Friends - Douglas Fisher
Photographer & Retoucher. London
Doug described himself as a photographer and retoucher, but we see him as much more - an image maker, innovator and pioneer in visual storytelling.
Throughout our collaboration, Doug has consistently brought innovation and inventive approaches to complex projects that seem relatively straightforward today but were cutting-edge and highly creative 20 years ago.
When we began working with Nike, the standard approach to athlete photography was quite static. Despite limited time with athletes, we pioneered ways to create compelling visual narratives that resonated deeply with both the athletes and their clubs, encouraging greater participation in our photoshoots.
Doug's background was in automotive photography and that proved invaluable. His ability to make a stationary car appear to be moving at 100 mph translated perfectly to capturing dynamic images of athletes and football shoes. We reasoned that if he could bring such movement to automobiles, he could do the same with sports photography. Back then there was such thing as dynamic athlete photography.
It's fair to say that without Doug's contribution, Rosie Lee as we know it might not exist. He helped us pioneer storytelling across some of our greatest projects, from our very first collaborations with Rio Ferdinand, Nike 5, Manchester United, Arsenal, Celtic and England Rugby. Thank You!
How would you describe yourself, and what drives you?
Motivated, creative and a perfectionist! I love problem solving, whether it’s a creative or a technical problem, and that approach has driven a lot of my major career highlights.
What pivotal moments have shaped your journey so far?
Probably one of the earliest was a shoot for Rosie Lee. Everywhere at Once campaign for Nike. A key part of the project was to creatively solve a problem where we needed many hundreds of versions of Rio Ferdinand reflected throughout the environment.
What is your relationship with Rosie Lee, Unorthodox Blend, and/or Mark & Russell?
My relationship started when Rosie Lee was just a few people working out of a basement in Shoreditch. We collaborated on many sports projects where RL, and in particular Mark, wanted to push the boundaries creatively. I would like to think we pushed each other creatively and I certainly felt strong support for my work from Mark and the whole Rosie Lee team over the years.
What has come out of any relationship and collaborations?
I built a very strong portfolio of images and landed up working for some more great clients over the years because of the calibre of work Rosie Lee was producing.
What does being unorthodox mean to you in your work?
Thinking outside the box, being agile and looking to solve problems others shy away from.
What beliefs have guided you through tough decisions?
Self belief and hard work.
What challenge in your field of work is often overlooked?
Time - a lot of clients don’t allow enough time for the concept to gel and ideas to start flowing.
How do you balance creativity with structure / order with chaos?
I’m pretty much of a control freak! I like to be prepared with everything I do, otherwise I don’t feel comfortable.
What cultural shifts are you noticing in your field of work?
From a sleek highly advertising look at the start of my work to a much more raw and natural look. Plus the change in tools and techniques.
If you could master any skill instantly, what would it be?
Language! Communication is key!
What’s one experience everyone should have at least once?
Finding out the most important things in life don’t necessarily revolve around work.
What has inspired you lately?
I’m doing a deep dive into Ai. Amazing, Brilliant.
Health and wellbeing.
Can you please provide details of 3 of those inspirations so that we can share them with
Hmmm? Rockwater in Poole on a Sunny morning, 10% Human by Alanna Cohen, Game Changers - the Movie. And a bonus - The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth.
What advice would you give to young people starting out in their career?
Learn about Health, it’s the foundation of life, not just your career. No one tells you what really true health is, and don’t rely on the professionals, do your own research.
Learn about Finance, You don’t get taught that when you are young.
Learn About Yourself.
How can people connect with you, get involved or take part in any of the projects you’ve highlighted above?
Watch this space - I’m involved in several projects at the moment that range from Ai through to well being.
Bonus Question from Tom
With the incredibly distracting and ever-present screen-based technology around us, how do you keep yourself happy, healthy and focused on what you do, away from the screens, whilst needing to rely on digital information to some extent?
What question would you like us to ask the next person?
What is the most important lesson life has taught you so far?
Not a big social media player! I try to keep a more low key existence these days, but feel free to connect through my website.
Website: www.douglasfisher.co.uk
