Stuart Dunn

Alistair Campbell meets the photographer who has built his twin passions into an award-winning, globe-trotting career

- Alistair Campbell

In the foreword to his new book, the filmmaker and photographer Stuart Dunn argues that humankind’s hopes, fears, flaws and desires are common to all. For him, ‘Us’ and ‘Them’ doesn’t exist – there is ‘Only Us’, and those last two words form the title of the book. Chronicling Dunn’s years spent travelling the world, this is an epic photographic portrait of humanity featuring a diverse cast of characters.

How did you get into photography?

Shortly after I left art college, an opportunity arose to travel South Africa with a friend. I took what little money I had and jumped at the chance. While I was there, I took photos – none of which were any good – of the people and the animals I encountered.

Then one evening in Durban, I was involved in a car accident, and my friends and I had to go to the police station to give statements.

While I was sitting in reception, a huge police officer came lumbering through the door, pushing a local man in handcuffs ahead of him. Luckily, I had my little 35mm camera in hand and asked the officer if he’d mind if I took his photograph. He answered: “No problem, but wait: I’ll get him to smile for you.” He proceeded to twist the man’s arms behind his back, causing the man to scream in pain. I raised the camera to my eye and took the shot. That was the first time I realised that the camera was more than just a device for taking holiday snaps. Photography was a tool for something much more profound.

What attracted you to travel photography, and why do you concentrate on photographing people?