Category Archives: Author profiles

CALVENDO self-publishers in conversation: Rory Garforth

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Yorkshire-based photographer Rory Garforth has a knack for black and white images. His evocative pictures make you look just that little bit longer. Here, he tells us about his photography, what influences his work and why Yorkshire is the perfect ‘shooting ground’.

Rory Image

1. Rory, we need to talk black and white with you: Tell us a bit about your specific preference for black and white photography and how it developed.

My first camera was a Russian Zenit 11 SLR, bought for me by my parents. Back then, aged 11 in the 80s, I instinctively wanted to shoot in black and white and asked my father to get me black and white film. I’ve always loved noir and the look of old movies. I’ve stuck with black and white because I love the timeless, classic feel it gives. I also love the drama in a black and white image with its strong contrast and texture; something I’ve never really achieved in a colour image. I’m also colour blind and have often wondered if this has influenced my photography. My black and white images tend to be strong, high contrast and sometimes powerful – I’m working on soft, gentle and subtle!

Isle of Skye Copyright: Rory Garforth

Isle of Skye
Copyright: Rory Garforth

My appreciation for landscape and wide open skies comes from early trips to the coast in Yorkshire, and my love of mountains from hiking trips to Scotland and the Lake District. Photography wise, my earliest influences were Ansel Adams, Fay Goodwin and particularly Michael Kenna. I felt that his photography showed me what I really wanted to learn and aspire to. Another is Bill Brandt, who really got me interested in street photography and whose dramatic landscapes of Skye first drew me to that location. I really admire the work of Susan Burnstine, she uses handmade cameras and lenses creating a really unique look. I love her book, ‘Within Shadows’.

2. You have a passion for landscape photography and the great outdoors. Looking at your portfolio, it becomes clear that your ‘home turf’ of South Yorkshire definitely plays an important role for your work. What specifically is it that you find so inspiring (apart from the fact that the scenery is indeed stunning!)? And can you tell us a bit about how you find the places and motives to shoot? Continue reading →

CALVENDO self-publishers in conversation: Nadia Attura

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Award-winning artist Nadia Attura, who says about herself that she’s a ‘photographer who loves the rain’, mixes fine art and photojournalism in her very unique and unmistakable style. In our series ‘Calvendo self-publishers in conversation’ she tells us why for a photographer it’s all about the light and what kind of Calvendo calendar ideas she’s got for the next season.

A keen eye: Nadia at work

A keen eye: Nadia at work

1. Nadia, your work mixes fine art with photojournalism. Can you talk a bit about how you developed your style and what characterises your pictures?

I work as a travel photojournalist and the images are not manipulated. They have no post production work. I also work as a portrait photographer and shoot ten weddings a year, and for this type of photography I continue working in post production by using filters and layers to make the images appear to be retro, taken with a vintage camera. About a year ago, I decided to implement these techniques in my new landscape work and loved the results. I later mixed darkroom techniques with various collected textures, sketch book drawings and paint, combining all these elements into one print. I find this way of working deeply satisfying, and I am able to bring together the two disciplines I studied, fine art and photojournalism.

2. Looking at your portfolio, travelling and travel photography certainly play an important part in your life. Any favourite destinations and images you brought back from there? And is there a special place on your agenda for this year? Continue reading →

CALVENDO self-publishers in conversation: Dex Hannon about mixing up paintings and what inspires him

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Yorkshire-based Dex Hannon’s modus operandi might confuse some: His website not only features his name but that of three other artists, too. But are they really ‘other’? Here, the painter and photographer tells us all about this ‘split artistic personality’, and why not being shy when it comes to promoting your work is vital for self-publishers.

Dex Hannon in his own style

Dex Hannon in his own style

1. Dex, your website, The Broken Toy Company, features the tag line ‘four artists 1 mind’. So, tell us, are we talking to one person or multiple personalities?

No, luckily this is only Dex. I should give you a brief outline of what I mean by ‘four artists, 1 mind’ and also why, I work as four artists, or at least as ‘Heteronyms’ as Fernando Pessoa would call them. These artists are not alter egos but real parts of me, the Broken Toy Company (BTC). Each creator who is part of the BTC has his own voice, his own identity, his own way of working. They only share the same vessel. So, today its only Dex Hannon, possibly the easiest to get a straight answer from.

2. How would you describe your artistic work with its mix of photography, digital and painting? Continue reading →