When did you start your photographic journey?
I’ve been messing about with cameras for more years than I like to remember, but it wasn’t until digital cameras arrived that I started to take an interest in doing more than just record shots of friends and family, though I did use the camera for portraits that I used as reference for paintings. Once I had acquired a computer and a copy of photoshop elements, that opened up a whole new world of expression for me.
What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
The difference between record shots and art images. Took a year in a camera club to get that into my head! Big learning curve there!
What gear do you use?
I use Pentax cameras and lenses mainly, at the moment my favourite is a Pentax K70 that has an articulating screen that I find essential for my still life images. Have quite a collection of cameras but the K70 and K5 that I use for macro are the two I use the most.
What is our favourite lens and why?
The Pentax 18-135 is my top lens now, but before that I used a Tamron 18-250. The Tamron was retired when it would no longer stay put when pointed down, got tired of using duct tape to hold the damn thing in place!
What essential items do you take on a shoot other than you camera and lens?
A tripod and a circular polarizing filter, a cloth to clean things and blue tack! That stuff is worth its weight in gold! As I shoot at home in the studio I don’t have to cart gear around, but I do always have a firm idea of what I want to shoot and spent quite a bit of time on setups and lighting, often using torches these days.
Among your camera gear is there anything you wish you hadn’t brought and why?
Not a thing apart from a cheap tripod. Didn’t last. Always buy quality.
What are you favourite settings on your camera?
AV ISO100 F16 and auto white balance.
What tools do you use for post-processing?
Mainly Photoshop CS5 but do have the NIK collection and Affinity that I am trying to get my head around at the moment.
Which image is your favourite that you have taken?
Whichever is the latest usually, especially if it has turned out the way I envisioned! I move forward, not backwards, always looking for new ways of seeing and making images.
Do you have anything else you would like to share about your photography?
Never stop exploring and trying new things, know that there are times you will have a drought in the creative department and times when there is just not enough hours in the day to capture everything you want. Above all, know the judges aren’t always going to appreciate your work in competitions, but hear them out, take their comments on board and accept or reject as you will…. Planning judgicide only upsets you… be happy and enjoy your photography
