Lewis Brock | Photographer & maker of provoking art books from our London shop!

 

What was your first camera?

My first camera was a Canon A1 that I still have and use today. I bought it when I started studying photography in school so that I could use the darkroom and learn how to develop black and white film along with doing enlargements.

What equipment do you have now?

I currently have a Pentax 645N II which is a medium format SLR camera with great performance made for the pro market. I also have a Ricoh R1 which is a basic 35mm point-and-shoot camera that's as small and light as a disposable. My Canon A1 is an advance level 35mm SLR with interchangeable lenses and finally an Olympus OM2 which is one of the smallest SLRs.

 

If money was no object what you get now?

I’ve been really tempted by a Contax G2 at the moment. It's another 35mm camera with great optics!

What is the first lens you fell in love with?

The Pentax 105mm f2.4 for the Pentax 67. Dreamy shallow depth of field that’s similar to large format. I should have never sold that camera!

Film or Digital?

Both. I don’t shoot digital much but I think both are useful. I really like the digital Ricoh GR’s. I’ve always found shooting film to be more rewarding because with digital I get too distracted with reviewing the image. Film allows me to be more immersed in the moment.

What’s your preferred style?

I don’t really have one. Concentrating on styles and genres can be restricting. The best thing to do is just shoot and the style will come to you naturally depending on what you shoot.

If you could offer one piece of advice to a customer / budding photographer, what would it be?

Not all advice is good advice. Research artists that inspire you, buy books and visit galleries. I always find that I am mostly inspired by seeing physical art. Visiting galleries always makes me want to just go out and shoot. If you are looking to get stuck into a project, then start with something you know; a home town, an interesting friend or anything that you have a doorway into that not everyone does.

Why do you make books?

I’ve always enjoyed the process of producing a book as the final outcome. I think that having a direction for a series of images helps to keep yourself focused. I’d recommend everyone to try it as Instagram just doesn’t do your work justice. You can see more of my most recent book ‘It’s Rude To Stare’ here - www.lewisbrock.co.uk/store

If you've been inspired by Lewis's second-hand collection of film cameras take a look at our current stock!