In photography, an image works best when the formal aspects such as light, colour and composition, as well as the informal aspects like a small gesture or look come together.
In the work of young photographer Sophie Willison, the small details present in her photographs invite us to focus on the exchange between photographer and the subject and further, the relationship between viewer and viewed. I enjoy Sophie’s work because it’s simple.
What is your favorite filmstock?
I mainly use a canon sureshot, it's easy to carry around and great for my spontaneous nature as a photographer. The on camera flash and auto focus allows me to move freely and quickly when making pictures. I am still a student I am thinking of shooting more medium format over the next few months, whilst I still have access to the cameras...!
What is your favorite filmstock?
I use film from poundland, means I can shoot much more and not worry about the money. It stands up quite well against other films and is easy really easy to get hold of. I bought out three poundlands the other day, in fear they were going out of stock!
For the photo submitted, why is it your favourite?
I think they're my favourite because they are my first serious body of work. As well as that, the people featured in the images are my close friends so it was quite nice to work with them and capture them in that particular moment.
What was your last project ?
My last project was about documenting my friends. « The Young Ones » I wanted to do a mixture of portraitrue, fashion and documentary so combined all genres. I chose people who had a particularly interesting way about them, that attracted me to photographing. I spent one evening or afternoon with them, talking and exploring whilst making imagery.
In your latest project you spoke translide, is that slide film and why you use it.?
Translide, yes that is slide film, positive film, however you would like to call it! I liked the idea of projecting straight from my imagery, which you can't do with negative or digital, I feel this has a nice feel to it, nothing has been done to the images so it is the rawest way of viewing them.
Where was the last place your work was shown ?
We had the option to, but decided to show in a pub, down a street full of galleries, it was one of the first places Wolfgang Tillmans showed his work. I had my images up in the toilet! So it was interesting to curate in a space that wasn't just four white walls!
And as is the case with most creative people now, one not only creates but is involved in other creative platforms or endeavours, ex. the artist/curator. You are about to launch the second issue of Terra-Firma Magazine. I am planning on having a joint launch party with a friend (Laurie, DENUDE magazine) in which exhibiting this work will be the perfect event!
Could you expand on how Terra-Firma Magazine came about ?
Well I was very interested in independent publishing and the format of displaying work in a magazine. I then had an internship at VERY magazine (http://www.verymagazine.org) which allowed me to get a first hand experience working alongside Editor in Chief Uscha Pohl, who inspired me to make my own!
Sophie Willison