Tom Jeffreys discusses job satisfaction, Juliette Lewis and the importance of minty fresh breath with music photographer Tom Oldham.
What's the coolest job in the world? Well it most probably depends on who you are and what kind of stuff you like doing. Being a celebrity stylist must be pretty cool, or a professional cricketer, or Bryan Ferry. But if these maybe seem a little unattainable (apparently the role of Bryan Ferry has already been filled for some time now) then might we suggest you give photography a go? Of course, it's not quite as simple as just picking up a camera and suddenly you're a professional photographer, but if you've got the talent and the focus (sorry...) then, according to Tom Oldham at least, it's probably the best job in the world.
Tom Oldham is a London-based photographer, best known for his work in music and portraiture. Looking through some of Tom's images, it's like a who's who of the most exciting people in music today – Florence and the Machine, Dizzee Rascal, MGMT, the Horrors, Foo Fighters, Laura Marling, LCD Soundsystem... Tom's images – for the likes of The Fly, V Festival, Levis and Budweiser – are strong, bold and ever so slightly off-kilter. He seems to have the nack of capturing something personal and unique in his subjects – whilst also making them look really cool, which probably makes him rather popular.
We caught up with Tom to gossip about famous people and find out how to get a job as fun as his.
How did you first get into the whole photography shebang?
My parents (gawd bless em) gave me an EOS 1000 for my 21st birthday. I wanted a Tag Heuer but my girlfriend at the time wanted to go out with a photographer and nudged me to Currys. Which is right next to Watches of Switzerland in Bournemouth, you know... Then I did a course, quit my incredibly dull job and I’ve now been freelance for 10 years. It’s ace.
So what advice would you give to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Be prepared to work for low/no fee while you learn the trade. Always buy the best quality kit you can afford. Work hard. Always have minty fresh breath.
What's the best thing about being a photographer?
Travel, money, creativity, all the clichéd stuff you’d imagine. Meeting great people and not having to go to the same place every day. Sorry if I sound like a smug cunt everyone, but I really love my job.
There must be something bad...
Umm, if I had to pluck an answer, it’s probably having to do admin. But really, I have nothing to moan, blub, whinge and gripe about.
Can you talk us through the creative process a little? Do you come to the shoot with a load of pre-arranged ideas or is it up to the subjects? Or something of a collaboration?
I tend to dream up a scenario that’d be ideal, then work backwards from there. You have to sell in concept stuff to the magazine and then artist management commonly so it can drag on, especially if someone has to spend some money on a set, location, studio etc. As you may have heard the music industry isn’t so buoyant so it’s scrutinised more and more. Not like the '70s – must have been properly rock and roll to be a snapper in music then. Other times we wing it as you commonly can’t recce the location and you have no idea what kind of frame of mind the artist may be in so all your ideas and pre-planning can turn to shit anyway.
Who's been the most fun to work with?
Foo Fighters were tremendous and made the shoot really really good fun. Everything Everything are up for a laugh too. Laura Marling was the most beautiful singer imaginable. No wonder there are so many fantastic images of Florence and The Machine too – she gives it loads in a shoot.
And the worst?
The Cardigans weren’t great. I was nervous and it was my first cover shoot, they gave me two minutes and I sucked pretty hard. I'm much more chilled now. You need to be relaxed to put people at ease I think. Joe Lean and The Jing Jang Jong was the closest I’ve come to downing tools. Happily neither act are anywhere to be seen.
Ever get starstruck?
I did once, with Juliette Lewis. I love her. But it’s not the greatest look ever – you’re there as an equal and supposed to be a professional after all.
You must see a lot of, um, hi-jinks – any good stories you can tell us?
I can only say hanging out with The Kooks is a lot of fun. Professionalism demands I go no further with this line of questioning. Plus you’ll never get anywhere by name dropping – Mick Jagger told me that.
What would you be doing if you weren't a photographer?
I guess the cool response is ‘time’, but I have no idea at all. Something I’d bitterly resent I’m sure. Happily though, digital has democratised photography to a great extent and it’s a wonderful thing. Come join me.
www.tomoldham.com
Click here to see all London exhibitions.
Click here for things to do in London.
Return to Spoonfed's London Art homepage.
Add an event
Frieze Art Fair to launch new section for young galleries in 2012
Frieze have today announced details for the 2012 edition, their tenth art fair in London. Taking place...