MPB x Boys by Girls: Interview with Pip Bourdillon

In our latest conversation with the winners from our talent search with Boys by Girls magazine to uncover the next generation of women visual storytellers, we spoke to London-based fashion and portrait photographer Pip Bourdillon. Pip’s work has been featured in publications including LA Times, NME and Sunday Times Culture. We discussed her creative background, kit choices and inspirations. Over to you, Pip.

MPB: Could you tell us more about yourself and your creative background?

PB: I've always been a very visual person and loved creating things. When I was younger I'd spend the weekends planning photoshoots with my best friend and making short films that are super embarrassing to look back on now. It was such a great feeling to create just for the fun of it, without worrying about how it would be received or how to monetize it. I ended up studying Advertising at University as I wanted a more practical career path, but my heart wasn't really in it. After graduating I worked in entertainment PR for a few years. It was an exciting job and I learned so much, but I began to really miss creating things. I'd assisted on shoots a bit before Uni, so I quit my job in PR to focus on assisting and shooting full-time. It was the best decision I ever made!

MPB: The shoot you completed was following a brief of ‘freedom’. Could you tell us more about the body of work you completed for the project?

PB:  As I was shooting in late September, I wanted to recreate the bittersweet feeling of school summer holidays coming to an end and the nostalgic fun of carefree teenagers. I shot four models around north London, showing them playing basketball, hanging out, going for food, etc. I was lucky with the casting, as all the models had great chemistry together.

MPB: Could you talk us through the kit you chose with your prize?

PB: Lexar 64gb Professional 1333x XQD, I always get scared when formatting my cards, so I like to have as many SDs around as possible. The Everyday 15L Zip backpack—this is such a great backpack. It's small yet somehow fits my laptop, camera body, and multiple lenses, and still feels comfortable to wear. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II, I already have a Canon EOS 5D Mark III, so I chose the Mk II to have as a backup. The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens is amazing for shooting beauty and video. And the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II, I've been meaning to get this lens for such a long time. It's such a necessity when shooting fashion, plus it's so small and light! Also the Manfrotto Befree Adv Twist tripod. I needed a small yet sturdy tripod I could use when shooting on location. I also use it with my Mamiya RZ67 as that can be a beast to use hand-held.

MPB: Part of the prize was a mentorship with Elizabeth Weinberg. How was the experience of working with Elizabeth?

PB: Elizabeth was amazing! She has so much knowledge of the industry and gave me some really great advice. I already had experience in the pre-production side of things, but she was able to guide me in how to market myself as a photographer and pitch to new clients.

MPB: What are the biggest inspirations for your work?

PB: I like to study photographers, like Terry O'Neill and Mario Testino, who create work full of life and narrative. I also love contemporary photographers like Nadine Ijewere, Matteo Montanari and Oliver Hadlee Pearch. Although Instagram allows us to constantly be inspired by amazing work, it can feel draining after a while. So I like to take inspiration from other places, like galleries, books and films. I'm constantly inspired by work from directors like Luca Guadagnino, Paul Thomas Anderson and Brian De Palma.

MPB: What advice would you have for aspiring photographers? 

PB: Shoot work that you'd like to look at. Take note of what makes you feel excited inside and try to create that.

MPB: What are your plans for the future?

PB: After a year of lockdown, I'm super excited to travel and shoot again. I'm currently planning a trip to my favourite city, Bangkok, where I'll be shooting a personal project focusing on the city's youth culture. I've been focusing a lot on portraits and beauty recently, so I'd love to do more fashion on location and documentaries too.

Thanks, Pip.