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Birmingham Loves Photographers
Run in conjunction with the independent coffee shop 6/8 Kafé, this is a space to promote Birmingham based photographers all of styles, both amateur and professional. We will also be a running events for photography around the West Midlands. If you want your work featured on here, please contact by Ask Me a Question, or go to our Twitter @birmlovestogs
Birmingham Loves Photographers Website
We have now moved to BirminghamLovesphotographers.com
Come check it out and get involved!
Kate Hook
How did you get into photography/what is your background?
It was when I was about 14 when my dad bought a camcorder where I started playing around with imagery, and then about a year later I got a compact digital camera. It was a really good camera to start with (it was a Fuji one but I can’t remember what model it was!) as it had manual settings so I taught myself the ins and outs of photography. I studied photography at Sutton Art & Design from 2006 to 2008, but due to personal circumstances I gave up photography shortly after I passed my course. Just over a year ago I was encouraged to get back into it and bought my first DSLR and never looked back.
How would you describe your style of photography?
Guess I’d have to say “fresh” as I’m still learning new skills with it and it shows in my work. I’m not known for having a certain style, just being able to do a small variation of techniques and being experimental. I’m quite edgy and starting to become a lot more risqué with my images.
What equipment do you use?
I use a d90 and I’ve started using a manual lens off an old Nikon SLR camera. Also I like to do Lomography so I use a Mini Diana and a Holga a lot too.
Who has influenced your work?
Terry Richardson & Ellen Von Unwerth I’d say were my biggest influences when studying photography. My friends are always throwing ideas at me for pictures, even models have given me some good ideas on shoots! I get a lot of my ideas from my surroundings, like I’ll walk into a scuffy lil corner shop and think it’ll be a great place to do a shoot. As well as different cultures, music, old books, even from old movies I get influenced by styles, colours, even just what an extra is wearing can influence me!
Do you have any ideas on how photography in Birmingham can be developed or ideas for events/projects?
There should be exhibitions that don’t cost a bomb to get involved with! Also maybe start up some workshops with different photographers so they can teach their own tricks of the trade.
Andrew Pilsbury
Q. How did you get into photography/what is your background?
Well photography for me came around when I was at college, when I had the intention of studying illustration. However the illustration course wasn’t what I expected, so I took a gamble with photography, which proved to be a good choice. The photography course was great and soon I was hooked, it was an interesting medium to experiment with, completely different from pencil and paper.
After college I completed a degree in Visual Communication at BCU, where I was able to continue my Photography, whilst also exploring and refining other skills in illustration and design.
Q. How would you describe your style of photography?
I’ve not fully worked out my style yet, however I do know I am always looking to improve and experiment with different techniques, which has effect on my shooting style. I suppose my work falls into the ‘Reportage’ and ‘Documentary’ but I am slowly getting more into portraits, especially old people for some reason?!
Q. What equipment do you use?
I use a Mamiya C330 medium format and a Canon A1 35mm at the minute. I stand by film and its timeless qualities, and will hopefully always use, but for convenience and when the bank says I can, I will upgrade to digital.
Q. Who/what has influenced your work?
My peers and lecturers in education to begin with, most have influenced my work in some way shape or form, possibly good, possibly bad. I’m always looking at other photographers, whether my friends or professionals, Zed nelson, Joel Sternfeld, Stephen Shore and Joel Meyerowitz to name a few in photography. Spike Jonze, Chris Cunningham and Shane Meadows in film. My surroundings and encounters become important to my thinking and theories, I’m always looking at people and places for inspiration.
Q. Do you have any ideas on how photography in Birmingham can be developed or ideas for events/projects?
I went to a lecture by Magnum photographer Chris Steele Perkins this week, as part of Birmingham’s ‘Take To The Streets’ events and exhibitions. The talk was incredibly inspirational, and there was a good turn out of photographers throughout Birmingham. It’s things like this that should be promoted more and arranged throughout the area. Events like this are great to discuss work and ideas along with checking out the competition. I think it’s healthy to see who, as a photographer you are up against, and the level of work out there at the minute.
Contact Andrew on:
Website: cargocollective.com/andypilsbury
Email: aphotographic@gmail.com
Rob Farrell
Q. How did you get into photography/what is your background?
I studied Photography while at Art School but went down the Graphic Design route as it seemed more lucrative! Always keep at it in the old film days and moved into digital a few years ago and it progressively became a profession
Q. How would you describe your style of photography?
Modern, fresh and sometimes alternative I love shooting people from all walks of life and making them go ‘wow’
Q. What equipment do you use?
I love Nikon, always have it’s one of those Mac vs. PC debates sometimes (always have this discussion with Cannon users!) – each can be as good as each other it all depends on what you are happy using. As my old tutor once said ‘my friend has a better car than me, but it doesn’t make him a better driver.’
Q. Who/what has influenced your work?
I sort of evolved from nightclub photography and took it onto the street, I love angles and taking shoots from high and low to give a different perspective.
Q. Do you have any ideas on how photography in Birmingham can be developed or ideas for events/projects?
Be nice to see some of the best work displayed in a gallery, and also to be able to comment on the work posted on the blog (if you already can’t!)
Contact Rob on:
The Fotography Factory
Ground Floor, 110-114 Corporation Street, Birmingham, B4 6SX
Tel: 07590 657 418
www.thefotographyfactory.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/TheFotographyFacrory
Twitter: @FotoFactoryBrum
Birmingham Loves Photographers Portrait Project (round one)
Below are the results of the first round of the Birmingham Loves Photographers Portrait Project. Snappers from around the Birmingham entered their names into a pool and were paired up to take portraits of one another and share tips and styles. There’s no prizes or competition involved, it’s all in the name of fun.
If you would like to know more or take part in the next round, then send an email to blpportraitproject@gmail.com and we’ll take it from there.
Alan Palmer by Karl Stevens
Alex Jones by Chaz Barnes
Andrea May Chance-Hill by Andy Round
Andy Round by Andrea May Chance-Hill
Chaz Barnes by Alex Jones
Claire Williams by Craig Bush
Craig Bush by Claire Williams
Harry Starling by Pete Sloan
Jennifer Peel by Jonathan Bell
Jonathan Bell by Jennifer Peel
Pete Sloan by Harry Starling
Rob Connor by Craig Bush
Andrea Chance-Hill
Q. How did you get into photography/what is your background?
I have been in love with photography and the idea of creating, rather than taking images for as long as I can remember. After 7 years of amateur photography I decided to go pro, I bought my first pro standard D-SLR around 3 years ago and have never looked back
I formed AMCH Photography around 18 months ago, originally specialising in PR & Commercial images but rapidly fell in love with music and band photography (having been a Muso pretty much all my life!) and have started to expand my experience and knowledge in this area. My business has just started to offer wedding photography and I’m looking forward to my 3rd wedding of the year in August.
For fun I shoot under my freelance name “Andrea-Mai” and like to shoot almost anything; models, events, street scenes and club nights. As corny as it sounds, for me it’s definitely about the images and constant learning and improving my skills - not about making as much money as possible.
Q. How would you describe your style of photography?
Having turned pro just 18 months ago, I feel I’m still developing my professional “signature” style. This said, I do like to think of myself as quirky and I feel this comes across particularly well in the 6/8 Kafé photographic project.
My personal “Andrea-Mai” style can vary depending on the subject although I would describe some of my work as experimental as I love to experiment with colour and light in particular.
I’m looking forward to working with other photographers over the summer on many different projects and shoots, which will enable me to really get to grips with my personal style as well as make some great contacts!
Q. What equipment do you use?
Mostly I use my Nikon D90 and have fallen in love with a Nikkor 50mm 1.4f prime lens I bought in March which hasn’t been off the camera since! I find this lens particularly good when I shoot live gigs.
Have a fair few flashguns which I use with and without diffusers and a great general purpose lens (18-200mm 3.5-5.6f) which suits event and street photography.
Q. Who has influenced your work?
There are things that influence my work all around me, the subject I’m shooting, the atmosphere of my surroundings, the people I’m with (particularly if I shoot with another ‘tog). I also read endlessly, I read Photo Professional and Advanced Photographer magazines as well as any books I can get my paws on! I enjoy attending photography talks and seminars not only for the subject matter and the learning experience, but it also gives me a chance to network with other photographers which I LOVE!
Q. Do you have any ideas on how photography in Birmingham can be developed or ideas for events/projects?
It would be great to have more photography events in Birmingham such as organised shoots, meet-ups, talks etc.
Sites like this are fantastic but I think that spaces to present local photographer’s work in print are sadly lacking. I agree with Steve Cooper when said in his blog feature that we need to make more use of public spaces in order to do this.
Contact Andrea on:
Email: achill@amchphotography.co.uk
Blog: www.amchpix.posterous.com
Website: www.amchphotography.co.uk
Twitter: @AMCHPix
Lauren-Jade Gilbert
Q. How did you get into photography/what is your background?
I have many friends who are also into amateur photography, and ever since I purchased my first DSLR, I’ve been hooked. Photography has always been important to me - the crucial part was just making the transition from *looking* to *doing*. I find immense pleasure in watching people at work, and people watching me at work. When I was younger, I’d always dream of being able to take *real* photos, and I used old, worn-out digitals when I attempted it. I’ve been taking photography more and more seriously lately, and I’ll soon be making another transition - from *doing* to studying and hopefully working! Sharing my photography and having people share their photography with me… it makes me immensely happy.
Q. How would you describe your style of photography?
I always have one cliché aim when taking photos; keep things natural. I do very little editing on my photos, and have a strong disbelief in editing pieces so far from the original that they no longer look natural. I like people to look at my photos and give me a positive about the composition or tell me I have a good eye, not ask if the main subject in it is real or not. I also like to prove that good photography is possible without technical brilliance and professionalism, and that equal amounts of photography passion can be shown in so-called “happy accidents”.
Q. What equipment do you use?
Due to my aims and style, I use very basic/little equipment. Simply my Nikon D300 with a 50mm. I may progress later on with a tripod, or another lens, but right now… I’m happy with what I use. I manage to get the look and feel I want in my photos, therefore think there’s very little point in searching for costly equipment that I wouldn’t enjoy using.
Q. Who/What influences your work?
My friends influence me the most. Many of my older friends are role-models when it comes to photography. The surrounding world *is* influence, and I often find myself trying to recreate other photographers’ work, with twists!
After all…
“Good artists borrow, great artists steal”
Contact Lauren on:
Tumblr: http://myindie-pendence.tumblr.com/
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/friellax/
Nicholas Priest
Q. How did you get into photography/what is your background?
Art was impressed upon me from an early age: it stemmed from the influence of My grandfather who was a paid artist and subsequently designed many landmarks around Birmingham. Despite my family history in art, art classes were frustrating for me; I had so many ideas but I couldn’t draw and couldn’t paint. Photography came through for me at a time in my life where I needed a focus, looking at my A-level options; a photography course came up at my local college in conjunction with the school.
From the first moment I went out on a shoot and learnt the basics I managed to convert those ideas I had into my interpretation of art with photography. From there I chose to pursue my love for photography after my A levels at Birmingham City University.
Q. How would you describe your style of photography?
After Learning about many styles and approaches to photography, I found that my passion was sourced in documentarian forms of photography as well as, photojournalism and colour. Centred around: Places, people, areas and cultures, scenarios that exhibit some sort of significance and truth. I go in with an objective or witnessing a photograph opportunity that is relevant and relatable to the times. I aim to achieve a meaningful portrayal of people, areas, environments, I encapsulate ordinary things that are overlooked in everyday life in my photography, pictures that describe an area I am constantly seeking colour within the area and to illustrate its beauty.
Q. What equipment do you use?
When I first started out with photography had a Nikon F50, using different black and white and colour films. My next choice was a Nikon D50 then a Nikon D300, with a 18-55mm lens to a Nikon 50 mm 1.8. From there I started the to pick up some old point and shoots, a Canonsureshot 38mm lens and a Ricoh 35mm lens and recently I have acquired a Nikon F4 and a Canon AV-1, which I look forward to suing with both colour and black and white film.
Q. Who/What influences your work?
I keep my Grandfathers paintings and notes from his work framed around me when I am working to maintain motivation.
Moreover, the first time I saw a William Eggleston guide, I felt the want and need to make photographs like these. Looking at the common familiarity of everyday life, things and people. Stephen Shore and Martin Parr also influenced a lot of my work as they would go out with an objective. Similarly, I love the way Lee Friedlander traveled around looking for his photographs.
Myself, I revel in coming up with new concepts and projects and then trying to find the perfect photographs to portray the idea. I also love traveling within England, visiting various places and getting lost to make my discoveries. I also explore diverse cultures by traveling through various locations in the world.
Q. Do you have any ideas on how photography in Birmingham can be developed or ideas for events/projects?
I believe that more opportunities should be created for graduates and young and old photographers, especially in exhibiting and showcasing Birmingham in their work. I think that it is a matter Gathering photographers to try and come up with ideas to do this and try and raise some money to make it possible.
Contact Nicholas on:
Rob Rowlands
Q. How did you get into photography/what is your background?
I’ve taken photos since I was a child but it’s been the last 10 years that I’d say I’ve been a photographer. That’s been a journey of self-learning and exploration both of the camera and the things I like to photograph. I have no formal training in photography and that is something which at first held me back from launching my own business. With hindsight (and a lot of convincing from friends) I’ve realised that isn’t a barrier its just another means to an end.
I started out documenting days out walking so was largely landscape based. Then, with a background and career in urban planning I tried applying that to the urban landscape. I only started taking more candid portraits for a bit of fun. This was what caught people’s eye and got them interested. I ended up shooting friends weddings, day trips out and I am now unofficial chronicler of the lives of my nephews and neice (and who says don’t work for free!). My other passion is cycling, though as the name implies I’ve not been as committed to the bike as I might have been in more recent times. I’ve taken that passion into my photography and that has retained my love of photography as a hobby. It’s hard to get a good yet unique set of images from a cycle race and that’s what I’m still working on. But I’m pleased with the style I am developing - as others have said it captures something different.
I’m in the midst of taking the next big step. Making photography part of my career has followed a nervous breakdown which prompted a rethink (see my blog www.reclaimingtheabandonedbicycle.wordpress.com). AbandonedBicycle Photography actually was born by accident whilst I was trying to establish different business ideas and whilst friends kept wondering why I didn’t take up photography more seriously. Its now a fledgling enterprise without much effort to promote it. If I follow my wife’s advice and work to a plan I can see it growing at the speed I am happy with. Certainly clients to date have been very happy with not only the results of my work but also my approach. I’m working a lot with social enterprises and voluntary sector organisations, a world I am familiar with from my research career and a group whose stories can be told with good images.
Q. How would you describe your style of photography?
This really depends on the work I am doing. For the commissioned work I do its relaxed, unintrusive and natural. My dislike of a lot of corporate photography is that it is to posed and un-natural. At the same time most people I photograph start by telling me they don’t like having their photograph taken. As well as being technically proficient it is important to see the picture or story the image is telling and it’s vital that you put your subjects at ease. The feedback I’ve had from clients confirms their impression of a relaxed and painless shoot. My event photography is much more shoot, shoot and shoot some more. In that way I’m the classic photographer. All I can say is thank goodness for digital or I’d be spending a lot on film.
Q. What equipment do you use?
A Canon 50D at the moment for most work. My first DSLR has recently given up the ghost so I do need a new back up and, to my wife’s constant despair, I’m always looking out for a good yet compact camera to have on me at all times. Whilst equipment is important, a good quality image is as much about how you use and care for that equipment than the amount you spend on it.
Q. Who/What has influenced your work?
I’d be lying if I said that other photographers hadn’t influenced my work but I honestly couldn’t pick any out by name and say that theirs was a style I’d followed. In fact, when I have tried to follow a particular style that I have seen, particularly in landscape photography, I’ve ended up failing. I still flick through magazines and books but now I’m happier connecting with other photographers either through the web (Flickr is useful for this) or where possible over a coffee for a natter. In that respect I’m lucky I now some very good photographers locally or who are in Birmingham often enough to do that.
Q. Do you have any ideas on how photography in Birmingham can be developed or ideas for events/projects?
Developing a community of photographers. As others have said it can be lonely ploughing your own furrow. Whilst we might compete in some ways for work our styles are all different and appeal to clients in different ways. I’m already discussing a joint marketing venture to social enterprises with others. Watch this space. In the meantime a friendly coffee get together would be good.
Contacts Rob on:
email: rob@abandonedbicyclephotography.co.uk
website: www.abandonedbicyclephotography.co.uk
twitter: @abandonedbphoto
Richard Southall
Q. How did you get into photography/what is your background?
My passion for photography began when my father persuaded me to buy a proper camera (Praktica LTL) from some inheritance money I had received. I was surprised by how quickly I took to it and the excitement I had of producing images. I started as an assistant when I was 13 years old, working for Dennis Constantine (high society portrait photographer). From there I progressed to college and studied for 4 years at Bournville College of Art and what now is Gloucester University. During this period, I continued to work as a freelance assistant both in London and Birmingham. At the age of 20, with the support of my future wife Elaine, I took the leap and set up my own practice. I have now been shooting for over 20 years.
Q. How would you describe your style of photography?
My commercial work is very vibrant and highly saturated. This mainly due to the nature of the subject matter – nightclubs, bars, restaurants, retail outlets, casinos, hotels etc. My clients expect from me a very distinct contemporary style of imaging which reflects their interior design and lighting. My personal work, in many ways is the complete opposite. I have over the last few years, reverted to film for my own personal projects and in particular, B&W. I have developed a real passion again for film and it’s unique character and warmth. I feel that we have lost a lot the intimacy and tone rendition through digital. For me, digital lacks character and is in many ways, it’s far too clinical in its final result.
Q. What equipment do you use?
Commercially – Digital Nikon with the majority of the lenses used – fixed focal length as opposed to zooms for optimum results. For my own personal work, Hasselblads and a Sinar P. Lighting – Bowens 3k packs and heads, Bowens monolights, redheads and Metz
Q. Who has influenced your work?
My personal is very strongly influenced by Minor White, Wynn Bullock, Eliot Porter, Robert Adams and Walker Evans. My friends and colleagues know that I am still obsessed with capturing the perfect image of ‘peeling paint’ a la Minor White :)
Contact Richard on:
Website: www.emphasis.biz
email: richard@emphasis.biz
