NEW SIGNING - JACK ABBOTT

We’re starting the new year off with a bang by introducing you to the newest addition to the LPA roster. Cue Welsh-born and Bristol-made Jack Abbott who is certainly no stranger to danger. With roots in surfing and skating Jack’s work often encompasses extreme sports and beautiful landscapes, thanks to his drone pilot license. Transitioning between film and digital his photography always has a cinematic feel with rich undertones. He has worked with the likes of Visit Wales, O’neil, Finisterre and Route One to name a few, often shooting people doing their thing. We sat him down and quizzed him on all things Abbott…

How did you get into photography?

I grew up skateboarding and surfing a lot and had so many moments of being like “ahh I wish I’d had a camera on me then...”

A friend had this VX 1000 video camera and through our teens would be making skate films too.

A little after that I borrowed my mum’s old waterproof film camera to test out in the sea and photograph friends surfing, I knew pretty quickly I was really into it.

The camera died after 17 shots. They came back mostly awful, but it gave me the itch to get a camera and eventually start photographing the people and moments around the things I loved doing.

2. Your work often has a cinematic feel, how do you achieve this?

I think this comes with trying to tell the story through a set of images for me. Trying to get across the natural feel of the moments, people and place. And rolling through shooting scenes sometimes too.

3. Does being Welsh have an impact on your work?

I don’t think I realised this was such a thing in the early days. But then coming to London and realising that you can’t nod and say hello to everybody you pass or chat on the tube?!

I feel like the warmth and welcoming nature I’ve felt coming from working in Welsh communities carries into my work…and being so spoilt with beautiful places to explore.

I’ve also been lucky recently shooting a project where the talent/crew have been working in Welsh (language) which is great. I’m still getting up to scratch but love learning (more of) it.

4. The models in your photographs always appear so relaxed, how do you create such a good rapport?

Usually setup a little early so we have time to chat (and drink coffee) as we go and get to know each other a little bit.

I hope to create an atmosphere where everyone feels relaxed and comfortable with the camera so it can be a collaborative approach to shooting what we need whilst having some fun.

I’m often photographing people in the space they’re used to too which I think helps!

5. Who/what would be your dream person/client to work with?

Ooh, how long do we have? I don’t think I have a dream person right now but there’re definitely brands that I’d love to work with and put my spin on the photography and setting.

6. If you had to give a piece of advice to a budding photographer what would it be
Keep going.

Jack is readily available for shoots and commissions.

Email us to find out more: hello@lisapritchard.com