Interview: with photographer Michael Jolliffe | MONOVISIONS

MonoVisions Black & White Photo Contest 2025

Photography is a part of my daily life, I’m always carrying a camera for “visual note-taking”. I shoot for my own satisfaction, to create and capture memories with my family and friends, expressing thoughts, feelings and concepts. As photography is not my primary source of income it allows me the freedom to try whatever I want, having the pleasure of trying many different genres, subjects, cameras, film and digital, really exploring, finding out what it is that I like to shoot. Right now I’m about capturing life around me in black and white. Exploring a matter of fact, documentary style, candid moments at home or with friends, street photography, details and landscapes.

How and when did you become interested in photography?

I have been interested in art and drawing for as long as I can remember but did not get my own camera until I was in my late teens and was going on a family vacation. I really started to get serious about photography when my daughter was born in order to save the memories and my love for photography has grown ever since.

Is there any artist/photographer who inspired your art?

Today we are really lucky to have access to tons of great work online but I always find myself looking to the “greats” of photography for inspiration. Some of my favourite photographers would be Sally Mann, Man Ray, Henri Cartier Bresson, Mary Ellen Mark, Elliot Erwitt, all the classics.

Why do you work in black and white rather than colour?

I try and concentrate on the emotion or story of an image and the composition. I appreciate a lot of work that is in colour but I find that my voice is in black and white.

How much preparation do you put into taking a photograph/series of photographs?

I keep a camera on me at all times to grab a photo if I see a composition that might work or if something catches my eye. I will also set up something if I have an idea. My process is all about just being open to what is happening around me and allowing myself to be spontaneous.

Where is your photography going? What projects would you like to accomplish?

I would like to one day publish a book of my favourite photographs or sell some fine art prints. My photography is all on my own time and terms at the moment, I’m enjoying documenting my kids, family and friends right now until something comes along.

Website: www.michaeljolliffe.com