‘Contribute to the wide conversation’  – Thomas Duffield

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Thomas Duffield a photographer had given a talk about his personal and commercial practice. ‘The whole house is shaking’, which was his final university major projects that had helped him expand into working commercially. This project was based on family archives and his life in outskirt of Leeds.

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He stated that he had a lovely time in his childhood, however had difficulties with his dad having a dad addiction and more. As Thomas reflected on his family album images, he observed how they wouldn’t document the difficult time and be traditionally composed. Therefore, this led him to explore and capture simplistic and conceptual images of the experience when growing up through still life images, images of his family and his surroundings in his home area. He photographed different people in the family instead of the actual main person, brings larger perspective to allow the subjects to expand on. He advised that although one can vision and have ideas of exactly the images and predicted outcome it can be helpful to be quite playful and free with the way you approach the shoot.

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When Thomas started his commissioned work he presented his personal shot, getting features and networking such as the Telegraph and more. Finding platforms which are suitable and interested in the subject of work you are creating now can allow you carry on working in the style you work, get recognition and gain experience in high commissioned jobs. By submitting to a platform which understand what type of work u create can expand your networks and connection with the wider creative industry.

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Finally, Thomas advised it does take long to find a job and be a freelancer after graduation therefore having a strong set of skill and image after this can help work your way through the industry. It can be helpful to indirectly tell a story to make your work individual unique. Depending on how strongly your present and talk about your work can impact your popularity.

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All information and images above – credited to Thomas Duffield http://thomasduffield.com/