What drew you to photography?
I’ve always loved taking photos. I think for me a lot of it is about memories. I like the fact that experiences can be preserved in photographs but more than that I like the fact that I can create emotion, memories, a mood, or even stories with them.
When I look back through photos I’ve taken I like being reminded of what I saw, who I was with, and how I felt.
Where do you look for inspiration?
I like to look for inspiration everywhere. As long as I have my phone with me I can always take photos. During the lockdowns of this year, I have had to forget going to the beautiful nature locations I love but I have found a new love for still life photography. You don’t have to leave the house and you can use so many objects as your subject, I’m partial to books, fashion, beauty as they are things I’m passionate about but you can use anything you like. If you are stuck for ideas social media is a great way to get inspired, there are so many amazing people taking photos out there and you can learn a lot from looking at their photos, watching their videos, and talking to them.
Are there any projects you are especially proud of?
I’m not sure if it’s a ‘project’ as such but due to more time to read this year, I started a ‘Bookstagram’ account. Seeing other people’s enthusiasm to take beautiful literature-inspired images inspired me to take my own. You don’t have to become ‘Instagram famous’ or post constantly but it’s a lovely community if you’re a fan of books and it’s a great way to practice taking pictures and discussing them with other people.
What’s the secret! Are there specific types of equipment for taking these kinds of photos?
Not really. I’m a big believer that you don’t need the fanciest equipment to take the most amazing photos (although it can help in some cases). A lot of the final result can be achieved when you’re editing it.
What is your favorite image you've captured?
I think it has to be this one that I took of my cousin at the aquarium. I knew that it’d be a fun place to shoot but I had such a fun time experimenting with the dark light, the patterns, and the colored lights bouncing everywhere. It may not be my best technically but I felt that I really captured the sense of wonder that you can experience in an aquarium. Reflections are such an interesting thing to play around with when taking photos and there was plenty of opportunities to do that here.
Can you share some tips?
Keep taking photos. I look back at some of the first photos I took and whilst they still have lovely memories attached I do see how spending more time practicing and experimenting has increasingly improved my photography.
Good lighting is also a big game-changer, even if you just invest in a couple of cheap LED lights or wait an extra hour for softer natural light, it can make a big difference.