In the bustling streets of Johannesburg, where the rhythm of life echoes through the cityscape, there exists a unique artist who captures moments in time through the lens of analogue photography. Meet Glenn Haggis, a self-taught visual artist born in Sasolburg, whose passion for photography started with a love for cinema and a deep-rooted appreciation for the art form. Today, Glenn takes us on a journey through his artistic process, sharing insights into his captivating work and the inspiration behind it.

An exclusive interview with photographer Glenn Haggis, reflecting on his creative process and offering insights into his exploration of the Analogue World.
An exclusive interview with photographer Glenn Haggis, reflecting on his creative process and offering insights into his exploration of the Analogue World.
An exclusive interview with photographer Glenn Haggis, reflecting on his creative process and offering insights into his exploration of the Analogue World.

Discovering the artistic path

His journey into the world of photography was an evolution of his lifelong fascination with cinema. “From as early as I can remember, I’ve always loved the cinema. I was fascinated by it,” he recalls. This early fascination with visual storytelling laid the groundwork for his artistic sensibilities, eventually leading him to explore the art of photography.

“It was very much later in life that a portrait I made with a friend’s camera inspired me to buy one and start my photographic journey,” he explains, reflecting on the pivotal moment that ignited his passion for photography. Armed with a camera and an insatiable curiosity, he embarked on a path of self-discovery as an artist, carving out his unique niche in analogue photography.

An exclusive interview with photographer Glenn Haggis, reflecting on his creative process and offering insights into his exploration of the Analogue World.
An exclusive interview with photographer Glenn Haggis, reflecting on his creative process and offering insights into his exploration of the Analogue World.

Crafting timeless imagery

His artistic style is characterised by a minimalist approach, where he carefully composes each frame to evoke a sense of clarity and simplicity amidst the chaos of the world. “Photographers generally tend to make sense of a chaotic world by carefully arranging what they see in the viewfinder and pressing the shutter, I generally favour a lot of white space and will eliminate as much clutter as possible.”

This commitment to minimalism extends to his choice of medium – 35mm black and white analogue film. While he acknowledges the convenience of digital photography, he finds solace in the tactile nature of analogue processes. “There are several reasons I love analogue photography, but a major one would be the process, it is always a joy seeing your negatives once developed and making a contact sheet in the darkroom from them.”

An exclusive interview with photographer Glenn Haggis, reflecting on his creative process and offering insights into his exploration of the Analogue World.
An exclusive interview with photographer Glenn Haggis, reflecting on his creative process and offering insights into his exploration of the Analogue World.
An exclusive interview with photographer Glenn Haggis, reflecting on his creative process and offering insights into his exploration of the Analogue World.

Capturing the essence of jazz

One of Glenn’s ongoing projects revolves around documenting jazz musicians, a passion project that resonates deeply with his artistic vision. Inspired by Donald Miller’s poignant words on jazz music, his work seeks to capture the essence of this genre – its longing, loss, joy, connection, and contemplation. He elaborates, “It is intentionally shot on old school 35mm black and white film and images selected from the negatives are to be hand printed in a traditional darkroom.”

Reflecting on a memorable experience from one of the festivals he’s photographed, he recalls a fellow photographer’s admiration for his dedication to the craft. “He shot the entire festival on film… sniper-style type. Got mad respect for that,” the photographer exclaimed, highlighting Glenn’s commitment to his artistic vision amidst the fast-paced environment of festival photography.

Nurturing creativity and inspiration

For him, creativity is a delicate balance between self-doubt and inspiration, a journey marked by introspection and exploration. “Self-doubt and creative block are something I certainly struggle with from time to time,” he admits. Yet, he finds solace in the pursuit of inspiration, drawing from diverse sources to fuel his artistic endeavours. “I try to visit art galleries regularly for inspiration,” he shares, offering a glimpse into his creative process.

An exclusive interview with photographer Glenn Haggis, reflecting on his creative process and offering insights into his exploration of the Analogue World.
An exclusive interview with photographer Glenn Haggis, reflecting on his creative process and offering insights into his exploration of the Analogue World.

A legacy of artistic expression

As his journey as an artist unfolds, he hopes to leave behind a legacy of joy and inspiration through his photography. “She photographed for herself and just for the joy of it. And so do I,” Glenn reflects, echoing the sentiment of Vivian Maier, whose posthumously discovered work garnered acclaim and recognition.

In a world where the pace of life often overwhelms the senses, his photographs serve as timeless reminders of the beauty that surrounds us – moments frozen in time, waiting to be discovered and cherished. As we bid farewell to Glenn Haggis, we are left with a renewed appreciation for the art of analogue photography and the profound impact it holds in our lives.

To experience his captivating work firsthand, be sure to visit the W17 Gallery in Cape Town, where five of his images are currently being exhibited as part of a collaboration for emerging artists. As he eagerly anticipates future projects and festivals, we can’t help but join him on his journey, embracing the beauty of analogue photography and the enduring legacy of artistic expression.