THE DANCEFLOOR HAS SPOKEN: Episode 3 - LARRY
The Dancefloor has spoken is back and for the third episode of our newest series, we had the pleasure of chatting with Larry Jordan. The face behind the camera at many London parties, Larry told us about the scene in his home country, Greece, the reasons that brought him to London and how he fell in love with nightlife photography. Larry is not only a great photographer, but also a keen party-goer and his work is deeply influenced by his love for music and the scene. We asked him what makes a great picture at a party and here´s what he answered. Enjoy the interview!
Q: Hello Larry and thanks for taking the time out for this interview with us. You are a very known face for most of our readers, but for those who are not familiar with your name, can you tell us a bit more about yourself? When did you move to London and how did you get into the scene?
A: I moved to London at the end of 2013 as a rave goer and DJ looking for better options, as back in Greece the choice was extremely limited. Funnily enough, a few months later I picked up my first ever DSLR camera, following the advice of a friend that told me I had talent for photography. I quickly learned how to’s of photography and started getting in touch with promoters to offer my work. My first gig ever was Toi-Toi Musik and Isis, the promoter, was extremely helpful with her feedback and tips. She really helped shaping my work ethic in the club, showing me how not to be just another intrusive eye at the party, but to be there and live the moment while capturing them.
Q: You work as a photographer for many events and your creative eye, more in general, must have a very interesting and different perspective on the scene. What do you see and look for at parties, as a photographer? What do you try to capture?
A: It is a very interesting position. It is different to be in a club and looking for those details that are hard to notice in such environments. I strive to capture candid moments, moments that will surprise the person involved. It is the best feeling when people come back to me and thank me for capturing the said moment without them noticing. I like to be discrete and work in the shadow. I’m not there to “spray and pray” or capture generic moments of someone's night out.
Q: You are originally from Greece. Do you still have any contact with the scene there? If so, how would you describe it?
A: It's been quite a few years and I’m not really partying when I go there. I mean, we live in London, the Mecca of parties! If I had to describe the scene in Greece, it would be from when I used to DJ down in central Athens, at Astron Bar in Psyri, or the bars near the port of Thessaloniki. I had amazing nights in many places! Of course, we had a few big clubs and a few morning afters, but they were really all generic and had the same guest DJs all over again. It also kind of lacked of a loyal crowd: the people attending were a bit more random and therefore paying less attention to the actual art of music. You rarely had people discussing acts or Dj sets, it was more “just a night out”, not a real scene. There were a handful of bars and promotions, giving attention to great music, but the frequency of good parties was pretty bad.
Q: Do you think that our scene in London is different from others in other cities? If so, why?
A: The scene in London is incredibly diverse and lively. I haven’t experienced nightlife in many other cities, but I doubt you will get so many options anywhere else in the world.
Q: How do you see the future of clubbing and your job, in a post-pandemic world? We all saw on RA pictures of a club in Hong Kong where people were wearing masks while dancing. How do you feel about those pictures? Can you imagine the same future here?
A: I believe that, as soon as the cure is found and made available globally, things should be going back to normal but with changes.
Thankfully my job is not limiting me to the nightlife: photography is a vast and diverse profession and, at the moment for example, I’m working on portraits, food, drink and products. I have also approached with interest in the 3D world, as camera operator and film producer in games and 3D environments. I have to say though that nightlife photography is my true passion, nothing else feels the same!
The pictures in that Hong Kong club, well … I don’t really have words. The club is a place of connection, sharing and caring. I don’t see the point of going there and being afraid of getting a drink or use the toilet with peace of mind. It will just ruin the whole experience you are after!
I believe we should be patient and compassionate. We all miss it, but it’s better to wait a bit and enjoy it fully!
Interview By / Stefania Trinchero.
Larry Portfolio / https://larryj.photography/
Photo Credit / Larry
Published / 01.07.2020