Ok, let's go into our interview...
What are you wearing?
Breton Mariniere stripy top and HebTroCo selvedge jeans. (that's some serious attire...)
Who are you and what it is that you do? My name is Nick, and I'm a photographer. I've done all sorts of photography over the past 30 years, but I'm fascinated by people and places - so that's what I photograph whenever I can - for money or just for fun.
How do you know us?
I met Zulfi at a London bike show a while back. Later, I bought my Nip-Out musette (online) because I loved what he and Greta were doing, and their values chimed with mine. When the nip-out needed a repair, it was really meaningful to me that the person repairing it was the one who'd made it in the first place (along with a very swift repair and a personal apology). Last year, while I was planning my project "Free Movement Stories" I thought of Greta and Zulfi: a Lithuanian and a Brit, living in Ireland - a perfect example of taking advantage of the EU's free movement rights. I chatted to them and they agreed to be photographed for the project and invited me to stay at their place. Beers were drunk, curries eaten, photos made, and I am now pleased to call them my friends.
What have you recently been working on? My most recent long-term project is "Free Movement Stories" - a photo essay about freedom of movement rights, made up of portraits and interviews with EU citizens using their rights to live, study, work wherever in the EU they could; people who's businesses depend on free movement, people whose families are multinational, living in one or another's home country (or neither, but being expats together). In all 27 EU states (but not the UK - more on that later).This all took place within five months, from November 2018 to March 2019, so that I could finish before the original Brexit Day. The project became a blog, which, in November 2019 - a full year after I started - became a book.
What do you enjoy the most and what do you tend to leave to the very end of your to do list… ? Left to my own devices, I always prioritise photography. I carry a camera with me everywhere - a Fuji X100f, perfect for street photography - because you never know when you'll see something or someone amazing. Also, I carry business cards, so if I want to make an impromptu portrait I can give the sitter a way to get in touch and receive their picture.My very least favourite thing to do? Urgh... That's a toss-up between my tax return (It's January, that's what I'm putting off right now) because forms are Kryptonite for dyslexic people like me, and cold-calling. I'm quite shy: I hide it well, and I like people, but I really don't get on with phones. I'd rather shoot a wedding than cold call a prospective client. Weird, isn't it? (Greta totally avoids the phone at all costs. email only if possible, so we're with you on that one 50%!)
What is your favourite thing about travelling? My absolute favourite thing about travelling is discovery. My personal motto is "Let's Find Out!" and I love finding out about new people, new places, and sampling local food and drink... I love seeing new places through the eyes and words of a local.
Do you have a nickname? (we try this question on most people and never get an answer until today!!!)
I do have a nickname, yes: quite a lot of my mates call me Jack, as I apparently look like Jack Dee (British comedian). I don't think I do, but I know that's not how nicknames work.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be and why? If I could live anywhere in the world, I'd choose... now this IS difficult. I love British Columbia, Canada (I'm a mountain biker, and it has some of the best riding in the world) and the Pacific North-West of the USA (for pretty much the same reason), but I also love Italy, Switzerland and Slovenia, Lithuanian beers and cheeses, and Ireland's people, culture and sense of humour. Oh, and Romania is super-friendly. Please don't make me choose... Okay, okay, I'm saying Slovenia, but I'd have to visit (everywhere) again, just to be sure.
Spots or Stripes? Stripes - although spots make great linings! Sorry guys.
So was that at all what you expected him to say? Freedom of movement stories? We were so so so pleased to be a part of it. Thanks, Nick. If you're interested in Nicks work in general visit his website or if the book intrigued you, you can check it out here. We strongly suggest to buy one! There are some unbelievable stories in it, like The Journeymen in Ireland. We've never heard of them before Nick told us the story. Journey men are craftsmen completing a compulsory period of free wandering for at least three years. They wear a uniform!!!!!!! They look like someone out of a children's book. Anyway, that's that for now! See below - a few photos Nick wanted to share with us and you.
Much love and respect, Greta & Zulfi |
