London or Here? Here or London?

Uppermost in the minds of several of these newly graduating photographers is where to go next, literally. Several are already working in local portrait studios, some are going on to do a third, BA Hons year. But the early career photographers who’re looking for a clear direction seem to be thinking of heading south.

Charlotte Mendelson © Adrian Lourie

Big fish in small pond, or tiddler in a billowing melee? There’s no-one better to consult than Adrian Lourie, who was top of the Class of 2007, so TPP dropped him a line and this is his reply.

“Things here are going well. I’ve been working for freelance editorial photographer Graham Jepson for 4 months assisting him in photographing the great and the good. A varied mix of people from Gordon Ramsey to John Prescott and Ray Winstone to Geri Halliwell! All good and a fascinating insight into the madness of celebrity.

Graham also has a picture agency called writerpictures.com which specialises in author photos and I have recently started photographing authors as a contributor. I recently photographed several of the Orange Prize for Fiction 2008 short-listers as well as covering the event itself at the Royal Festival Hall earlier this week.

I’m also finding time to pursue my portrait photography with a view to approaching some magazines. I’m also submitting some stock photography to Alamy and recently sold still life images which have appeared in the Guardian.

Chris John © Adrian Lourie

After an initial period of false starts, doubts, knocks and knock backs as well as the continuing financial struggle, things are starting to work for me down here and I’m confident of my future careeer progression.”

No regrets then Adrian?

“No regrets but there has been self doubt…inevitable I suppose.”

“I’ll be interested to know how Dan Aziz is faring and Dan Prince seems like a nice guy. I do firmly believe though that it’s still all about London if you want to make it (rightly or wrongly). There are most definitely more opportunities here for those who are willing to stick it, bug the living daylights out of people and work bloody hard for little or no money. There is obviously a great deal of competition but also massive amounts of work out there. Did I say that 75 people applied for my current job?!?!”

No you didn’t! You knew you’d crack it though, didn’t you? Five years hard graft and you’ll be where you want to be, no question.

“I’m hoping to do it in 4 years!!!!!”

“Love the Northern Exposure website btw.”

So do we.

Rachel Manilow © Adrian Lourie

It’s certain that Adrian will drop in to answer people’s specific questions, or you can mail him via his own website linked here. Ask away! Thanks Ade.

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