We smell the blud of Tyrone Lebon!
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Gentle giant, Tyrone Lebon first found love with photography in the dark room at school and with it an escape from the world. This evening he proudly unveils his debut anthology entitled ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’.
Capturing pictures of friends, loved ones and interesting people at his Brixton studio, Tyrone’s non-invasive photographic techniques allow an individual’s true character to shine through. Intrigued by slightly awkward characters, patient and sensitive to a person’s sense of self, the details Tyrone focuses on in his work are idiosyncratic. Softly spoken, kind and funny Tyrone describes his focus, as the passing of a moment, “It’s about change in life, in relationships, getting older. Photography highlights change, as a moment and all the circumstances that surrounded it are frozen in a picture, life moves on and so looking back at the picture all I see is change.”
Son of internationally acclaimed, much-loved i-D cover snapper Mark Lebon, Tyrone grew up in studios, surrounded by cameras, sitters, reels of film and piles photographs. Entranced by the mystical and magical world the dark room housed, he now too, spends every waking hour, eyes wide open, seeking the next best shot. i-D online sped to the skies and took a minute whispering in the ear of big man Lebon to find out more about his big ideas.
What draws you towards someone, emotionally and physically, which then inspires you to want to take their photograph? It’s hard to describe where that feeling comes from. I think it’s different all the time. But when you’re drawn to someone, for whatever reason, then I normally begin by trying to refind that thing through the camera. Often you learn more and see more in that person through this process and end up capturing a result that can supersede what first drew you to them.
Do you remember the first picture you ever took? Not exactly sure but probably of my brother Frank.
How do you feel when someone takes a picture of you? Most of the time slightly awkward.
What is beauty? Tis in the eye of the beholder.
What cameras do you work? Lots, from half-frame 35mm to 10×8 large format camera. I’m a nerd and love cameras so it changes all the time. But this book [Nothing Lasts Forever] was all shot on Mamiya RZ.
If you could take a picture of anyone in the world who would that be? Maybe Michael Jackson, if he came back from the dead, or Lauren Hill.
If you were to allow a single photographer to take your picture, who would you chose? Harmony Korine, not strictly a photographer, but a big hero of mine.
How do you want your sitters to feel when they see their portraits? I don’t think about that. I hope they like them. I made everyone look a bit miserable. but that’s more of a reflection of what I was after rather than them. They’re a cheerful bunch really.
Where is the most perfect place in the world? Gwenvor Beach in Cornwall on a sunny day with nice surf.
Where does success lie for you? Being content.
Text: Milly McMahon
Photgography: Tyrone Lebon
