IN THE FRAME
Experimenting with colour and tone in his photography gives the work of Runway Gallery’s Sandro Hyams a unique, contemporary twist
Sandro Hyams’ love affair with photography started at an early age. Growing up in Africa, he was inspired to pick up a camera but it wasn’t until he moved to London in 1984 that he realised he was good at taking pictures. Mainly self-taught, he claims his biggest education came during a stint as an assistant at Lipstick Studios. ‘I was lucky enough to work with top international photographers and A-list celebrities on exciting advertising campaigns,’ he says. Since then, Sandro has received international acclaim for his contemporary approach to photography and puts his success down to his bold, clean and simple style. Despite still working primarily in London, he moved out of the city two years ago and is now based in Northamptonshire.
WHAT INFLUENCES YOU?
I’m inspired by old-school photographers. I don’t believe any photographer is unique as such, but I have been told my style is recognisable. I look to my surroundings as well. Some of my favourite places include the V&A, the Tate Modern and Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London.
SHARE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS.
I’ll always start by looking through the brief from my client. From this, I’ll create mood boards and order any special equipment or backdrops I think we might need. On the day, I work with a team – assistant, make-up artist and hairdresser – to create the shot. Once it’s complete, I retouch the imagery so certain colours are maximised. If it’s a personal project as opposed to a commission, I’ll sign it off as part of an edition and frame it, otherwise the imagery is sent out to the client digitally.
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO COLOUR?
I prefer to work with just one primary colour. For example, a lot of my recent work focuses on lips; bright red set against beautifully clear skin that’s almost white in pallor makes for a striking effect.
COMING NEXT MONTH… DO YOU HAVE A CAREER HIGHLIGHT?
There have been so many, but shooting campaigns for Peroni, L’oréal and Dior, as well as commissions for Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton and Iggy Pop have to be pretty high up the list. I recently shot an exciting project for Fashion Week in a magnificent hotel with no opulence spared. It’s entitled The Day After – think empty champagne bottles, last night’s make-up and general debauchery.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO DISPLAY ARTWORK IN YOUR OWN HOME?
I’m quite graphic and linear in my approach. Arranging pieces in a line is a clever way of telling a story with no distractions, while a black frame against a white wall lets the subject truly shine.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE BUYING ART?
Buying artwork is so subjective. I tend to