Portfolio Review: Graffiti And Street Photographer William Robson-Scott

None

William Robson-Scott came to our attention as one half of Crack And Shine. The project, which culminated in two very neatly presented books, documents the most prolific writers on the contemporary graffiti scene. As a result, Robson-Scott's photographed from London to Sydney, and back, finding in his travels a distinct outlook and refining a personal style.

Robson-Scott's individual take on photography is apparent in his most recent series, Top Deck, which documents life in London from the top of a double decker bus over a two year period. The work is revealing, both of the Big Smoke and of Robson-Scott's interest in human stories. Another project, In Dogs We Trust, details the relationship of men to their pets through candid portraits. In all his work, Robson-Scott focuses on the essential character of his subjects, making his photographs immediately appealing.

We connected with William Robson-Scott to discuss his favorite photographs and get the stories behind them.

Check out William Robson-Scott's favorite photographs.

Yo, Bax, Bobo, And Daisey

Yo and his pack of dogs in his back garden in Venice. What else is better then sitting by your fire with all your dogs.

Exit Festival

In 2007, it seemed like the whole of London emigrated to Serbia for this festival. It was full of debauchery, especially with the Eastern European back drop. It was also immense fun.

Dietrich, Steve, And Major

Dietrich is a dog trainer and breeder. He's a very interesting guy. Major, the dog, is an attack trained pit. And, this is the training.

HORFE

HORFE is as Parisian as a block of cheese and a baguette. I'm a true believer of being a product of your environment, and he and his friends are what is good about Paris. He is amazingly original in his artwork, many graff writers do not successfully cross over into fine art well, but Horfe's work is something else. He also bombs Paris with intense dedication.

May Day

This is the first photography I took that made me think I can do this. It was at the May Day demonstrations in 2002, which turned into a mini riot. The riots in England this Summer got severely out of hand , and now the people involved are getting lengthy prison. There obviously has to be consequences if you loot shop, but it's very easy to get caught up in things.

Earsnot

My interest in Graffiti has brought all the across the world and introduced many friends. I feel I owe graff something, as its really what got me into photography in the first place. Writers are always characters and Earsnot is one of those one-of-a-kind individuals.

Martin And Ruby

I always get a bit nervous before a shoot, I think it's healthy. But, when shooting Martin Parr I was very nervous. Martin Parr is probably one of the most famous living English photographers, he questioned my techniques which didn't settle the nerves. However, he was very accommodating, and he used the photo for one of his catalogues which was nice.

VFR:King

'Nuff said.

Andre

You always have preconceptions about people before you shoot them. I didn't know what expect with Andre, but he actually turned out to be most humble, nice guy ever, he is the definition term graffiti entrepreneur.

Matty And Sid

I like shooting people in their natural habitat, homes, local pubs, or bars. Wherever they feel most comfortable. This was shoot in the Haringey Arms in North London, a home away from home for Matty and Sid.

149

This is an outtake from Top Deck, a project focusing on the view from the top deck of London buses. The photo is taken from the 149 bus on Kingsland Rd, and area in London that was traditionally working class and is now being taken over by graphic designers (and people like me, I guess). This image screams stereotype, but so what.

Amsterdam

This is an outtake of the book Crack and Shine Intl. I'm very proud of the book, the other half of the book's mum (Freddie Fraser Forsyth's mum) asked why he was cleaning the train, the actual polar opposite is happening.

SW15

Somebody once asked if the photo was of a terrorist. It isn't. To do graffiti in London, it feels like you have to take the same precautions and face similar punishment though.

Double S Kennels

This was taken at the Double S Kennels in Compton, CA. They breed some of the most amazing bully dogs. LA, I have love/hate relationship with. I don't drive, which is probably were the frustration comes from. Dog culture in LA has a lot of parallels to car culture, everyone wants the most souped exclusive product and this is what Double S deal in

Billy Brown

Billy was a true East London character. You could tell something was up with him. He was found dead in his flat about a month after taking this photo. R.I.P