“I ventured into the world of photography by instinct.” Agenda
AGENDA of Visual Marvelry is a winner of the Canon photography award for his portrait work. A former graphic designer, who has worked with The Times and The Economist. Agenda is driven by the desire to encapsulate authenticity in a chosen moment, whilst dissolving anything that gets in the way of connecting with a great image. Cross fertilisation and collaborating with people to create something amazing is a key feature of his approach. He is a rich observer with a sniper’s eye for detail but an art director’s empathy for character and role. The final image is a personalised choreography, filmic in scale but a close-up of the person as an actor on their own stage.
THC: How did you get into your business?
A: I ventured into the world of photography by instinct. As a graphic designer I became seriously underwhelmed with my sense of achievement. I would often be at the Shoreditch studio before the milk man, and I recall sitting at my desk one morning and deciding to leave. I handed in my notice straight away and for some strange reason I went and purchased a camera without a clue what to do with it!
THC: What are you working on right now?
A: My mind is constantly on overdrive when it comes to creating! In addition to The Lego Warriors I am actually planning a shoot right now for a client that also involves masks, which is a total coincidence. I am also developing a project that is focussed on brothers.
THC: How do you see your space evolving?
A: I frequently think about how we inhabit and utilise space. Sometimes it seems that we go to bed with something being the latest and greatest thing and then wake up as if it never existed. The trend for segway type skateboards is fascinating and I wonder if we will all end up not being bothered walk. For someone who has always been very active this scares the hell out of me!
THC: Who’s your hero or icon?
A: I have many. The one that instantly comes to mind is Omar Lye-Fook MBE, an amazing UK music artist. I have been a fan of Omar or many years. His mixture of storytelling and his mastery of instruments has always been something special to me. I had the honour of photographing him some years back. His time was restricted, in fact time I actually don’t think he turned his car engine off!
THC: Where’s your favourite spot around the world?
A: That is easy, it is definitely Cuba. The mix of people, energy, light and music is simply stunning!
THC: What’s your favourite injection of culture into a brand?
A: I am not sure I have a favourite but I am interested in the way that Apple has managed to integrate itself in all areas and walks of life. There is an absolute guarantee that you will see an Apple product everywhere that you go, every day!
