Charles Moriarty, originally from Dublin, moved to London at 18 and began his career as a stills photographer in the music industry in 2003. After a stint specialising in ocular medical illustration, he went on to work with notable figures and brands such as Amy Winehouse, TATE, Lucasfilm, VICE, and DIESEL. In 2017, he self-published his first book, Before Frank, showcasing unpublished photos of Amy Winehouse, which was later republished in 2018 as Back to Amy with additional content. He released X: Ten Years of Photographing Men in 2020 and Photographers on the Art of Photography in 2021. His work is part of the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection, and in 2022, he was shortlisted for the British Journal of Photography’s Portrait of Humanity.

How were you introduced to the world of photography, and when did you realise that you had a passion for it?

I started taking pictures when I was a teenager. At first, it was just something new to explore, and soon after, alongside the dark room, it became both a method of interaction and escape. For many years, I was very focused on going into film production right up until I shot with Amy Winehouse. From our first roll of film was born the ‘Frank’ album cover. I had no clue what I was doing, but I was hooked.

What are the subjects of your photography, and what are the themes in your work?

Over the years, my work has followed no particular pattern, but portraiture is a constant feature. More recently, the focus became men and male intimacy, but also just simply queer existence. My own at the centre of that. Through portraiture on the surface.

What exhibitions have you been able to participate in?

I exhibit regularly with several of the galleries that represent my work in London and abroad, one of them, of course, being the marvellous BOYS! BOYS! BOYS!, now with a permanent spot in London, and their parent gallery, The Little Black Gallery. I show regularly with Iconic Images Gallery at Photo London, and the last few years have had solo exhibits in Germany and France. This summer, I also had a solo exhibition in Puglia at MarTa (Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Tanato).

Are you also a photographer for hire? How does one go about commissioning your services or acquiring your photographs?

I am indeed a photographer for hire. I have regular portrait commissions. People often connect to me through my Instagram account for that, but I also have a website and shop, www.charlesmoriarty.com. Work is available to purchase through BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! and The Little Black Gallery, among several others. You can also find a wide variety of my work for sale in my shop, and if you can’t find what you want, just reach out. I don’t bite.

What projects do you have in the pipeline?

I have a new book that I’m working on, which is a portrait of actor, writer and bodybuilder Brock Yurich. I will be looking at sexuality within the bodybuilding arena, among many other themes. I’m trying to provide as rounded a depiction of Brock as I possibly can.

BROCK by Charles Moriarty is out in November and available from BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! Gallery Café. Charles will be talking about his new book and career at BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! MEETS on Wednesday 5 November – tickets available here – and will also be doing a book signing on Saturday 8 November from 3-5pm.

BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! Gallery Café, 30C Warren St, London W1T 5NF, United Kingdom.

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