Ask the Street Photographer: Paul Wilkinson
The latest in my series ‘Ask the Street Photographer’ features Paul Wilkinson, from Leicester. Paul has participated in a number of my workshops and I’ve watched his style evolved over the past few years.
I picked up my first camera in late 1979, it was an Olympus OM10 complete with 50mm lens, that served me well through the 1980’s - I tended to go out and just photograph what was local to me, that being the streets of Leicester and town centre.
How did you get started as a street photographer - and why?
I picked up my first camera in late 1979. It was an Olympus OM10 complete with 50mm lens, that served me well through the 1980’s - I tended to go out and just photograph what was local to me, that being the streets of Leicester and the town centre.
What part does street photography play in your life today?
These days street photography is my 6 hours or so of 'me time’, it's my switch off from the Monday to Friday 9 to 5 in a manner of speaking - I look forward to Saturday when I can get in the car, head off to London and spend the majority of that time in my own bubble.
How would you describe your photographic style?
It's very much headed down the aesthetic & arty style I feel. With Ernst Hass & Saul Leiter being a major inspiration my own work I figure I lean heavily towards being driven by a search for colourful elegance & beauty, if I can mix a bit of abstract expressionism in the mix then it's all the better!
What’s the worst experience you’ve had on the streets?
Worst experience was in Winter 2021 in my home city of Leicester. I was put up against a wall (held by my throat) and threatened with a knife for pointing my camera at a group of individuals who obviously found it objectionable - which probably explains why I now go nowhere near the town centre any more.
What single thing would improve your street photography?
Probably slowing down and being somewhat more considered in what I'm shooting, it's getting there but I can only get better.
What are your views on analogue / film photography? Do you shoot film - or do you plan to? If not, why not?
Film photography is where I started; I would encourage anybody that's never tried it to at least give it a go - it certainly makes you think more!
If you could spend the day shooting with one photographer, dead or alive, who would it be?
Tony Ray Jones - still IMO the best UK 'docu-street' photographer who has ever lived.
Black & white or colour?
Majority of what I shoot is colour, it is after all a colourful world out there. That being said, I'm partial to a lovely bit of contrasty B&W.
What gear do you use?
Nikon Z6 II and Nikkor Z 50mm & 85mm f1.8 lenses.
What does the next 12 months hold for you?
Hopefully by the end of 2023 I will have produced my first meaningful zine. Long term I'm looking towards getting a book published.
If you would like to be featured in this column, please let me know!
