Martin Parr
Martin Parr
Martin Parris a British documentary photographer, photojournalist and photobook collector. He is known for his photographic projects that take an intimate, satirical and anthropological look at aspects of modern life, in particular documenting the social classes of England, and more broadly the wealth of the Western world. His major projects have been rural communities, The Last Resort, The Cost of Living, Small Worldand Common Sense...
NationalityBritish
ProfessionPhotographer
Date of Birth25 May 1952
angst behind counts expand modern perfect taken technology trying
Modern technology has taken the angst out of achieving the perfect shot. For me, the only thing that counts is the idea behind the image: what you want to see and what you're trying to say. The idea is crucial. You have to think of something you want to say and expand upon it.
trying shooting cameras
The easy bit is picking up a camera and pointing and shooting. But then you have to decide what it is you’re trying to say and express.
hypocrisy trying photograph
I try to photograph my own and society's hypocrisy.
trying looks propaganda
Choosing sepia is all to do with trying to make the image look romantic and idealistic. It's sort of a soft version of propaganda.
eye people trying
I see things going on before my eyes and I photograph them as they are, without trying to change them. I don't warn people beforehand. That's why I'm a chronicler. I speak about us and I speak about myself.
family local prepare struck valuable vietnam visited
When I visited Vietnam for Oxfam, the thing that really struck me was how the local farmers had to prepare to evacuate or climb to their mezzanines with their valuable family possessions.
work
There are elements of irony in my work, of course.
art dancing double flow great joining stand time
Over the years, I have perfected the art of dancing and photographing at the same time: it's a great double act. If you're dancing, you are joining in. If you stand there rigid, you are not in the flow of things.
subject taboo
Photographers never want to talk about the fact that they may well be in decline. It's the greatest taboo subject of all.
far gave good margaret people
Margaret Thatcher was very good for the arts in so far as it gave people a real focus for something to be against.
My profile is bigger in Europe than it is in the U.K.
ourselves saving
The ability for us to laugh at ourselves is Britain's saving grace.
british fly glad leaving
When I fly British Airways, I can't help but read the free Daily Mail, which makes me glad I am leaving the country.
nature responsibility whether
Photography is, by its nature, exploitative. It's whether you use this process with a sense of responsibility or not. I feel that I do so. My conscience is clear.