Famed photographer Jamie Hawkesworth discusses his experience with chronic back pain, in light of his remarkable career and how he has come to find relief

In this compelling episode, Jean Campbell and Edward Burgess Wells sit down with world-class photographer Jamie Hawkesworth. Jamie shares his remarkable journey from amateur photographer to photographing the covers of VOGUE, diving deeply into his decade-long struggle with chronic back pain and how it has influenced his work and life. This episode explores the intersection of creativity and pain, resilience in the face of a seemingly insurmountable challenge, and the transformative power of discipline and acceptance.

Hawkesworth was born in Ipswich, Suffolk in 1987. Initially introduced to photography as part of his forensic science degree, he then switched to study the medium, graduating from the University of Lancashire in 2009 with a BA in Photography. Hawkesworth’s Preston Bus Station was published in 2017; On Keeping a Notebook in 2019; and The British Isles in 2021. In 2018 he received the Award for Editorial, Advertising and Fashion Photography from the Royal Photographic Society. He has worked on editorial campaigns, catalogues and commissions for Alexander McQueen, J.W.Anderson and Loewe, amongst many others. His documentary works have been exhibited in London, Amsterdam and New York. His work is held in the permanent collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London and Huis Marseille, Amsterdam.

Hawkesworth lives and works in London. - Current exhibition https://huxleyparlour.com

00:00 - Introduction to Jamie Hawkesworth

02:00 - Jamie and Jean's First Meeting

6:08 - Photographing Through Pain

14:49 - Turning Point and Recovery

25:34 - Physiotherapy and Managing Pain

28:32 - Current Routine and Final Reflections


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Host: Jean Campbell

Co-host: Ed Burgess-Wells 

Guest: Jamie Hawkesworth 

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Edoardo Vella