id003: Finn Harney
Irish photographer, Finn Harney, has been on our watch list for quite some time now. His unique, almost-voyeur style of imagery stands out from the crowd as he focuses on capturing subjects ‘off gaurd’.
Age: 21
From: Kildare, Ireland
Height: 5’9”
Horoscope: Aries
Finn Harney
Tell us a bit about yourself!
My name is Finn, I’m 21 and I live in London. I only moved here like 3 months ago. I’m from Kildare, but I grew up on the border of Wicklow and I went to school there too. I’m a photographer and visual artist. I studied photography in college but dropped out after first year.
How did you start in photography? What was it that appealed to you about it as a career?
With portraits! I got started by hitting up musicians through Instagram and asking to shoot their gigs. It’s still my favourite way to work with people. I love being able to get to the point straight away and that’s the best tool for it. Most of my favourite work has happened by doing this. Don’t ever underestimate how useful social media can be as a tool when used correctly.
Tell us about your photography style? It’s quite raw and authentic.
My philosophy on photography is that it isn’t an art form on its own. I see photography as a tool to capture a split second and it should be honest and authentic when doing so. I really like to make space for people to be open and honest when I’m shooting, by just being open and honest myself. I don’t think there’s much more you can do than that. I kind of discovered this by just being tired of people being over posed when I started taking photos and I just developed a way around it by trying to catch my subjects off guard slightly.
What equipment are you currently using? What’s your most expensive piece you’ve bought?
I’m a big believer in it’s never the camera and always the photographer. My most expensive piece is my Zenza Bronica Etrsi and this is relatively cheap for cameras. All of my kit is the cheapest option that was available to me at the time. I don’t ever really upgrade my gear unless I have to. I mainly shoot Nikon though.
What photographers are you inspired by and why?
At the moment I’m really enjoying Cian Moore, Joshua Gordon and Juergen Teller. All of them are a huge inspiration for different reasons. I love Cian’s approach and philosophy towards photography and the ideas behind his images. Juergen’s work is incredible. Every time I see one of his images I either love it or hate it, and being able to make everyone have an opinion is what makes a great artist in my opinion.
Joshua has always been a huge inspiration for me ever since I found out about him. It can be hard to see yourself in certain places due to there not being many prominent Irish fashion photographers today, but he is someone that I look to for reassurance that it is possible.
You recently moved to London. How has that been so far?
It’s going really well! I’m here almost 3 months and I’ve loved every second of it. It’s the first time where I am fully independent so it’s taking some getting used to but I wouldn’t change it. For a few years I’ve wanted to be in a city where I feel like I can make a career and London could be that city. I’ve been doing some interesting work that should be out soon!
Who would be your dream collaboration in terms of brand or person?
It would have to be an editorial with A$AP Mob for sure. I’ve been obsessed with that 2012-2016 era of New York and A$AP are definitely the most prevalent artists to come from that time. Looking at the AWGE tapes and Cozy Tapes, they’re energy together is incredible. It’s something I need to document.
Follow @finnharney on Instagram.
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Next up in our iD interview series is the hottest event photographer in town right now, Kodak Dan. His work has been causing a stir as he has been recognised by some of Ireland’s favourite electronic artists and clubs to capture intimate nightlife moments.