Eric’s Note: Mat Thornton is a 41 year old freelance designer and art director based in sunny Manchester, UK. I first stumbled upon his work in a Hardcore Street Photography thread, and was impressed by his strong graphical form and subtle use of color. Not only that, but how much of his street photography is quiet and doesn’t involve much people. Check out this brief interview with him below, and see some of his superb color work.

Can you share how you first got interested in street photography?

I first got interested in looking at photography at school. I was fascinated by Peter Saville’s record sleeves for Factory records and his use of Trevor Key’s graphic images. That made me want to get into design, so that’s what I did. There was a cover he produced for the Section 25 LP, From the Hip which had an image of a rugged foggy landscape with these random coloured poles placed on the hill side. It was really ambiguous and I liked how it confused me—I still think it’s one of the best sleeves I’ve seen to this day. This interest continued at university studying graphic design, which then became more involved through my job, with commissioning and art directing. I’ve always been a bit obsessive and spent most of my twenties/early thirties buying records, I got into making electronic music, and that took up a lot of my time but the interest in photography was still there but more in the background.

Then a job for a Chernobyl disaster charity came in at work. It was a bit of a long shot but we got in touch with Magnum to see if they could provide some imagery, and they kindly sent us some to use. The slides they sent were by Gueorgui Pinkhassov, and going through them on the light box just blew me away. Seeing that level of photography away from the usual commercial stuff that I was used to basically changed my perception of photography from that day on. Then a friend introduced to me to William Eggleston. I was amazed by how he could make fascinating pictures out of nondescript everyday scenes and still retain continuity in his aesthetic. I think that’s what made me pick up a camera and start shooting. It’s that understated approach mixed with ambiguity and mystery that I like in photography.

When it comes to your street photography work, much of it is “quiet” and doesn’t involve people. Why do you decide to work this way?

I’m not a big fan of crowds, and people get on my nerves :) I’m also not really into wandering around Manchester city centre, as at times it just feels too busy and it can get depressing, especially with the weather (which is grey 95% of the time). I tend to like things a bit slower and in all honestly, my approach is more likely influenced by my involvement with design and the some of the photography I prefer. Although, I would like to engage with people more, but it’s not really a conscious thought not to do so. Maybe I’m lacking the confidence at the moment.

I think that if you can create a mood or reaction without depending on people as the main crux of the image then things can still be interesting. I also like the idea that an image can at first appear ordinary, but in an unexplainable way trigger a mood or thought and make you want to revisit. I thought Luigi Ghirri did this really well. I’m not saying any of my images do this but it’s in my mind when I shoot!

What exactly do you look for exactly when you shoot on the streets?

I try to look for subtleties and to keep the frame simple.

What does color mean to you?

I go through phases but I tend to prefer colour to black and white. I know that comes from my interest in design. I just feel that you have more options, and I like how good light can really change the mood with colour photography.

Who are some contemporary street photographers you recommend people to check out?

In terms of influence, there’s a shed load of great photographers that are involved with HCSP, and other Flickr groups in a similar vein. I honestly know that I’m not even in the same league but I think understanding where I fit into the bigger picture helps give me that push to improve.

Outside of that, here’s a few others that spring to mind. They may not all be necessarily street in the typical context but still worth a mention…

Elmo Tide

www.flickr.com/photos/28079824@N03/

There’s an odd timeless quality to them—reminds me of something like JG Ballard meets David Lynch. This stuff has interested me for a while now and there’s nothing much out there other than these images appeared on Flickr a while back.

Mark Steinmetz
http://www.marksteinmetz.net

One of my favourites. There’s something deeper to his images. I find myself looking for ages.

Jeff Jacobson
http://www.jeffjacobsonphotography.com
I’m really into this guy… his use of colour, framing, content… everything really.

Phillip Reed
http://www.phillipreed.co.uk
There’s a real contemporary feel to his pictures, and he really strips back the content, which makes things more evident… especially on the series Home.

What is some advice you would give to street photographers starting out?

Hah, I don’t feel I’m at all qualified to do this, but I’d say have respect for others, absorb as much as you can—films, books, art etc (don’t limit yourself to just street influences either), and don’t act above your station thinking that you know it all. It should be about enjoyment not ego.

More photos by Mat

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