The Thousands

Portrait photography is interesting stuff. As well as the subject and their surroundings, you can always get a sense of the vibe between them and the photographer. Very often that vibe is a big fat blank, and that is because there is nothing there, save the desire to get a good shot for the weekend magazine. With the work of more famous photographers, there is often a feeling of mutual respect, of letting their guard down a little. That’s when it gets good.

Better yet is portrait photography from within a subculture. People doing their thing, with photos taken by someone who would be there anyway. A warmth is exchanged, an unforced connection that can be felt when viewing the results. Two x Two is a great example of this. Lauren Bamford and Karl Scullin are immersed in the Melbourne creative scene, as photographers, artists in their own right (Karl is Kes Band) and most importantly, friends.

Fortunately, they’re also highly skilled and experienced with their cameras, so the portraits they’ve collected here of familiar characters including Rowland S. Howard, Fabulous Diamonds, Beaches, Eddy Current, Trotski & Ash are both atmospherically and technically on point. There’s even a pic of Lauren’s grandma. Cuuuute!