This week we chat with South Croydon photographer, Phil Lewis to find out more about his upcoming exhibition at Croydon Clocktower’s Click Clock gallery, which opens on 5 January. As a photo journalist, Phil has photographed many notable people, including President Donald Trump and Kamala Harris (as part of the US election coverage), members of the Royal Family, Barack Obama, Malala, David Beckham, Lady Gaga, and Tom Cruise to name just a few. The exhibition marks the first time that most of these images have ever been framed, displayed, or in some cases even seen by the public. Phil is thrilled to debut this collection in his hometown, sharing the people, places, and moments he has witnessed through his lens.

Croydonist: First of all, Croydon native or convert, and what area do you call home? 

Phil: A convert, well South Croydon is home but my heart is in the Grenadines – It’s hotter there!

Croydonist: You’re a photographer working as a professional media photographer/photo journalist. How did you get to where you are today? 

Phil: My interest in photography began at a very young age. I grew up looking through family photo albums, fascinated by how moments could be captured and preserved. I was fortunate to have access to a camera early on, and a relative taught me how to develop film in a darkroom, which gave me my first real insight into the technical side of photography. Life later took a different direction when I moved to the United States and followed another career path. However, photography was never far from me – I was always known for having a camera close by. No matter where I was or what I was doing, I continued to document life through images. Over time, photography kept pulling me back, and eventually I decided to fully commit to it as a profession. I started working with a small local newspaper and outlets, where I gained hands-on experience covering events and learning the fast-paced nature of media photography. From there, I found a niche in celebrity photography, which helped me develop my confidence, technical ability, and professional reputation. As my career progressed, I naturally moved into more journalism-based photography, telling real-life stories through powerful images. Each stage of my journey built on the last, leading me to where I am today as a media photographer and photojournalist.

Croydonist: You have an exhibition opening at the Click Clock gallery in the new year – can you tell us about it? 

Phil: The exhibition is a cross section of my photography: social, travel, celebrity and politics. The exhibition shows some iconic images of some of the people and places I’ve photographed. It will probably be the only time all these images will ever ‘meet’ each other and be shown together. I hope it encourages curiosity and conversations, reflections, or even just a moment of excitement.

Croydonist: What’s your favourite photo in the exhibition? 

Phil: It’s Bob Beamon – I was about 10 and learned about his remarkable journey as a young man right up to him winning an Olympic gold medal and breaking the long jump world record. His quote “If my dreams can happen to me, your dreams can happen to you. Champions are not made on the track or field; champions are made by the things you accomplish and the way you use your abilities in everyday life situations,” resonated with me, even being that young. When I became a photographer life had a way of returning me to the moment that first made my heart jump! Bob Beamon and I ended up in the same room 35 years later, with me taking his picture.

Croydonist: What’s been your most challenging commission to date? 

Phil: Probably working with the US elections, time zone, communication and always never standing down. You don’t always get to enjoy the moment, especially as a foreign journalist. There’s a buzz you get from getting the hard images but there’s often no pat on the back as you’ve already moved on.

Croydonist: What’s your process? How do you take an iconic photo? 

Phil: First thing first (if it’s work related and fast paced) it’s to follow the brief. Find a position (not always comfortable), think ahead (what will I do if someone stands in front of me, where will I go if I’m asked to move, how will I respond if I need something else etc etc). Then go back to what’s my brief (it’s easy to get caught up in the melee), then shoot, shoot, shoot!

Croydonist: Classic interview question – if you had to invite three creatives to a drinks party (dead or alive) who would they be? 

Phil: Photographer Gordon Parks used photography to tell powerful stories about race and society. David Bowie whose insight, creativity and reinvention inspired generations, showing how music can tell stories and challenge norms. Spike Lee transformed Black storytelling in film, pushed boundaries and provoked thought and sparked conversation at a time when people of colour were not the norm on the big screen.

Croydonist: Apart from this exhibition, what’s next for you workwise in the new year? 

Phil: Personally I’d like to do more social photography and exhibitions. Work wise photography with NGO’s and probably more political work as the landscape is rapidly changing.

Croydonist: And finally, what’s your favourite spot in Croydon for inspiration? 

Phil: I love Surrey street market for its diversity and Croham Park Woods for tranquility, both equally inspire me.

Thank you to Phil for chatting with me. To see more of Phil’s work now, check out his Instagram. Or alternatively, wait until 5 January when you can see his exhibition at the Click Clock Gallery in the Clocktower Cafe, open Mon–Sat,  9am–4pm. 

Images courtesy of Phil Lewis (last image – portrait of Phil by Beresford Hodge).

Posted by Julia