Jonathan Cox

Join the Newcastle-based photographer at the start of his photographic exploits

Most interestingly, and perhaps as a new phenomenon for our Talent series, Jonathan Cox told us that university completely changed his photographic outlook. Having been set on working commercially, he says university developed his appreciation for the personal, more artistic side of using the lens. While he stressed that he tries to eschew the “arty” label, his course nevertheless “helped [him] develop through the freedom and flexibility to experiment with different aspects from lighting techniques to post processing.”

This refinement and guidance of not only technique but also attitude, has resulted in an exciting style that is still very much in development. Jonathan says that he’s “always challenging creativity and pushing forward. Some of my favourite pieces are the result of trying something new.”

He also stressed the importance of movement in his imagery, and this feature brings a dynamism to his subjects, taking them beyond posed or still-life positions and communicating the reality of their environment. This realism, conveyed in various series – some fashion photography, others more personal – is instrumental in portraying the narrative of his portfolio; that of the exciting, formative epoch that Jonathan is currently in.

Such a prosperous period has been facilitated by a working process which is influenced by painters and filmmakers alike. Particularly of note is a legacy of the latter; storyboards. Jonathan very carefully constructs his images in advance, such that when it comes to taking the picture, he can relax into the shot. This consideration is also the result, as Jonathan succeeds many of these pages’ predecessors by iterating, of shooting on film. In this way, Jonathan skilfully turns the demands of this medium – that the utmost care must be taken for each image – into his key move, thereby producing wonderful results.

jonathancoxphoto.com