London based photographer, Arthur Comely, likes to combine a documentary style of photography with fashion in order or portray his concepts. Arthur started experimenting with photography when he was at school, and has since shot for publications including Re-Edition, Wonderland and KingKong. He is currently working on a project shooting nightshift workers that demonstrates his documentary approach to his practice. Arthur works in a studio situated in East London where he has recently started shooting his own personal work whilst the assisting jobs are currently limited. Read on to hear more from the photographer as he talks about his work and upcoming projects.

When did you begin taking photographs?

I began to take photos at school of myself. Silly stuff like making myself the same size as my trainers by using perspective and taking self portraits or painting on my face.

How would you personally describe your photography style?

I’m not sure really, I’m still working on it. I like all types of photography, but especially when fashion and documentary collide. My favourite type of work is about Britain, I like to look at old documentary photography by people like Paul Graham and Tom Wood. I like the weird britishness and also the style of people. I’m more interested in style than mad fashion I think, but probably next week I’ll like something else.

Tell us about a favourite project you have worked on recently?

I’ve recently just got a studio in East London and have started shooting my own work when the assisting is a little quiet. I’ve been shooting portraits of people who work night shifts from nurses to lorry drivers. I’ve shot it, I just need to work out what I’m doing next with it.

What is your creative process when planning for a shoot?

Sometimes I just have an idea, for example like when I am just sat on the train. I make a mood board plus a powerpoint and think I’m going to shoot the week later. Which does happen sometimes but then other times it just sits there and becomes a list of ideas. Eventually I get round to some of them. However, I get most my inspiration from watching people and then an idea pops into my head. It's hard to carry through before putting yourself off though. One minute you think it’s great and then you sit on it for too long. In my experience the best thing to do is just shoot it rather than never doing it.

What camera do you opt to shoot on?

I have a Canon 5D, a Mamiya RB67 and some 35mm film camera’s.

Do you enjoy working and collaborating with other creatives?

Yeah defiantly. You realise everything is a collaboration even if it’s just a portrait. You have to work well with people and be nice. I think you have to keep on your track though and give clear direction it can easily get out of control.

You live and work in London - how the city influence your work?

I think London influences everything I do, it’s where I’ve always lived. I like the people, the style, the diversity and the history which are all things that are important to me.

What projects do you have planned for the upcoming months?

I’m shooting a project about dancing which sounds a bit naff but I’m just asking people to come and dance in the studio. It’s such a weird time that things that we would always do like clubbing and going have been lost.