For the second time in about three years, I’ve been working with Matt Creer, shooting the artwork for his latest album. I liked the photographs we made in back then, which I shot on digital. However, we are both in agreement that these recent images, shot on film, unquestionably have a depth and an almost fourth dimension that the 2014 shots lacked.
Photo sessions with Matt are always enjoyable, despite the odd 5am start; in a city, this wouldn’t represent a problem, but on the Isle of Man the first available coffee outlet doesn’t open its doors until 7am. Most importantly, Matt never asks, “Why?”, he has total faith in my ideas – any photographer who has worked with a musician who art directs their own shoot will know exactly what I mean…
A former student of the Royal College of Music, London, Matt has featured numerous times on BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Lancaster and various commercial Radio Stations across the UK and Ireland. Matt has also performed in some of the world’s leading orchestras and ensembles and recently played the role of Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar”. The Manx singer-songwriter’s music merges folk traditions, with warm, rich, layered arrangements inspired by his classical background that has created a sound all of his own. His 2015 album “The Leeward Tide” reached number 17 in the iTunes singer-songwriter chart on the first day of release.
All of Matt’s images were made using a variety of film stock – Kodak Portra 400 and Ektar 100, Fuji Superia 400 and expired Fuji Reala 100 in 35mm, 6×4.5cm and 6x7cm formats. The film was developed and scanned at the excellent Canadian Film Lab
Bloody Hell, Phil, these are superb shots!
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Phil I’d love to get a session organised with you, how much do you charge for album artwork?
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Fab work X
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These are stunning X
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I do love the look and taste and feel of film. I am finding myself gravitating towards it more and more.
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It does taste good 🙂
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“any photographer who has worked with a musician who art directs their own shoot will know exactly what I mean…”. Indeed. Great work Phil (and Matt).
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awesome shots!
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beautiful personality and outstanding almost fourth dimension feeling.
but why 5AM ?
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Superb photos. It’s like you’re looking into his soul.
Alison
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Great shots Phil….love the light in # 3, but # 1 is my fave – it’s the edgy background and cool stance you’ve captured.
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Great images Phil, I especially like the second one – taken in front of the white wall. I was wondering if I could get your advice on something: I have been shopping around for a used medium format film camera. I have been looking mostly at Mamiyas as they are plentiful and comfortably priced for a first camera. I am currently leaning towards a 645 Pro TL. What are your thoughts on this camera, and do you suggest any alternatives? (I plan on using it for portraits and I guess landscapes, under ambient light, and I use a separate light meter.)
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The 645 pro is superb, I used one for a while – the metering is bang on and the lenses are great. The 80mm is amazingly sharp. A sexy little piece of kit, all in all.
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Oh, and get the grip too – that way it handles like a 35mm SLR
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