SHADOW CHASING
MOVING IN THE SHADOWS WITH SCOTT JAMES
So Scott, Where you from and what do you do? (Share with us a little about your background too)?
Hello everyone, ahh so i’m born and raised in Melbourne Australia, i have always been a big lover of photography and started at a young age but have taken it a bit more seriously in the last few years. Black and white street photography is my passion and what i’ve become known for. Walking the streets and capturing a moment that cant be recreated is very special and what its all about. Its always exciting because you never quite know what your going to get, some elements are predictable but for the most part its an unpredictable style.
How did you get into photography?
I started shooting casually on a point and shoot that i got for my birthday. Later in my early twenties i immersed myself into photography and learned everything from watching videos and getting out and shooting lots.
When did you first start shooting with Leica cameras and why?
I got my first Leica camera 2 years ago. I saved up and purchased the Q and fell in love instantly. For me Leica was always a brand i wanted to work with because of the passion for there craft, the rich history of the brand and the quality of the product. Having a camera that will stand the test of time, with classic design and top quality materials that i can tell my story with is everything.
Can you tell us about your motivations and aims behind your photography and art?
I love telling a story with my images. For me i like to capture people or subjects isolated by their surroundings creating a very moody feeling that evokes different emotions. I think black and white photography is perfect for this as it removes the distractions of colour and allows the viewer to focus more on the subjects.
What did you set out to capture in your work?
The great thing about street photography is when i set out for the day i never have a specific target or purpose in mind. I try to capitalise on a situation i see whether it be an interesting person, scenario or lighting. The fun of it and the thrill is coming home after a day shooting and looking through everything that has presented itself though the day.
Which camera did you use and what do you see as the advantages of your set-up?
I currently use the Leica Q2. I chose the Q2 because its a compact, full frame camera that is inconspicuous and produces amazing picture quality. I also love the fact that its weather sealed as shooting on the street i’m often caught in rain and difficult conditions.
What influences you as a creative?
I love getting creative influences from a wide range of sources. From the great photographers of yesteryear like Fan Ho and Cartier Bresson to more modern guys like Alan Schaller and Joe Greer. Looking through books and scrolling online i’m marveled at the work some people produce. Although i’m influenced by these guys i still have my own unique style and that’s very important.
How long have you been shooting with Leica cameras? And how has your relationship to the brand developed?
I’ve been shooting Leica cameras for the last few years. My Q2 goes with me everywhere and always at the ready for that decisive moment. The passion the brand has and the attention to detail really aligns with my values. I’ve had a couple of features with Leica global and attended some workshops in Australia. My Love for the brand is ever growing and see myself shooting a Leica for many years to come.
What’s been the biggest challenge through your career?
The biggest challenge has been a constant thought process of comparing your work to others and feeling inadequate. With social media platforms these days its a natural human reaction to compare what you are doing and feel like your work is “not good enough” or “inferior”. At the end of the day you need to stay true to yourself and as long as you enjoy and have a passion for your work that’s all that matters.
What’s the best piece of advice someones ever given you? And who?
Having a purpose and a direction to your work is very important. Finding your own style and telling a story through your images in a series or project is key. Alan Schaller told me this while shooting in Melbourne together.
Do you have any projects you’re working on at the moment and what are you looking forward to in the future?I’m currently working on a series based around one specific tram line in Melbourne. All images in the series relate to the 109 Line and trying to showcase the many different sides and characters it holds. I am also heading to the U.S in November/December.
If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
It would be a 24-70mm lens. It maybe sounds boring to some people, and I also love my primes and especially my 35mm lens, but the 24-70 is a perfect allrounder in my opinion, because I can definitely capture anything from a lifestyle commercial campaign to mountain layers on the far horizon if I’m allowed to bring only one lens.
What has been your most memorable assignment and why?
My assignment for Merrell, for the Merrell ZION Campaign about a hiking shoe. I traveled to Namibia for a week and had to take pictures during sunrise and sunset while exploring the nature and enjoying the sunset on safaris. I love Africa and its wonderful light, the people and culture and the colors of nature. That’s why this assignment is under the top 3 of mine.
Where would be your dream destination assignment?
Really hard to tell, but I think Iceland and Patagonia.
What is your favourite image you have shot recently? Can you describe its creation in regard to location, lighting, composition etc., also your thoughts when creating the image and what it means to you?
One of my Images from Mallorca. The Image is about two people, standing at the beach and staring at the still horizon in the morning. I’ve been to the beach really early this morning and just watched some people at the beach. These two were standing straight in front of me and that’s why I captured them on my Leica M6. Nothing fancy and outstanding about the story and the lightning, but it turned out as one of my favourite picture from my last personal documentary projects. I feels to me like you are also looking at the endless horizon and quickly forget everything around you.
Can you share with us a story about your favourite shot from this collection you are sharing with us?
When I do personal projects I really love to capture travel documentary related projects. I went on the island of Mallorca a few times already and I really love the Mediterranean culture there. I don’t talk about parties and stuff for what Mallorca is also famous, but even more about the wonderful and unique landscape, turquoise blue bays with clear water, creative local people, adorable coffees well located in beautiful cities and just an easy authentic vibe.
I tried to capture my own view of Mallorca, got in touch with some locals and I think it’s just the beginning of telling even more stories from the Island.
