Black_amp_amp_White_Photography_-_January_2016_

26

B+W

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painting process began again, but I only had

a few days before the water disappeared.

I wanted to do something with the rain,

so then I started making the clouds and

the whole watering system. Sometimes the

preparations are more fun than making

the actual picture.

JS: A lot of your stories play on the idea

of the 19th century but add a fantastical

dimension. To what extent are your

photographs a ‘conversation’ with images

of the past?

AT: Good question! The ‘look’ of the

process automatically draws you back to

the world of old fashioned photography

and, personally, I don’t think very modern

subjects really go with the process – there’s

a wrenching contradiction that just doesn’t

work. The 19th century feel adds something

mysterious to the storytelling.

JS: What about your portraits?

AT: With the portraits it is obvious that

there is a dialogue with 19th century

portraiture. I make them in exactly the same

way, using a headrest, which enables the

model to hold still, and with long exposure

times of 4 to 6 seconds. With a long exposure

the model will start to stare, which creates a

rather dreamy look. I never use flash for my

portraits as you’d lose that quality and the

picture would look flat.

JS: Are there any specific 19th century

photographers you particularly admire or

whose work has inspired you?

AT: No, not really, I actually feel closer to

certain contemporary photographers such as

Above Scarecrow Opposite The Rain Maker

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