Edinburgh based photographer Chris Close caused quite a stir at last year’s Book Festival with his innovative photography exhibition ‘Between the Lines’ – a constantly evolving display featuring literary luminaries such as Alexander McCall Smith, Will Self and Iain Banks. The exhibition returns this year as Chris shoots the range of international authors, Oscar-winning actors and politicians that pass through the festival. We spoke to him about his technique, being shy, and the spirit of the Fringe…
How would you describe your style of photography?
I’d say that it’s quite gritty, but with a sense of fun. I think there is a trend for very bland expressionless work out there and to me this is not true portraiture, it is little more than a passport image. True portraiture should reflect the subject and not the photographer. Too much work (particularly in advertising) is all technique and no substance.
- Tracy Chevalier – Chris Close
What attracted you to portraiture?
I used to hate doing portraiture because I was so shy, and that’s why I became a landscape photographer. But I always loved photographing the people I met on the road; the wrinkly old men, the fishermen and people like that. And then last year I thought ‘I’d really like to shoot some more well-known people too’. So I approached the book festival with this idea to do an exhibition there, and luckily they agreed.
How do you try and bring out the true character of the people you shoot?
Because I have so little time with each person (usually about 2 ½ minutes) I need a very fast way of working. Last year I shot everything with a ring-flash, which gave a very nice light. Fashion photographers often use them, but I kind of switched it on its head so instead of being really flattering it really brought out the wrinkles and lines on people’s faces. I thought that was quite appropriate for the authors; they’re always writing about characters themselves. I also just treat people as I find them on the day. If someone’s feeling a bit depressed I don’t try and change that, I just let that come through in the picture. I don’t go in with a preconceived opinion of someone. You have to gage very quickly how far you can push people too. Politicians are the worst – they are very good at guarding themselves, and just go straight into ‘politician mode’ in front of the camera.
So how much guidance do you actually give your subjects?
What I like to do is I like to find out about the person first of all. I think you have to have an empathy with someone when you take their portrait. I like to find out something about what they’ve done, what they’ve written or what they’re hobbies are so I’ve got something to talk about and can try to put them at ease.
- Alasdair Gray – Chris Close
Who has been your favourite person to photograph?
Everybody loved the Alasdair Gray shot; it seemed to be the one that people liked best. I enjoyed shooting China Miéville are Griff Rhys Jones, William Fiennes and Annie Gauger too, but if you ask me tomorrow I’ll have changed my mind again. They would all make fabulous dinner party guests.
And do you know who you’ll be shooting this year?
One of the people I’m most looking forward to shooting is Simon Callow. He’s just got one of those wonderful theatrical voices that just make you think everything is right with the world. I’m also looking forward to taking pictures of Martin Bell and Joseph Stiglitz, as well as a range of others.
What’s the best part of being a photographer?
I think it has to be the freedom, and the variety of jobs you get to do. I’m lucky enough to have photographed many amazing people and landscapes, and it’s an ongoing thing. You never stop learning. I love getting to meet really interesting people. It’s great meeting people with stories to tell.
What are you most looking forward to about the festivals this year?
I’m a real pot-luck person. I love to just go out and about and see things I’ve never heard of as I like not having a preconceived notion about the shows I’m seeing. I find it quite rewarding; it’s the true Fringe spirit.
The 2010 Edinburgh International Book Festival runs from 14th – 30th August.
