David Bailey who’s David Bailey

He is the world famous London photographer, the innovator of today’s fashion photography who started it all for me. How does he get that look from the models? That was in the sixty’s and for many years I did not get it because all I did was copy him and then it hit me right between the eyes. The problem was he was David Bailey and I am Phillip Ritchie. From that day on it came together for I now shoot for my own visual feelings. I must admit I did fall over a few times and still do, but that is how you learn.

I spent many years creating other things, then as I got older and more interested in life, I chose to follow my own path (although many books and teachers of photography say you need to find yourself and a style). I never wanted to find myself or style. I have no magic moments nor can I see your soul. I love the challenge and the surprise in the discovery of what I can do. I just look at life and see the emotions thru light form and composition, as I have traveled some of the same paths.

Years later when I picked up the camera again it became a new experience. I could see more in my lens than ever before, and focus on just the way the bend of a finger would enhance a hand, or the tilt of the head would bring a face to life. You know when it happens and you fall absolutely in love at that moment. There is no feeling quite like it. You cannot buy it or describe it. You have to feel it. So I hope you can have the same experience by looking at my work, and if you come back and see it again and feel the same, then I thank you. Perhaps you may wish to have a sample of my work to own and feel your own emotions.

Thank you,

Phillip Ritchie photographer