Capturing Moments: An Interview with Oscar Churchill
In a world saturated with colour, there's something profoundly evocative about black-and-white photography. It strips away the distractions and forces us to confront the essence of a scene. Few understand this better than Oscar Churchill, an emerging photographer whose recent journey through London and beyond has yielded a stunning collection of monochrome images. In an exclusive interview, Oscar shares the stories behind some of his favourite shots, giving us a glimpse into his creative process and the moments that inspired him.
Aime Leon Dore: A Play of Light and Shadow
"Every time I go to London, I have to stop by Aime Leon Dore (ALD). Their stuff is amazing, even if it's a bit pricey," Oscar begins. "But what I love even more is their café. It's this beautifully sunlit space with a curved bench and a stunning tiled floor. This particular photo shows the doorway that takes you from the café side into the actual store. I was captivated by the way the light hit the tiles and the curtains that separate each side of the store."
The photograph, like much of Oscar's work, captures the interplay of light and shadow, creating a serene yet dynamic composition that invites viewers to step into the scene.
Primrose Hill: Contrasts in Reality and Perception
Primrose Hill is another iconic London location that found its way into Oscar's lens. "The hilltop was packed with people taking in the city view, but as we walked down, I spotted this girl sitting on a bench with her dog. She had this amazing style and cool hair, so I took the shot. It’s funny because the photo is the opposite of the reality that day – it's just her and her dog, completely chilled out, even though there were loads of people around."
This image underscores Oscar's ability to find tranquillity amidst chaos, highlighting his talent for capturing candid, unguarded moments.
Seven Dials: A Reunion of Friends
"Seven Dials was just a casual meet-up spot for me and some friends who now live in London," Oscar explains. While the story behind the photo might be simple, the image itself carries the warmth and camaraderie of old friends reuniting, encapsulating the vibrancy of one of London’s most eclectic districts.
Point Piper: A Serendipitous Shot
"Sometimes, you just need to finish off a roll of film," Oscar laughs. "This shot from Point Piper was one of those moments. I was on my way to drop off the film, and it turned out to be a really cool photo."
The spontaneity of this image serves as a reminder that sometimes the best shots come when you least expect them.
Queen Mary’s Garden: A Study in Landscape
"I was drawn to this scene in Queen Mary’s Park because of the landscape – the single dead tree in the middle and the tree hanging over the water," Oscar recalls. This photograph stands out for its composition and the way it evokes a sense of stillness and contemplation.
Soho: Style in Motion
"Soho always has something interesting going on. I saw this guy crossing the road with a really cool style, and the old buildings in the background added to the charm of the shot," Oscar says. His ability to capture the essence of a place through its inhabitants is evident in this dynamic street scene.
A Glimpse into the Past:
Film from the Gap Year
Oscar's next batch of photos comes from a different period – his gap year, where he worked on superyachts and travelled extensively. These images, long undeveloped, offer a nostalgic look back at formative experiences.
Antibes: Life by the Harbour
"I spent a lot of time in Antibes before I got a job on the boats. These photos show where we used to hang out – the rocky beach and the harbour. There’s this massive wall that wraps around the town. It was dope," Oscar reminisces. These images capture the laid-back lifestyle and scenic beauty of the French Riviera.
Burleigh: Moments Between Takes
"This shot was from a photoshoot for a friend's brand in Burleigh. I caught this one in between takes, and I love the contrast of light in it," Oscar shares. The photo’s candid nature reveals the relaxed atmosphere of the shoot and the strong bonds between friends.
Germany: Christmas Castles
"This shot is of my oldest sister. We were travelling around Germany for Christmas and found these castles. I can’t remember the name, but the lighting was perfect," Oscar notes. The photograph’s ethereal quality transports viewers to a fairy-tale landscape.
Amsterdam: The Bike Capital
"Amsterdam is overflowing with bikes. This shot captures that perfectly – locals on their bikes, parked bikes, and a few tipped over," Oscar says. This image encapsulates the city’s unique charm and the daily rhythm of its residents.
Splendid TIFF Dispensary: A Personal Touch
To round off his collection, Oscar created a slide featuring his profile picture. "If I were a DJ, my name would be Splendid Tune Dispensary. For photography, I flipped it to Splendid TIFF Dispensary because TIFF is a high-quality file format photographers love. Plus, the acronym is STD, which I just find funny," Oscar laughs.
Oscar Churchill’s photography captures more than just images; it captures moments, emotions, and stories. Through his lens, we see the world in a different light – one that is both timeless and immediate. As he continues to explore and document his journeys, we can only anticipate more stunning visuals and compelling narratives from this talented photographer.
For more of Oscar Churchill’s work, follow him on Instagram at @oscarchurchill and stay tuned for his upcoming work.