Biography
At 14 yrs old i was given a Zenit 35mm camera, life was never the same. A camera is always with me, i view life like a giant slideshow, a never-ending story that just needs documenting. People,places, fashion, events ... trees. Not sure i could put a label on what kind of Photographer I am. But its people grab me most, portraiture, faces, stories, everyday life. I've spent 20 years in the fashion industry, where possible i like to try to marry the styles of Street and fashion together. Keeping things real but with style.
Artist Statement
Always on the lookout for a new project.
What first prompted you to think of becoming an artist?
At 14 yrs old My school offered a photography course, I found the whole process of capturing images and then developing them in a dark room magic, i was hooked immediately. I had a Russian made Zenit 35mm camera and a standard 50mm lens, which i still have sitting at home.
What kind of an artist do you ultimately see yourself?
I have been luckily enough to travel extensively, still do , People are my main focus, i never cease to be amazed with faces, cultures, sub cultures, I am really not sure what kind of artist i am , i just know i love to capture the magic written in peoples faces, their lives. Whether i am away on assignment or at home walking my own streets, the desire to capture life is always on my mind.
What are you hoping to communicate to the viewer through your work?
I think ultimately I am capturing emotions, life, Trying to share those emotions with others. Every face is a story, I am a storyteller at heart.
Can you explain the process of creating your work?
I spend a lot of time with my subjects, I get to know them, hear their story, often this is the long process, i believe the images captured are so much more real when I know them.
What is your favourite part of the creative process?
It is hard to say what the best part is for me, I love meeting people of all walks of life, i love hearing stories, i love seeing their reactions when i show them the results of our work, I suppose my favourite part is trying to provoke emotion, not just from my subject, but from all who view the work afterwards.
Can you give us an insight into current projects and inspiration, or what we can look forward to from you in the near future?
I have many ongoing projects, I am not sure some of them will ever be finished, From people living rough on the streets, Skateboard culture, professional boxers to Market vendors, these are some that I have been shooting for many years.
Website craigprestonroberts.com
Instagram @craigprestonroberts
Facebook craig preston roberts photographer
The King of 49th Street.
Here's to the crazy ones.
The Hands of Louie Louie.
Ezekiel.
The Hustler.
On Every Corner.
