Ringan Ledwidge

Ringan’s background…

Ringan Ledwidge was one of the most highly awarded TV commercials directors working anywhere in the world today. His work with brands such at Nike, Audi, Adidas and Sainsbury’s and bands like Massive Attack created imagery which many of us will recognise. After graduating from London’s Ravensbourne School of Design with a first in graphic design, Ringan began working as a photojournalist in the Middle East. In 1999 he moved into directing. The same year, he was selected as part of The Dream Team by Creative Review, picked as a Face to Watch by Campaign, and won Best Young Director at Cannes. Ringan died from cancer in November 2021 aged 50. He was a good friend who will be hugely missed. The final few lines of his thoughts at the end of this page and the words below absolutely sum up the powerful role that photography can play in our lives, particularly in times when we all need support from each other.

“My passion, for as long as I can remember, has been to tell stories. I play with all sorts of mediums to do this, painting, drawing, writing, film making. Film making is where I find myself now but photography is still the medium I enjoy the most. It just you, a camera of some kind, your eye and instincts. For me photographs have always been about finding a connection to what's around me. It helps me understand my place in the world and hopefully it sometimes helps others too.”

Ringan’s inspiration…

“There’s so many great photographers that I’ve taken inspiration from and continue to take inspiration from. William Egglestone is one that I always return to. He’s an American photographer born in 1939 who really was at the forefront of making colour photography a recognized art form. His images primarily tell stories about the southern parts of states but his way of capturing humanity through portraits or architecture are completely universal. It won't be a surprise to anyone familiar with Nan Goldin to know that her and Egglestone are friends.

Next up is Lee Friedlander. His work is playful and has always puts a smile on my face. He documented the social landscape of America in the 60’s and 70’s through street photography, exploring it through portraiture and the signage and architecture around him, often putting himself in these photos as a reflection or shadow. When you look at his work it crackles with energy and life. His images feel very grabbed and in the moment. Photography in it’s purist sense.

Last but not least is Cindy Sherman. She’s a photographer that straddles the fine art and photography world. Her work consists exclusively of self portraits. In her self portatrits she explores her identity by playing different characters to express different sides of her personality and well as the persona of women. Artists such as Madonna, Lady Gaga and many others who play with identity site Sherman as an inspiration. A good place to start with here work is ‘Complete Untitled Film Stills’ where Sherman plays different characters from art house films and B - Movies.”