An Interview with Teenage Photographer Eleanor Hardwick
« « Interview with Travel Photographer Mitchell Kanashkevich | IMPERFECTION: An Interview with Fine Art Travel Photographer Jessica Hilltout » »Dec 28th, 2008 | By andrew | Category: Interviews
An Interview with Teenage Photographer Eleanor Hardwick
Eleanor Hardwick is only fifteen years old but has already photographed some top fashion models and held an exhibition of her work. She talks about her experiences in this fascinating interview.
untitled (self portrait behind glass with cat)
The thing that amazes me about 15 year old Eleanor Hardwick’s work is how much she’s already achieved at such a young age. I didn’t even pick up an SLR camera until I was 18 and I certainly didn’t know the first thing about either the art or craft of photography.
Today’s young people have two tremendous advantages. First, is that with digital cameras they can download their photos straight away and learn how to edit them in Photoshop (I remember waiting a week for a box of slides to come through the post and then poring over them with a lightbox and loupe - hardly conducive to developing an artistic style. And it was years before I got the chance to print photos in a darkroom).
The second is that the internet provides access to the work of talented photographers from across the globe and to photo sharing sites like Flickr where they can learn about photography.
So does this mean that we can look forward to a new generation of young and talented photographers? I certainly hope so, but in the meantime please enjoy the fantastic work of Eleanor Hardwick.
Interview
How would you describe your photographic vision? What kind of feel do you try and create in your photos?
My photos are dreamscapes (infact, ‘dreamscapes’ is the title of my exhibition in Bristol early next year!) I like to play with what I have to create something out of reality. I love using natural light and soft peachy tones to create something serene, with a hint of the sixties in it.
Name three photographers you like and why. Who inspires you?
Tim Walker is my favourite photographer, I feel like sometimes we are on the same wavelength with our ideas (however obviously his execution is so much more incredible!). I love his use of oversized props, and the childlike, misty quality to his images. Another photographer I admire is Denise Grünstein, for her quietly beautiful style. I also adore the work of Elene Usdin, a Parisian Photographer who shares my passion for the unison of the surreal and fashion.
Your work is very creative. Where do you get your ideas from?
I’ve no idea where my ideas originate from, however things that I am often inspired by are the countryside near to my home, unusual props and literature.
When did you start taking photos and how long have you been posting photos on Flickr? What have you learnt about photography from Flickr?
I started taking photos in early 2006, when I was twelve. I began taking general snapshots, especially of toys, with a simple 4 megapixel point and shoot. About a year ago I developed a particular interest in fashion portraiture however.
What role has Flickr played in helping getting your photos noticed? When did things start to take off?
I had an offer in 2007 from BBC Bitesize, who wanted to use my image for a slideshow. Then in April 2008 Here, a small gallery in Bristol, asked me to exhibit with them in February 2009, however it wasn’t until August 2008 that things really began to take off. I had an interview on Dazeddigital.com (the website for Dazed & Confused magazine) which caught the attention of The Independent, as well as from a couple of musicians and smaller magazines.
After my feature with The Independent, I began to receive many more offers from magazines and clients. I have a page feature in Dazed & Confused Magazine coming out next week, as well as an interview with a Brazilian newspaper set to come out early next year.
Without the help of the internet, this could never have happened.. not only because I have been approached via the world wide web, but also because without the support of flickr members, I would have put down the camera before I even started to take photos.
You have a lot of self-portraits, portraits and fashion work on your Flickrstream. Why do you like photographing people so much? What ideas are you exploring?
Ever since I was little I have loved to draw people, I never seemed to have much interest in sketching landscapes or still life. I guess I am very drawn by how versatile people are; everyone is different, and every photographic situation is something new and never been done before. I suppose a famous landmark, such as the Eiffel Tower, can only be photographed in so many ways, but a single person is constantly changing both physically and mentally.
I really liked your photos of the Gambia. What did you learn from your trip there? Not just about photography, but about yourself and the world we live in?
It was an incredible family holiday, we made so many new friends on our visit, one family of which we are still in touch with. It was not only a fantastic opportunity to photograph new sights and people, but a chance to see the world from another angle. Nothing compares to actually being there with the dust in your hair, everyone there was so happy and it was just a wonderful experience.
Tell us a little about your exhibition in Lisbon, Portugal. What’s the story behind the exhibition and what did you learn from the experience?
I was invited by Sara (www.thesecondbushome.com) to take part in a project she was organising based around the word “Home.” The exhibition in Lisbon is hopefully one of the first of many.
You’ve already worked with some top fashion models. What was it like? What’s been your favourite experience so far?
As much as I love taking photographs of my sister and friends, it is wonderful to work with professional models as you can really see how fluidly they can pose, and they really understand what you’re trying to achieve in the photograph.
I think it’s amazing that you’ve achieved so much at a young age. What’s the secret to your success?
I guess I’ve been very lucky to have so many offers, but I have been working hard. Photography is my number one passion in life, and I usually do at least one photoshoot a week. I’ve learnt that the more effort I put into an idea, the more it will pay off.
Finally - what are your plans for the future? What are your dreams? Where do you see yourself being in 10 years time?
I’d ultimately love to work with the top fashion magazines, travelling the world to photograph all kinds of people, with a whole team of set designers and stylists! Who knows what will happen though haha!
Links
Photo Gallery
christmas party
home (#4)
untitled (rowena holding a model boat)
adrift
child in a bride’s dress, the gambia
friends, the gambia
All photos Copyright Eleanor Hardwick. Please contact the photographer for permission to use in any way.
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Life at the Tea Party – Eleanor Hardwick «
October 6th, 2009 6:22 am
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[...] is one in which anything can happen. Eleanor Hardwick’s Website Dazed Digital Interview Magical Places, Fine Art Interview Independent Article Flickr [...]
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Eleanor Hardwick | IdeaFixa - artes visuais, ilustração, design e fotografia
November 24th, 2009 5:23 pm
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Eleanor. « create-vulgo
December 1st, 2009 12:23 pm
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[...] saber mais: Magical Places Fine Art Online Magazine interview with Eleanor Hardwick [...]
Wow! As an artist and art teacher I am absolutely amazed at this young woman’s gift for photography. I agree with the interviewer that kids these days have great opportunities to use the art of photography and learn the mechanics of the art form. Of course it is not just having the equipment, this young artists has a great eye and a mind for story. I think that as a young person she is also looking at the world in a different way. I like seeing through the eye of someone who has a child’s view of the world. She also seems quite well spoken and her remarks in her interview seem well thought out and mature for a fifteen year old. I look forward to introducing her as an artist to my students; I think they will enjoy learning about a working teenage artist. I hope her all the best in the future.
OMG! Photography is my favourite form of art and so far your photographs are the best yet. I love the three people in animal masks sitting around a table on vintage chairs. You will become the most talked about photographer to date, and that’ll be good talk!
All the best.