This is the first in a series of conversations with mad talented photographers I happened to run into on my journey that I think don’t get the exposure they deserve, them or the amazing projects they are working on, hopefully this will shed some light on the individuals and their work.
Obviously I know who you are, but can you just introduce yourself to the good people...
My name is Gavin Robinson and I've been shooting for 6 years.
I first got into photography by shooting landscapes around London. It then progressed to shooting people. I never knew there was a thing called 'Street Photography' until I started posting on Instagram. I have progressed my work into current projects as ‘Speakers Corner’ and ‘Looking Up At Big Ben’.
How did you first approach street photography, what kind stuff did you shoot, where and how? And do you remember the first shot you were happy with?
I first approached street photography taking random pics on my phone and enjoying it. Shooting people and looking for abstract situations all around London. Mainly Central and diverse areas such as Brixton and Camden. The first shot I remember being happy with was in Hyde Park with a man walking in the sunset. I shoot from the hip mainly, this is because I started photography from the mobile phone, so my eye is used to this technique. I don't judge on how anyone takes a picture, just as long as it's good.
You seem to have developed two very strong projects in a relatively short span of time, how did Speakers Corner come about? Did you just go down there thinking it would be interesting to shoot and the project developed from there, or did you come up with the idea first and then go down there to shoot?
I used to go Speakers Corner now and again in the past. I knew about the place long before I got into photography. I like the style of ‘in your face’ flash shots like Bruce Gilden and thought Speakers Corner would be a good opportunity for me to do that style when I first got into photography as there is less hassle from people as there is on the street. So for 5 years now it is a continuous project.
With Bruce Gilden and his “in your face style” , there are some people who “frown” upon this as well as screaming about privacy and not taking photos of vulnerable or homeless people etc the list goes on? What’s your take on that and do you have any personal boundaries when your shooting?
There is an art form to that kinda style and if pulled off correctly, it can justify its means. With privacy, I like to think that if the subject ever saw the shot they were in, they would be appreciate it, so it's important to make your shot good and not just go snapping at any given activity, ff that makes sense. I have taken an image of a homeless person, but it came with reference and tone that didn't make it seem I was using their vulnerable situation for my gain. There are boundaries in street photography, you just got to be aware of what they are.
You mentioned Gilden, any other majors influences out there, doesn't necessarily have to be photographers?
My only influence is Bruce Gilden in photography. I'm still fairly new to the scene I think as I've only come into it for 5 years. Of course there are other great photographers but I find I'm drawn to that style and that suits me. Not all my shots are flash photography. I have my own way of doing things.
Before I leave you alone, you’ve briefly touched on Looking Up at Big Ben and Acts of Dogs projects, can you tell me more about them?
The Big Ben project came by chance as I initially went to Westminster Station to shoot because there is a good light trap there and suddenly noticed people coming out of the station that were surprised that Big Ben was right in front of them.
The Acts of Dogs meets Speakers Corner project is a combination of both projects coming together with similar shots of action, watch this space.
