Born: 1963
Hometown: Milano
Based in: London
Michael Frank is a commercial photographer with over 30 years of studio and location experience. After many years of freelance corporate, advertising and portrait work with national and international clients, as well as owner of a rental studio in Milan Italy, in 2007 Michael moved to London and subsequently took a number of short courses on photography, art and architecture at Central St. Martins. This led to further academic study with the MA course “Photography & Urban Cultures” at Goldsmiths University of London, which he successfully finished in 2012.
A 2012 Leica Price shortlist, an Overall Winner of the Wellcome Image Award 2015, winner of the 2016 Wellcome Image Award as well as publications on international magazines is some of Michael recognitions for his photographic practice. Some of his most recent work was part of the 2016 “Designing Bodies” exhibition at the Hunterian Museum in the Royal College of Surgeons as well as the 2019 “Science Photographer of the Year’ exhibition hosted at the Science Museum in London.
What inspires you?
Good books, good music, talking and discussing with other people, good films, museums, other artists, life.
Describe your creative process.
I don't have a pattern on how I work. Depending on the subject or mood the creative process might happen in an afternoon or it might take days or weeks of planning. But once I get started shooting and post production is very quick.
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Andy Warhol, Irving Penn, Giorgio Morandi, Ansel Adams, Berenice Abbot, Edward Weston, Imogen Cunningham, Paolo Monti, Paul Graham, Gianni Berengo Gardin, Daido Moriyama, Andreas Gursky, Rembrand, Michelangelo, Thomas Struth, Mimmo Jodice, Saramago, Marquez, Bukowski, Pink Floyd
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
My eyes
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Learn from others, but be yourself.
Where do you go for inspiration?
No place particularly, sometimes it is my garden, sometimes the news or books.
Awards
International Garden Photographer of the Year - Finalist
2019
Science Photographer of the Year - Runner Up
2019
Wellcome Image Award - Winner
2016
Wellcome Image Award - Overall winner
2015
Leica Prize - Runner Up
2012
Awards
International Garden Photographer of the Year - Finalist
2019
Science Photographer of the Year - Runner Up
2019
Wellcome Image Award - Winner
2016
Wellcome Image Award - Overall winner
2015
Leica Prize - Runner Up
2012