Tonight sees the opening of our latest exhibit by Canadian photographer Jordan McGregor, curated by our own Desirée Balma.

Des took some time last week to ask Jordan a few questions about the selected works, his background, drawn to B&W prints, studying up in Vancouver (the Canadian riviera!), passing through London and the complexion of peripatetic photographer vs cityscapes. You can read the interview below,

The prints will be available to buy tonight up at the bar and listed here in the store from tomorrow.

Doors 6 – 11 pm. Macca on tunes ⍡

Who are you and what do you do?

Hey, my name is Jordan McGregor, I’m from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and currently reside in Toronto, Ontario. I’m a photographer who shoots fine art and street photography.

When & where did you get into B+W photography?

I got into shooting B&W street photography about half way through my program, studying digital photography in Vancouver, BC, in 2017. I was drawn to B&W because I found the simplicity of it allowed the viewer to focus more on the images composition and subject matter, rather than bold or distracting colors and gave my images a timeless feel.

Did you take into account the models background, values, and personality while taking their portraits ?

When I’m out on the streets or in public looking for photos, almost all of my images are reactionary. I rarely stop on one street corner or area and wait out images. I continuously move and look for scenes that interest me and react as they unfold. So I never really consider much about the subject before taking the photo. If something, or someone, or the light catches my eye, I snap a photo.

Do you switch mindsets when you’re taking pictures in other countries?

That mostly depends on the country and their culture and norms I suppose. In some countries nobody bats an eye when you’re snapping a photo of them on the street and in other places people can be less receptive to it and don’t want to be photographed in public. I found London very easy to shoot street in, because most of the time it’s so busy and everyone is in such a rush that no one even notices you taking their photo.

What’s the most fascinating thing you can think of about london?

I think it’s diversity and history are fascinating. The history of the buildings and places and the stories that go along with them, and the city’s wide range of cultures and people make it an endlessly interesting city to photograph in.

Why did you cut your 2 year visa short?

I cut my visa short because as great of a city as London can be, it’s also a tough city to live in and after living in 4 different cities in 4 years, I wanted some more stability in my life and chose to move back to Canada.