The quiet photographer.
Aug 19, 2009 | Comments: 20
Manchester-based photographer, Natalie Curtis knows how to pick a subject: her portfolio is full of shots of musicians, actors and models. It’s perhaps no surprise. The Curtis family trade was the music industry and, as a child, the photographer got used to the musicians who regularly dropped by. ‘I learned to be there but not there, to be an onlooker and a confidante,’ she says.
It was a role that Curtis carried on into her professional life as today, despite the chaotic places she often finds herself in, Curtis has an ability to work almost unnoticed by her subjects. Unlike traditional rock photography, then, this quiet documentary style results in startlingly warm and intimate portrait shots – and it was this approach that won her a place on the Best of Manchester shortlist earlier this summer. ‘To me, the photographs are like letters and stories, like true fiction, a mix of document and myth,’ says Curtis. ‘Because they are as much about what you can’t see, I hope that viewers can make them their own.’
Natalie’s work is currently on display at Urbis, as part of the Best of Manchester Awards (until 20 September). Image above: Harry Treadaway (2006).
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I think she’s a brilliant photographer.. through and through. Some people have the eye and some people don’t. This girl’s got it. I love her work.
I love your work.
Working unnoticed is a great way to take a more natural and honest photo, people are more natural, soon as you point a camera at some one they become how they want the public to see them. I find Natalie’s work inspiring the way each single photo gives the viewer questions, as soon as we see them. ‘What is the sublet thinking at that time? What song are they playing? and the very exiting use of black and white photography. It’s really is great to see such interesting thought provoking work.
patrick
What a truly wonderful eye Natalie has, her use of light, angle and context make for such emotive images.
Keep up the great work
She’s got the talent! I love her eye.
Her work is great!
I love her work. She really has a keen eye.
Very inspiring.
shés definitly an inspiration when it comes to music photography, i´m on my way on being a band photographer and i always remeber her calm and image poetry when i shoot. thank you, natalie.
Fantastic photography, loved her exhibition, going back on Saturday
Thanks everyone for all your comments – we think Natalie is hugely talented but also presents a thoughtful and alternative take on traditional music/rock photography – it seems we’re not alone in our esteem of her. Thanks again.
She is a brilliant photographer. Not only does she have an eye for composition, but you can tell that her subjects are relaxed and comfortable. In my mind, that’s what makes a truly great photographer.
b&w/minimal…
Beauty on either side of the glass.
[...] As a ‘new’ Mancunian, the site’s a great place to read about what’s happening in the expansive cultural sphere right on my doorstep. I’m personally passionate about photography so the Photo story section is something I’ll be particularly keeping an eye on. I’ve already decided to go and catch the last weekend of Natalie Curtis at Urbis. [...]
I love your work Natalie, you use the black and white wonderful, i love photos about music and I love the way you comunicate us your way to see the world, you have a great talent, i´m a photographer, not professional but when i see your work i learn a lot, than you very much!!!Very inspiring.
[...] know how. We dip into the Best of Manchester exhibition, too, me marvelling at just how beautiful Natalie Curtis’ pictures are and Simon, for someone who is almost always deeply unimpressed by The Youth, reasonably [...]
Very nice. Wish you move your focus more on objects, just to give them all they need to be Something. Also, would like to see you and your work in Belgrade…Thanks
love her work I am sure Debbie is proud and I think Ian would have been too.
she’s really something… I’m loving her work…
love everything about these. Natalie you have a great eye for photography. Keep up the great work x