New exhibition by Arctic Monkeys photographer opens in Manchester – including photos of Amy Winehouse and John Cooper Clarke

We spoke to Mancunian photographer and long-time Arctic Monkeys collaborator about his new exhibition and 25-year career.
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There are few photographers that can boast a client list as impressive as music and fashion photographer Richard Kelly, who is also the official photographer for the Arctic Monkeys.

The Burnage-born artist has worked with the likes of Amy Winehouse, John Cooper Clarke and Florence Welch, capturing iconic performances and intimate backstage moments – some of which are currently on display as part of his new exhibition at the Kimpton Clocktower hotel.

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We spoke to him about the exhibition, his career and what makes this city such a hotbed for creativity.

Local pride

‘A Time and Place’ is a selection of photos from throughout Richard Kelly’s career, ranging from pre-stardom Arctic Monkeys to his latest collaborations with emerging Manchester artists. And while visitors to the exhibition may come for the big names, it’s these new artists that he hopes people pay attention to.

Amy Winehouse by Richard KellyAmy Winehouse by Richard Kelly
Amy Winehouse by Richard Kelly

Since returning to Manchester four years ago after a 12-year stint in London, Richard has been on a personal mission to shine a light on new Manchester talent and the city’s creative scene – both as a photographer and a senior lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Fashion Institute.

He said: “To be back in my home city, with people coming to see my work – people who know me and other Mancunians who don’t – it’s really nice. It makes me really proud. I’m over the moon, to be honest.

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“Sometimes it’s easy to fall into being too nostalgic about things, but at the moment Manchester has got so much new talent, so many interesting artists and interesting people doing things, it really inspires. It keeps me creative, wanting to go out and photograph new artists and musicians. I would be really happy if people came and really enjoyed the Amy Winehouse picture, but then went home and googled Akemi Fox or Antony Szmiereki.”

Starting out

Richard started honing his craft after leaving school at 16. Back then he was a messenger at the Manchester Evening News alongside studying at night school, and would chat to the staff photographers about their assignments.

He recalled: “They would tell me which jobs they’d be doing, if they’ve been pff photographing Oasis or Man United. I remember thinking: What a really good job that would be, it changes every day. And that’s what got me into it.”

Over the next few years, he had a number of technical jobs relating to photography, including shadowing fashion photographers on big-budget shoots, “absorbing” everything he could until he “really knew what he was doing.”

Arctic Monkeys Fans - by Richard KellyArctic Monkeys Fans - by Richard Kelly
Arctic Monkeys Fans - by Richard Kelly
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He would also practise photographing his friends and hanging around music venues to photograph bands. This was how he got to shoot one of his favourite artists, Salford punk poet John Cooper Clarke.

He  said: “I went and hung around the venue where he was going to be performing in the daytime. I sat there for about two or three hours and when he came out to do his soundcheck, I just said: ‘John, I’m a huge fan, can I photograph you.’ I remember coming out thinking: ‘That was amazing, I’m really lucky to get that opportunity with him.’”

John Cooper Clarke was also one of the reasons Richard “bonded” with his long-time collaborators, Arctic Monkeys. The first time he shot the then unknown Sheffield band, Richard mentioned his photoshoot with the Manchester icon, of whom frontman Alex Turner was also a huge fan.

Advice to young photographers

Richard sees his job as striking a balance between art and documentary. He explained: “Sometimes I feel like to be a really good photographer, you need to be an observer, you need to be outside what's happening to document it and capture it. Certainly with the shot of Amy Winehouse, I feel like I'm invisible in some ways, I'm just documenting things. “

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“But then other times, you have a bit of direction, you give people a bit of direction, and that's when the art comes in. You're not a true artist because you're photographing and documenting, but at the same time, there's a bit of direction involved.

“When I’ve pressed the button I know that I’ve got the shot that I need and it’s a really nice feeling.”

Florence and the Machine - by Richard KellyFlorence and the Machine - by Richard Kelly
Florence and the Machine - by Richard Kelly

A lot has changed since Richard first started out as a photographer over 25 years ago. He said: “It’s a double-edged sword. When I started there was no social media, there was no Instagram, so in some ways it was harder, but there were less people to bypass to photograph who you wanted,” Richard said.

However, a career in photography is not just about big name celebrities and exclusive access to venues. Richard adds that an aspiring photographer should use every opportunity to get their work “into as many people’s eyes as possible,” including via Instagram, and, more importantly, “enjoy photography for the sake of it.”

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“I didn’t get into photography because I wanted to photograph bands or famous people. I’m inherently nosey. I love meeting new people, interesting people. Don’t get into photography hoping to photograph bands, get into photography hoping to photograph interesting people.

“If you like bands, find some local ones that you like. Don’t aim really high. When I first started I was photographing bands that were playing at really small venues like the Boardwalk.”

Even now, with career full of celebrity photoshoots under his belt, Richard continues to hunt out new and exciting artists, particularly here in his homecity. At his exhibition opening on Thursday 1 June, he invited his recent collaborators singer Akemi Fox and spoken word artist Antony Szmiereki to perform, who are both featured in ‘A Time and Place.’

He said: “I’m always looking for new interesting artists and Manchester bands, and interesting people to photograph. So if anyone reads this and is interested, get in touch and maybe we could do a photoshoot.”

  • ‘Richard Kelly: A Time and Place’ is on display for free at Refuge, Kimpton Clocktower until 31 August.