SPIT IT OUT: SAM DAVIES
This month, we want you to get to know the photographer behind recent CLOBBER shoots and work for the likes of Vans, Puma and Skepta's Big Smoke Festival. We were introduced to Sam through a mutual friend (nod to Archie Taylor), and after a flick through Sam's IG, a few email exchanges and a quick phone call, we locked in a date for our launch shoot at Barbican. We soon found out that Sam's photography style, laid-back demeanour and personal taste in clothing aligned closely with our own. Getting the right shots felt easy and just hanging out felt even easier. Without further ado, Sam Davies.
HOW WOULD YOUR RIDE-OR-DIE DESCRIBE YOU? I would hope they say I’m caring and funny, and a joy to be around.
WHERE ARE YOU LIVING AT THE MOMENT? I’m currently back living with my parents in Hertfordshire. I lived in Crouch End before this, but this past year I've gone fully freelance with my photography. My lease was coming to an end so I decided to come home for a bit of a reset.
IF WE'RE IN THE AREA, WHERE'S WORTH POPPING IN TO? There a few towns around where I live and all of them have a lot to offer. If you’re going for coffee, Vutie Beets in Letchworth is the spot, lovely staff and great coffee. If it’s a pub, I’m going to have to say the Vic in Hitchin, it has always been a staple. Beer garden is quality and the food and drinks are great, can’t go wrong.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY? My grandparents were into photography, and growing up so was my dad, so cameras were always around. I was lucky enough to go to Kenya when I was about 9, I remember my dad let me use his camera and I took some photos of the monkeys and the beach. Since then I was always asking to use it until I was about 14 and got my own.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAMERA? I had my dad's old Pentax PC35AF, a 35mm point and shoot which I still have today and is a great camera. My first digital camera was when I left school - I got a Canon 70D for my birthday and would always have both of them on me.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON RECENTLY? Since going freelance, I’ve been shooting a lot of music and events, great for paying the bills, but my real passion lies in documentary and sports photography. Right now, I’m working on two projects: one exploring Arsenal’s culture, the fans, and what it means to be a part of that community; and another long-term project, As We Are, documenting London’s shifts and changes over the past year and into the next. This will end in a zine/book and exhibition, planned for release next year.
WHAT'S INSPIRING YOU AT THE MINUTE? Right now, I’d say people and travel are what inspire me most. The people around me, meeting new faces, and exploring new places all give me fresh energy and ideas.
BEST PIECE OF PHOTOGRAPHY ADVICE YOU'VE BEEN GIVEN? Trust your own ability. So many times I would almost shoot for someone else, like for someone else's opinion. But growing up and hearing that bit of advice, I just started to trust my own vision and it worked a lot better.
WHAT'S YOUR DREAM PROJECT? My dream project would be to work with a big magazine like Nat Geo or Life, shooting life in the far corners. I travelled to Asia for a few months last year and I shot the whole time, ending up with a big body of work. I'd love to get that published or continue to work on it in the future.
WE KNOW YOU'RE INTO YOUR FASHION. HOW DO YOU SEE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPORTSWEAR AND STREETWEAR EVOLVING OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS? Sportswear has always been popular, especially football shirts. But with running and overall fitness becoming so prominent in people's lives these days, I think it will just naturally blend more into what people are wearing day to day. So I definitely see more of a merge between the two in the future.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE, WHAT'S YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH TRAINING THESE DAYS? It’s been going really well this year, I've been in the gym consistently and my running is the best it's been. Growing up I wasn’t to bothered by it, I played for my local football team but that was about it. These past few years i've taken it a lot more seriously and it really has benefited both my mental and physical health.
CAN YOU SEND US A PHOTO AND CAPTION OF...
THE INSIDE OF YOUR FRIDGE: Fridge.
SOMETHING RECENT ON YOUR PHONE THAT SUMS YOU UP: My laptop, editing and a pint.
WHAT YOU'RE ENJOYING WEARING ON YOUR FEET AT THE MINUTE: Clark’s! Recently worked with them and received some Goretex wallabees which I’m enjoying.
SOMETHING YOU ATE RECENTLY THAT PEOPLE NEED TO TRY: Brasserie Boulanger. Recently had a trip to Paris but every time I go I have to stop here at least once. Food, cocktails, wine and staff all great.
THE MOST BRITISH THING YOU OWN: Got to be Shearer 9.
A B-ROLL SHOT YOU LIKE FROM A RECENT PROJECT: Chinese restaurant next to the Emirates stadium. I always shoot it when I’m in the area.