I N CO N V E R S AT I O N W I T H S U K AY E F B I P P
As a photographer, what inspired you creatively?
Is there a photographer that inspires you?
I really don’t know. I go to exhibitions and love everything from street art to going around galleries in Florence. I find it hard to know what inspires and what makes me do things – I’ll be in the studio, and I’ll think, I’ve got to try something different. I think I get bored quite easily, so I know I can continue what I’m doing and still get clients in, but I’m constantly looking for something different.
When I got into photography, it would have been Karsh - I just loved the quality and the simplicity. Now, I love the work of Pete Souza, which is more documentary-type, just the way he saw things and his composition, and getting all the details you don’t notice until you read the stories behind the photos.
I’m probably more inspired by art and 3D art; I’m looking around my lounge now, and every piece I’ve got on my wall is 3D. In my photography, I look more at modern art than at other photographers.
In terms of portraits, now I look at people like Platon, his style is a lot more modern and in your face. The books I would sit and look through more are wildlife – black and white work like David Yarrow, Nick Brandt – people like that I just think are incredible.
Image entitled ‘Dark Side of the Dune’ that got the highest score in the BIPP’s National Print Competition in 1995 © Su Kaye Issue One / 2023 / the PHOTOGRAPHER 29
