Making Contact With an Established Photographer: Howard Barlow

I have been in contact with Howard Barlow in recent months, initially starting with an enquiry about a work placement, funny how things work out!

I originally wrote out the questions as if I was sending them via email so if it seems a little like a letter then that's why.

Having made contact with him already, I knew I could connect with him to do my interview. I contacted Howard by telephone and the following is the result...

Michael Colebourne,

Second year photography student,

Salford University.

Good afternoon Howard,

For an assignment we've been given I have to make contact with an established photographer in my field. If you could spare me a couple of minutes I would just like to ask a few questions about yourself and your career if you don’t mind?

Interview Questions:

Starting with something simple, who was your inspiration when you first got into photography? And who would you say is your inspiration now?

It definitely started with Henri Cartier-Bresson, most definitely! His work was just something to behold.

Nowadays, erm, I would say Sebastião Salgado is probably someone whose work I look at quite a lot. He's quite an inspiring person.  

Who or what was your first commission?

It wasn't really a commission as such but my first printed work was for a local magazine. The image was of David Bowie performing in Manchester at Maine Road.

How do you find your clients?

They’re usually all found personally, mostly through recommendations but yeah, I never really use agencies. I like to keep things close to home. 

As an aspiring photographer myself I often worry about the possibility of making a living as a street photographer. As an established photographer yourself, how do you see street photography as a career?

I think it would be rather difficult to make a living from street photography; you would most certainly have to try out other avenues to generate a living.

When starting out your career, what were your aspirations to be as a photographer?

I always knew I wanted to work for someone like The Guardian. I knew it would be a lot of hard work to reach that goal but I had the drive and determination to get there, and I did.

Thank you for your time. Have a nice day

Regards,

Michael Colebourne

*Arranged a meeting about an ongoing project we have been in contact with previously. 

Contact details:

http://www.howardbarlow.com/
Email:  howard.barlow@mac.com
+44 7977 401177 (Mobile)