Snapping in the Big Apple! Rivington Awardee Tom Clayton tells us all about his New York City trip

Jersey resident Tom Clayton recently returned from New York after he successfully applied to take a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet other photographers and visit photo galleries. “I never thought I'd ever get given funding” said Tom, “but I figured that I'd never win if I didn't enter. So I dedicated a weekend to applying. And the rest is history!”

We caught up with Tom and began by asking where photography comes from?

I have always loved taking photos since I can remember. Obviously when I was a kid it was on a parent's camera and then on my mobile phone. It was when I was studying Photography for GCSE in school that I really started to gain a passionate interest in the subject. I had a really good teacher who encouraged me to experiment and express my creative freedom with photography. It made me fall in love with taking photos.

And why did you decide New York was the place to go?

I think if you ask nearly anyone where the most exciting, creatively "on-it" and intense city is, New York is definitely up there. Growing up with a love for House music also made me fall in love with NYC, as it was synonymous with the creative scene at the time, and the raves that were happening in the 80s and 90s across the pond. So it just seemed right that my first ever big trip outside Europe was to New York City.

What galleries did you go to?

Whilst I was there, I went to the New Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the International Centre of Photography and the Westwood Gallery. I also managed to attend 2 short film festivals whilst I was there, as I love making short films and loved learning from the writers and producers of those films, and hearing them talk about their creative process.

And tell us about some of the people you photographed in New York?

I luckily managed to meet up and photograph 3 people that I held in very high regard, and had connected with them beforehand via Instagram.I met Mickey Roberts, an artist, in a local cafe, and we talked about fellow creative ideas and what had lead to me coming to New York City. I also took his photo whilst he was completing his newest drawing.

I also met Alex Radke, a fellow photographer in a coffeeshop and we talked about photography for a while before going into Astor Place and taking photos of each other.

Finally, I met up with Ian Goodman, who is a DJ/Music Producer in Queens. We chatted about music for a while, as I produce house music myself, and I took his photos in a record shop and in the rainy streets of Ridgewood, Queens.

And what difference will the trip have made to your life over all?

This New York trip has now become permanently fixed into my creative brain. It inspires me daily when I look back at the images I took and the experiences that I had. It’s something that I will never ever forget. It was truly the best week of my life.Thank you Rivington Fund, for giving me this incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. New York is truly one of the best cities in the world for photography and inspiration.

How did you hear about the fund?

I spotted a post on Facebook one day, and then thought ‘If money was no limit, where would I go, and what would I do?’

How did you find the process of applying?

The process was easy to follow, and although it was a bit time-consuming, it was all worth it when I was awarded funding at the end of it.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about applying to Rivington but is nervous about applying and doing a trip like yours?

I'd just say go for it!. I was very nervous and apprehensive when I applied for my trip. But I flung myself in head first and never looked back. It was an incredible experience, and one that I will never forget.

With your horizons now expanded, what other destinations do you now have your sights set on?

I've always wanted to go to North Africa, particularly the Maghreb region. I think it would be so interesting as it would be totally different to anywhere I've been before, and it has a totally different culture that I would be able to photograph and document.