Conversation with Pieter Hugo

Conversation with Pieter Hugo

Nat: Morning, Pieter! I am a first-year student studying photography at Canterbury Christchurch University. My name is Nat Lowden, I am wondering if I can interview you to get some ideas about my current project. That you have inspired me to do.

Pieter: Nat, it would be an honour to do this interview, thank you for asking me.

Nat: I am trying to a photography project inspired by your Hynea & other men series, I am wondering if you had any ideas that could help me?

Pieter: That is a lovely idea when I was working on this series I needed to get close to the subjects to understand what they are all about. By doing this I became experienced in the way they live and work so you should get to understand them.

Nat: I am planning on doing a photo series the portrait of Kent similar that you have done with Nollywood highlighting what is going on in the area that we are not aware of or ignore. I am planning on shooting people wearing hats, military vets and people how are graduating.

Pieter: that sounds like that is going to be a great idea let me know how you get on.

Conversation with Pieter Hugo 2

Nat: sorry about the delay in getting back to you. I have had another busy week getting other projects done. I went down the high street and have got portraits with people wearing hats, puffer jackets. I have got them I am not sure about the theme. With them, not all of them flowing together. I have also shots some veterans at armistice day as well I am not sure how they will work together.

Pieter: I am currently working on the follow up to the Hynea men to see where they are now.

I am sad to hear that it is not following correctly together, I am pleased that you have asked random people. I Recommend that you know to review your idea and maybe try and shoot at a similar location to get it more consistent.

Nat: Thank you I will give it a try and I will let you know what it's like when I get back from shooting this I might go and shoot a series of people at the river where it will look similar.

Pieter: Good Luck, Let me know how you Progress.

Conversation with Pieter Hugo 3

Nat: Hello, How is the follow up to the Hynea men going?

I have followed the recommendation that you gave me about getting the background consitant, I have also edited the images in order to show more interest in the faces of the subjects.  I have attached the files for you to look at them.

Pieter: Thanks, the project is going well and is coming on slowly.

I have seen the photos I do not think that they work as the background is off on all of them and they do not work in harmony as they could do. Can you send me the Veterans images to me again so I can see them understand them even more?

Nat: I have just sent them.

Pieter: They are a lot stronger with them all carrying the same meaning of power. This works well as the composition is all balanced with the emphasis on the subjects. I think lowering the depth of field could work but in my opinion, they work how they are. Next time you do this make sure there is a lower depth of field.

Other than that I love the work and I would love to buy a print when you are all done.

Nat: thank you very much for this critique. I will take it on board for the future. I will let you know when you can buy a print.