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- Alys Tomlinson
Alys Tomlinson was born in 1975 and grew up in Brighton, UK. After completing a degree in English Literature, she studied photography at Central Saint Martins and recently completed an MA (Distinction) in Anthropology at SOAS, University of London.
Now based in London, Alys is most interested in the relationship between people and place, exploring themes of environment, belonging and identity. Her major body of work, Ex-Voto, explores Christian pilgrimage sites in Lourdes (France), Ballyvourney (Ireland) and Grabarka (Poland). In 2020, her portrait project Lost Summer documented teenagers in London whose proms had been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Alys is currently co-directing Mother Vera, a feature-length documentary film supported by the Sundance Institute, which focuses on the life of a nun from Belarus.
Recent awards include: Winner of Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2020; nominee Prix Elysée 2020-2022; Rencontres d'Arles New Discovery Award 2019 – Shortlist & Public Prize Winner; Photographer of the Year Award at the 2018 Sony World Photography Awards; 1st Prize (Discovery Category) at the 2018 Sony World Photography Awards. Ex-Voto was published as a book by GOST Books in 2019. Lost Summer was self-published in 2020.
“It’s a huge compliment to be asked to become a Wex Ambassador. Wex are really committed to supporting a wide range of visual storytelling and I admire their dedication to the industry. They recognise the importance of building close relationships with creatives in order to reach wider and more diverse audiences.”
Events
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Introduction Video
Alys Tomlinson | The Wex Ambassador Network
Kit List
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which photographer/filmmaker most inspires you, and why?
-
Photographers include Judith Joy Ross, Paul Strand and Andrea Modica. Filmmakers include Alma Har’el, Andrea Arnold and Pawel Pawlikowski. They all have a thoughtful, still approach that builds intrigue and allows the viewer to connect with the subjects in a deep and layered way.
- What is your most memorable shooting experience?
-
Last summer, balancing on a rocky precipice in the Sardinian mountains in searing heat, with my tripod and large-format camera, photographing local villagers who were wearing intricate masks and costumes.
- What one piece of advice would you offer to people starting out in your industry?
-
Follow your instincts and believe in your work. The industry is highly competitive, but I believe original ideas that are well considered and express the photographer’s intention imaginatively, will always be recognised.
- What is the best shooting tip you've ever received?
-
I have a ‘checklist’ of equipment that I go through before each shoot. I can’t remember who first suggested it, but it puts my mind at ease, particularly if I’m travelling abroad and shooting in a rural or isolated location.
Alys Tomlinson was born in 1975 and grew up in Brighton, UK. After completing a degree in English Literature, she studied photography at Central Saint Martins and recently completed an MA (Distinction) in Anthropology at SOAS, University of London.
Now based in London, Alys is most interested in the relationship between people and place, exploring themes of environment, belonging and identity. Her major body of work, Ex-Voto, explores Christian pilgrimage sites in Lourdes (France), Ballyvourney (Ireland) and Grabarka (Poland). In 2020, her portrait project Lost Summer documented teenagers in London whose proms had been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Alys is currently co-directing Mother Vera, a feature-length documentary film supported by the Sundance Institute, which focuses on the life of a nun from Belarus.
Recent awards include: Winner of Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2020; nominee Prix Elysée 2020-2022; Rencontres d'Arles New Discovery Award 2019 – Shortlist & Public Prize Winner; Photographer of the Year Award at the 2018 Sony World Photography Awards; 1st Prize (Discovery Category) at the 2018 Sony World Photography Awards. Ex-Voto was published as a book by GOST Books in 2019. Lost Summer was self-published in 2020.
“It’s a huge compliment to be asked to become a Wex Ambassador. Wex are really committed to supporting a wide range of visual storytelling and I admire their dedication to the industry. They recognise the importance of building close relationships with creatives in order to reach wider and more diverse audiences.”
Events
Fri 26th February 21 – In Conversation with Alys Tomlinson
Sun 3rd October 21 – Storytelling through Stills with Alys Tomlinson & Sony
View All Events »
Introduction Video
Alys Tomlinson | The Wex Ambassador Network
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which photographer/filmmaker most inspires you, and why?
-
Photographers include Judith Joy Ross, Paul Strand and Andrea Modica. Filmmakers include Alma Har’el, Andrea Arnold and Pawel Pawlikowski. They all have a thoughtful, still approach that builds intrigue and allows the viewer to connect with the subjects in a deep and layered way.
- What is your most memorable shooting experience?
-
Last summer, balancing on a rocky precipice in the Sardinian mountains in searing heat, with my tripod and large-format camera, photographing local villagers who were wearing intricate masks and costumes.
- What one piece of advice would you offer to people starting out in your industry?
-
Follow your instincts and believe in your work. The industry is highly competitive, but I believe original ideas that are well considered and express the photographer’s intention imaginatively, will always be recognised.
- What is the best shooting tip you've ever received?
-
I have a ‘checklist’ of equipment that I go through before each shoot. I can’t remember who first suggested it, but it puts my mind at ease, particularly if I’m travelling abroad and shooting in a rural or isolated location.