Martin Parr on the power of persistence

Martin Parr on the power of persistence
Things I Learned Along The Way — Huck's Fiftieth Special collects lessons learned and creative advice from fifty of the most inspiring people we know. Each day we'll be sharing a new excerpt from the magazine. Today, one of Britain's most celebrated photographers, Martin Parr explains how even he had to take a load of crap photos to get something good.

#3 – Martin Parr

Martin Parr is most people I know’s favourite photographer. I know that sounds hyperbolic, but it’s just true.

With documentary projects he’s been making since the mid-’70s – like The Last Resort, about holidaymakers in New Brighton (Merseyside), The Cost of Living, about people at supermarkets in Salford (Manchester), and Small World, about tourists around the world – Parr has developed a hilarious and insightful style of social commentary that appeals to those in love with cultures of the street.

Constantly searching out new communities and capturing them in satirical tones, Parr has become an inspiration for a generation of photographers trying to make sense of modern society, and, despite being a master of the genre, he’s more than aware that failure is a part of success.

“Most of the stuff on the internet is absolute crap. Don’t worry, most of the pictures I’ve taken are crap too. You have to take a lot of bad pictures to get something good.”

This is just a short excerpt from Huck’s Fiftieth Special, a collection of fifty personal stories from fifty inspiring lives. 

Grab a copy now to read all fifty stories in full. Subscribe to make sure you don’t miss another issue.

Latest on Huck

This erotic zine dismantles LGBTQ+ respectability politics
Culture

This erotic zine dismantles LGBTQ+ respectability politics

Zine Scene — Created by Megan Wallace and Jack Rowe, PULP is a new print publication that embraces the diverse and messy, yet pleasurable multitudes that sex and desire can take.

Written by: Isaac Muk

As Tbilisi’s famed nightclubs reawaken, a murky future awaits
Music

As Tbilisi’s famed nightclubs reawaken, a murky future awaits

Spaces Between the Beats — Since Georgia’s ruling party suspended plans for EU accession, protests have continued in the capital, with nightclubs shutting in solidarity. Victor Swezey reported on their New Year’s Eve reopening, finding a mix of anxiety, catharsis and defiance.

Written by: Victor Swezey

Los Angeles is burning: Rick Castro on fleeing his home once again
Culture

Los Angeles is burning: Rick Castro on fleeing his home once again

Braver New World — In 2020, the photographer fled the Bobcat Fire in San Bernardino to his East Hollywood home, sparking the inspiration for an unsettling photo series. Now, while preparing for its exhibition, he has had to leave once again, returning to the mountains.

Written by: Miss Rosen

Ghais Guevara: “Rap is a pinnacle of our culture”
Music

Ghais Guevara: “Rap is a pinnacle of our culture”

What Made Me — In our new series, we ask artists and rebels about the forces and experiences that have shaped who they are. First up, Philadelphian rap experimentalist Ghais Guevara.

Written by: Ghais Guevara

Gaza Biennale comes to London in ICA protest
Activism

Gaza Biennale comes to London in ICA protest

Art and action — The global project, which presents the work of over 60 Palestinian artists, will be on view outside the art institution in protest of an exhibition funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Written by: Cyna Mirzai

Ragnar Axelsson’s thawing vision of Arctic life
Culture

Ragnar Axelsson’s thawing vision of Arctic life

At the Edge of the World — For over four decades, the Icelandic photographer has been journeying to the tip of the earth and documenting its communities. A new exhibition dives into his archive.

Written by: Cyna Mirzai

Sign up to our newsletter

Issue 81: The more than a game issue

Buy it now