Bio - Photography

TM Hirst Bio...

As a photographer in the early 80’s working with traditional film cameras and darkrooms, I soon learned to appreciate how important it was to make every shot count. The cost of film and time involved in processing was too great to shoot indiscriminately, and so careful consideration before every shot was essential. This is the way photography should always be taught: always consider the concept or idea of the image first, and then the lighting and composition before you even touch the camera.

I should say I was self taught, but - like all artists - I gained inspiration from other photographers. Since this was before the internet, my inspiration came from books and magazines, so I studied and admired the work of photographers such as John Swannell, Helmut Newton, Irving Penn, Steven Meisel etc.

My favourite subject is, not surprisingly, fashion, fine art and portraits. I like the process of working with models because they provide a limitless source of possibilities, from their pose and expression to their clothes and makeup. Their enthusiasm and commitment to the process is also a prime motivation for everyone involved. They are indeed an invaluable asset when creating the final image. As David Bailey once said when asked how to create professional fashion photography… “Always use a professional model.”

Marketing for the photographer (and the models) at that time involved carrying a physical portfolio of prints to the agencies and magazines, and posting composite cards which was a simple A5 card with a few sample photos. Then the internet arrived, and gradually we realised that having a website portfolio was even more convenient. This gave me an idea, and an opportunity to diversify. I learned how to program using a web language called php and created a new website portfolio solution that could be sold to photographers who needed to get their work online for an annual hosting charge. Click-IT Internet was born, and my own photography business became redundant for many years until I officially retired in 2021 and sold the website company.

Retirement made me focus on photography again, but this time on still-life. I had lost all contact with the agencies who supplied me with models, and I no longer had a studio, so for me to continue with fashion and fine art would be very expensive. Working with static subjects gave me a new challenge without the expense or requirement for large studio space. It was never intended to be the start of a business, so my work was purely personal, which gave me free rein to experiment again as I always did. Glasswork was especially rewarding and challenging, as it required supreme control of light and reflections.

The advantage of experimentation, rather than following trends, meant that I expanded into creative diversions such as macro photography and digital editing with filters and textures etc. I began using paint and materials such as foil, mirrors, plastic clingfilm, clay, food colourings, chemicals and coloured cards. Combinations were photographed and transferred to the computer for manipulation, combining different versions for different effects. The results became abstract art… yet another new venture for me to explore.

My foray into photographic art has been transformative for me personally, if not commercially. I have enjoyed creating art for arts sake, and not for pure profit or recognition. I believe that art in all its forms should be appreciated for its aesthetic value, not for its appreciating value.

Creativity is a unique human quality, whether it is art or music or literature. Unfortunately the world of art is at a precipice facing a leap of faith between what is human and what is ai. When we can no longer tell the difference, where will that leave the true artist? Will they even try to compete? I believe that the value of authentic human created art will be appreciated and valued even more than ever. It will be seen as a revolution against automation and imitation. Long live the true artist and photographer.

When I was once asked about what camera I used when I considered joining a camera club, I replied.. “The camera may capture the image, but it is the photographer who creates it.” Not surprisingly I was not invited to join the club!

TM Hirst

Photo Artist