How Falmouth alumnus Edd Carr is pushing the boundaries of sustainable photography

If it wasn’t for the support of the technicians who helped me to learn so many new skills, I would not be in the position I am today.

How did the course help to shape your creative practice?

The Marine & Natural History Photography course completely transformed both my creative practice and my way of thinking about the natural world. Regarding the latter, my tutor Daro Montag exposed me to ideas on ecological thinking that were radically different from the norm, and much more engaged with a contemporary understanding of the nonhuman world as autonomous and alive. At the same time, we had an analogue photography module in the first year and I fell in love with the material, tactile nature of analogue photography.

Combined with my new ideas on radical ecology, I felt that my digital landscape practice was lacking, in that it was an artificial representation of our living relationship with the natural world. By getting my hands dirty with analogue processes, I felt much more engaged with the physical realm, even if I wasn’t out in a forest or on a windswept beach.

The photography technicians at Falmouth were incredible in supporting my journey into analogue processes. Any process I wished to learn or any mad experiment I wanted to try, they made every effort to help me. I can say for certain that if it wasn’t for the support of the technicians who helped me to learn so many new skills, I would not be in the position I am today. Their knowledge, patience and dedication transformed me from an average digital photographer to the artist I am now.

How do you think studying at Falmouth prepared you for your career?

Studying at Falmouth greatly transformed my way of thinking, as well as hugely expanding my skillset via the technical support I was offered. Additionally, the academic aspects of the course, in particular the dissertation and associated research, were invaluable in developing my critical writing abilities. After graduating from Falmouth, I went on to study an MA at the Royal College of Art which led to my role in The Sustainable Darkroom, the world’s first charity researching sustainable materials in photography, as well as other career opportunities.

Use your time at university to push your practice in different directions as this may open doors in the future.

You’ve won awards and exhibited internationally - which moment has been a particular career highlight?

The documentary I was commissioned to make on The Sustainable Darkroom for DoBeDo’s project’s Reely and Truly series was a highlight for me. I was commissioned to make this piece of work by the fashion photographer, Tyrone Lebon, who has been a huge influence on my practice and decision to study photography. In particular, his work in sequencing still images for music videos led to my own practice of sequencing cyanotypes, which I am known for today.

Beyond that, I would say the work I do with emerging artists and other practitioners through The Sustainable Darkroom is also very rewarding. Teaching sustainable methods to others, as well as supporting them in their careers, is the aspect of my work I find most gratifying.

Can you describe how you bring sustainability into your work?

I co-direct The Sustainable Darkroom, an organisation founded in 2019 by Hannah Fletcher, which leads the research, development and education of sustainable materials in photography. This can range from developing analogue film in low-toxic extracts made from plants and building cameras powered by solar energy, to reworking a darkroom’s waste treatment system. We teach workshops, publish books and host events, such as symposiums or gallery openings on this theme. In fact, we recently co-hosted a symposium at Falmouth University’s Institute of Photography last summer.

The ecological processes developed at The Sustainable Darkroom then feed into my own practice. For example, the documentary I made for DoBeDo was mostly shot on Super 8 film and then processed in coffee and food waste.

You’ve worked with some big commercial clients, could you talk about a project you’re particularly proud of?

Most recently I was commissioned to make a music video for the band, Deftones. The entire video was printed as cyanotype, meaning several thousand frames printed and animated as cyanotype. Although I only had a two-week turnaround to make the video, meaning I was printing hundreds of frames per day without much sleep, it was a fun project to work on as, visually, I was given free rein. Additionally, Deftones have been a popular band since I was a kid, with my older brother being a big fan, so it was nice to work on something as an adult that had featured early in my childhood.

What advice would you give to current Falmouth students who want to follow a similar path?

First of all, make the most of the facilities and support of the technicians. I can’t overstate how helpful they were to my development, and once you graduate, that level of access and guidance is no longer guaranteed. So, with that in mind, make the most of the facilities – experiment with different processes and equipment. Use your time at university to push your practice in different directions as this may open doors in the future or lead you down an entirely new creative path, as it did with me.

In terms of general advice, I would say that one of the most important things is to not give up and learn how to weather rejection. After graduating, you will be faced with applications for funding, exhibitions, residencies, jobs, and so on. Realistically, most of them won’t be successful so remember to not take it personally and stay determined.

What’s next for the future?

I am currently planning my first feature film so I’m in the process of exploring funding and development opportunities. The film is set in the North York Moors, my home landscape, and it’s a coming-of-age story with the subtext of climate change and ecological crisis. I have wanted to develop features for a while now and have several ideas for them, so I am hoping this will be the beginning. I recently applied for BFI support, so fingers crossed!

See more of Edd's work:
Instagram: @_eddcarr_
Website: https://eddcarr.co.uk/

Explore Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons)