When FLIPP photographer Jonathan May was interviewed by Tyler from the cool blog Zietgeist Studios, even we discovered new stuff about Jonnno ......
Spotlight: Photographer Jonathan May
Spotlight is a series highlighting talented artists and designers in brief interviews and displays of their work. In this article we look at the work of Jonathan May [ www.jonathanmayphotography.com ], currently residing in Sydney, Australia. Jonathan is an award-winning professional photographer known for his interesting subjects and unconventional locations. Here’s what he had to say-
Zeitgeist Studios: Hot Ink. Could you give us an inside perspective of how you came to this project and what is going on behind the scenes for you with these powerful shots?
Jonathan May: I was selected to cover this year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras events. Through this I met Geoff Ostling who has a complete tattoo bodysuit and is donating his skin to a museum when he dies. Geoff is passionate about ink, and was hosting a competition night where people could display the artwork on their bodies and receive prizes. I realized the significance of the event and had to cover it; so I set-up a portable studio inside the venue.
© Jonathan May 2010, All Rights Reserved
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© Jonathan May 2010, All Rights Reserved
Click Image for larger preview
ZS: The unusual characters you have introduced us to in your photos seem to be laden with interesting stories. Is there one that you recall as particularly unusual for you?
JM: Margaret from the south coast of NSW has to be by far the most interesting character. Margaret has been expressing her creativity through themed front gardens in her home for over 35 years. Her eccentric and passionate personality shines through her elaborate gardens and the dedication over this long time frame is to be admired. Margaret does her gardens to enrich the local community, and I wanted to assist her is showing her work to a much larger audience.To see more of his work and the full interview con’t here (Read More)
ZS: As a photographer, what are you looking to capture in/about society? Particularly in your personal work?
JM: I am always trying to tell a story through my photography, so I actively seek out interesting people who look like they have something to tell and work with their natural environments to evoke emotion and engage the viewer’s imagination.
© Jonathan May 2010, All Rights Reserved
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ZS: Your series about the Caravan. This idea of mobile, transient community and architecture. What are you observations thus far?
JM: I find it fascinating that people manage to transform a simple, almost primitive piece of machinery into a home. So my aim with the Caravan project was not only to capture the feeling of community within a mobile environment but the individuals within that community and how they express their own identity through their caravans. Hopefully I’ve succeeded in showing how a small space of 4 metal walls can tell a huge amount about a person who occupies it.
© Jonathan May 2010, All Rights Reserved
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ZS: Your process for inspiration? Can you give us a glimpse of how you find your next great shot?
JM: The most important thing for me is to always keep an open eye and an open mind. I am constantly on the hunt for interesting locations and characters, and I usually find that they are interrelated.
© Jonathan May 2010, All Rights Reserved
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ZS: Your work compels the viewer to desire more from the single image, making them true pieces of art. Have you ever considered extending the narrative of one of your photos into a film? What would that narrative be?
JM: I have indeed. I have been documenting some of my shoots, especially the ones with the caravan inhabitants. This helps me to learn more about the people I photograph and how they ended up inside the caravans. I have been experimenting with documentary film-making as well as stop-motion animation. This is definitely an area that I will explore further. But for now I am focusing on the art of capturing a moment out of a life story in one frame.
© Jonathan May 2010, All Rights Reserved
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ZS: You have obviously followed your dreams, having started out in advertisement and going back to school to be a photographer. What advice do you have for our readers with similar hopes of doing what they enjoy?
JM: The only person stopping you from doing what you want to do is yourself. Through hard work, passion and patience nothing is impossible.
© Jonathan May 2010, All Rights Reserved
Click Image for larger preview
© Jonathan May 2010, All Rights Reserved
Click Image for larger preview
© Jonathan May 2010, All Rights Reserved
Click Image for larger preview
http://www.zeitgeistudios.com/2010/04/16/spotlight-photographer-jonathan-may/
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