BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL
Runway Gallery artist Sandro Hyams experiments with tone to add impact to his photographic works
SANDRO HYAMS’ career in photography started out as a hobby. Having grown up in Africa, he was inspired by his surroundings but it wasn’t until he moved to London in 1984 that he realised he was good at what he did. Mainly self-taught, he claims his biggest education came during a stint as an assistant at Lipstick Studios, where he was lucky enough to work with top international photographers on exciting advertising campaigns with A-list celebrity clients including Eric Clapton and Iggy Pop. Since then, Sandro has received international acclaim for his contemporary approach to photography, putting his success down to his bold, clean and simple style. Here, he tells us more…
What are your creative influences?
I take a lot of inspiration from 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.
What colours do you work with?
I prefer to focus on just one primary colour, for example, bright red lips set against beautifully clear skin that’s almost white in pallor.
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 and Sylvester Stallone have to be 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.
Any investment advice?
Buying art is so subjective. It’s good to keep an eye on up-and-coming artists, but ultimately it’s about going with your heart. Budget is obviously a factor, too – we can’t all afford Picasso!
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