Q&A with Charlie Gray

We sit down with the renowned photographer and friend of the brand to discuss his recent work and style inspirations.

Do you have a favourite film? Or favourite living person?
One of my favourite films is Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas. Everything about it is perfect from the acting, cinematography to the impeccable styling – much of which was by Giorgio Armani. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to photograph Robert De Niro, his acting has captivated me since my early teens.

If you were Mayor of London what would be your first task?
If was mayor, I’d work with professional sports teams to open youth clubs. The gang culture has spiralled out of control because children have nowhere to go, nothing constructive to do and no role models – sport offers all of those.

Do you have a favourite band? Can you sing?
There’s so much music in the world to love, it affects my choices of styling for shoots and helps me set the tone on set. I love The Beatles with all my heart but I think The Rolling Stones are my favourite band. When I was at school they put me on the back row of the orchestra or sometimes out the room as my singing was so bad – in-fact some described it as shouting!

If you had to describe your style in one word, what would it be?
Photographer-rock.

Did you always want to be a photographer?
I discovered photography at University and since that first project I have been single-minded in my love for the medium.

Who’s been your favourite subject to photograph and why?
There are so many actors who I hold my time with dear as I believe in their abilities, however Taron Egerton is someone I have admired for a long time and am delighted to have worked with twice recently in association with his amazing performance of Elton John in Rocketman.

What would be your ideal setting for a photoshoot?
I love natural light but most importantly is an environment that allows play.

What’s next for Mr. Gray?
I am off to LA to shoot some very exciting names and hopefully starting to work with a respected agent to take my work to the next level.