The Photographers: Trusting One Another's Ideas with Connor Langford

Whether it’s collaborating with charities in the villages of Mozambique or Bangladesh to working on advertising campaigns in London or New York, Connor Langford, an Australia-born photographer and filmmaker has crafted a style unique to him, rooted in his love and curiosity for people, culture and storytelling.

His foundational years were spent doing charity work with his family back home in Australia and with that, he has developed a passion for partnering with charities and organisations to help bring awareness and tell stories through his photographic and motion work.

His advertising clients include the likes of Ralph Lauren, Net-A-Porter, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Hunter Boots and more.

LBB> What sort of projects get you excited to shoot them?  

Connor> There are so many different aspects of shoots that get me excited. Sometimes it’s the client, as usually I’ve wanted to work with them for a long time. I recently shot for British Vogue doing a Nike collaboration. Two client’s that have been dream goals of mine since I was probably sixteen, and there I was working with them both on one shoot, so that was very exciting. Sometimes I partner with a charity to produce content for them, that’s one of my favourite things to do. There are so many elements of what could make a shoot exciting for me, sometimes it’s the beautiful locations or if I’m photographing talent that I am particularly interested in.

LBB> If the project is for a brand that you're not familiar with/ don’t have a big affinity with or a market you're new to, how important is it for you to do research and understand that  strategic and contextual side of the ad? If it’s important to you, how do you do it?  

Connor> I generally like to spend a decent amount of time learning about the brand. I do a lot of research into the brands history, looking at their previous campaigns, their social media content, their target audience and their overall ethos as a company. It helps me to understand their motives and what they want to achieve. 

LBB> For you, what is the most important working relationship for a photographer to have with another person in making an ad? And why? 

Connor> For me it is all about trust. Trusting one another’s ideas, not sticking to what’s comfortable and not being afraid to experiment with new ideas. Trust is really important to me, and another important thing is fun – always have fun with it! 

LBB> What type of work are you most passionate about - is there a particular genre or subject  matter or style you are most drawn to? 

Connor> I am really passionate about working with different charities and producing content that can go a long way for the greater good. I’ve been blessed to have produced  some work for a charity called Project Vita in Mozambique, as well as other work for a charity in Bangladesh. I’ve been super blessed with talent that allows me to live an exciting life, so whenever I can partner with different charities on projects, I am all in. I am currently in the early stages of a personal project, sadly I can’t say much about it yet but it revolves around refugees and I’m really excited to have got it underway. 

LBB> What are your thoughts on opening up the production world to a more diverse pool of talent? Are you open to mentoring and apprenticeships on set?  

Connor> I’m all for it. I am always open to mentoring talent on set. I have done it many times and I really enjoy it. It’s hugely fulfilling to come across and help younger talent, they  are so hungry to learn and it reminds me of myself when I was starting out. I was mentored by a few people when I was in my late teens/early twenties and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their help and support. So I will always strive to pass on the knowledge that was given to me.

LBB> Your work is now presented in so many different formats - to what extent do you keep each in mind while you're working (and, equally, to what degree is it possible to do so)?  

Connor> I know, I can’t keep up sometimes! If it’s work that I’m presenting myself, I try not to think too much about it and just stick to my guns which is my Instagram, Vimeo and  website. If it is work that I am producing for a client then I always make sure we discuss beforehand how the content is going to be presented. It of course helps inform my decision-making process and how I will shoot it, before we even get on  set. 

LBB> What’s your relationship with new technology and, if at all, how do you incorporate future- facing tech into your work? 

Connor> I don’t religiously research or jump on the latest technology coming out straight  away, but I do like to keep somewhat plugged in to what’s new, what’s interesting and how certain lights, lenses and different cameras can help me elevate my work. I personally still love the art and process of film photography, and being in a dark room. I don’t think any new technology will overtake that feeling of physically holding your work in your hands. 

LBB> Which pieces of work do you feel really show off what you do best – and why?  

Connor> I would say my documentary, portrait, and travel work - it really points to who I am as a person. I absolutely love travelling and will jump at any opportunity to visit a new place and capture it. My passion for documentary photography comes from my love and curiosity for everyday people and their stories. I love that I can incorporate that into advertising as well, a lot of clients are looking to photograph people in a natural, relatable and candid way these days, swaying away from the ‘traditional model’ to more diverse street cast talent, which I absolutely love.