Sal Idriss studied photography at the London Institute in England. While pursuing his studies, he got his first break into the world of photography when he was appointed festival photographer for the 1996 London Jazz Festival. After the completion of his studies, he went on to work for local newspapers including the Hammersmith and Fulham Chronicle.
This gave him the opportunity to cover a wide variety of subjects from the homeless to royalty (Prince Edward). Sal is currently working with a fashion magazine in Paris called 7000 and an online magazine in Sweden called Eken. Also in the music and film industry capturing images of black role models in mainstream culture part of an ongoing project.
He has been commissioned by Chris Ofili, Turner Prize winner, the fashion house Commes Des Garcon, David Adjaye of the Adjaye Association and music record labels Polydor Music, Universal Music, BMG Entertainment and Sony Music to name but a few.
Sal has led photographic workshops with youth at Pyramid Youth Development Project and FBMF for an exhibition for the National Portrait Gallery’s Education Department titled: “Circling The Square” – about the history of Trafalgar Square and “Local Heroes” about the 9/11 incident in 2001 (featured in 2002 in the Vanity Fair Magazine, USA). ** Twenty-one images from his ongoing portfolio f2.8 at 15th are in the permanent collections of the National Portrait Gallery, London.**
The current ongoing project entitled FFTWR (TM) Famous For The Wrong Reasons – Families
Project Background
This project is the inspiration of the internationally acclaimed and highly regarded photographer Sal Idriss. The project emerged through the personal tragedy of Sal and his family. On the 27th December 2007, Sal’s youngest brother, 16-year-old Nassirudeen, died after being stabbed in Islington, London.
The experience drew Sal’s attention to other families throughout London and across the country who had experienced the devastating loss of a loved one through a knife or gun crime.
The personal story of the families involved became the impetus and inspiration for this project.
Sal Idriss 