BIOGRAPHY – MICK PAYTON
by Mark Davis ObsessionArt London
Mick Payton Photography
Mick Payton’s working life started in the less than artistic domain of steel engineering. A career change saw him venture briefly as a driving instructor, before a chance photoshoot with an aspiring model lead to the realisation that, although raw in essence, there was considerable potential in a life for him behind the lens. Steadily, the number of aspiring and subsequently established models wanting their portfolios enhanced by Payton’s grasp of high quality atmospheric photography grew. His workload developed to a point where he was able to make a full time vocation from what was fast becoming his passion. In the years that followed, his style became a forbearer for modern tasteful, sensual art nude, with Payton becoming one the first photographers to find widespread commercial acceptability within his chosen genre of art nude, and as a result has been the featured subject in many high quality magazines and a one hour documentary transmitted throughout Europe in 2003 and again in 2004.
Since 1998, Mick Payton has been commissioned for more than four calendars every year, including both male and female nude, with many international best sellers across several continents to his name. In 2008 his career continues from strength to strength, with a regular stream of global commissions and a flourishing collectors market for both his limited edition and open edition prints. Mick Payton is the UK’s leading nude photographer – not only is his work critically acclaimed and exhibited globally, but he has also achieved success where many have failed. In a market that many find tough to understand, let alone break in to and profit from, Mick Payton produces work that sells. His techniques and understanding of atmospheric imperatives that drive cognitive and subconscious appreciation for the nude and sensual photograph, has ensured a fruitful career in his chosen field with continuous international licensing agreements for posters, calendars and fine art open as well as limited edition collectors prints.
Add to this his 30+years working for most of the UK’s model agencies providing portfolio shots for their working models, enabling them to source high-paid commercial and fashion jobs. This background has provided the platform to communicate with his subjects to ensure an atmospheric image with striking appeal.
The subject of many book and magazine features internationally as well as TV documentaries in Europe and the USA, his popularity and acclaim continue to grow, leading to a demand for his knowledge to be passed on to amateur and professional photographers alike. Through a series of workshops and seminars throughout the UK and branching out into Europe in 2009, Mick enjoys passing on the knowledge that he had to learn the hard way. Having no-one to to give help and advice at the beginning of his career, he is determined to assist other photographers who want to pursue the same direction, and he is becoming as well known for his liberal and unselfish distribution of knowledge as he is for the quality of his images.
ACHIEVEMENTS and FEEDBACK TO DATE :
More than 100 Calendars throughout Europe, including France, Germany, Australia, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Sweden, USA etc.
A record 25 year run of Natural Contrasts, a Black and White Art Nude multi-award winning UK Business to Business Calendar, available now from Rose of Colchester
Several representations in the European book The Mammoth Book of Erotic Photography
Magazine features, editorials and interviews include Professional Photographer, GQ Magazine, British Journal of Photography and many others.
A personal exhibition in the prestigious Number 9 The Gallery, Birmingham, UK
A one hour TV documentary for Europe, aired in 2004 and again in 2005
30+ years working for top model agencies throughout the UK
Various advertising commissions
An exhibition via ObsessionArt of London at The Gallery in Cork St., Mayfair, London
I’m represented for image sales by ObsessionArt of London and House of Ilford
I currently do Seminars and Lecture nationally and internationally
One of my favourite story headlines from GQ Magazine ‘The ObsessionArt 5th Anniversary Exhibition is on at The Gallery, 28 Cork Street, Mayfair, London W1 from 12-17 March. Artists include Hajime Sorayama, Stephen Perry, Saturno Buttò, Lee Jones, Igor Vasiliadis, Mick Payton, John Wellington and Dahmane. Prices from £500. obsessionart.com‘
QUOTES :
Rose of Colchester Natural Contrasts Calendar :
Artistry in the eye of the photographer Mick Payton, translates the sensational form of the female body into a compelling and cultured calendar.
ObsessionArt London :
UK photographer, Mick Payton has gained widespread acclaim over many years for his work, having a series of global best selling calendars to his name, as well as once being voted by a US public as the world’s best erotic photographer.
Tushita International Calendars and Posters :
Mick Payton’s work is in continuous demand from all over Europe, we are fortunate enough to have secured his favor for another 3 years production! The atmosphere he portrays is second to none and continues to set his pieces aside from others.
Alpha Edition Calendars :
Currently rated at No. 3 in Europe (2006) – and we feel soon to be No 1 in his chosen field of art nude photography, Mick Payton’s images contain enigmatic story lines that captivate and enthrall …….
House of Ilford :
Mick is the UK’s leading art nude photographer. Not only is his work critically acclaimed and exhibited globally, but he has also achieved success where many have failed. In a market that many find tough to understand, let alone break in to and profit from, Mick Payton produces work that sells. His techniques and understanding of atmospheric imperatives that drive cognitive and subconscious appreciation for the art nude photograph, has ensured a fruitful career in his chosen field
…………… and so on!
Thanks for reading about me!