Unique Characters and Intriguing Worlds: Cinematic Film Photography by Jamie Noise

Photographer Jamie Noise explores themes of desire and self expression in this series of portraits that take a voyeuristic gaze into London’s underground communities.

Shot on 35 mm film, these photographs are imbued with a sense of romance and nostalgia which adds to their emotive quality and harkens back to a bygone era. “Analogue photography just has a certain romance to it”, Jamie says. “I have worked with digital photography, but there’s just some magic that happens with 35 mm film that can’t be replicated.”

Through his unique use of composition, color and lighting, Jamie crafts timeless and cinematic scenes that tell ambiguous narratives. From mesmerizing burlesque performers to captivating kinksters and enigmatic drag artists, Jamie takes us on a journey into these glamorous subcultures, shedding light on the beauty that often remains unseen.

It’s been a while since your last feature in Lomography Magazine. What have you been working on since then?

Since my last feature, it’s been a rollercoaster. I left my graphic design job behind and fully embraced the life of a full-time photographer. It's been about a year now, and it has been quite a ride. I've also been focusing on my own personal growth and mental health. I've been sober for nearly two years, and it has given me a deeper understanding of myself and my work. I've been immersing myself in photography, exploring new creative avenues, and collaborating with amazing subjects. I have focused on capturing the essence of London's underground performers, artists, and kink communities, seeking to celebrate their beauty and empower their stories through my lens. This period has been a time of growth and experimentation for me as an artist.

Your photos seem both meticulously staged and at the same time candid. How do you achieve this? Can you briefly walk us through your preparation and process of a photo shoot?

I'm glad you noticed that! It's something I intentionally strive for in my work. When I plan a shoot, I love developing detailed narratives and characters. I'll brief my subjects on these narratives and create a glamorous and performative setup. But within that staged environment, I'm always on the lookout for authentic moments. Sometimes I'll pretend to take a light reading or capture a shot when the subject isn't looking. Those unexpected and unguarded moments bring a sense of authenticity to the images. During the shoot, I create a comfortable space for my subjects to express themselves fully. I give them some direction but also encourage spontaneity to capture those raw and real moments.

Your photos are also very cinematic. Are there any movies you take specific inspiration from?

I'm a big fan of cinema. I draw inspiration from a wide range of movies. Wong Kar-Wai's "In The Mood For Love" is a masterpiece. The way they use objects and shadows to frame characters creates a sense of emotional confinement. I also find inspiration in old American crime movies like "The Godfather." The lighting techniques and focus on the characters and their emotions in those films are just stunning. Stanley Kubrick, Gaspar Noé, Martin Scorsese, and Quentin Tarantino are some of my other favorites. Their films transport me to different worlds and inspire my visual storytelling.

There is a sense of voyeurism in the way you frame your shots, with your subjects sometimes partly obscured or seen through objects in the foreground. What attracts you to this way of framing a photograph?

It's something that really captivates me. I use this technique to explore the delicate balance between intimacy and detachment. By framing subjects in a way that suggests glimpses and hidden moments, I invite viewers to become observers. It adds an element of mystery and engages their imagination. I want them to construct their own narratives and interpretations. Aesthetically, I love creating grainy textures on 35 mm film and framing objects in the foreground with a shallow depth of field. It draws the audience into the world I'm creating, blurring boundaries and evoking emotions.

In these photos, your focus is on London’s underground performers, artists, and kink communities. What fascinates you about these subcultures?

London's underground performers, artists, and kink communities are at the forefront of exploring desires, self-expression, and pushing societal boundaries. They embody authenticity and fearlessly delve into realms of pleasure and unconventional identities. I find their complexity, courage, and uniqueness incredibly inspiring. Through my photography, I want to celebrate their stories and challenge preconceptions, highlighting their elegance and glamor. It's about promoting a more inclusive and accepting society.

What are your go-to cameras and film stocks to use?

I'm not a gearhead, but when it comes to cameras, I prefer using 35 mm cameras from the '80s or earlier. I love the quality they bring to my shots. As for film stocks, I switch between Cinestill and Porta. I used to think film stock wasn't crucial since I do a lot of color grading, but I've come to appreciate the importance of fine-grain film. It allows me to make precise tweaks to individual colors during post-production, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

If you had to choose a soundtrack for your photography, what kind of music would you choose?

It would be an eclectic mix of genres, filled with melancholy and emotion. It’s probably easier if I just make you a playlist.

Do you have any interesting projects or collaborations planned that you can tell us about?

Absolutely! I'm diving deeper into the characters and narratives I've already been exploring. I'm planning to create a film that delves into my personal battle with mental health, exploring it in a conceptual way. I'm also excited to capture more personalities from the kink scene, shedding light on the exploration of human desire and self-expression. I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into some exciting projects.

To see more of Jamie's photography follow him on Instagram and check out his website.

written by alexgray on 2023-08-09 #culture #people #portrait #london #uk #documentary #burlesque #cinematic #jamie-noise