Martin Parr’s tips for aspiring photographers

Martin Parr , dubbed “The Godfather of UK photography,” has been a lauded chronicler of contemporary British life for the past 50 years. His work is original, entertaining and accessible, often holding a mirror up to ourselves to show us how we live, what we value and how we present ourselves to others.

Parr’s perceptive and playful approach to documenting the “ordinary” has made him a model for young and emerging photographers.

So, who better to provide advice on how to succeed in the field?

Bestowed the Master of Photography title at Photo London 2023 , at which RBC was Principal Partner , Parr met with RBC to share his key ingredients to a fruitful photography career.

1. Don’t force the process – it’s all about passion

“If someone’s trying to start a career in photography, it’s essential to find the right subject – it has to be something you’re passionate about,” says Parr. “You must then make a connection to that subject. If the connection is strong and exciting, then it’s likely good photography will emerge.”

Parr has been hooked on photography ever since shooting and processing film with his grandfather in Yorkshire as a teenager. “Photography is a form of therapy for me, it’s always been a way for me to discover and define relationships, particularly my own relationship with Britain,” he says.

He also stresses the process shouldn’t be forced. “I sometimes worry about people who are more concerned about progressing in the photo world than with their own work,” he says. “You can’t produce books and expect to achieve success before you’ve established a clear connectivity with your work. We see this quite a lot and it means the work is often not very interesting and it can leave the viewer confused as to its meaning.”

Across the arts, only a small percentage manage to make professional careers for themselves, and photography is no different. “There’s huge competition in photography,” says Parr. “Everyone thinks it’s a very glamorous and easy career, but to be a good photographer and to find your real voice is very difficult. Unless you’re obsessed, you won’t make it – you should be out there taking pictures all the time.”

2. Push yourself to create works of real substance

Having work recognised by peers and the public can be a defining moment for a photographer, but it can be easy to give up hope on a professional career with such fierce competition. However, Parr believes good work will always find its way into the spotlight.

“I curate photography works for the Martin Parr Foundation and we’re always looking for new talent,” he says. “We’re attracted to fresh and exciting work that demonstrates real substance and the richness and connection I’ve been talking about. If it has these qualities, then by word of mouth or through online channels it’s a matter of time before it gets recognised. That’s one of the good things about the internet — it’s made photography more democratic.”

Parr’s photography is a great example of work with substance. His breakthrough moment came after he captured scenes at a holiday resort in New Brighton over the course of a few summers in the ’80s. The resulting works, The Last Resort, were a unique and intriguing representation of national characteristics and earned him exhibitions across Europe. The book is now on its eighth edition.

Parr’s photography sees the world through a unique lens, and for Corrie Jackson, senior art curator at RBC, it’s this ability that helps many emerging artists find success. “Successful emerging artists really push the definitions of their medium. Parr’s work does exactly that — it challenges our perception of ourselves and pushes you beyond your own personal experience and into the experience of the artist and their intent.”

3. Create a robust web presence

The world of photography is constantly evolving, and the way in which budding professionals present their work is more important than ever. “When I was emerging as a photographer, the channels of recognition were very different, you had galleries and magazines,” says Parr. “Nowadays, a big part of getting known is how you use the internet.”

Having a strong Instagram account and website is critical to showcasing your work, says Parr. “These are the initial touchpoints I look to when I’m checking out new photographers,” he says. “Ensuring your online platform is of a good standard and accurately reflects the substance of your work is essential. If it’s weak, curators and industry peers won’t take much notice.”

4. Maintain relationships with key contacts in the business

Getting work recognised is one thing, but building a professional network and nurturing those relationships is also key, says Parr. “If you’re an emerging photographer, you need to find a mentor,” he says. “Mentors can provide advice and constructive feedback and open access to a wider community of creative peers.”

There are also the relationships with galleries, collectors and curators to consider. “If you want to have commercial success as an artist, building a trusting relationship with these contacts is key,” says Jackson.

“Learning how to speak about your work concisely and maintain relationships with both dealers and collectors, as well as other artists and curators, is an essential skill to ensuring others have a meaningful understanding of your work,” she continues.

Inspiring artists decades into a celebrated career

Parr’s career is one of storied merit that’s built on an innate obsession with the click of a camera. His experience and extraordinary eye for creating memorable works of art continue to inspire emerging photographers across the globe.

“It’s been a fantastic career,” says Parr. “I’ve been paid to go around the world. Essentially, I’m paid to do my hobby.”