 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Using his Gandolfi camera, Harry Cory Wright produces dramatic engaging images of the coastline around the British Isles and Ireland.
Harry began his professional career with private commissions for promotional images and still life work for interior magazines such as Country Living and Homes and Gardens. Since 1995 Harry has been working on sets of photographs, all taken on his Gandolfi, focusing on different elements of the coastline.
|
|
|
In conjunction with his study of the coastline with his Gandolfi, Harry set up Saltwater Books where they produce their big format 16 page editions of photographs capturing different elements of the coastline. The photographs are also available as prints, in a diverse range of sizes, at the Saltwater Gallery in Burnham Market, Norfolk and online at Saltwater.co.uk.
Harry joined us for a CoffeeBreak...
  Your Gandolfi can't be the easiest of cameras to hike along the coastline with, so what makes this camera so special to you?
 The Gandolfi is a huge, heavy wooden plate camera with a negative measuring 10 x 8 inches. Because it's so big it tends to dominate the process of taking pictures. It can't be used quickly as it takes time to set up and move around. As a result I have to stay outside longer and it slows me down, forcing me to look and linger. Also the size of the negative allows an incredible amount of detail in the final photographs. I often spot things I hadn't noticed at the time, like the whale in one of the WRATH pictures.
How does photographing with a Gandolfi compare to using a more standard type of camera? Does it require special consideration?
I enjoy the resrictions of the Gandolfi. The size of it, the time it takes to change a plate and the expense means I can't reel off pictures. I tend to take only one photograph which gives the whole process an edge. There is no opportunity to choose the best of a selection and there is always the possibility of missing the moment whilst waiting and looking. But I think this gives the final photographs a certain energy.
How did your love for photography grow?
 My Grandfather was a photographer. I had always heard that his Leica cameras were stored in the attic. When I finally got my hands on the boxes they were empty! My Grandmother had sold them all. The school darkroom, the excitement and magic of the black and white process is where my own love of photography began and it has continued to develop from there. Quite early on I realised, and was inspired by, the possibilites offered by photography as a trade. It can take you into any realm, it is such a broad language.
Do you own a digital camera and what are your feelings about this medium?
Yes I do. Digital input is great, digital output I am more wary of - the whole idea of producing archival prints at home I am rather distrustful of. I think it is a fantastic medium but I would love to see it in 10 years time.
Who inspires you?
Cindy Sherman, Thomas Struth, Neil Young, Paul Strand.
What piece of advice would you give to someone hoping to become a professional photographer?
Find a rich benefactor for as long as possible, then take lots and lots and lots of pictures. Then spend ages looking at them.
What are you currently enjoying working on?
I have just built a huge Saltwater Camera Obscura that you can climb into, to go on tour with around the coast. It is basically a large pinhole camera that projects an image of the landscape or seascape from directly outside, inside onto a white wall.
 Have you a favourite stretch of coastline; one that conjures up a particular memory for you?
The tidal saltmarsh of North Norfolk I am particularly fond of and parts of The Outer Hebrides. I am becoming increasingly intrigued with the Thames Estuary.
What are you reading at the moment?
Treasure Island.
What's on your shopping list?
I recently discovered Loose Music, a record label with a wealth of cool alternative country tunes.
Further information...
Harry's latest book, CALM Photographs of the Coast, is a carefully considered set of images focusing on the sea, the horizon and its coastline, encompassing a wonderful sense of space and tranquility. Contact Salwater Gallery for info.
address: Saltwater Gallery, Overy Road, Burnham Market, Norfolk PE13 8HQ
tel: +44 (0)1328 730 382
email:
web: www.saltwater.co.uk
|
|
Also in this section...
|
|
|
|
|
|
