Photographer Feature

In Focus: Ian Weldon

Kolla Photographer Feature
Posted on 08/05/2019

English photographer Ian Weldon is in focus as we continue highlighting the talented Kolla photographers from around the globe.

Here's a short conversation with Ian to give some insight on this brilliant documentary photographer.

Who are you? Where are you from? What do you do?


I’m Ian and I live in the North of England. I predominantly photograph weddings as part of a long term documentary project (and income generator) along side other ongoing projects and commercial work. Including on set and behind the scenes work for the BBC.

What parts of your personality are reflected in your photography style?

You could say that my irreverence is prevalent in my photographs, which manifests itself as humour. I’m not particularly concerned for coveted institutions and arbitrary rules and regulations which I suppose frees me from expectation.  My own, as well as from others. 

The more I understand, the more I understand I know nothing, and that’s liberating

"Inspiration is for amateurs". What's your take on that infamous Chuck Close quote?


I remember hearing an interview with Nick Cave and he was asked who he like to listen to. “No one really” he said, “Maybe a bit of Elvis and some Johnny Cash but I’m not too interested in the listening anymore” 

This is something that's making more sense to me as I try to understand my own process. Cameras used to be important, but are somewhat inconsequential now. I used to devour photographs, but I don't  look at my books as much as I used to. The philosophies of photographers used to be my way of relating, but now they just feel like someone else's take on the process. I’m at a point now, where the importance of the actual photograph is being called  into question. 

My own inspiration is starting to come from trying to understand my relationship to the subject. 

I think that what Chuck is getting at -  I’m my own longwinded manner - is that we have to think for ourselves. We should be, as artists, able to just go and do the work without someone holding our hand, forever, through the whole process. 

How are you continuing to hone your craft as a photographer?

By constantly questioning my process and trying to understand my motivation. As a side note - The more I understand, the more I understand I know nothing, and that’s liberating. 

What are you obsessed with right now?

Photography.  

At the moment I’m working on multiple projects and preparing for an exhibition of my wedding photography at the Martin Parr Foundation in Bristol at the end of June 2019. And I’m working on the book that’s supporting the exhibition, which is being co-published by the MPF and RRB Photobooks. 

I’m also woking on my podcast, Outerfocus, where I have conversations with photographers, about photography. I think it's a great archive for the ideas, processes and philosophies of photography in our time and I’ve had the pleasure of talking with some of the greatest photographers working today. From Helene Binet to Martin Parr. 

Print: Renault 4


View Ian Weldon's characteristic work and shop his Kolla collection today.

For more interviews like this, as well as promotions and special offers, sign up to Photography Art News by Kolla. We'll knock 10 % off on your first order.


 

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