I discovered Perou when I did some research on the fashion photographer Phil Poynter a few weeks ago. Perou, whose real name is Ralph John Perou, got to know him at one point in his career, when they worked together for the magazine Dazed & Confused. Poynter’s focus is placed on the natural, undistorted traits of the subject. At the same time, the successful shoots involving crowds of people make his work so special.
The photographs by Perou show clear structures, sometimes they even act boldly which really strengthens their expressiveness. Is this an element which has significantly influenced the cooperation of the two photographers? Perhaps. It’s a fact that Perou is very versatile and not only regarding Fashion Photography. Besides the fascination with the body in motion, his photos clearly prove his talent at portraying people.
Perou, who also documents the music scene with his photos, always scans people, mainly men, with an unusual format and charisma including great personalities like Jeff Bridges, Samuel L. Jackson, Vivienne Westwood, Boy George, Ozzy Osbourne and his muse, Marilyn Manson who was born in East Sussex in 1970. An outsider would probably not see any connection between his work as a truck driver, missionary, or even as a long-time butler. But Perou’s wealth of creativity and probably also his view on things of life probably have helped him to differentiate himself from his competition. After these experiences he acquired his academic diploma for design Photography.
After his studies he worked as a Studio Manager of the Click photo studios in London in 1994, where he got access to other photographers, including some of the best in the world. Perou’s approach is complex, unpredictable and yet marked by a clear handwriting that does not shy away from the bizarre.
Copyright and Source: http://www.perou.co.uk/
