Ian Butterworth was born in rural Buckinghamshire England, a child of the 60’s. Too young to indulge in anything remotely swinging at the time he has sought to rectify this, packing a lot into a life that began taking photography as a ‘cop out’ subject at school, one in which he could hang out with his muso mates and plan the rise of his bands rock star fame.
Fortunately for Ian (as his musical abilities didn’t match up to his ambitions) he became intrigued with photography and with the guidance of a dedicated teacher he discovered a talent for the medium.
Two exploratory years on a foundation art course at Amersham Art College was a precursor to life’s real education, travel. At 17 he set off to backpack around the world, for 2 years he explored the Himalayas, Burma, China, the more off track the better. Spending more money on film than food he patched together a portfolio that would land him a coveted job in London’s post swinging era (80’s) assisting (the late) top heavyweight ad photographer Jimmy Wormser of the iconic B&H pyramids ad.
Ian spent 8 years (with periodic sabbaticals) learning the art of advertising photography from the bottom up. This experience has been the platform to build a well established and credited career working worldwide with a succession of industry and photographic awards the likes of D&AD, Clio, One Show and most recently a merit of excellence in the International Colour Awards Masters Cup New York. His work has been included in every edition of Lurzers Archive 200 Best Ad Photographers and has personal work in private collections, most notable his Spanish series ‘La Costa Life’ soon to be published.
Throughout his busy career Ian has always continued his pursuit of personal projects, which he sees as fundamental to the development of his eye and craft.
This has prompted descriptions of his work noting his “honest observation and humour”, “great storytelling and an overall delicate touch”.
Ian currently lives in Sydney with his Australian wife and 3 children, his global recognition draws commissions from around the world, and with the love of travel never waning he shoots wherever the project takes him.
