About Us
Connecting Creative Communities
I have been photographing for over 15 years, but have managed it alongside my career. Now that I have the opportunity to focus on my passion, I have started a photography studio in Brighton known as The Collective Light.
My passion is surrealist photography, dating back to the early May Ray period. I also love 60s & 70s fashion photography (Linea Italiana) and film art via genres like French New Wave, Italian Giallos, and mid-century Japanese cinema.
I focus mainly on studio and street photography and have documented over 12 years of Mod Weekenders in Brighton each summer.
Photography is about the people I meet and enjoy working with. It is about finding that authentic self we all have. Images should evoke an emotional response. To achieve that, you have to invest yourself in the purpose of what you shoot, encouraging the model to do the same.
Our Story
Though we started with the intention of creating a friendly, easy to get to, professional end photography studio that would specialise in creative projects, we knew it would take the right communities to realise that goal
The Collective Light was conceived to bring creative communities together, recognising how difficult and alienating artistic ventures can be to realise in today's fast-moving world. We believe that the sum of these creative communities (Photographers, Models, Fashion Designers, MUAs, Hair Artists, Film Makers, and Performance Artists) working together would be a key factor in their individual success.
If we could create an environment where they could collaborate on creative projects, build relationships, and learn about each other's craft, then not only would the output be a more powerful collaboration, but friends and networks would also develop.
The Collective Light is all about these communities of creative people working together and helping each other succeed in their individual goals and dreams. The Studio we offer, therefore, becomes an ideal place to realise these creative exploits and then add the stills/films to your portfolio as you go.
Bruce already had premises he wanted to offer to The Collective Light, where we could house our photography studio. His wife, Denise, runs a successful dance school but had a perfect available space and times where it could be used for courses, workshops, and photography shoot bookings, and that provided the opportunity we needed to build on.
Chris (The Photographer) assembled all the key equipment for the studio and worked with Bruce to get things set up. We are now close to 90% ready on all the equipment, but we will remain committed to expanding what we offer to help people using the space realise their vision.
With the equipment installed and changes to the premises made to accommodate the studio, we ran a test shoot and then a promo shoot to share what was possible in the space we offer
With the equipment tested and a great day with five models, three photographers and two videographers, we created lots of excellent shots and made some great new friends. The feedback was very positive, and everyone had a really great time.
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With everything set up, we are ready to start telling everyone about the studio and our offer. As we move forward, we hope to build the collective light community and start realising our vision.