Hugh O’Malley is a commercial photographer from London and is our latest competition winner from StarNow. Despite Hugh’s hectic schedule, we were delighted when he agreed to complete a feature photographer interview for Urbanity Chic and showcase some of his portfolio. Read on to find out who Hugh admires in the fashion industry, his biggest achievements in 2010 and what advice he’d give to young photographers interested in a career in the fashion world.
Hugh O'Malley Photography
Hugh O'Malley Photography
Q: How did you get into professional photography?
I studied fine art at Chelsea College of Art and Design and worked primarily in photography, eventually graduating with an Honours Degree. After a couple of years of hacking around carrying other people’s gear and making dodgy cups of tea, I decided to do my own thing.
Q: What do you enjoy most photographing?
People.
Q: How was 2010 for you?
Great. I was on Britain’s Next Top Model shooting for Revlon, had some great editorials published and gained some great new clients.
Q: Who inspires you?
Buddha, David Lynch, Javier Vallhonrat, my girlfriend, not necessarily in that order.
Q: Which modern day fashion designers or fashion icons do you look up to?
I really enjoy Karl Lagerfeld’s vision, his pointedly clear approach to things, his pithy bon mots and his style. I also admire Imran Amed of http://www.businessoffashion.com/ for demystifying the fashion industry and for presenting fashion in a way that is not whimisical or pretentious but sees it as a powerful cultural force.
Hugh O'Malley Photography
Hugh O'Malley Photography
Q: What makes a good photographer in your opinion?
Practice, good technical knowledge, an appreciation of visual aesthetics, empathy with your subjects, and a passion for creating memorable images.
Q: Do you prefer using film cameras or digital?
Film is dead.
Q: Do you prefer to shoot on location or in the studio?
Equally happy in either.
Hugh O'Malley Photography
Hugh O'Malley Photography
Q: Do you have a specific style of photography that makes you unique?
It’s hard for me to be objective about my own style but I think my style is a mixture of the dramatic, the artistic, commercial and creative, if that makes any sense.
Q: Do you have a favourite photograph?
No.
Q: Who is your favourite photographer?
Too many to have a favourite. I like Javier Vallhonrat, Solve Sundsbo, etc.
Q: Is there anybody you would like to work with (either behind or in front of the camera)?
I’d love to photograph Buddha. That would be enlightening.
Hugh O'Malley Photography
Hugh O'Malley Photography
Q: What does fashion mean to you?
I don’t take it too seriously.
Q: How would you define your personal style?
Low key. I’m not an extravagant dresser.
Q: Where are you based?
London.
Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
Maybe appearing on Britain’s Next Top Model in 2010.
Hugh O'Malley Photography
Hugh O'Malley Photography
Q: What are you hoping to achieve in 2011?
International Global Superstardom.
Q: What do you do to relax?
Have sex.
Q: What songs are on your ipod at the moment?
Mostly uptempo dance/electro for playing during shoots mixed in with some really eclectic random stuff like old Prince and some MIA etc.
Q: Do you have interesting hobbies?
Not really….
Q: If you could give a little piece of advice for aspiring photographers what would it be?
Assist a good photographer to learn the craft. This experience is the most invaluable thing you can do.
Hugh O'Malley Photography
Q: What motivates you to do what you do?
I have a passion for photography.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?
Don’t offer to do a profile interview for Urbanity Chic. They ask far too many questions! Lol. 🙂
Editor’s Note: Hugh O’Malley’s creative fashion portfolio and experience on Britain’s Next Top Model confirms that his photography has wide-ranging commercial appeal. We can see Hugh O’Malley’s work being enjoyed throughout this year and beyond as he enjoys continued success.
If you’d like to learn more about, contact or see more of Hugh O’Malley’s work, just follow the links below:
twitter link: http://twitter.com/hughomalley
facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hugh-OMalley/32192346313
myspace link: ha ha, who uses myspace anymore…
web page link: http://hughomalley.com
About Urbanity Chic
