Birmingham Loves Photographers

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 3^rd 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.