How did you first get into photography, and what inspired you to make it part of your life?

My journey into photography started back in 2017, just after graduating from university, when I was preparing to head off on six months of travel across Southeast Asia. I’d always been into photography and art in general, but I’d never really pursued it seriously.

Right before I left, my mum bought me my first camera, a small Canon M3 mirrorless, knowing I was interested and would want to document the trip. That ended up being the best gift I’ve ever received, and it quite literally changed my life in ways I never would have imagined.

Since then, photography has become an extension of who I am and how I see and interact with the world. That first trip sparked a desire to explore more, which led me to leave home again in 2018 and fully lean into it, documenting my travels across New Zealand, driving from the far north of Cape Reinga to the southern tip at Nugget Point in a van over the course of a year. It was a bucket-list adventure I’m incredibly grateful to have experienced.

At the end of that trip, I was meant to be returning home, but instead I realized I wasn’t quite ready and set off on a spontaneous journey to Australia, where I ended up spending the next six and a half years. It turned out to be the best decision, a truly life-changing chapter I’ll always be grateful for.

Looking back, I truly feel none of this would have happened without getting that first camera in 2017. Discovering photography set everything in motion and ultimately led me to where I am today.

Growing up by the coast, how do you think that shaped your photographic eye and style?


Growing up by the coast has had a huge influence on my photography. I’ve always felt naturally drawn to the sea and the slower pace of life it brings. That mindset has shaped how I see and approach my work. I tend to slow things down, which helps me notice the smaller, often overlooked moments and focus more intentionally on the details within a scene.

It has also influenced how I approach colour and my editing style. I’m drawn to softer blues, warm tones, and the natural palette you find in coastal environments. I prefer shooting on location in natural light whenever possible rather than in a studio. I’m also a bit of a sucker for golden hour and blue hour, especially a good sunrise or sunset over the ocean. Those are my favourite times of day to shoot, as the light and colour feel most natural and aligned with my style.

Which travel destination has had the biggest impact on you creatively, and why?

Australia has had the biggest impact on me, both personally and creatively. The most pivotal chapter was when I moved to the Sunshine Coast at the end of 2020, which quickly became a second home. It was there that I first got into surfing and fully embraced the lifestyle that comes with it, something that went on to shape both me as a person and my photography. That slower, coastal way of living became a huge source of inspiration and heavily influenced the direction of my work.It was also during this time that I found my love for shooting 35mm film. The process and the feeling it offers really shifted my approach to photography and played a big role in shaping my style today.

During my time in Australia, I also began landing my first paid jobs, had work featured in magazines, and started building a career from something that had once just been a hobby. It was the moment I realized I had, in some way, achieved the goal I set when I first left home, to become a photographer, which felt surreal.

What’s one life lesson you’ve learned through travel that’s influenced how you work today?

That things rarely go to plan, and to embrace the chaos and magic of the unknown. I’ve had countless moments while travelling where everything has shifted in an instant, but those unpredictable situations often end up being the most memorable. And even when they’re not, they still leave you with something to learn from.

I’m naturally quite spontaneous and tend to lean into that uncertainty, figuring things out as I go. That mindset has carried through into my photography. Whether it’s changing weather, gear failing, or a shoot not going as expected, I’ve learned to adapt quickly and make the most of whatever situation I’m in.

Of course, when working professionally, having a plan is important. But when you’re shooting on location, you’re always at the mercy of external factors. Being able to improvise and still deliver when things don’t go to plan is a big part of the job.

Are there any cultures or places that you hope to photograph someday but haven’t yet?

There are so many places and cultures I’d still love to explore and document, my list is constantly evolving. One that’s been on my mind, especially after spending so much time in Australia, is documenting Aboriginal and First Nations communities, particularly in the Northern Territory and Arnhem Land. Australia became like a second home over those six years, and this is something I’ve always wanted to experience more deeply. The culture and history are incredibly rich, and I feel they aren’t shown or celebrated enough.

Another place is Macedonia, where my dad is from and still lives. It’s a big part of who I am, yet I haven’t been back since 2017. When I do return, I’d love to document everyday life there—the people, the culture, and the quieter moments. It’s a beautiful and historic place that still feels relatively undiscovered, and it offers a way for me to explore and share another side of my background.

Your portfolio shows a mix of digital and film work. How do you decide which medium to use for a project?

Since getting into 35mm film in 2021, it’s become the medium I naturally gravitate towards more and more. I enjoy the process, and the look and feel it produces is something that’s hard to replicate digitally. There’s an imperfect quality to it that feels more authentic, especially in a time where everything can feel overly polished or AI-generated.

For personal work, travel, and lifestyle, I’ll choose film whenever possible, budget allowing. It’s not cheap, but in my opinion, it’s always worth the investment. For commercial work, I still primarily shoot digital because it’s faster, more reliable, and more flexible. That said, I’ve started incorporating more film into commercial projects as well, both because the aesthetic is increasingly in demand and because I genuinely enjoy shooting it.

Even when shooting film professionally, I’ll usually back it up with digital. Film can be unpredictable, and I’ve had shoots where things haven’t gone to plan—whether that’s blank rolls or unexpected light leaks. For paid work, having that safety net is essential.

What’s your favorite camera setup right now, and what do you love about it?

My setup is quite simple. I’m very much a less-is-more kind of person and prefer not to overcomplicate things. On the digital side, I shoot with a Fuji X-H2 paired with a 35mm f/1.4, which stays on my camera about 98% of the time. It’s incredibly versatile, whether I’m shooting portraits, products, travel, or lifestyle. The image quality and character from that lens are excellent, it’s often called the “magic lens” for a reason. I’m also looking to add a 56mm f/1.2 and potentially a wider zoom like the 16–50mm for added versatility and video work. I also use a 10-stop ND filter quite regularly, particularly in harsh daylight conditions, which has been a game changer when shooting on location.

For film, I currently use a Nikon F3 HP with either a 35mm f/2 or 50mm f/1.8. Between those focal lengths, I can cover most situations without carrying too much gear. I also have an Olympus MJU I point-and-shoot, which is extremely useful for travel and everyday moments thanks to its small, unobtrusive form factor.

As you can probably tell, I’m a big advocate for prime lenses and keeping things minimal wherever possible.

Who are photographers or artists you look up to or draw inspiration from?

There are so many photographers and artists that inspire me. I love the work of Slim Aarons, Ansel Adams, Martin Parr, Ruth Orkin, and Steve McCurry, to name a few icons. With how accessible work has become through platforms like Instagram, there are also countless contemporary photographers and artists who inspire me regularly.

I could write an extensive list, but recently I’ve been particularly drawn to the work of photographers such as Josy Graye, Melanie Mauro, Melissa Hoareau, Elena Galindo, Maria Shumanovich, Tania Buijtenhuijs, Juliana Schaller, Rita Busa, Silly Duffers, Freddie Roach, James Cliburn, Rika Thms, Clement Benosa, M2Create, Bubedabe, Zoe, Andreas, Ain Raadik, Fin Matson, Ben Savage, Philshootsfilm, Erik Poppen, and Giuseppe Patane.

In closing, what’s next for you? Any trips or big projects coming up?

This is something I’m still figuring out. The past year has been a bit of a reset for me, with a lot of change and adjusting to a new lifestyle after moving back to the UK, but I’m slowly finding my feet again. This year, I’m looking to focus more on commercial, fashion, and editorial work, while also exploring more of Europe now that it’s on my doorstep. I’d love to shoot more film within fashion and lifestyle campaigns and work with more creative production teams. I always find it more rewarding collaborating with other creatives, learning new things, and bringing a shared vision to life.

I’ve got a few trips in mind, with a main one being a visit to Macedonia to see my dad and family, as the last time I was there was back in 2017. It feels like a much-needed trip, and I’m looking forward to capturing and sharing that side of my life, the culture, the people, and the lifestyle that’s such a big part of who I am. I’m also hoping to make the most of a European summer and take as many spontaneous trips as I can, which is one of the biggest perks of being back in the UK. I’d also love to return to Australia later in the year for their summer, to catch up with friends, potentially tie in some work projects, and escape the British winter.

A big personal project I’d like to bring to life is my first photobook or zine. It would be a collection of my favourite images from my time living and travelling in Australia—a place that shaped me significantly and where I spent most of my twenties. I was aiming to release something later this year, but we’ll see. It’s definitely something I want to make happen in the near future.

To see more of Harry’s work, visit his website.