This Week • 28 September 2003

On the spot.... with Jonathan Beacom

Jonathan Beacom’s life pretty much revolves around his photography. With a totally new edition of his extremely successful coffee-table book 'The Maltese Islands From The Air' in its final stages he admits to being a workaholic.
Here he manages to spare us a few minutes of his time to answer a couple of questions about himself.Who inspired you to become a photographer?
No one particularly 'inspired' me - though my father was instrumental in encouraging me to use his camera when I was young. I would usually find things like packs of film and bits of photographic equipment under the tree at Christmas.
When did you become interested in photography?
When I was about 13 at St Aloysius College where we had photography/darkroom classes.
What emotions does your work instil in you?
It is a mix of excitement, passion, sometimes frustration and ultimately satisfaction.
What do you do besides photography?
Not much else. My life pretty much revolves around my photography 24/7. It's my profession as well as my hobby.
Do you have any future projects?
Besides constantly shooting 'travel shots' for my photo library, I also produce new Malta postcards & calendars for the local tourist market each year.
I am currently finalising, under my own Proud Publishing Logo, a totally New Edition of my successful coffee-table book 'The Maltese Islands From The Air'. It should be out by the end of the year. I am also working with Miranda Publishing Ltd as a contributing photographer for their forthcoming publication 'Malta 360 - By Night'. I am also working for another coffee-table book, as the sole photographer, on a totally new theme, which should be on the shelves by mid next year.
I also intend to add other Mediterranean countries to my 'Travel Portrait' Photographic Guidebook Series. To date I have produced: 'Malta- A Travel Portrait' and 'Tunisia - A Travel Portrait' but had to slow down due to world events which had a devastating effect on travel and related products.

If you ruled the world, what would you ban?
I would probably ban what I believe to be the cause for most of the conflicts, hunger, hatred and misery in the world, namely, politicians, borders, any form of weapons, religion and bureaucracy. I would also ban any form of hunting.
What is your biggest phobia?
Losing my eyesight.
If you were invisible for a day, what would you do?
Nothing in particular, though I'd avoid crossing any roads for a day.
Your best friend would describe you as...
'Chilled out' and probably too easy-going.
The person you text the most is...
I don't really send text messages - I find it so much quicker to call!
Someone hands you Lm10,000. What would you spend it on?
I would spend half on a fabulous holiday with my wife and son. The rest would go towards our new home.
If you wanted to impress a lover, what would you do?
Unfortunately, I'm not very good at these things, and my wife is not easily impressed!
What do you want to be remembered for?
My work. The great thing about books and published works is that they give the author a certain immortality. I hope that my pictures will be enjoyed long after I am gone. They will hopefully allow future generations a glimpse of what life in Malta was like in our times. I love looking at the work of photographers like Richard Ellis whose brilliant work is still greatly admired and has great historical value.

What is the worst insult one can throw at you?
I am not easily insulted.
How would you describe yourself?
I would describe myself as a person who finds it very hard to describe himself.
Which movie or song best describes your life?
I honestly can't think of any...
Are you a coffee or a tea drinker?
Coffee... too much of it!
What has been the highlight of your life so far?
My career highlight is the book on Tunisia. I am really proud of it. It was the realisation of a personal project that involved travelling 30,000km over six months. I saw the project through from scratch to final printing and distribution. Many thought I would never succeed.
Personal highlights include the birth of my only child Julian two years ago, at the age of 40.
How old do you feel?
I don't really have a concept of time passing and I feel great.
What are you like when drunk?
Being half Irish, it takes a lot to get me drunk - but I can become quite a comedian.

Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?
Although I love solitude and loath crowded places, I am still quite an extrovert and by no means a shy person.
Live long or live fast?
Live long and live fast.
Tell us a recent dream
Sadly, I never remember my dreams!
What’s the most bizarre thing you have ever eaten? Roasted grasshoppers in Africa.
Are you good at keeping secrets?
Definitely - my lips are sealed!
If you had a time machine where would you go?
I would love to turn back the clock about 20 years so that I could show people photographs of how Malta looked and how we have ruined places like Sliema and St Julian's. Maybe I could have helped to save some of the beautiful architecture...

If you could be a fictional/real character, who would you be?
Indiana Jones with a camera.
Do you believe in the supernatural?
Definitely.
You’re stuck in an elevator with strangers: what do you do?
I would stay calm and hope that none of them had Indian for dinner!
Are you a workaholic?
My wife and friends think I am. They are probably right.
What are you most afraid of?
Can't think of anything.

Would you quit a job without having another one lined up?
That's exactly what I did 20 years ago when I quit my job to take up professional photography. It is not an easy decision, but if you believe in what you are doing and work really hard, it will be worth it. Today I can't imagine working for anyone.
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
Whilst formulating a contract and the notary asked me for my date of marriage, my mind went totally blank. I actually had to remove my wedding ring and read the inscription inside. He kindly promised not to mention the incident to the wife. Very embarrassing, but I did tell you that I have no concept of time passing.