Sheffield photographer Mark Perry-Young on shooting film, documenting working-class spaces and why good light will always stop him in his tracks.
What first inspired you to pick up a camera?
I just found the idea of being able to pause and capture time to be a cool thing.
At the moment, I shoot on film, which just amplifies that idea for me. I love the thought of the light physically putting down a record of time onto the film.
How has your style or choice of subjects evolved since starting out?
It’s not changed too much, to be honest, although, through the amount of hours with the camera in my hand, technically I feel I’ve got much better, which in turn has helped me find what I’m after and be more consistent.
I’ve always been drawn to strong, bold composition, as well as the contrast between light, shadow and colour.
My subject choice is just what I know and what I’ve lived, really. I’d like to step outside of that, though, and shoot more places and cultures that are unfamiliar to me.
Does live photography offer something urban photography can’t, and vice versa?
I find live photography more of a challenge and a much faster-moving process. The subject is moving about and usually the light is changing constantly. The lens and camera I currently use are also manual focus, so I find it’s a lot more work in the hands than street photography.
Out in the street, I can observe a lot more before pressing the shutter. It’s usually a calmer, slower process.
What usually compels you to stop and take a photograph?
Good light. It’s probably the most important factor for me.
What advice would you give younger photographers trying to get noticed?
Have your camera with you as much as possible and just be willing to share your work whenever and wherever you can.
I’m a big believer in the idea that if the work is good, it’ll get noticed.
Which shot or series stands out as your favourite to date, and why?
The shot I got of the Moorfoot Building with the old, abandoned Wickes that runs along the bottom of the frame.
It ended up being used as the main part of Sheffield band Cinder Path’s debut single, ‘Fall Forward’.
I feel it’s a good visual record of a recent past and shows some of the results of the changes in how we work and shop.
It came out really well straight from the photo lab too – thanks to J&A Photography. The only edit I made was to straighten it up. There’s a light leak at the bottom of the lamppost, which ended up making the shot look better. Sometimes you get lucky with stuff like that.
When do you feel happiest behind a camera?
Early morning, blue sky, a good coffee in hand, heading out to explore for a full day with plenty of rolls of film.
Is there a place you haven’t photographed yet that you’re especially drawn to?
Not really a particular place, but an environment and experience. I spent periods of time in my 20s and 30s playing music and touring in the UK, Europe and the US. Regrettably, I didn’t take a camera on any of those trips and have very little documented.
I’d like to go on tour with a band again, but as a photographer this time, and make up for not documenting those earlier trips.
Do you have any projects currently in the pipeline?
I’m continuing to work with Cinder Path and helping to document and give visuals to their journey, which is awesome to be a part of.I’ve also recently started working towards getting some kind of exhibition and new photo zine put together. I’ve got a body of work revolving around the importance of remembering our authentic working-class past as this new world emerges around us. Hopefully, I can make that happen.
