PHIL THE PHOTOGRAPHER

My friend Phil [Mr Chips] has been using a camera to take pictures that I think Sanna got him from the charity shop. He has been running black and white film in it and I have been checking out his pictures with great delight. Every time he uploads a new set, his picture - particularly those of women - are just full of a nice magic.



It is true that 'reducing' everything to black and white can hide a multitude of sins and suddenly make things look like 'art' but I personally think what is the most powerful thing about Phil's pictures is the dialogue between himself and his subjects. These are not 'models' or just 'shitty friend snaps'.



I guess Phil is just lucky to have so many female friends who are comfortable in his company.



And because of that, he seems to be able to make all the women beautiful. And I find that all the other pictures of men - the pictures seem devoid of the same kind of commitment to the subject, or that subject is more disconcerted by the camera. I dunno what it is.

Compare this:


to this:


It just isn't the same.

The other thing I love about Phil's ability to engage with his subject and in turn tell a story with the image is how he can turn something totally inanimate into something magnificent







Anyway - I think Phil is my new favourite photographer. If you want to check out his other pictures, here is his Flickr. [rated - SFW].