Frequently Asked Questions
Are you studying photography
or are you self taught?
I am mostly self taught at photography but I'm currently studying photography
at university.
Education?
I studied photography at college for two years and recently got my diploma.
I am now studying for a degree in Visual Communication at UCE in Birmingham,
England.
What inspired you to be a photographer?
I've always been interested in art, I was always drawing or painting as
a child. Photography wasn't something I ever could see myself doing when
I was younger (I actually wanted to be a nurse or a vet up until the age
of 12!)
I found out about photography after browsing the internet for art and
it inspired me to want to try it myself.
When did you start taking photographs?
I started taking photographs on my dad's digital camcorder at the age
of thirteen.
I remember taking still shots with it on family days out and self-portraits
where I'd often add objects into the photos with Photoshop.
What editing program do you
use? & do you edit your photographs?
I currently use Adobe Photoshop CS (however the difference between that
and 7 is very minimal) and yes all my images go through Photoshop before
they are classed as finished pieces.
How did you gain experience
in Photoshop?
I've been working with it for 5 years now, I started experimenting from
a young age so I'm mainly self-taught. Experimentation is the key to controlling
the program.
There's also a lot of useful tutorials on the internet that will help
you with techniques.
Your first camera?
My first ever point-and-shoot camera was a 2.0-megapixel Polaroid.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I happen to have a very good imagination which helps me a LOT. I get most
of my inspiration from dreams/nightmares, music, movies, stories or old
masters in painting and photography.
Do you have your own studio
or work at home?
My small studio is based in my own home, so yes I work from home.
Do you shoot on location or
indoors?
I prefer shooting on location, you get a lot more freedom and scenery
makes your photographs that bit more interesting.
I am not a fan of shooting on plain backgrounds but I have a studio available
for commissioned purposes.
The photographs are in 'fashion - studio' on this website if you are interested.
Where do you get your models?
When I first started out my models were mostly friends and family. I am
lucky enough to have a few reliable models I use very often which I use
on a TFP basis, these models were met through networking sites such as
myspace/flickr/modelmayhem
or past clients I have worked with.
Who does the make-up and styling?
I do both at the moment, all the photographs you see on my portfolio have
both styling and make up done by me if it isn't stated.
So, apart from photography what
else do you do?
Apart from my business & photography I model a little and I sing in
a band called Black
Rain.
Who are your favourite photographers?
Eugenio Recuenco, Floria Sigismondi, David LaChapelle, Sally Mann, Francesca
Woodman & Cindy Sherman just to name a few.
Where have you been featured?
I have been featured in various photography magazines (What Digital Camera,
Digital Camera Magazine, and I'm due to be featured in Practical Photography
Magazine this December.
I have also been featured in local newspapers & I've had my work featured
on various online magazines such as Snap! & Magnus.
My work has been exhibited in London's first shareholders club - m1nt,
book covers (Harold Pinter's 'The Dwarves' & I designed a cover
recently for InMe's new album 'Daydream Anonymous'. These are just a few
to name.
I'm starting out in photography,
any advice or tips?
Yes, I'd say networking is one of the most important things in photography.
You also need to be open to experimentation to develop your own style,
practicing and being critical with yourself are both important, too. Always
push the boundaries and never be satisfied with what you've created, as
there's ALWAYS room for improvement.
Here are links to a few interviews which you may find helpful -
