Mudi Chris Eghweree is a London based graphic designer, illustrator and photographer. He has never stopped taking photographs since purchasing his first 35mm film SLR. 14 years later, he shoots with both digital and 35mm film documenting his existence through still imagery.
When did you start to think about photography?
I grew up around photography so I guess it was natural for it to rub off on me. My father has been a wedding/event photographer since the 80’s, seeing him buy cameras and take photographers influenced me heavily. He also documented me and my siblings growing up over the years through hundreds of photographs, so in that respect photography has played a major part in my life.
What does photography mean to you? and which kind of photography do you like more?
Photography means personal self expression. I’m a graphic designer and illustrator, with those creative outlets I create work with the aim of grabbing people’s attention. I want people to see my design work and think “Wow! That looks cool”. However in regards to my photography, I shoot what I shoot to gain no attention or gratification, but to satisfy myself. I do it to document my life and things around me, in some ways to show I exist. I’d say I have 3 favourite photography styles are documentary, event and street. I’ve always documented my day to day life through photographs ever since I got my first film SLR (Pentax K100, which I still own), looking at life through still images intrigues me. Event photography because I love capturing an atmosphere. People genuinely having a goodtime, immortalising the mood of revellers in a single photograph. During my time at uni, I worked part-time as a club photographer in Camden Town and a few other venues around London, so I was totally in my element. Last but not least street photography, what I enjoy most about shooting on the streets is I don’t know what to expect. I have to constantly be ready to get the shot and capture natural reactions and life outside of my own surroundings. I get a thrill out of it… being kept on my toes keeps life interesting.
When you take a portrait, what is important for you?
The main thing which runs through my head when taking a portrait is “does this photo represent this person” i.e their personality, mood, aura etc. Portraits represent the person you’re shooting so I want to capture who they are.
Do you think it’s important to follow a school to learn how to shoot?
Hmm… I’d say no not really. Read a beginners book on what everything does on a camera so you don’t feel completely lost, but the most important thing in my opinion is you go out and start shooting. Your eye’s will naturally learn how to compose a shot and how light works in constructing a scene… the best way to learn is by doing not by sitting and listening. Also, learn with a 35mm film SLR first before going digital. I absolutely hate seeing people today not know how to use a film SLR… it angers me (haha).
What’s the photo you want to take and you never did?
I’d say I wish I started taking photos at a younger age, taking photos of friends and family growing up. Seeing the world through my eyes as a kid… I‘ve pretty much forgotten everything before 14 (haha).
What’s your photo-mission?
To shoot until I can’t shoot anymore…
