We know how lucky we are to work with such talented photographers at our homes around the world. Today on Soul People we interview Jamie Mitchell, resident snapper in Kerala.
Words by Rachel Lingham | Photography by Jamie Mitchell | 2nd December ‘19
This car - we think our Ambassador is the most photogenic car. Ever.
Where is home for you?
I was born and raised in Newquay, Cornwall. Brighton was my home for a few years when I was studying for my degree and I miss the place dearly but I found my way back home pretty quickly, it’s a hard place to beat Newquay… But for the last 10 years I’ve never been in one spot for longer than 6 months, so I’m good at settling quickly into new environments.
How did you get into photography?
Tough one… Growing up I loved making little skate videos with my friends but I never took them seriously, it wasn’t until university that I really fell in love with the art form. I studied illustration but by my final year I spent a lot of time in the photography department, sponging as much information as possible. I moved back home and found a marketing / product photography job at my local surf shop where I could develop my skills. I was completely self funded, whenever I got paid, the money went right back into buying new gear which has been massively beneficial in being able to take my job abroad, although it’s left me with an empty bank account.
What does a typical day at work at Soul & Surf look like?
Ready?
So yeah… Eat, Sleep, Clean, Drive, Shoot, Drive, Clean, Socialise, Edit, Organise, Socialise… Repeat!
Dreamy surf sessions at Edava
Best and worst things about shooting somewhere like Kerala?
Worst - Humidity. Everything is slightly damp which makes setting up the waterproof housing a real challenge. Shallow waves and heavy breaks mean eating a lot of sand. Sand… It goes everywhere!
Best - Kerala is the most beautiful place I’ve ever lived. The morning light and the general colours of the surroundings are gorgeous, the surf is awesome and the lineup is empty. Also beach dogs and banana balls...
What / who inspires you:
I never want someone to say “You could have worked harder.” Personal development is my main inspiration, I constantly strive to be better at what I do. I believe inspiration comes subconsciously in dribs and drabs from what you surround yourself with...I grew up with my dads rock n’ roll, and then found my own love for British hip-hop in Brighton (not to be confused with grime...just saying). I grew up skating and surfing so surf-town culture was a pretty big influence. Films are pretty big for me as well, cult classics like Lords of Dogtown and Point Break are at the top of my list.
What does Soul mean to you?
For me, Soul defines any moment when I’m present. It could be looking through the lens of my film camera, paddling out for a surf, sitting in the impact zone waiting for the shot of the day, driving around Kerala on my bike with some tunes on… Clarity derived from exertion, those moments where you achieve complete mental and physical synchronicity. Where nothing is more important than the moment and activity in-front of you.
Surfing here is about so much more than catching waves
All photography by Jamie Mitchell
