Lu Bowan
Independent Photography Consultant
& Editor / Head of Talent @ Making Pictures
www.making-pictures.co.uk
What is your core role in the job that you do?
Artist development and management is the core of what I do at Making Pictures in tandem with marketing the agency as a whole in new and interesting ways. As a consultant and editor I collaborate to produce visually engaging projects.
How do you decide on what makes an interesting photograph or photographic project?
This is of course subjective, for me it's how I engage with the imagery or narratives. Does it stir something? How has the photographer explored their subject?
As regards the artist's statement, what is important for you to know about the work?
For me it is important to gain a sense of the intent, it is equally important to remember that you don't have to over-conceptualise or complicate this detail. Some ideas and explorations are simpler than others - what matters is a context and an introduction that can guide you into their practice. This can include themes, ideas or theories, which you are considering which give a better understanding of where your practice and interests come from. The rest will happen with the imagery.
What advice would you have for someone interested in working in your area of photography?
On the Agency and commercial representation side and more generally my resounding advice would be the same. Everything stems from how solid the core of what you do is: create personal work, experiment and take risks with your image making. This allows you to keep evolving. Your personal work is key and will help you establish your career both commercially and artistically. Self-promotion, a portfolio and understanding of the commercial world is essential. Find out who is commissioning, who your competitors are. Research Agencies and know what you are up against. Then make yourself distinctive and present.
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