‘Beata and Mariusz Kurek, farmers at Warborne Farm, 2022’ by Steve Poole
Steve Poole has been a go-to portrait photographer for publishing houses including Condé Nast and Times Media.
London-born and self-taught, he counts Kate Moss, Sir David Attenborough, Nina Simone, Dame Helen Mirren and Rolling Stones Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts among his gallery of celebrity subjects. His work is included in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery, London.
Moving to the New Forest opened up a new world for Poole. There, he began photographing an eclectic mix of people whose lives intersect and contribute to the expansive, ever-unfolding story of the area. The result is an exhibition and a complementary photobook, Uncommoners: Portraits of Life in the New Forest.
In a series of environmental portraits created between 2021 and 2023, Poole portrays a side of his home territory that often goes unseen – the multifaceted, unconventional human ecosystem behind its idyllic natural playground. The portraits range from shots of New Forest commoners engaged in ancient agricultural practices, to images of athletes, workers, hobbyists and artists.
Here, he discusses five portraits from his homage to one of the UK’s most loved national parks.
‘Paul Manning, falconer, at the Beaulieu Estate, 2022’ by Steve Poole
This was the first image I shot for Uncommoners. The current Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, Ralph Douglas-Scott Montagu, appointed Paul as Beaulieu village’s official falconer in 2018 – the first person to hold this title in over 300 years. Paul owns many incredible birds of prey and shares his extensive knowledge at his falconry demonstrations in Beaulieu.
‘Gemma Hirst, traction engine enthusiast, 2022’ by Steve Poole
Traction engines are common sights in the New Forest. I was put in touch with Gemma, a local enthusiast. Gemma took me to this huge treasure trove of a shed in her garden where she and her dad store several traction engines and classic cars. I photographed Gemma with this traction engine inside the shed so that the smoke stood out.
‘Jack Stride, beekeeper, Strides New Forest Honey, 2022’ by Steve Poole
Jack’s passionate about beekeeping and sells his honey locally. When I saw him in his full beekeeping regalia, I knew I had to shoot him outside wearing it. After finding the ideal location nearby, we waited for the right weather to shoot. The sunshine provides a crisp contrast between the blue sky and the yellow rapeseed field. It’s the exact picture I had in mind.
‘Film critic Mark Kermode and his 1960s Dodge, 2023’ by Steve Poole
After photographing an Olympic sailor for the photobook, she introduced me to this lovely Polish couple who work at her family’s farm. I used the symmetry and leading lines of the chicken coops’ roofs to draw the eye to Beata and Mariusz. I also wanted it to be a bit quirky, so I asked them to hold the chickens with straight faces. This photo’s got a bit of a Wes Anderson feel to it.
‘Hundreds of travellers journey to the New Forest for the annual Tracy Cooper Drive, 2023’ by Steve Poole
Lots of travellers flock to the New Forest from Totton each year to take part in the eight-mile-long Danny Cooper Drive, run by Tracy Cooper after her now retired dad founded it more than 20 years ago. The charity event usually ends with a splash in the Lymington River at Balmer Lawn. There’s a real fun sense of chaos about this picture. This was one of the last photos I shot for the Uncommoners.