ANIS ALI
ROAD SPEAKS TO ANIS ALI - A PHOTOGRAPHER WHO CLAIMS HIS WORK TO BE AN ‘ON-GOING DOCUMENTATION OF UK HIP-HOP CULTURE’.
Firstly, I love your images. They’re very in the moment and make me feel as if I’m there involved in what’s going on. When do you know it’s the right time to take a picture? They always seem to be taken at just the right time.
Thank you, I don’t actually know when its the right time to snap, I keep one both eyes open so I can still see what’s going on when I’m about to take the photo. I know it sounds silly because that’s the point of the viewfinder but sometimes when its dark I can’t see anything through it - which means I have to look with my left eye as well. I think it also falls into the fact that I carry a point and shoot with me near enough 24/7, so whatever situation I’m in, I’m always ready to take a flick.
When did you first become interested in photography and why?
It was in college, it fell in accidentally as I chose photography as a subject to waste a few years to try and not fall into the world of getting a job and growing up. I bought a little SLR and just began shooting my friends and all the stupid things we used to do, it pretty much went from there really.
Are there any other photographers that you specifically take inspiration from?
I try not to look at other peoples work much, Its not a personal thing towards them it’s just when you look at someone’s work that you like, it’s in the back of your head and when you go shoot or just put some work together you subconsciously try and re-enact or make it look like something that you’ve seen. Maybe not everyone, but I used too when I first started and it’s something I erased away from my work at a very early stage. Since then I’ve been working on trying to get my own style and work hard on it.
What would you say is the most exciting thing that you’ve photographed?
Hmm, that’s a hard one. I think festivals are very exciting, that’s the situation and environment I do well in and it’s challenging. From doing my gig work to following people who have no idea what planet they’re on is definitely an exciting mix. Also just meeting artists and people who I’ve looked up to for years and just coming up with really fun and silly shoots on the spot which come out better than I ever imagined.
I’ve heard you use digital to shoot for gigs and such and 35mm cameras for your more personal work. Is there a reason behind this? And which do you prefer shooting with?
There isn’t really a reason to be honest. Its just a safe option for me to shoot at gigs, I have shot some gigs strictly on film but it is risky for me. I do take one or two here and there on film and I do prefer them to the 200 digitals ones I end up taking. Maybe once I feel more confident in my understanding with low light photography with no flash then I can start doing it. A lot of movement and low light is hard to capture on a shoddy little 35mm camera I found in a charity shop. I shoot 35 for personal work because I just carry several types of point and shoots with me so it’s easy too be sneaky or completely up front. It’s lightweight and a lot of the time I prefer the look of the photos. I don’t mind digital but it’s hard to carry a DSLR when going out with my friends. A lot of drinks get spilt and sheer amounts of recklessness get had.
The subjects within your more personal work are quite subversive (well, to the more mainstream public). Are you friends with those in your images or do you approach them to document them?
A lot of the time yes, it’s friends or people I know who are comfortable with me shooting them. I’m starting to shoot a lot of strangers lately because I’m noticing more weird and wonderful people in my town. I’ve starting carrying round a little pocket 6X4 photo album with about 20 or so photo’s of mine so if people get funny with me taking photos of them I show them that I take photos and they relax a bit more and want to not smash my head in.
What are your plans for the rest of 2k15?
Right now I’m chilling, Its been a very busy few years building my work and getting to where I am, I’m in no way certain where I want to be with my work yet so I’m just slowly developing and learning as much as I can on the way. Who knows what the future holds, Festival season is fast approaching so that should make for some fun shooting (as always ).
And lastly, is there anything exciting going on within the UK hip hop scene that you recon we should be keeping an eye one?
I think the scene is growing into something it’s never delved into before and its exciting. I can only say from my point of view that I’m looking forward to future releases from an ever-expanding scene and genre. A lot of good music is to still be made and released I’m sure so who knows what the future holds for the scene. Its in a very strong place and no one seems to be slowing down.
INTERVIEW BY JORDAN RICHINGS