Member Profile: Jerry Abbott
About me:
© Jerry Abbott
Do you consider yourself a Professional/Semi-Pro/Amateur/Beginner photographer?
I started in Nov 2023 so I’d say somewhere between a beginner and an amateur/enthusiast. I still have loads to learn but I’m really enjoying the photography journey and trying to hone a style that is me.
Who are you?
I’m a 54 year old musician, composer and producer living in London. I used to work in the pop world but these days I do what’s called Library or Production music, which is basically the music you hear on Tv shows etc when they need a particular theme or emotion.
Tell us about your photography journey.
I’ve always loved photography from way back when I was a kid..in the days of instamatic cameras and Polaroids (I also used to spend a lot of time in Athena poster shops!.. remember them?!) I have a vague recollection of having an Olympus Om10 sometime in the 80s but didn’t really know what I was doing.
My photography journey properly started when I joined TSOP in Nov 2023 after a Google search.
I started with the beginner’s course and then I tend to dip in and out and top up my knowledge depending on what the monthly assignment is. I find the assignments are a great way of increasing your skills and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone-trying genres that you may not naturally lean towards. I think that’s when you can surprise yourself.
I really love the story telling aspect of photography-shots where the more you look, the more you see. I do like the occasional shot that’s been set up or orchestrated (Terry O’Neill’s Faye Dunaway, day after the Oscars shot being a particular fave) but mainly I like shots that capture spontaneous everyday moments in time.
What is your preferred genre?
© Jerry Abbott
Street photography is definitely what I like to shoot the most (or my version of anyway) and I find that I prefer very clean shots with just 1 or maybe 2 people in them with uncluttered backgrounds and definitive lines (I’m a bit of a neat freak at home so, maybe that translates to my photography too!) I guess some of my shots maybe quite poster like (Athena childhood again!)
Techniques wise, I tend to keep it simple…the ‘technique’ I employ the most is simply waiting. If I find a great spot or location, I’ll wait until the right person walks into frame-sometimes this can be 30/40 mins +
The only other technique is just taking shots of things that I like and personally want to look at-it’s like having access to all the future photo books you could ever want to own!
With post processing, I don’t actually tend to do too much, mostly a tighter crop ( I always shoot at a slightly larger aspect ratio than I’ll actually need so have I have room to play with) and then it’s just some colour tweaking and maybe some playing with the shadows unless I’m going for a really specific look such as a retro vibe.
What inspires you to create photography?
I buy a lot of photo books for inspiration, mostly by photographers of the 60s, 70s and 80s. Movies can be an inspiration too but, as mentioned before, I think the assignments are great for inspiration (I’ll often try and sneak in some street photography to most assignments though!)
Who are some other photographers you’re inspired by?
There are so many but, in no particular order… William Eggleston, Saul Leiter, Slim Aarons, Stephen Shore, Martin Parr, Alex Webb Gary Winnogrand, Joel Meyerowitz, Ernst Hass, Fred Herzog…the list is actually endless!
My favourite photograph:
Describe the first photo you took during your learning journey.
I can’t remember the exact first shot on the learning journey but, I do remember it was at night (not realising at the time that night shots are much harder!) My logic being that pointing the camera at people on the street would be much less intimidating under the cover of darkness!
© Jerry Abbott
What is your favourite photograph that you’ve taken?
Generally speaking, my favourite shot that I’ve taken is the latest one. Sounds a bit ridiculous but, if I know I’ve got a good one in the bag after a day out shooting, I can’t wait to get back and edit it and, that sequence repeats for every new shoot.
© Jerry Abbott
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from TSOP?
Confidence gained through learning new skills (all the different courses are fantastic) and then going out and putting them into action.
What’s next for Jerry?
I think next will be continuing to develop my street photography to incorporate more documentary style and also I’d like to add some Martin Parr style observations too.
I’d also like to dig up some old contacts and get into doing some musician portraits but, doing something unexpected with the shot or scene.
The next big trip I’m planning is Japan sometime in 2026- a dream photography location! In the meantime, more around London and some weekends to UK destinations.
Conclusion
TSOP has really given me the confidence through the skills learned, to constantly strive to get better and try get that perfect shot.
The Tsop community is fantastic too, everyone is very supportive and encouraging. With photography, it’s really given me a new lease of life… I’m now constantly thinking about photography! Whether it’s planning the next shoot, spontaneously jumping on the tube to wander round town shooting or rushing back to edit, I find the whole thing very addictive. Hopefully in the future I can continue to hone my photography further and one day I would love to be recognised as someone half decent in that world we can but dream!)
Where can people follow you?
My Instagram is @Man_Plus_Fuji
Jerry’s Gallery:
All images © Jerry Abbott
