Alastair Sopp
Ally is a photographer and designer from the Cornish coast. We first came across Ally whilst gathering inspiration for a shoot and uncovered his awesome work. Blown away by his photography and seduced by his style, we soon learned of a mutual friend. From this we went on to collab on a series of projects for O2... the first of many more projects together we hope.
Ally's talent lies in his ability to capture moments of serenity, visibly connecting subjects with the landscape in a truly inspiring way. We caught up with Ally to see how he's been doing of late and what he's got in the pipeline:
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How did it all start for you?
I've always found the way things look endlessly fascinating, taking pictures became a means of recording and preserving my West Cornish world when I was a teenager.
I taught myself on an old 35mm and super 8 handed down from my Dad.
How would you describe your style?
I learnt a lot about how light works when trotting around the coast with those old film cameras, hopefully my engagement with the outdoors has led to something that feels natural and honest in both subject and style.
What are you working on now?
I'm in the final stages of a little printed project I started in the summer called These Hands. Meeting with creative friends old and new: these-hands.co.uk
Best experience as a result of your work?
Any time I’m able to potter around in the ocean.
Your work often captures moments that explore the relationship between people and nature. Where does this inspiration come from and why is it so important to you?
I think it's really important that nothing is ever contrived or staged.
I feel at ease outside and I'm drawn to humble and genuine folk, traits often acquired from time spent within the landscape.
What are you currently fascinated by and how is it feeding into your work?
I was lucky enough to both shoot and design some recent jobs which became the catalyst for These Hands. Those kind of jobs are rare so I made my own one up.
Tell us something unexpected being a photographer has allowed you to achieve?
I never set out to do this as work so the fact I can still baffles me.
3 top tips for any up-and-coming snapper?
Learn how film works, take it slow, shoot loads.
What equipment and techniques do you like use?
My main cameras are 5D3 for digital, EOS 5 for film and a Hasselblad for little treats. I try to only use natural light and the film choice does the rest, I keep any digital processing minimal and truthful.
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GoodFromYou Ally
alastairsopp.co.uk
Instagram @alastairsopp
Since this post was published it is with great sadness that we have learnt Ally has passed away. He was an incredibly talented guy and our thoughts are with his close friends and family. Rest in Peace pal.
