Chris Henley is a Luton-born photographer, now living in Milton Keynes. During his time on lockdown, like many photographers Chris started to adapt himself to the culture around him. Going out to his local community to capture the life around him. There is a sense of attachment to the people in the imagery, yet shows the obvious loneliness we currently find ourselves in. With Chris's images they define life on the fringe of society. Showing ordinary people in their natural habitat. They bring in a sense of belonging to the grafters who on a daily basis are out working.
Like many creatives, lockdown poses the issue of trying to create under difficult circumstances. Obviously this is nothing compared to what front line workers have to do each day. But having someone like Chris documenting the time we find ourselves in gives a real sense of being in the moment. Being able to attach yourself to an image is what is brilliant about photography. Getting a real sense of the people and place is what you get from Chris's images. They have a delicateness to them, matching with the clear moment.
For Chris's top ten playlist:
1. Who are you and what do you do?
Hi, my name is Chris Henley and I’m a photographer and creative director currently living in Milton Keynes.
2. When did you first get into photography?
I’m pretty sure I’ve had an interest in cameras ever since I was a kid but my first step into photography came in the late 90’s when I studied it at college.
3. What do you try to evoke through an image?
I like to try and evoke a sense of curiosity in my work. Capturing real moments which contain hints and visual snippets of other people’s stories and lives.
4. Who are some photographers that inspired your photography?
There are so many great photographers, it’s hard. I find inspiration in shots I see everyday on Instagram but the work of photographers like Martin Parr and Terry O’Neill are a big influence.
5. How have you noticed a change in cultural attitudes during lockdown?
There’s been a big shift in a lot of things, both good and bad. I now talk to strangers and neighbours much more than I used to. Things seem to have taken on greater value.
6. How have you adapted your photography during the coronavirus pandemic?
I’m not sure I’ve adapted it, I guess it’s more naturally focussed me on different subject matter. It’s definitely made me more aware of my surroundings and other people’s lives.
7. Growing up being from Luton how has this influenced your photography?
It’s always been a place of great memories for me. Luton’s a town that forces you to look as there’s such a diversity to its fabric. I think this ability to look at things a little differently has, in some way, subliminally influenced my photography.
8. Who are some other photographers you think need more recognition?
It’s tough, there’s a lot of talented people whose work I love. There’s a guy on Instagram I follow called Fraser Havenhand who’s work I really like at the moment.
9. What’s the main focus in capturing lockdown imagery?
For me personally it’s about documenting a unique period in history.
10. How has lockdown affected the creative community?
It’s shaken it for sure and it’s been hard on a lot of people. I think it’s forced creatives to adapt, refocus and experiment in ways they may have ever done before.
11. What’s your future plans?
To improve and expand on my photographic work as much as possible and hopefully get to work with some great people along the way.
12. How are you looking at the things around you differently for photography?
If you mean because of lockdown, I think I’m now looking for the small things. Those little moments that now take on a different meaning or evoke a new feeling.
13. What have you learnt during your time on lockdown?
Take nothing for granted.
14. What does your photography say about the community around you?
I hope it shows it openly, honestly and for what it is. Peeling back it’s veneer and showing a little of what’s underneath.
15. Outside of photography what else inspires you?
In my other life I work as a creative director and designer so I’m inspired by a lot of different things, architecture, film and typography to name a few. It’s cool, everything seems to feed into everything else in a way.
16. How would you say there is a change in societal attitudes to people outside of London?
I’d like to hope that creatives are judged on the art they make and the kind of people they are rather than where they’re from. London has always been the big creative hub which will probably stay quite insular in some respects but I really don’t think it now matters where you’re from, people are people and art is art.
Here’s my top 10 (in no particular order):
1. Shelter — Ray LaMontagne
2. Long Way Home From Here — Matthew Perryman Jones
3. Midnight In Harlem — Tedeschi Trucks Band
4. East October — John Moreland
5. Good Friday — The Black Crowes
6. God Willin’ & The Creek Don’t Rise — Ray LaMontagne
7. John Carlin — Be Not Afraid
8. Nina Cried Power — Hozier
9. Times Like These — Foo Fighters
10. Thank You Next — Kidz Bop (I have a 7 year old kid)
To check out more of Chris's work go to:
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