In this episode, Erin sits down with photographer Charles Moriarty, whose intimate images have shaped some of the most recognisable moments in contemporary culture. Born in Dublin and drawn to London at eighteen, Charles quickly found himself behind the camera in the music industry, where in 2003 he photographed the iconic cover for Amy Winehouse’s debut album Frank. The portrait, tender and quietly electric, captures not just an artist at the beginning of her ascent, but the genuine friendship at the heart of their connection.

Since then, Charles’ work has spanned institutions and publications including TATE, VICE, DIESEL, Highsnobiety, and Phoenix Magazine. He has published three deeply personal photographic books: Before Frank, a tribute to Amy and the trust they shared; X, a decade-long exploration of masculinity through portraiture; and Brock, his forthcoming release documenting four formative years with actor and bodybuilder Brock Yurich.

This year also marks the launch of The Decisive Moment, the podcast he co-hosts with Carrie Kania of Iconic Images Gallery, where the pair explore the ever-evolving, multi-faceted world of photography.

Charles appeared on our social series last year, choosing a Francis Bacon, so we are especially excited to see what he brings to the table today. In this conversation, he reflects on the images that have shaped him, the stories behind his most intimate portraits, and the emotional weight a photograph can hold. Thoughtful, open, and rich with the visual sensitivity that defines his work, this episode offers a rare window into the mind of an artist who sees people with extraordinary clarity.

Season 1, episode 3 of the Excuse Me podcast by MyArtBroker.