My name is Larry English and I'm a professional Photographer and
Videographer from Cape Town. I've been capturing stills and videos for as
long as I can remember. But, I found the courage to go professional about 20
years ago.
I was captivated by the magic photographs have to tell a single story but
produce a varied number of emotions in different people. I wanted that. I
wanted to be able to stir emotions in people, to make them feel something
with my work. That was a huge motivator for me to pursue a more
professional career.
I think every profession has its own negatives and positives. For me, setting
up shop as a photographer was difficult. Working from nothing and with
nothing to create something spectacular was tough. Resources and
connections were not easy to come by and when nobody knows you, it's
tougher to get your foot through the door.
On the upside, seeing my work in print or video being aired is an incredible
pat on the back. Meeting incredible and talented people with knowledge and
skills to share has also been a highlight. I think the two main incredible
rewards for me have been the culmination of years of hard work and practice
and learning and preparing coming together with the opportunity for me to be
able to shoot the kind of film work I have always wanted to create and to see
that final product after editing. And also, just the moments where I continue to
learn more about my work and myself and what I'm capable of.
It humbles me when young photographers come up to me to ask for advice
for entering the field of photography. Honestly, it's difficult to share something
specific with everyone. One of the things I always say is 'Do it if you're willing
to cry for it'. Because the profession is so fast-paced, constantly changing
and always in competition with the new kid on the block, you have to go into
it knowing yourself and what you want so you're always focused. Also, I
recommend not having too many attachments - this profession sometimes
requires you to be away from your people and comfort zone - so the less
you're attached, the easier jobs away become.
On the point of knowing yourself when you work in photography, I have
found that developing your own personal recipe of your style and identity as
a photographer is the secret to success. Of course, hard work, commitment,
discipline and all those elements play a role. But if you look at thee most
globally successful photographers, they each have a very distinct style of
working and a unique visual identity.
With all the work towards success, I like to ground myself with a swim - laps
to be specific. I find being enveloped by a body of water calming and a great
way to relax. The laps not only help tone my body and keep me physically fit,
but silencing the tech-noisy world also helps with my mental tenacity to take
on the next big photography or film job.
I'm hoping the jobs I'm taking on will lead me to my goals of producing
feature films and working as a Cinematographer on major mainstream films.
Shooting international fashion, including campaigns is also in my future
plans.
Right now, projects in the pipeline have not been fully confirmed and signed
off, so sharing specific details will be premature. Let's just say, though,
there's going to be plenty of fashion, a sprinkle of outdoor adventures and
possibly big international work.
You'll have to follow my socials to find out more.