewing an incredibly talented and charismatic photographer based in London. Having been involved in every genre of photography; from portraits and weddings to boudoir, fashion and commercial for the past twenty years as well as directing several television programmes, it was an honour to meet Anthony Gould-Davies…
So, how did you get started in photography?
Basically, I had just left home and was living by myself in a flat in London when I met this guy who was always driving convertible cars and had loads of gorgeous tall women on his arm, and one day I asked him what he did and he said “I’m a fashion photographer”. So as much as one would like to sound all gallant about it, it was really the fast cars, gorgeous women and champagne lifestyle that caught my attention.
How long have you been a photographer?
Since 1990, coming up for twenty-three years now.
Did you assist? If so, to who?
I assisted various people in studios and on location, but these aren’t big names that you would have heard of, just generally fashion and advertising photographers.
How would you describe your photographic style?
Intentional, I shoot intentionally. Every shot should have a dynamic to it. You know, if I deliver shots to a client I really don’t want “oh that’s lovely, that’s nice”, I want “oh my god, wow”. So, it has to be wow factor.
What type of cameras do you shoot with?
I’m a born and bred Nikon boy. So it’s D3S and D4 generally but for larger format then it would have to be Hasselblad H4D and that kind of thing.
What is your favourite editing tool?
I find Lightroom okay for a bit of a gimmicky spot effect but basically my editing platform is Adobe Bridge and then subsequently Photoshop.
The best part of your job?
The satisfaction of getting exactly what I visualised at the end of the day.
The worst part of your job?
Waking up on a Monday morning and realising just how much you have to edit to meet a deadline.
Do you make time for personal photographic work?
No, I’m not into this whole instagramming every meal you have and taking a photograph of everything you see thing. You know, the pro’s don’t want to walk around with a camera in their hand all the time.
What advice do you have for any photographer just starting out?
Be the best you can be and know when you’re not good enough because it is a killer game out there, particularly fashion and wedding photography. It really is a dog eats dog world. You have to intellectualize your ability and know when you’re not good enough.
What is the best piece of advice YOU have ever been given?
“You couldn’t possibly print that” and “put that gun down!”
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be doing?
I would like to be dry stone walling in Yorkshire. I would love a job that you don’t have to think about, that you can just let your mind wander with. Or I would love to be an actor, which I probably should have been anyway.
Are you a Mac or a PC lover?
I love Mac, I like equipment that works properly. They do what it says on the side of the tin. Even with a Mac Book Pro, if you calibrate it properly you can trust the screen.
What talent would you most like to have?
X-ray vision.
Your top three movies of all time?
That’s so hard…“How To Murder Your Wife” which is a very famous Terry Thomas and Jack Lemon film from the 1960s. “The Fifth Element” is another good one by Luke Besson a French film director, it’s absolutely fabulous and “Chocolat” which is a sort of romantic comedy.
What do you love to indulge in?
Good food and good wine.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Probably Paris.
First thing you would do if you won the lottery?
Pay off my credit card bill.
For your business, what is your favourite thing on theimagefile?
The ease of use and accessibility. It’s incredibly slick and professional and it doesn’t go wrong! The customer service is second to none.
To find more of Anthony Gould-Davies:
Go to his website www.thefabulousphotographygroup.co.uk
And follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
