Darkrooms Uncovered - Neil Scott

A peek into a photographer's mental creative darkroom

What does your creative ritual look like? Do you have specific habits or conditions that spark your creativity?

This year I have been taking a daily(ish) walk along three pedestrianised streets in Glasgow (sometimes known as The Golden Z) in an attempt to go beyond inspiration. I want to see if I can find something even if I feel nothing that day.

When you're feeling creatively blocked, what's your go-to method for breaking through?

For me, it's about not thinking, getting out of the way of myself and channeling whatever energy is available in the universe.

Describe a moment when your creative perspective shifted dramatically. What triggered it?

Earlier this year, I realised that every photo I take—whether of a mountain or a molehill—is a kind of self-portrait. If I want to get better, I have to work on myself. For instance, my street photography is sometimes distant and alienated. So I am trying to open up and work on my intentions.

What recurring themes or elements do you find yourself naturally drawn to capture?

People people people! (And buildings) I am fascinated by psychology and what it means to experience the world.

What non-photographic influences (books, music, films, etc.) most impact your work?

Gosh! I realize that most of what I consume is done without any consciousness of influence at all. It all just goes into the mulch of my mind. Recent pleasures have included the books of Geoff Dyer, the art of Martin Creed, the music of Boccherini, and the films of Whit Stillman.

What photograph of yours feels most personally revealing, and why?

This photo of a guy taking a selfie in a pit on the Golden Z feels characteristic of Glasgow and our modern obsession with documentation. I am on the outside looking in, trying to understand.

Find out more about Neil Scott

Website: https://neilscott.substack.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr.neil.scott/

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