I am fortunate enough to be living in Totnes and although my being here has been only a couple of years, I have been coming to Totnes and surrounding area for several years predominately to enjoy and photograph the stunning views and the warmth and generosity of the people afforded to me and the photographic art that I continue to create, each image capturing a moment or a narrative.
I am often asked what makes either a good photographer, or a professional photographer? My favourite question being, what is the best camera to use? To me, looking back on the many decades that I have been snapping away, the answers now come easy, what is the best camera to use? Any one you have to hand and within your budget. Be it an analogue camera, a smart phone or a modern DSLR. it’s what you feel comfortable with. When I began my adventures into photography I started off with a 35mm old film camera and at the onset of digital, a very simple Sony Cybershot.
I used to just point and click mostly at flowers and insects in an attempt to shoot macro images and was very pleased with the results. I loved and still do, whatever I am taking images of, that moment of capture. I purchased many years ago a second hand DSLR with a very reasonable and cost-effective lens that I still use to this day. Although I am happy to use whatever camera in whatever form, in order to pursue my passion.
What makes a professional photographer? Well, the dictionary defines this as someone who makes a living from their photography, has a website and a portfolio of work to suit. This makes me smile because as in all professions there are so many so-called professionals, who know next to nothing, compared to the “so called” amateurs in their field who have the upmost command of their craft and as with professional photographers, who have all the equipment and can talk for hours on the Triangle of Exposure, F-Stops, the Fibonacci Sequence … the list goes on, but their output is mediocre to say the least.
Now, what makes a good photographer to my mind, is somebody that is patient and passionate in reference to the art they produce, they know how to frame a shot, how to capture a moment, how to tell a story and how to stir the imagination in the viewer.
Am I a good photographer? That’s not for me to answer. However, I love what I do, and I have been lucky in the fact I have made a living to a degree, had my own gallery, produced a book, and my images have been well received, but that’s just a bonus that I stumbled upon. So, I would say to everyone who has an interest in photography seek out advice, read up on the rules then throw it all out, go out and play. experiment, whatever works for you but most of all enjoy. It will all come to you…
