In pictures: Brief encounters through the lens

28 March 2018

Photographer Mark Fairhurst began his career photographing inanimate objects, from jewellery to plugs which were used in advertising. Seeing his work, someone told him that if you can make a plug look good, imagine what you can do for people.

It was this that sparked the idea of switching to portraiture and now an exhibition of his work is to be shown at Tetbury Goods Shed in Gloucestershire.

Mark Fairhurst

Zara Tindall

Fairhurst's pictures are usually taken on location and often he has little time to capture the image he wants.

Brief Encounters displays images taken on a one-to-one basis, often only with a short time to prepare the set on location.

"It's a challenge to create a relaxed atmosphere other than in a studio," says Fairhurst. "I would never have thought that I would be in front of so many famous people in my career."

Mark Fairhurst

Tony Benn

He works in black and white taking inspiration from photographers such as Irving Penn, Jane Bown, David Bailey and Richard Avedon.

"You have to be a psychologist and a photographer doing portraiture," says Fairhurst.

"Connection and the ability to put at ease, that's the key. Lighting is important, but a great portrait comes from a good connection at that critical moment in time."

Brief Encounters by Mark Fairhust can be seen at the Goods Shed Tetbury from 1 April to 13 May 2018, external.