Graham De Lacy – Photographer

Graham De Lacy is a Johannesburg-based photographer whose beautifully composed images pull the viewer in with their emotional sincerity and masterful rendition of natural light. Whether shooting on top-end equipment or his trusty iPhone, De Lacy’s diverse personal and commercial portfolio is unified by a meticulous, human-oriented approach. We spoke to him about his work.

VISI:  How did you begin your career in photography?

GDL: I started out life as an art director/creative director. I worked for some big advertising agencies before moving out on my own in 1998. I started becoming frustrated with what photographers I had commissioned were delivering and decided I could do better myself. After all, I had been directing photographers for years and seen how they went about lighting. I also learnt a lot from cinematographers who have such a handle on manipulating natural light.

Your portfolio spans many of the classical themes in photography: portraiture, landscape, still life, travel, sports… Do you have a favourite?

Definitely portraiture or anything involving people. I just love the emotional transaction involved when taking a portrait and waiting for that moment when the defenses come down and the real person shines through. I have an ability to make people feel comfortable and humour is a great way to achieve that. People will only perform once they feel they’re in a safe space. I’m also continually on the search for that little human gesture that makes a photo special.

Despite the range within your portfolio, there nevertheless seems to be an identifiable ‘golden thread’ that runs through your work. It’s hard to put my finger on, but I would characterize your work as being very human-oriented, with a meticulous approach to lighting and composition. Would you agree?

That’s exactly it. If I’m on the street and I see an interesting shot, I’ll wait for a person to walk through it. This was exactly my approach in advertising. I very seldom did an advert in which people did not feature. As a creative director I was  also very demanding of my photographers and directors and insisted on them delivering high production values. This ethos became ingrained in me and is the way I operate today as a photographer. Ultimately for me, there are 3 elements that make up a great shot – content, composition and light. 

Would you refer to yourself as a classicist in this regard?

When you’re working for clients you kind of have to be. But in saying that I do try and give my work a bit of edge in the post-production phase which I do myself. So yes, classic but with an edge.

What’s your take on the digital revolution and its impact on photography? These days even the pros that cut their teeth in the darkroom are putting together books and exhibitions shot entirely on the iPhone4.

I don’t think I would have gone into photography if it weren’t for the digital revolution. It made photography more accessible. At the moment I’m shooting with a Nikon D3s but last year I discovered I had another camera – my iPhone4. Together with the Apps Hipstamatic and Snapseed it’s opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. I like the spontaneity of the iPhone4 as a camera.

Do you have any new projects on the go? 

At the moment I’m finishing off a huge social housing project for NASHO that is in the form of a country-wide expo. It’s entailed going into people’s homes and photographing them as well as filming and interviewing. What a privilege. I’m also in the process of launching my iPhonography nature and object series into the décor market. Oddly I find that Hipstamatic is not that suited to photographing people but loves inanimate objects.

See more work here: www.grahamdelacy.com