Michael Taylor: Luminescence Photos

Today we’ve prepared something very special for you – an exclusive interview with Michael Taylor, a photgrapgher who experiments with light, whose works will captivate you at the first sight. It was a pleasure for us to take an interview with Michael Taylor who shared some interesting facts of his biography. We wish you a pleasant reading of Michael Taylor success story and viewing of his amazing shots.

Michael Taylor was born in Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, 1963. Throughout school he always loved art, especially analytical drawing. After working to MSc in Science, he completed BA (Design) and MA (Fine Art) at art college. he has had several previous exhibitions based on dance photography before starting the “Luminescence” project. Let’s ask Michael to tell us a little more about his photography.

AP: Your first works. What did they look like?

MT: I started with drawing around 12 years old. When I was 15 I picked up a Praktica 35mm camera and was hooked on photography! From the first hour two main elements ran through my photographs: people/humanity and abstraction.

Influences range across painting (especially the past 150 years), lighting (theatre and cinema) and other photographers’ work. Moholy-Magy is a major influence.

AP: Do you have any formal education in photography or were you self-taught?

MT: Initially I was self-taught – reading magazines and experimenting. Almost from the start I had a small darkroom because I enjoyed the craft element of photography. This continued later with exploration into alternative print-making processes. After completing my science degrees I was accepted to Art College and loved the creative energy and atmosphere.

AP: What genre are your photos?

MT: I started with people/fashion, then for a decade I photographed dance – but always emphasising light and abstract elements. Around 2009 light became my subject for life. My work would be perceived as cross-genre. Because photographic genres are defined by the subject matter my work tends not to fit into pre-conceived categories: the focus is on light as a subject.

AP: How would you describe your works?

MT: I am trying to let light reveal itself. The process of working with light always leads to unexpected avenues.

AP: What kind of equipment and techniques do you use?

MT: Light is my palette; hence I am exploring many different light sources. My paint brushes are the cameras, lenses and computer. I rarely use PhotoShop (though in future I will explore in more depth). Instead, I simply use Adobe RAW or Capture One to slightly embellish what already exists. The discipline of trying to capture the image during the shoot is still paramount for me. The work is normally presented as archivally-washed C-Prints or Giclée on aluminium panels. I may return to alternative printmaking in the future.

AP: Would you consider yourself as an expert in photography?

MT: With light – never! Every day is a new (and humbling) experience. There is still so much about light we still do not understand.

AP: What is your success formula?

MT: Seeing a result unfold in front of me is the real success. When little epiphanies happen it is always a welcome surprise. My work is currently with Debut Contemporary in London for several months. The team at Debut is experienced, helpful and very welcoming. I really enjoy learning about the art world and being with other artists.

AP: Is there someone who helps you in your creativity?

MT: My family are great especially my two children – I always ask a child’s opinion because they see everything differently – in a fresher way. Light is always the essential element in my creative development.

AP: Would like to wish something to your readers and AstrumPeople?

MT: Keep experimenting; keep open; take years to find your area then explore in depth. Have the discipline to keep going especially when times get tough. Do not be concerned with changing markets, the financial situation, trends, opinions etc. Always make your art out of love.