Gosforth-based photographer Chris Harrison has been most notably recognised for his candid street photography and capturing the heart and soul of Newcastle. But he recently decided to take on an ambitious new challenge in the form of his ‘1000 Faces in 2022 project’. Having recently reached his halfway mark, Georgina Shine caught up with Chris to discuss the project.
What first inspired you to pursue photography?
In 2005, I bought a cheap Canon point and shoot from a friend with no idea that I would become obsessed with photography. I’d never seen a digital camera before and was so impressed with the fact you could see the photos as soon as the shutter was pressed, I just thought, I had to have a camera.
Where did the idea for the 1000 Portraits project come from?
I’ve been doing candid street photography for about six years and always loved street portraits, but it wasn’t until I saw a video of Gabrielle Motola that I realised I wanted to shoot more portraits. I’d always made portraits of friends but never asked strangers on the street. At the end of 2021, I decided that I was going to do the project as a way to improve my confidence and meet people.
What is it that you think makes portrait images such an interesting art form for both the photographer and their audience?
For me, I find people fascinating, with a vast collection of different faces, styles and haircuts. I love talking to people too. I think people generally just like pictures of people.
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers just starting out?
If you mean taking portraits of people, then just get out there and do it. Literally the worst that can happen is someone saying “no”.
What future projects do you have lined up? And can you give us an insight into them?
I’m constantly coming up with ideas for projects which I often shoot at the same time. I’ve done mobikes (remember them)?, E-scooters, ‘In the Wild’ (which was people wearing animal print), ‘Future’s So Bright’ (people in sunglasses) and ‘Used’ (which was just discarded bottles, coffee cups and cans). There has been many more and, hopefully, there will be many more to come.
To find out more about Chris’ work and his ‘1000 Portraits’ project, head to chrisharrisonphoto.co.uk.
