Duncan Raban: Rebellious photographer with a knack for capturing joy.
Duncan Raban is passionate about human stories, and has a talent for capturing the everyday lives of superstar actors, international rock stars and the “average” person he passes on the street. He has a knack for getting a smile out of anyone, and is now campaigning to end loneliness with his project “Just Say Hello”.
BIOGRAPHY
Duncan Raban would say that he’s always been a bit of a rebel. He began experimenting with long lenses at Brands Hatch Racing Circuit by creating his own passes, which led to his early career in sports journalism.
This theme continued as Raban’s career progressed into music, where he would often sneak his camera into concerts without a press pass in order to capture the shots that no other photographers would get. This tactic earned Raban many world exclusives and launched his well-established career in the world of celebrity, fashion and music photography. He created a “Day in the Life” series of superstars including Lionel Richie, Tina Turner and The Rolling Stones, as well as capturing famous shots such as those of Elton John and Madonna backstage at the 1995 Brit Awards.
In 2003 Raban received a call from the head of the Great Ormond Street children’s hospital and this lead to a partnership where he documented the lives of the children, families and staff at the hospital, always with the aim of capturing their laughter and joy.
This experience changed the trajectory of Raban’s career and today he runs the “Just Say Hello” campaign - a kindness movement that hopes to make people smile and end loneliness.