What Style of Photography or Art do you admire?
It changes all the time! Lately I have been admiring classical painting, in particular 17th century Dutch and Spanish. As far as photography I love the poetic abstractions of Ernst Haas, the elegant humour of Guy Bourdin, the austerity of Walker Evans and also the achievements in colour of Paul Outerbridge.... To be honest I could go on and on!
If you didn't have this job what might you be doing?
I’d say probably something with music or sound.
What or who has most influenced your career and why?
I saw ‘In The Mood For Love’ at the cinema when it first came out. This was the first Wong Kar Wai film I had ever seen and it was a revelation to me that I could be so moved by a succession of beautiful images. I find myself inspired by work that combines the simplicity of good craftsmanship, with the freshness that can come from breaking a few conventions.
What is your favourite part of your job?
My favourite part has to be the unique ability to alter the image in the grading suite, which makes it a very creative part of the process. Besides adding a great deal of production value to the work, colour grading opens a world of possibilities to the mood, texture and ultimately the message that is being conveyed. In a way, I like all that this entails: understanding the work, getting a sense of the client's taste and combining it with my style, as well as continuing to develop the skills the craft requires.
What was your path to becoming a colourist?
I started out studying photography but seeking a more technical route I was lucky enough to be accepted in to Ravensbourne University. It was here that I got my first taste of colour grading when Kevin Shaw came to teach us how to use the newly purchased Film Master, it was at this point I decided it was what I wanted to do. I then joined MPC and here I am still!