A Photographic Life - podcast cover

A Photographic Life

The United Nations of Photographywww.unitednationsofphotography.com
"To take a photograph is to align the head, the eye and the heart. It's a way of life." Henri Cartier-Bresson. Whatever your level of engagement with photography The Photographic Life Podcast explains the realities of working with and learning about the medium. Each week photographer, writer, lecturer, filmmaker, and BBC Radio contributor Dr. Grant Scott reflects on news, discussions, themes and issues surrounding the photographic community. This is a podcast for those who do not want kit reviews, photoshop techniques, marketing babble or camera talk. It is for those who want informed conversation about photography and life. Grant Scott is the founder/curator of www.unitednationsofphotography.com, a Senior Lecturer in Photography at Oxford Brookes University, UK, a working photographer, and the author of Professional Photography: The New Global Landscape Explained, The Essential Student Guide to Professional Photography and New Ways of Seeing: The Democratic Language of Photography. His documentary film, Do Not Bend: The Photographic Life of Bill Jay has been screened across the UK, and in Canada and the US. Podcast music: Written and performed by Laura Ritchie.
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Episodes

A Photographic Life - 57: Plus Guy Martin

In episode 57 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering his recent week in Vancouver, Canada, and the relationship between photography and lens-based-media contemporary art practice. Plus this week photographer Guy Martin takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which he answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ Guy Martin was born in Cornwall, England and graduated from the Documentary Photography co...

May 29, 201920 min

A Photographic Life - 56: Plus Iain McKell

In episode 56 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering food photography and the value of photographic archives and how we can help each other to ensure their survival. Plus this week photographer Iain McKell takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which he answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ Iain McKell grew up in Weymouth, Dorset and began working as a seaside photographer aged 19. He went on...

May 22, 201919 min

A Photographic Life - 55: Plus Katharine MacDaid

In episode 55 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering the frustrating nature of photo forums and what makes everyone an 'expert'. He also suggests a useful tip when chasing invoices and payment! Plus this week photographer Katherine MacDaid takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which she answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ Katharine MacDaid was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland and grew up ...

May 15, 201920 min

A Photographic Life - 54: Plus Guia Besana

In episode 54 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering analogue photography within education and the commissioned world, the importance of 'technical' knowledge in photography, the dominance of one portrait aesthetic and announcing his new role at Oxford Brookes University. Plus this week photographer Guia Besana takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which she answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to Y...

May 08, 201921 min

A Photographic Life - 53: Birthday Special: Plus Elliott Landy

In this birthday special UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed reflecting on the first year of the podcast, the weekly contributions photographers have made, the themes that have developed, the importance of 'having a go' and the 'personal' in photography. Plus this week photographer Elliott Landy takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which he answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ A graduate of the Bro...

May 01, 201921 min

A Photographic Life - 52: Plus Geoff Waring

In episode 52 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering the citizen journalist, news organisations expecting images for free and the rise of the magazine promoted photo competition. Plus this week art director/photographer Geoff Waring takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which he answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ After studying Graphic Design at Manchester University in the 1980's Geoff W...

Apr 24, 201921 min

A Photographic Life - 51: Plus Colin Jones

In episode 51 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering the recent World Press Photo controversy, the importance of remaining human as a photographer, the cyclical nature of photography and the importance of not being defined by a style. Plus this week photographer Colin Jones takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which he answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ You can find out details about Col...

Apr 17, 201920 min

A Photographic Life - 50: Plus Alys Tomlinson

In episode 50 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering the various skill and digital demands made of a photographer in the 21st Century and the importance of writing within a photographic practice. Plus this week photographer Alys Tomlinson takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which he answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ Having grown up in Brighton in the UK, Alys went on to study English L...

Apr 10, 201920 min

A Photographic Life - 49: Plus John Sevigny

In episode 49 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering the selling of a potentially false narrative to photographers through photography competitions, portfolio reviews and some photography magazines. Plus this week photographer John Sevigny takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which he answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ You can read about the kidnapping John mentions in this week's episod...

Apr 03, 201921 min

A Photographic Life - 48: Plus Rachel Boillot

In episode 48 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering the relationship between music and photography, photography as a visual language and the importance of understanding where your work fits within the commissioned landscape if you want to be commissioned. Plus this week photographer Rachel Boillot takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which she answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ Rachel B...

Mar 27, 201922 min

A Photographic Life - 47: Plus Paolo Roversi

In episode 47 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering working for free, the relevance of stoicism to the photographer, and the importance of retaining photographic integrity to work within advertising photography. Plus this week Grant re-visits a recorded conversation he had with legendary fashion and portrait photographer Paolo Roversi in London in 2011. Born in Ravenna, Italy in 1947, Paolo Roversi’s interest in photography was kindled as a teenager during a family vacat...

Mar 20, 201921 min

A Photographic Life - 46: Plus Craig Easton

In episode 46 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering photographic expectation, the need for clarity in process and the importance of learning from others more experienced than ourselves. Plus this week photographer Craig Easton takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which he answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ Craig Easton is a Scottish photographer based in England known for his dramatic l...

Mar 13, 201922 min

A Photographic Life - 45: Plus Derek Ridgers

In episode 45 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering applications for the UNP mentorship programme, online paid reviews, and how to price prints to sell. Plus this week photographer Derek Ridgers takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which he answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ Derek Ridgers, is an English photographer with a career spanning over thirty years. The emergence of punk rock in...

Mar 06, 201921 min

A Photographic Life - 44: Plus David Levenson

In episode 44 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering photo education within universities and transferable skills all photographers have but may not have considered as relevant to other films of visual communication. Plus this week photographer David Levenson takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which he answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ You can read more about Grant's views on photograp...

Feb 27, 201922 min

A Photographic Life - 43: Plus Marc Wilson

In episode 43 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering the excitement of discovering lost archives and lost images, recommends two recent documentaries and reflects upon how the past fifty years of American photography could have been so different. Plus this week photographer Marc Wilson takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which he answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ Born in London, 1968, ...

Feb 20, 201921 min

A Photographic Life - 42: Plus Brian Griffin

In episode 42 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering the sacrifices photographers make to create work and the commitment required from friends and family to support those dedicated to the medium. You can read the full article featuring Don McCullin and Giles Duley mentioned in this week's podcast here www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/feb/03/don-mccullin-giles-duley-photography-retrospective-tate-interview Plus this week photographer Brian Griffin takes on the challen...

Feb 13, 201920 min

A Photographic Life - 41: Plus Amy Romer

In episode 41 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering the importance of research in creating a personal project, visual storytelling and ensuring stories reach out of the photographic community. Plus this week photographer Amy Romer takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which he answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ Amy Romer is a British documentary photographer, currently based in Vancouver...

Feb 06, 201920 min

A Photographic Life - 40: Plus Margaret Mitchell

In episode 41 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering paid for portfolio reviews, working for free and commissioned photography. Plus this week photographer Margaret Mitchell takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which he answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ Margaret Mitchell is based in Glasgow, Scotland, and studied photography at Edinburgh Napier University. She has been working as a phot...

Jan 30, 201921 min

A Photographic Life - 39: Plus Michael Jackson

In episode 39 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering photographers writing and talking about their work and creating an end goal for a project before you start. Plus this week photographer Michael Jackson takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which he answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ Michael Jackson is an acclaimed contemporary British photographer, best known for his many years photogr...

Jan 23, 201921 min

A Photographic Life - 38: Plus Robert Darch

In episode 38 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering our expectations of personal websites and the relationship between insecurity and creativity. Plus this week photographer Robert Darch takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which he answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ Born in Birmingham, England Robert Darch is a photographer, educator & curator based in the South West of England. He...

Jan 16, 201921 min

A Photographic Life - 37: Plus Christopher Anderson

In episode 37 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering the acceptance of photography as a part-time profession, and a new research report titled The State of News Photography 2018, published by the World Press Photo Foundation in Amsterdam. Plus this week Grant re-visits a recorded conversation from 2011 with Magnum photographer Christopher Anderson in which Anderson speaks about discovering photography, the personal connection he has with his images and his intention when ...

Jan 09, 201921 min

A Photographic Life - 36: 2018 Review of the Year Special

In episode 36 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed looking back on photography in 2018 and forward to what 2019 may or may not hold for the medium. Plus he names his favourite photo books published in 2018, and his favourite exhibition and photography initiative. You can also access and subscribe to these podcasts at SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/unofphoto on iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-photographic-life/id1380344701 on Player FM https://player.fm/series/a-phot...

Jan 02, 201929 min

A Photographic Life - 35: Christmas Special: Plus Jim Mortram

In this Christmas Special UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his festive shed looking back on the past year and thinking about photography's relationship with Christmas. To continue the Christmas message photographer Jim Mortram provides an alternative option to the Queen's speech by taking on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file in which he answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ Because Jim is definitely on Santa's 'good list' he has given him an extra ...

Dec 25, 201820 min

A Photographic Life - 34: Plus Philip North Coombes

In episode 34 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering photography judging panels, using Instagram as a professional tool and earning money from brand endorsement as a photographer. Plus this week photographer Philip North Coombes takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which he answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ UK based photographer Philip North Coombes works globally on assignments for int...

Dec 19, 201821 min

A Photographic Life - 33: Plus Dan Wood

In episode 33 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering photography and the 'gig' economy and the positive aspects of the independent photography scene. Plus this week photographer Dan Wood takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which he answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ This is the link to the article Grant mention's in this week's podcast concerning the 'gig' economy https://www.theguardia...

Dec 12, 201821 min

A Photographic Life - 32: Plus Michael Thompson

In episode 32 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering the promise and marketing of 'instant' photography success and the importance of reading the terms and conditions when entering photo competitions. Plus this week Grant re-visits a recorded conversation with legendary photographer Michael Thompson in which he speaks about moving to New York from the West Coast, assisting Irving Penn and finding your own photographic voice. Michael Thompson is an American photographer wh...

Dec 05, 201821 min

A Photographic Life - 31: Plus Mary Ellen Mark

In episode 31 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering the recent discussions around stock photography and 'free' photography in respect to the recent Squarespace and Unsplash collaboration. He also follows on from last week's podcast with an update on using charcoal to teach photography! Plus this week Grant re-visits a recorded conversation with legendary photographer Mary Ellen Mark from 2012 on the publication of her book Prom. In this short edited clip Ellen Mark comme...

Nov 28, 201820 min

A Photographic Life - 30: Plus Danny North

In episode 30 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering the importance of networking, long-term relationships and collaboration within photography. He also explains the importance of charcoal and paper to learning photography! Plus this week photographer Danny North takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which he answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ London-based portrait photographer Danny Nort...

Nov 21, 201821 min

A Photographic Life - 29: Plus David Bailey

In episode 29 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering dyslexia amongst the photographic community, whether the expectation for writing to support photography is necessary, and where photographers are today with the moving image. Plus this week Grant re-visits a recorded conversation from 2011 with legendary photographer David Bailey. In this brief edited extract Bailey uses some strong language to deliver his thoughts on how people see him, the importance of cameras to pho...

Nov 14, 201819 min

A Photographic Life - 28: Plus Kenneth Jarecke

In episode 28 UNP founder and curator Grant Scott is in his shed considering the relationship between photography and music, the importance of inspiration from multiple sources, making your own rules and the need for commitment in storytelling. Plus this week photographer Kenneth Jarecke takes on the challenge of supplying Grant with an audio file no longer than 5 minutes in length in which he answer’s the question ‘What Does Photography Mean to You?’ Kenneth Jarecke is an American photojournali...

Nov 07, 201824 min
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