Q & A with Charlie Barker, Director of Photography

by Nov 13, 2022

Have you always wanted to work in this industry?

No, I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I left university. I did a variety of jobs and even tried shipbroking for a year. Though it was interesting I realised then that office work wasn’t for me. I left & immediately got a job at a video conference company.  This led to me working in the TV industry, starting as a runner & working my way up to my job now.

What are you most proud of? 

On a personal level, my family. On a business level I’m proud of pretty much everything I work on – I try to give every job 100% & my satisfaction comes from lighting a beautiful interview all the way to capturing something on ‘film’ that I know will give a lot of people a lot of satisfaction. 

What advice would you give to someone keen to start a business but unsure where to begin?

Listen to advice from colleagues & elders, and learn from your mistakes. But make sure you  bring positivity & energy to whatever you’re doing plus care for your clients – they notice it! The relationship really works both ways. Also, never be late – a less stressed you is a better you and it’s rude to leave people waiting. 

Who is one of your biggest inspirations – either professionally or personally?

My parents were always my biggest inspiration personally – love & support to the max. Professionally all my colleagues along the way who I still learn from.

If you could attribute your success to anyone who gave you your big break?

Difficult question because I’ve had quite a few but I’d probably say a production manager at what was then London Weekend TV, who kept employing me when I first went freelance.  

What’s the hardest thing about your job?

The hours & the physical & mental strain. Making TV is fun but it’s also very demanding. I’m away from home a lot which can be very difficult but fortunately I have a very understanding wife.

Which part of your job do you most enjoy?

The teamwork, camaraderie & the job satisfaction 

Do you find it easy to balance work and play?

Being freelance and self employed means finding a balance can sometimes be hard – you never know when your next job is coming so it’s very hard to say no to work. It does mean I’m away quite a bit but when I’m at home I’m home .

Talk us through your dream day – from waking up to going to bed. 

Waking up with the kids, a relaxing breakfast, a long walk, lunch out, siesta, kids play, kids down, dinner, wind down tv/film, bed. THIS NEVER HAPPENS!

To follow Charlie’s photographic adventures check out his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadicwanderins/

About Emily Eaves

Co Founder and Editor at To Work or Play, Emily has been Freelance Copywriting for over 10 years. She is passionate about food, drink, travel, design and finding ways to keep her two children out of trouble.

With a background in Luxury Restaurant and Hotel PR, Emily moved from London to Dorset in 2019. She now spends weekends at the beach and daydreams about her vegetable garden.

Instagram