GSCENE 59 month’s edition of Gscene. It was carefully arranged with the Chesterfield between us at all times; my ‘socially distanced sofa’ came in quite handy! The business was growing up until this point and my newly appointed studio assistant Michael has had to be furloughed, but it has made a very difficult situation slightly better knowing that his job is secure.”
NICK FORD
What’s been the impact to your business? “Temporarily closing the door on my studio. Not being able to interact with people and be hands-on doing things. I've been a freelance photographer for 13 years - it's a very sociable job which I love.”
NICK FORD ) Nick Ford, photographer and one of the city’s most energetic creatives, has exhibited across Brighton in galleries and festivals, and is the photographer who captured this month’s Gscene front cover!
Hey Nick, tell us a bit about yourself. “I’m a seventh-generation Brightonian and a third-generation photographer, but the first to have the family name on a door! I love travel, I've worked at sea as a photographer on cruise ships for years, and I opened my own studio on Oxford Street in Brighton in 2013. I've no dependents, apart from my house plants, and I love singing with Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus.” Have you adjusted to working from home? “It’s been quite difficult being a freelance photographer and working from home. Observing the lockdown restrictions, closing the door on the studio and relocating to the flat, which I’m rarely at due to the hours and jobs that I do, I've been feeling quite isolated at home. With the ‘technical teething’ issues that come with relocating to home, and all the admin that has surrounded the change, it’s been quite stressful to be honest. “My normal work covers all aspects of life, portraits and passport photos, which requires me to be in quite close proximity to clients. I also do lots of weddings and events and other shoots which have had to be postponed due to the safety precautions. One of the last shoots I did before the lockdown was announced was the cover shoot of Karl for this
What skills can you share from home that people may be interested in? “I can do socially distanced shoots such as product shoots and offer video calls to discuss plans post-lockdown. I'm very dependent on travel, events, and family portraits, so it’s a good opportunity to prepare myself to hit the ground running. I'm also available for postproduction work and online tutorials. “I’ve been preparing for the Artists’ Open Houses and Brighton Photo Fringe, both key events in our city’s diary which have had to be postponed; I’ve been sharing images taken though the duration of the lockdown on social media as I know some folk only have a small patch of blue to look at; so I’m happy to share something positive about our city with one and all. Prints will be available of the ‘postcards’ I’ve been sharing of the views from the flat.” Tips to keep us from climbing the walls? “Try to stay busy and focused on something. It’s great to have a bit of a rest but the sense of accomplishment you get from completing those ‘rainy day’ tasks is always worthwhile! Learn something new, do something creative, and catch up on sleep if you can!” What are your plans for when it’s all over? “I cannot wait to see my family and friends! All the little social interactions that we take for granted, it’ll be fantastic to be able to hug my folks, family and friends. Workwise I'm going to be very busy shooting events that have had to be postponed. I’ll also be adapting to the new norm – I think a surge of head shots will be taken for people's online profiles as we have now realised how vital it is to have a good online presence.” What do you miss the most? “Seeing people, in real life. Singing with the
Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus. The substitutes are merely that, you can’t beat the real thing.” Any thoughts on Brighton & Hove Pride? “I’m sad but relieved that it’s been postponed. I think going from solitary isolation to thousands upon thousands of people descending on Brighton within such a short period of time would be far too risky and overwhelming for most. It‘ll give the city a chance to recover and all of us a chance to catch up on all the postponed events, including the memorial services that will be held for those who weren’t given the chance to be seen off properly during this time. “Maybe a local event on the day of Brighton & Hove Pride would be something to look forward to? I understand that the charities and businesses will suffer financially but this is across the board, hopefully it will help focus and allow for an even bigger and better celebration next year!” Any words of wisdom to keep us going? Call upon the LGBTQ+ services that we support as a community if you need them, I'm especially thinking of those who may not have a large social circle. Stay strong and remember to reach out to friends and loved ones, we're all going through this together even if it doesn't feel like it sometimes.”
FOLLOW I @nickfordphotography D www.nickfordphotography.co.uk
