The art through a banker’s lens

Photographer Stuart Lawson, born in the United Kingdom, began his career as an international banker at the age of 21, working in some of the world’s leading banks. Currently a member of the supervisory board of one of Uzbekistan’s prominent banks, Stuart resides in the south of France with his wife, Anna, and son, Alex. On December 12th, one of Tashkent's notable galleries opened a solo exhibition by Lawson titled “Hyères: Faces of Provence.” The exhibition celebrates the residents of Hyères, one of the oldest resort towns on the French Riviera, showcasing photographs that capture their lives and daily routines. The display also includes the photographer's projects dedicated to the aesthetic of ballet and traditional Uzbek folk dance. The exhibition is organized with the support of the French Embassy.

Stuart Lawson spoke to ELLE O`zbekiston, sharing his creative journey and insights into his work.

ELLE: How did you begin your career in photography? 

My passion for photography began at an early age, around ten. Traveling the world allowed me to build a diverse portfolio. However, my true love for the craft emerged nine years ago when I had the opportunity to capture the behind-the-scenes life of ballet in Perm. This experience became a source of inspiration. Over the next three years, I traveled regularly from Moscow to Perm, creating an extensive collection of more than 10,000 photographs. These works laid the foundation for two published books on the backstage world of ballet and several international exhibitions.

ELLE: What has been your most memorable project or shoot?

One of the highlights was my first major exhibition, which I organized in partnership with Hyatt Hotels and Porsche. The shoot featured leading ballet dancers from Moscow’s top theaters. One of the most challenging shots was orchestrating the “flying swans” in the hotel’s elevator. We did the shoot at night to avoid disturbing the guests, and to this day, it remains one of my favorite images.

ELLE: What is the strangest or most unexpected moment you’ve experienced during a photoshoot?

During a nighttime shoot in the mountains near our home, my wife Anna, who designs her gowns, was posing in one of her dresses. During the last shot, we heard rustling in the bushes. A wild boar was staring at us, clearly intrigued by her dress. That moment brought a unique emotional depth to the photographs, as Anna’s expression captured a mix of surprise and a touch of fear!

ELLE: Is there an object, location, or person you’ve never photographed but would love to? 

I dream of doing a shoot at Salar de Uyuni, the salt flats of Bolivia. The landscape, with its endless horizon and mirrored reflections, is perfect for creating surreal imagery, whether it’s a fashion shoot or one involving dancers.

ELLE: What skills do you think are most important for a successful photographer? 

Ansell Adams, the famous American landscape photographer, said, ‘The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it.’ I completely agree. While technical skills are essential, the key lies in composition, understanding light, and the ability to adapt. Especially in portrait photography, it’s critical to build a connection with the subject to break the barrier of the camera and reveal their natural essence.

ELLE: How do you plan your shoots? Do you have a specific preparation process? 

For ballet shoots, I try to become invisible to the performers so as not to distract them. In studio work, planning is vital: I meticulously set up the lighting and test effects before the model arrives. Notably, my “Dancer’s Soul” series was created without any digital post-processing. For portrait photography, helping the person relax is key, and this often takes time.

ELLE: Who or what inspires you in your work? 

In my studio shots of dancers in motion (“Dancer’s Soul” series), I aim to capture the essence of the dancer, not just their skill, but also the emotions they are seeking to convey. It’s about making the invisible visible. In the portrait series “Hyères,” I wanted to express my affection for the town we now call home, highlighting the character, diversity, and warmth of the people working in its shops and studios.

ELLE: If you could photograph any fictional character, who would it be, and how would you capture them?

I would choose Woland from Bulgakov’s “The Master and Margarita.” His charisma and mystery would make for a fascinating and, at the same time, risky creative process.

ELLE: Do you have a dream or project you aspire to achieve? 

I would love to create a portfolio dedicated to dancers from around the world. Each series would include three elements: informal photos showing dancers “off-stage” in a relaxed setting, formal portraits of dancers in their costumes, and, finally, my interpretation, where I strive to capture the unseen in movement and emotion.

ELLE: Could you tell us more about your upcoming exhibition in Tashkent? 

I’m delighted that the French Embassy in Uzbekistan agreed to sponsor this exhibition, which features photographs of my hometown, Hyères, in the south of France, along with the series “Uzbek Colours,” dedicated to the incredible folk dancers of the Bakhor dance ensemble. The Hyères exhibition includes 60 photographs: portraits of welcoming artisans and shop owners, as well as images of the town and its surroundings. My goal was to convey the charm and beauty of this historic town, with its rich medieval and Victorian heritage, a true gem of the Cote D’Azure, French Riviera. The “Uzbek Colours” series consists of eight large-scale conceptual photographs that celebrate the dancers’ energy and the vibrant hues of their traditional costumes.

ELLE: Are there photographers whose work you admire or find inspiring?

Peter Lindbergh, the iconic fashion photographer. His images ushered in the supermodel, but more than that, he combined high fashion with a sense of intimacy connecting with the models to allow them to display their characters.

Photos are provided by Stuart Lawson.