Untitled by Andrew Hall

A quick glimpse into the world of Andrew Hall, an amazing photographer and an artistic philosopher.

Please give us a brief bio; where are you from, where do you live, and what do you do?

I was born in 1962 in Cambridgeshire, England. I graduated from Exeter College of Art and Design in Exeter, England in 1984 with an Honors degree in Graphic Design. I have been a professional photographer since 1984, setting up my own studio in 1989. I emigrated to the United States with my wife and son in 2005, settling in Studio City CA, where I still live. My studio is in Atwater, Los Angeles. I have shot a wide variety of subjects for clients from all over the world, and although I have shot on location from Japan to New Jersey to Moscow, most of my work is done in the controlled environment of the studio. I love to work with natural elements, liquids, pure light, gases, fire and vapor.

When did you first discover your creative talents & interests?

My parents always encouraged me to draw, made sure I had the materials to do it and fed my enthusiasm. I also had a very influential art teacher in my teens, who opened my eyes to the value of self expression.

Why is photography so important to you and how does it impact your life?

Photography grabbed me as soon as I began to work with a camera at about age 18, for it’s ability to help capture a unique moment in time that can never be repeated. No preliminary sketches, just me and that beautiful moment. Since then I have learned that the moment can be manipulated and controlled, so it expresses what I want it to, for myself or for a client.

How do you characterize yourself as an artist?

I would describe myself as an intuitive tinkerer with a plan.

Do you see yourself as a teacher or as an artist or both?

Being given the opportunity to teach enables me to keep learning about myself as an artist

What do you want people to take away from your art, and what do you want students to take away from your classes?

I want to move the audience and try to speak with a unique voice about my passion for what is possible with a photograph. I want to inspire and be inspired, but I’ll happily settle for mutual creativity and exploration.

Where do you find inspiration?

Charismatic people, sunlight, beaches, parking lots, the jetsam by the sides of freeways, silence

What is your favorite subject matter to shoot?

Anything with a capricious nature that I can partly control, partly be controlled by.

Why do you think creativity is important?

Anybody can be creative, but when creativity is inspired by original thinking, it has the power to change everything.

What is your favorite color? Why is it your favorite color?

The green of money on the ground outdoors. Always takes my breath away. Something magical about it. Sometimes I throw money from my wallet down just to ogle it.