This week on the Now Go Create podcast I had the delightful opportunity to chat with my pal, the multi-award-winning portrait photographer, Tom Oldham.
As a creative, Tom embodies that persistent drive and passion needed to continually evolve in your craft – and his expertise in photography is truly inspiring.
Our conversation took us on a journey through Tom’s fascinating world, where he captures the essence of some of the biggest names in the music industry. We explored his creative process, and he revealed the secrets behind some of his iconic shots and projects with brands like Adidas and the National Lottery.
One of my favourite parts of our conversation was when Tom talked about his approach to constraints. Imagine being tasked with capturing the perfect image of a celebrity like Ronaldo, but only having a five-minute window. Tom shared his secrets about turning constraints into opportunities to nail the perfect shot, emphasising the importance of preparation, empathy, and a sprinkle of boldness. He explained how it’s also about understanding the emotional landscape of creativity. Tom highlighted the ups and downs of maintaining creative momentum and managing self-doubt – valuable lessons for anyone in the creative field.
“You might only get five minutes with someone like Ronaldo. That’s not a limitation – that’s the job. You’ve got to be ready to deliver.” Tom Oldham
For those of us who balance creativity with constraints, Tom offered his wisdom on bravery and taking risks. He highlighted the importance of experimenting with the unexpected, which can make all the difference in standing out in your field.
🔑 Key takeaways from the episode:
📸 Constraints can be creative fuel
Tom reveals how tight timeframes and tricky conditions can actually unlock creative brilliance – if you’re prepared, empathetic, and a little bold.
🎯 Be a stakeholder in your own creative vision
Rather than diluting your ideas to please others, Tom reminds us to back ourselves and protect the integrity of our work.
⏳ It takes time to be great
There’s no shortcut to mastery. Tom’s journey is a reminder that creative success is built on patience, persistence, and self-belief despite what your inner critic is saying.
🌱 Stay curious
Tom believes curiosity is the secret to a long-lasting creative career – he says you don’t need a million ideas, but a passion for pursuing the right ones.
What resonated deeply with me was Tom’s perspective on curiosity and creativity. He reminded us how staying curious is the fuel for a long-lasting creative career. It’s not about having a million ideas but finding joy in the ones you pursue. His project, “The Hopefuls,” where he photographed 43 political candidates, is a testament to his belief in curiosity-driven creativity.
Tom’s insight on being a stakeholder in your own creative projects really struck a chord. Too often, we dilute our creative vision, trying to please too many others. But as Tom says, it’s crucial to treat yourself as a key stakeholder to maintain the integrity and impact of your creative work. His advice on being prepared for how long it takes to be good at something was particularly enlightening. It’s a reminder of the dedication and time needed to truly hone one’s craft.
Tom’s stories, from photographing Rick Rubin under unexpected conditions to working with Smokey Robinson and the ability to build rapport quickly, were so inspiring, and really illustrated the power of empathy and adaptability in creating compelling visual stories.
If you’re seeking to unlock more creativity and passion in your work, tune into the episode to soak up more of Tom’s insights and actionable takeaways. You can listen to Tom’s episode here.
Until next time 😉
Photo credit: Rick Rubin by Tom Oldham