Header photo: Studio88 - Site B by photographer Afrofilmviewer with model Emsyloo24 taken at Studio88

We love shining the limelight on fabulous creatives in the PurplePort community to share their unique journeys and creative processes.

In this episode of FEATURED, we interviewed Afrofilmviewer, a PurplePort photographer with more than 8 years of experience based in High Wycombe, United Kingdom.

Awais by photographer Afrofilmviewer

Bad Religion by photographer Afrofilmviewer and model Maleficent taken at Studio88

About PurplePort photographer Afrofilmviewer

Leslie Byron Pitt (Afrofilmviewer) is a photography enthusiast who stems from the leafy suburbs of Buckinghamshire. 

After dabbling with photography for fun in his school days with point-and-shoot cameras, he began to take photography more seriously when he started working on live TV.

Christina by photographer Afrofilmviewer and model Christina M

Starting with a mobile phone, Leslie soon upgraded to a DSLR and fell in love with still imagery. His beautiful images have been featured many times in the Front Page Image (FPI) Collection.

He has dipped into various photographic endeavours and is usually happy to try any genre at least once, but his main photographic interest is taking pictures of people.

This pursuit is one of the main reasons that Leslie finds himself on PurplePort. 

Lia by photographer Afrofilmviewer and model LiaHarlin

Interview with PurplePort photographer Afrofilmviewer

How did you get into photography?

I was interested in photography when I was back at school. I had disposable and digital cameras and took pictures of my school friends from back then. I then became the guy who took his camera on nights out.

My college and university days coincided with the advent of Myspace and Facebook. So I amassed a ton of admittedly naff shots, but I enjoyed the process.

Later on, I moved away from my hometown to work in Live Television. I worked odd hours, and I was away from my friends. So I found myself taking pictures on my walks to the local cinema as well as getting back into taking pictures on nights out.

After my best friend got married, I found myself taking pictures with more of a purpose, and on my 30th birthday, my wife blessed me with a Nikon D3100. Not looked back since.

The Subject by photographer Afrofilmviewer and model Hattie Grace taken at Studio88

What did you do before becoming a photographer?

My main passion is movies. So, I started a film blog at college along with a podcast, and I've been writing and podcasting ever since.

It's not worth me getting into any of my "real" jobs. We'd be here all day!

Lottie by photographer Afrofilmviewer taken at Studio88

How do you prepare for photoshoots?

I feel the most important thing for a photo shoot is preparation. I like to plan and prepare early as it allows more time to improvise. I'm not a huge fan of having a model turn up with random items and trying to make it work.

While I don't shoot anything over-elaborate or extravagant, I do like to make sure that the basics of a shoot are discussed and confirmed quickly when they can be. I like to discuss locations, levels, and budgets ASAP and have them confirmed.

Lost and Found by photographer Afrofilmviewer and model Shannon Louise Harris

I like to work together with models on ideas and themes and try and ensure we're both on the same page. I often ask about outfit colours before a shoot to ensure they work well with the location.

I tend to use my local studio for a lot of my shoots, so I usually detail everything I need days before the shoot. I use mood boards often and delve into photobooks and movies for inspiration.

I'm a geek and prepare my camera bag the night before the shoot. Some may mock this; however, I've never run out of battery in the middle of a shot. I only forgot an SD card once and know which lenses I need to take for the shoot.

Alex - Suited by photographer Afrofilmviewer and model AlexYearwood taken at Studio88

What style of photoshoot do you enjoy working on the most?

I'm not actually sure! I tend to use soft diffused light over hard. I'm happy with shooting both outdoor and indoor locations.

I've been comfortable shooting sporting events and weddings. I've dabbled (slightly) in glamour and erotica. I love a simple 1-2-1 Boudoir/lingerie shoot.

I think I just enjoy taking pictures of people.

Hang Time by photographer Afrofilmviewer and model Abigail Marie taken at Studio88

What's the most interesting photoshoot you've ever worked on?

I had a simple studio shoot set up with a model who, at the start, was going through something with a person she was dating at the time. Halfway through the shoot, the model came out of the dressing room during the break and told me that her partner had broken up with her.

It knocked me for six. We took an extended break, but she was happy to continue.

But due to the incident...the tone changed. So I changed the music from RNB to the Prodigy and watched this model just hit the rest of the shoot out of the park. We've been mates ever since then.

I've really enjoyed the splash tank shoots that Studio 88 have done the last couple of summers. It's allowed me to shoot with models I've already worked with in a previous capacity in a completely different way. This year, I was using a combination of water, gels, and smoke. That was funky.

I did a shoot last year with comedian Bilal Zafar, which had my images appear in Rolling Stone UK.

Again, I don't do the most outlandish shoots, however, the people I met. They're usually interesting—all different walks of life.

Jess - Burford by photographer Afrofilmviewer and model JE Modelling taken at Burford Manor KENT

What do you most enjoy about being a photographer?

I'm in love with the process. I always enjoy the preparation of the shoot and then being able to execute the process. I love looking back at images and realising that I was the person who took the photo.

But another thing? It's great to meet and work with a diverse range of people. Working with people with different skill sets and ranges of creativity.

Studio88 - Site B by photographer Afrofilmviewer with model Emsyloo24 taken at Studio88

What would you describe as your main strengths as a photographer?

I feel you'd have to speak to my subjects about that one. I think I'm pretty biased!

Joking aside, I feel my passion and communication are my main strengths. It's what I try to work on every shoot, and I think it shows when I have people who want to work with me repeatedly.

Alex B/W by photographer Afrofilmviewer and model AlexYearwood taken at Studio88

What's your absolute favourite photo?

It's not on PurplePort. The shots of my friends and family are very important to me.

In 2020, I lost my son, Samuel. In 2021, I lost my daughter, Ava. I feel I only got through this because of the support system around me.

When our third child was born this year, I set about having a picture of him taken with everyone who was with us for our losses.

The first picture I took of my son we had to print and put up on the wall.

However, the picture of my Dad holding him a few days later when we brought him back home? That picture means so much to me.

Image by photographer Afrofilmviewer and model AmarissaCeleste

Is there anyone in particular who inspires you?

This depends. Do you mean here on PurplePort or in general?

On PurplePort, I think Orson Carter is phenomenal. 

Starglider Photography is a superb minimalist photographer of people, and I feel jksphoto doesn't get the love his images deserve.

If we're talking about in general, the list is endless. From Roald Dahl to Spike Lee.

The cinematographers of the 70s, like Gordon Willis to the likes of David Fincher and Denis Villeneuve. Mark Kermode is still an influence on me, as is Ian Wright.

Satisfied Mind by photographer Afrofilmviewer taken at Studio88

What advice would you give to a photographer just starting out?

If you're taking pictures of people, try to understand people better than your camera.

Abbye & Jovi by photographer Afrofilmviewer with models Abbye and Jovi taken at Studio88 and assisted by Marco Bellimbusto

One final question. Pineapple on pizza, yes or no?

My favourite custom Pizza is BBQ sauce base, Pepperoni, Bacon, Pineapple and Jalapeno Peppers. I am a heathen.

Em by photographer Afrofilmviewer and model Emsyloo24

Thanks again for speaking with us and sharing your creative journey, Afrofilmviewer. 

We hope you all enjoyed this interview. Check out the links below for more of Afrofilmviewer's beautiful work!

Here's where you can find more of Afrofilmviewer's work

PurplePort:  Afrofilmviewer

Instagram: afrofilmviewer

TikTok: afrofilmviewer1984

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