HUMAN NATURE
Digital Photographer|Issue 253
Portrait and documentary pro Gareth Iwan Jones on having an open mind and reconnecting with nature
Lauren Scott
HUMAN NATURE

Tell us about your photographic journey...

I've never formally studied photography, but I had a keen interest in the visual arts from a young age. My first big break was The Times Young Photographer Of The Year in 2006. That set me off along this path.

From there, I assisted a few photographers in London before landing my first paid photography job at a family photography studio in Essex. I worked there for a year before moving to a large media agency in Bristol and then went freelance four years later in 2011.

How would you describe your style and approach?

Styling-wise, I've always leaned towards the cinematic whilst simultaneously being drawn to the everyday and ordinary. I like to light my setups where possible, usually blending the available ambient light with additional artificial lighting to create stylised portraits. As for my approach, I would say 50 percent intuition and 50 percent trial and error. I like to work in a fast and loose approach and trust my instincts in the moment. Having spent time working in a live news environment, this has informed my approach and proved to be useful in the fast-paced, high-pressure, and time-restricted situations I often find myself working in.

What was your first camera, and what kit do you shoot with now?

Funnily enough, my first ever camera was a Sony digital camera. It was a Sony F828, which I adored at the time its 8MP was considered revolutionary. These days, I again predominantly shoot with Sony's wonderful mirrorless cameras. Currently a pair of a7 R IVs. They're small and punchy.

Images from your project 'Tree' saw you become a winner at the Sony World Photography Awards. Could you tell us more about the project and how it came into fruition during lockdown?

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