Have I Told You My Spiral Theory? - Harry White by Greig Clifford

This is the first of what I hope may grow to be an interesting series of portraits that I intend to make while chatting over a cuppa and putting the world to rights. I've always enjoyed the casual one-on-one time of a cafe meet-up, it's informality encourages honest conversation which can be particularly mind expanding, whoever I'm talking with. The time given to me then becomes an important and special gift.

As in all my photography sessions (and life in general), I keep any private aspects of conversations confidential. I love how a photograph can maintain that confidentiality while teasing a curious viewer by showing gestures, emotions, and the general vibe of the moment captured. There is intrigue in knowing only the visual half of the story.

I am considering titling each chat with a reference to something discussed... a topic or phrase, nothing that may reveal an opinion though. Without context, the titles may sometimes seem nonsensical, but occasionally, I believe they may offer an insight which could surprise and challenge a viewer's initial first impression presumptions.

I have written before that I believe most people tend to have a limited interest in photographs of strangers. Without recognition of the person photographed it is harder for a viewer to relate to an image. But recognition can come from other aspects, and these can often be more significant. I believe they are usually found in an instinctive connection to a sense of something universally human.

So, with this ongoing series of portraits, I hope to uncover some of these aspects of universal humanity that we can all relate to. In a world where society is driven by advertising and social media, where people's experience of photography increasingly aligns with an ever more manipulated idea of perfection, where artificial intelligence is used to alter our understanding of reality, these portraits are a reaction against that, featuring a real person seen through my eyes as I saw them through my camera viewfinder, being themselves.

Harry White by Greig Clifford

Have I Told You My Spiral Theory? features the man behind Hammerdown Festival, Harry White, at a vinyl record and clothing shop in Worthing called Spun Records.

All the photographs above can be viewed on my Instagram, where I can also respond to any questions or comments, or feel free to contact me another way.

(First published 26/06/2025. Latest version 27/05/2026)