My Dear Watson

I have always preferred to work in monochrome. With good printers
that can achieve a wide and true breadth in tonal range, the results
in a portrait can be very powerful. Of course, some pictures work
better in colour, especially if the colour of the subject is what
defines it, but with this Lowland gorilla, there was no debate: it
had to be a black-and-white portrait. The best results are when the
lighting is soft and even, like on this cloudy morning. As a proud
Scot, I am honoured to be represented in the same stable as two
of my peers from my homeland – Harry Benson and Albert Watson.
They are paragons in their field and have consistently preferred
to work in monochrome. Albert Watson has always refused to be
categorised. The one constant has been the artistic beauty of his
black-and-white prints. I remember being transfixed by his work
with a young Kate Moss in Marrakesh. The shot of her arched back is
a masterpiece. Photographing this gorilla is a world removed from
working with Kate, but Albert was in my mind as we printed this.
I am in awe of my printer – a portrait like this is the result of true
collaboration.