Nick Knight, OBE is a fashion photographer extraordinaire. In fact, he no longer defines himself as a photographer but says he has become an image maker.

Knight’s new exhibition Roses From My Garden opens this Saturday 4 July in the gardens at the romantic Waddesdon Manor. The exhibition was due to open in March but was postponed due to the Coronavirus COIVD-19 pandemic.

Roses From My Garden features 16 stunning images of roses from Knight’s garden where he likes to walk, and cut the blooms to photograph in a unique way.

Image making

Nick works in his kitchen to compose an organic arrangement until he is satisfied before taking photographs with his iPhone.

Much later, when the photos have been printed, he will mark any flaws with a china graph pencil, before working on them digitally with AI software, filtering and layering, to produce the most exquisite painterly-like images.

Knight has worked with Alexander McQueen and John Galliano, and directed videos for Lady Gaga, and Kanye West. His fashion photography has a natural symbiosis with the natural world. I find some of these images of couture bring to mind the work of 19th century illustrators Cicely Mary Barker’s Flower Fairies and Arthur Rackham. I asked Nick via Zoom whether he’s influenced by the work of past artists.

When Knight first started taking photographs of roses he posted them on Instagram. People started ‘Liking’ them and he was offered an exhibition by Albion Barn.

iPhone is the new camera

“We’re all influenced by things we like. I prefer not to look back but forwards to the future, and new technology.” Nick Knight, British fashion photographer.

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You can read the full Up Close: Nick Knight, Roses From My Garden on Travel Begins At 40.

The Coach House Gallery, the Stables at Waddesdon Manor (Saturday 4 July until 25 October 2020). Entry times will be staggered to allow for distancing. Booking in advance is essential. Tickets can be booked online here.