Q and A with Nick Elliott

Q1. Have you ever stripped off because the person you photographed didn’t feel comfortable being the only one naked? (Cheeky) Emma North Yorkshire.

A1. Yes of course! I always like to put my subjects at ease. I’ve lost my trousers quite a few times on shoots!

Q2. Would you draw the line ethically about taking a shot which was not morally correct, or is it important to capture everything?. Si. Baltimore USA

A2. I think it’s important to capture and record everything that is put before me. There are moments in history caught on film, that are truly shocking but these moments shape the audiences opinions, thoughts, emotions, and awareness. These images build history.

Q3. What is the craziest request that you have had ever said no to during a shoot?. Victoria H. Scotland UK.

A3. I’ve never said no to any request during a shoot. It’s important to accommodate your subjects as much as possible. Although I did turn down Ozzy Osbourne when he asked me to give him my boots!

Q4. How old were you when you lost your virginity, and where? Eva. V Cambridgeshire UK.

A4. I was about 15 years old at the Cambridge Corn Exchange after a Lindsfarne concert. It was a great concert!

Q5. One of the great artists you have had a chance to work with is the one and only Earl Slick… how has your experience been working with him and what have you enjoyed most about it? Cynthia H. Mexico

A5. Earl is a one-of-a-kind individual. A true gentleman and a musical genius. It was an amazing experience to hook up with slick and work with him over the last five years. Slick is an incredibly private person and it was a total challenge to gain his confidence. Slick allowed me to shoot up close and personal and I respected our friendship and the trust that we had developed over the years. We hook up whenever he’s back in the UK, we go on days out together which is always a blast. We appreciate each other’s careers and it’s wonderful to call him of true friend.

Q6. If you were not a rock photographer what vocation would you choose instead?. Claire R. Florida USA

A6. I can’t imagine doing anything else. It runs through me, but if I did have to choose, it would be within the music/creative industry. Probably a radio TV presenter.

Q7. Which photographers have influenced your art? Ernesto S. Italy

A7. There have been many. Anton Corbyn, Terence Donovan, Ansal Adams, Bailey and Maplethorpe just to name a few. I have the greatest respect for all of these artists, their vision and expertise have always influence to me. It has allowed me to develop and explore my own unique style and not be afraid to experiment with light, contrast, content, exposure and subject matter. It’s allowed me to be daring with my art work at a young age and develop as I got older.

Q8. What do you want to say with your images and how do you get them to portray that?. Henry A. Lincoln UK

A8. Each image portrays something different for each individual. I want my heart to be responsible for provoking a range of emotions. I want the audience to find a connection with the images that creates a deeper understanding of themselves. A self awareness that releases their true personality. I would like my art to make people think about what they are viewing.

Q9. What motivates you to continue producing fine art photography? Will B. Norwich UK.

A9. My motivation is driven solely by striving to move the creative line for myself and for the audience. I want to push the boundaries of the photographic art world, for my images to be relevant and thought-provoking even after my death.

Q10. Did you ever climb trees as a boy because Nicholas boys should never climb trees! Delphine Leeds UK

A10. I have had many a fight at school over that comment! I still climb trees and I’m still knickerless, as you would find out if you were in the woods with me!

If you have a question for Nick please send it in to benicebond@icloud.com and we will include them in the next Q&A session. Please note some questions have been shortened.