INTERVIEWS

Interview with Sophie Martin-Castex | June 2006

SMC: What is your background? Studies and previous jobs.
AJ:My early interest was in art but for some reason I worked in printing, silk-screen and then into digital printing and reprographics.

SMC:What is your current project?
AJ:I'm working on different things which will come together as a project.

YOUR WORK:

SMC:Would you say that your work is selling photography as art?
AJ:Selling prints is part of what I do. The demand for prints in this country doesn't seem to be sufficient to make a living. Not yet anyway.

SMC: What kind of collectors buy your work?
AJ:Companies more than individuals; banks, investment companies. I'm giving them images of themselves. The other people who buy my work are those who need to think about it, a lot - sometimes for years! I am always very flattered because I know it is a big investment, emotionally (and financially).

SMC:What was your first sale, and how did you feel when you made it?
AJ:Many years ago I used to be a member of an artists collective gallery in Brixton (south London) and they had an end of year show. I sold a few photographs but can't remember what they were of, pretty awful I'm sure!

SMC:Do you notice changes in their requirements, their choices, their expectations?
AJ:I produce work which satisfies my taste and whilst it is good if it touches others, its not my aim.

SMC:I guess you have to navigate between all sorts of photographic requirements..what is the range of subjects you have to shoot?
AJ:Portraits and art photographs/images of the urban environment.

SMC:What is the strangest thing you had to shoot?
AJ:A pub near the Kings Road (London) and a pregnant woman nude as a present for her ex-partner!

SMC:What changes would you make in your method of work, if any?
AJ:I would like to be more prolific and to have the luxury to work solidly on a project through to completion.

YOUR GEAR:

SMC:Your equipment? Darkroom and camera?
AJ: An old Hassleblad 500 CM, nothing advanced but its not really about that, its all about looking.

SMC:Black/White or colour? What do you prefer?
AJ:Black & white, I need to see the design, the structure, to be able to break it down so my eye can bounce around the frame. Colour is another discipline but I haven't finished what I'm doing.

SMC:Do you print your own pictures? - If so, what medium do you prefer to print on?
AJ:I prefer Ilford Warmtone, I'm using the matt surface for all new work to bring out the graphic.

SMC:Do you have a digital camera?
AJ:Only on my mobile! I don't have an issue with digital but film is right for my place in photography.

YOUR PICTURES:

SMC:What was your first step in photography?
AJ:My father died in 1987, with some of my inheritance I bought a camera, a Minolta which I still own. It's been nearly twenty years and I hope my father approves.

SMC:Along your photographic career, did you go through different phases, different styles?
AJ:When I started I was very political, I went to demonstrations, photographed homeless people. Then one day I asked myself "why am I doing this what am I saying?". I didn't have an answer. So I stopped. Just because I'm now photographing buildings doesn't mean there isn't an 'issue', there is, its just more subtle. I like it that way.


SMC:What is your favourite picture? Can you tell us the story to go with it?
AJ:Recently I have been photographing the 'London Eye' and one particular image of a tree, three people leaning on a wall and part of the wheel on the right really pleased me.

SMC:Are you the type of photographer who just takes one shot on a subject?
AJ:It's not possible to say everything about a subject in one photograph, is it?

SMC:Do you like to show your pictures?
AJ:'Like' is not exactly the right word to describe how I feel about exhibitions. Its important on many levels to show ones work and it is 'useful'.

SMC:Do you think you have a fair opinion on others photographer's work?
AJ:It helps to know where one fits into the scheme of things, within photography. Once one understands that, one can appreciate every ones work.

SMC:Your most "big disappointment" in photography?
AJ:I'd rather not answer that question.

SMC:What is your favourite "ingredient " for a good photo?
AJ:Drama and mystery!

YOUR INSPIRATION:

SMC:Are you just suddenly inspired ? Or do you plan a project?
AJ:I find I have a few photographs that fit together and they become the start of a project.

YOUR VIEW ON:

SMC:What do you thing about Contemporary Art Photography?
AJ: ...each aeroplane is flying in a different flight path for a different destination.

SMC:What about the current state of photographic art sales?
AJ:Not what it should be.

SMC:Do you think all photographers want fame? Why? (in any case)
AJ:There are easier ways of becoming famous!

SMC:Can you describe yourself in 3 words?
AJ:Introspective, reserved, thoughtful

SMC:What would be your advice to a young photographer?
AJ:Don't try to be 'different', just for the sake of it.

YOUR DREAM:

SMC:What is your photographer's dream?
AJ:To realise my potential to produce better work, be respected and feel fulfilled.

SMC:This space is not a question. It's your "Free Speech Space". Go on! You can say whatever you like!
AJ:Though I happily agreed to do this interview, I am contradicting myself when I say, I hope people will look at my work and not me.

uklandscape.net