Photography Course Tutors - Gary Wallis

About Gary Wallis

Gary Wallis has been a freelance photographer for over 20 years working mainly in fashion and portraiture. He has shot for magazines around the world including Japanese Vogue, Dutch Elle, Marie Claire, The Independent Magazine, The Evening Standard, i-D, Dazed and Confused, Swedish Slitz Magazine and more. His commercial clients have included Topman, Motorola, Sony, Lloyds, Harper Collins.

His first photography book was published in March 2015, 'McQueen - backstage the early shows'. This is an intimate document of the legendary designer's early work using previously unseen images. The book was published by www.bigsmilepublishing.com

Gary has also taught photography for 20 years at leading UK Art College Central Saint Martins and is now Subject Leader in Photography for the Communication Design Program teaching across the Masters and Bachelors degree courses. He also has a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.

Please feel free to view Gary’s work here:

www.wallispictures.com

or see him on:

Instagram @wallispictures

Twitter @mrgarywallis

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into photography?

I was obsessed with art as a child, drawing and painting. I only started photography because I wasn't allowed into the darkroom for three years at school when I was doing my art O level as it was only for the 6th form students. So I insisted on being taught how to process film and print the first week of my art A level. Then photography gradually took over.

What inspired you to become a photography tutor?

When I was doing my Graphic Design Degree at Central Saint Martins I completed most of my projects using photography. I chose that course because photography was a big part of the course.

I spent every spare moment in the photo studios or darkroom. Then when I graduated they asked if I would teach first years how to print in the darkroom… 30 years later I am still there 2 days a week teaching Photography and film. The rest of the time I would work freelance in fashion and portraiture. Years later when my children came along, I wanted to wind down the travel, so I approached The Photography Institute about becoming a tutor so I could work from home more.

What are some essential skills or qualities that every photographer should possess?

The most important skills are passion and interest for the subject. All the technical stuff can be learnt, the most important thing to decide is what you want to photograph and why.

What would you consider one of your best pieces of work and why?

My favourite images are all of my family but in terms of my commercial work I am most proud of my Alexander McQueen archive of work .

What is your teaching philosophy when it comes to photography?

Everyone can learn to take better pictures, the best way to learn is to take pictures, look at them and then take more pictures.

What are some key skills and knowledge areas you personally focus on in your courses?

The main thing I focus on in my degree teaching is to help the students discover what it is they want to photograph. Photography is a form of communication, so what is it you want to communicate?

Where do you draw inspiration from?

It can come from anywhere.... the street, an art gallery, I am also obsessed with phone books.

Are there any photographers you find most influential in your work?

There are so many... Irving Penn was one of my first inspirations, Diane Arbus , Nadav Kinder , Daido Moriyama - this list is endless!

What is your favourite part about being a tutor?

Seeing the students develop and achieve their potential.

What advice would you give to new students?

Don't be overwhelmed by all the technical stuff, we are here to help and just keep shooting.

It took me about 8 months to complete the course and I now feel that I have the confidence, skills and knowledge to go it alone.

Francesca Thorpe

Manchester

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