Funny – A personal project by Damien Pleming

Fiona O'Loughin

"This series was born of a need for me to express who I am through my photography. Humor and laughter are characteristics I inherited from my father and older siblings. I love to see the funny side of life and believe there is great therapy in a good laugh.
The ideas behind these photos had been floating around in my head for many years. They ended up making so much noise, I had to get them out! With the help of some fantastic subjects and crew members, I've been able to bring these conceptual dreams to life.
Matching my ideas with comedians was the first step. While most of the concepts were already formed, others sprung to life by watching particular comedians, and marrying them with a visual image. For instance, I have great respect for Fiona O'Loughin. She is a woman who has had a very public battle with alcoholism and has managed to incorporate her battle into her humor. Experiencing her performance led me to creating the shot of her bathing in Kahlua and milk. I love the comedy of things that don't belong together. For example, the character Mick Molly plays, dressed as a jokey riding a donkey.
The ability to play a convincing character is an important trait for the performer in each of these photos. I think they have all done a fantastic job in this regard.
As well as a beautiful, simple portrait which truly conveys a person's identity, I'm into theatrical, dramatic photography. Photography is about storytelling and generally the story is told in one frame. That's the photographer's challenge!
As a former actor, having worked with some great directors, I am able to use that experience to draw what I need from my subjects. Sometimes this involves me playing various characters myself from behind the camera to encourage the person in front of it!
I'm not sure when this series will finish, I still have so many ideas to shoot and so many amazing comedians to work with."
Damien Pleming


Mick Molly


The Umbilical Brothers


Akmal Saleh