F.A.Q
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.When did you start photographing people, where did the interest come from and how did you get into it?
A.My first experience with photography was photographing people and it has always been my passion to create unique portraits. I first got into it when I received my first digital camera. I would browse the internet and see such interesting photos that I wanted to create some of my own. As I has just started to take photos I decided to use myself as a model so that I could experiment as freely as possible and this is where I also began to use and realise the possibility of Photoshop to create my own style.
I consider myself to be a conceptual beauty photographer, I like to find beauty in everything or make it myself. I love to try and find the most appealing way to use makeup and clothes etc to create something visually appealing. But I also try to make each of my photos to display an idea as well as an aesthetic and when these two work together the result is even more pleasing for me. There is nothing more frustrating for me than having an idea and not being able to translate it into the image that I want. Every little decision in a photograph can give it an entirely new meaning or look, from a simple tilt of the head to a colour change, so I often spend time testing each aspect of a photo and shooting then re-shooting till I get something that I’m satisfied with, being a perfectionist it often take quite some time!
Q.Are you self taught?
A.I’ve taught myself everything I know for the past three years both with cameras and Photoshop. There seems to be no substitute for spending time actually practising. I would try to take pictures every day and experiment as much as I could in Photoshop.
Now I am at a stage where I would like to develop my skills as professionally as possible which is why I started my photography degree in September. In my short time there I have already learnt so much. Being around professional tutors who work as photographers means that they can advise me and draw the best from my work as well as suggest improvements and techniques that I never knew about before.
Q.How do you choose your models? What do you look for?
A.I have mainly used myself in my photos. Being both behind and in front of the camera has given me the chance to appreciate and understand more fully the relationship between the photographer and the model and so I am beginning to bring models into my work. I think it’s important for a model to ‘fit’ a photo in both its aesthetic and concept and have ideas of their own to bring to a particular piece. I have joined a number of websites to help me network and gain access to amateur and professional models.
Q.What effect would you like your images to have on a viewer?
A.I want my photos make a connection with those viewing them. Either emotionally or visually as well as making them think. People tell me that they can instantly recognise my work without seeing my name which I feel is important as it means I have been successful in developing my own style of photography.
Q.Where do you get ideas for portraits/ manipulations from?
A.Everywhere. I try to find inspiration in everything from music and fashion to nature and magazines. I am very influenced by vintage styles in particular. I love art deco and enjoy finding ways of combining old and modern elements together in my photos. I also just love to look at images, not just photographs but painting and drawings. My ideas generally grow from something small, like finding an interesting leaf and then finding ways to make it into something new and exciting within a photo.
Q.What photographers do you admire and why?
A.Man Ray and Angus McBean are two of my favourite photographers. I admire the way they capture beauty within a person in so many different ways and create such interesting and captivating scenes.
I have recently become a fan of Guy Bourdin whose photos are just as beautiful to look at but in such a different way. His unconventional ideas are such an inspiration and an example that portraits don’t have to be tame and pretty in the usually accepted way and can have a darker side.
One of my oldest influences is from Dave McKean who’s surreal and sometimes macabre images really got me into photo manipulation and showed me the possibilities of a photo.
Q.What equipment do you use?
A.Currently I use a Canon eos 350D with 18-55mm and 60mm macro lens. I have also just purchased my first studio lights, interfit ex150 kit. Tripod. Remote (for self portraits). Photoshop. Any clothes, Props and accessories I can find.
Q.Who does the hair, make-up and styling in your photos?
A. Currently I do all the hair, makeup and styling myself. However I am always on the lookout for talented MUA’s, Hair and Wardrobe Stylists to add to my portfolio.
Q.Where do you work? Do you have a studio?
A.I work in various locations. At present I do not have a studio to call my own but I have worked in them in the past and have access to various studios within my university. I also work on location, this means I can be taking my photos in anywhere from a garden to a swimming pool and everywhere in between. I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting backdrops.
Q.How important is image editing to your work?
A.Image editing plays a big part in my photos in two ways. I use it for both simple adjustments and corrections but also to edit some photos to make photo manipulations. Every photo varies with how long I spend editing it, some need more than others but a basic edit will consist of adjusting curves to control shadows and highlights as well as for adjusting the colour balance and retouching parts by smoothing skin and cloning out any dust and marks.
Q.Why do you make PhotoManipulations?
A.Sometimes I like to go beyond reality and create something surreal. Rather than arranging the photo in front of the camera which is not always possible. I will take a shot of the model and create a new scene in Photoshop. Adding elements such as backgrounds and props and combining them with new colours, light and textures to create a new sense of space and meaning. Manipulations can take anywhere from three to eight hours to achieve depending on the complexity of a specific piece.
Q.What are your photographic ambitions and what's your biggest achievement so far?
A.My ambition is to keep on creating and progressing. I hope to begin creating a number of different books of series of works around different ideas and I would also like to start up my own photography business one day.
My greatest achievements so far have been to sell prints and start my photography degree. Both are such thrilling experiences and ones that I hope will prepare me well for the future.
Q.Are there any other areas of photography you're passionate about or would like to get into?
A.I would love to get into landscape and still life photography. I have just got my motorbike licence so I want to travel more and I hope to discover new locations to photograph. I am also eager to get into studio photography more as I have just purchased a set of flash lights and I want to experiment with them as much as possible, as I am just beginning to introduce and experiment with glamour elements in my photography.
Q.What would your advice to other photographers be?
A.Take as many photos as you possibly can, this will help you advance your technical skills and also help to create ideas for more photos as you experiment and notice new things. Never give up, it is easy to get into a rut when you find yourself lacking inspiration but if you keep on creating it will be easier to get out of. Find ways to get constructive criticism and opinions on your work as this will help you progress and others can advise and point out things that you’ve missed and give you suggestions to improve a photo as well as let you know what works. Don’t be discouraged if everything seems to be negative and don’t get complacent if all you receive is praise because both will hinder you in the long term and stop you from reaching your true potential.