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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
Lewis Maxwell Bloor
Q. How did you get into photography/what is your background?
When I was around 18 I had no real interests apart from playing in punk bands, playing gigs and DJing parties and night clubs but I needed something to do between all these things to actually make some money to live… I applied for a bunch of jobs, one of which was as a photographers assistant at a commercial photographers. I trained as a commercial photographer for 5 years, starting with large format 5x4 film cameras and medium format hasselblads, then digital backs then dSLR’s. The boss retired and I went to uni to do a graphic design degree and used photography as my main medium borrowing cameras whenever i could. I left uni and moved to Birmingham to be a designer. I realised how much the company were spending on outsourcing so I started a photography department. Product photography, specialising in watches is my day job but always having access to a camera I’d never bought one or owned my own until last year when a friend asked me to photograph her wedding and I thought I’d have a go. the week I got a canon 500D my band were playing so I took the camera along to the gig to photograph the other bands and quite enjoyed it. from there I just took it with me everywhere and just started shooting.
Q. How would you describe your style of photography?
My motto is “point, shoot, hope…”. After working as a product photographer and training to be precise while using lots of lighting set ups, I enjoy just getting to somewhere, seeing what the lighting is like and going from there. I enjoy long exposures, movement, flash, available light, lens filters and having fun. I like to post produce as I used to enjoy cross processing and using different films, I see it as a natural progression from the dark room. I know there are a lot of people that swear by film still but after 5 years of 3 trips a day to the processors not knowing if the 8 shots of the day have turned out correct there’s no love lost where that’s concerned! I guess I like my shots to be slightly whimsical and show the viewer something extra than what they might see in real life.
Q. What equipment do you use?
I’m a bit of a canon fan boy nowadays, a 1Ds III in the studio, a 60D for weddings and location and a 500D for wondering around with. I buy whatever equipment I can afford, loads of lenses, flash guns, lens filters, lights, reflectors and daft add-ons that can add some sort of creative twist to any situation
Q. Who/what has influenced your work?
The first photographer that I assisted was a bastard, but I am eternally grateful for everything he taught me, his precision was unparalleled in studio environments although his manner left a lot to be desired. I love a lot of design based photography like Alexander Rodchenko and Josef Müller-Brockmann but I’m addicted to buying photography books and trying to work out how photographers light their shots. I guess from the younger photographers I enjoy the work of Tom Barnes and my good friend Joe Watson from the band Attack! Vipers! Check out his work and his rad music! then my band… Cannons And Tanks, obviously ;)
Q. Do you have any ideas on how photography in Birmingham can be developed or ideas for events/projects?
I’ve been a little scared to come to the meets as I don’t know anyone really and don’t have anyone to go with, I guess I’d like there to be a little club or get together on a Sunday afternoon where everyone can come and meet similar people in the same situation :D
Contact Lews on:
Website: http://lewismaxwell.carbonmade.com/
Tumblr: http://wentdownfighting.tumblr.com/
Twitter: @pointshoothope
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
Portrait Project - Round 2 Pictures
Below are the results of the second 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
Andy Reeve by Matt Daniels
Matt Daniels by Andy Reeve
Craig Bush by Jon Bell
Jill Evans (B&W) by Jon Iles
Jill Evans (colour) by Jon Iles
Louise Holgate by Karl Stevens
Pete Sloan by Kathryn Cartwright
Karl Stevens by Louise Holgate
Kathryn Cartwright by Pete Sloan
Jon Iles by Jill Evans
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
SIMON WINNALL
Q. How did you get into photography/what is your background?
My mother is a very good photographer and I remember being surrounded by lovely old Pentax camera gear from a very young age. One of my strongest childhood memories is sitting in a dark room watching Kodachrome 64 slides projected onto a screen, seeing the dust suspended in the beam of light, and hearing the ‘clunk-click’ as the next picture advanced.
I went to college to study graphic design, but somehow ended up taking photography as it looked more fun and easier! I was too stupid to go to uni so started working at a Birmingham design company, then after 5 years I started my own business, initially just doing graphics work. Eventually, with a lot of support from my friend and fellow local photographer Ian Winstanley, the design work disappeared and I’ve worked exclusively as a photographer for about the last 4 years, which isn’t that long in this industry, but feels it some days!
Q. How would you describe your style of photography?
Snap-shot-y lifestyle?!
It takes a long time to become self aware of your photography and consider what style binds your work together. I’m only just getting a handle on it! I’m starting to see technically what I like, shallow depth of field, strong use of colour, people shot on location. The obvious commercial application of that style is lifestyle photography. This style suits my personality too, I much prefer flirting chatting with models in the sunshine instead to sitting in a dark studio lighting a dull inanimate object!!! Its very important all photographers shoot personal work for their books to develop a style, as your not going to find one while working for clients, as you objective is meeting their needs. 99% of the work on my site, I’ve shot for myself.
From a business & marketing perspective, Its important for commercial photographers to have a strong style and specialism, as we’re so close in the midlands to one of the best and largest photography markets in the world, London. The capital is full of photographers who excel in certain niche styles of photography. When big money is on the line, any client with a brain is going to want to hire the person who is an expert in the exact style of photography they want, not a jack of all trades who can do lots of styles of work to an OK standard. For example I was taken to Paris this spring to shoot an ad job for a french mobile phone company, just because the client felt my style was perfect for that specific project, which shows the effort some agencies put into sourcing the right photographer. Like all photographers, thats not to say I can’t point a camera at other types of work, I’ve done projects as diverse as shooting stop motion TV ads through to studio product shots of £100,000 diamond and gold stilettos in the last year. But I am happiest and market myself, as a lifestyle photographer.
Q. What equipment do you use?
I’ve got Canon DSLRs for snappy stuff and a medium format Contax 645 with a Phaseone back for more considered work (which means I never use it!), plus lots of lighting, grip, video, computer gear. I try very hard not to get seduced into buying equipment, you know you have problems when you get excited by C-Stands! Nearly all my work is handheld, unlit and shot on just two lenses, 35mm & 85mm. For my style of photography, the more complex the gear needed to make a photo, the less I like it. A simple approach is best when shooting with people.
Q. Who/What influences your work?
Initially from a professional viewpoint my mate Ian held a large influence. I didn’t spend much time assisting other photographers, probably as I was so rubbish at it! So having someone to give you an idea of how to deal with clients, cost jobs and develop your own style work is priceless. I certainly wouldn’t be working as a photographer without his help! Checkout his work at www.ianwinstanley.net
I do spend time looking at other photographers work, which some people don’t, as it gives me an idea of the standard I need to reach to get work. I’ve got folders full of bookmarked websites. For lifestyle photography the guys I admire are: Chris Sisarich, Pete Beavis, Gary Burchell, Nick Onken. Plus what photographer doesn’t want to shoot portraits like Nadav Kander?!
Q. Do you have any ideas on how photography in Birmingham can be developed or ideas for events/projects?
Just getting local photographers together is a great thing. We exist in our own bubbles, many working from home. So to see each other would be cool!
Contact Simon at:
Simon Winnall
Pete Ashton
Q. How did you get into photography/what is your background?
I got a cheap digital camera around 2002 and started posting photos online in a reportage kinda way - just saying “here’s this cool thing I saw”. When Flickr came along in 2004 I used that to host my photos and got involved in some of the communities there, including the Birmingham group. Combined with some time off work (a fortuitous tax rebate + very low living expenses) I spent more time drifting around Birmingham taking photos. Then a friend pointed out my photos weren’t shit anymore - they were interesting. So I bought a decent camera and spent the next few years getting better. Short version - completely self taught.
Q. How would you describe your style of photography?
I have no idea. I’d like to think it’s constantly evolving and changing as I experiment and grow as a person, but it probably has a style that I’m stuck with.
Q. What equipment do you use?
iPhone, Nikon D70s, Duaflex TTV contraption, Nikon FM2 film camera. In that order.
Q. Who has influenced your work?
My peers on Flickr, on the whole. I’m quite ignorant of the photography cannon and, amusingly, was advised to stay that way for the time being by a photography professional.
Q. Do you have any ideas on how photography in Birmingham can be developed or ideas for events/projects?
It would be nice if the big art institutions treated photography better here. I don’t see BMAG doing much for the artform. Ikon tends to give it equal weight, to be fair, but I suspect they’re not interested in mediums per se, more ideas.
As for photographers, I think the best thing they can do is keep taking photos and keep sharing them. Get over this infantile obsession with copyright and “stealing” and let their images fly free. If they do get “stolen” at least you know you’re on to something.
On the whole, having spent the last 6 years thinking about questions like that I’ve come to the conclusion they don’t make sense. What is “photography in Birmingham” anyway? It’s an abstract concept that’s incredibly hard to pin down so it’s probably best not to. I’d rather ask how can people in Birmingham be encouraged to make use of these incredible machines in their pockets to create great art?
To contact Pete
Pete currently has an exhibition at Birmingham Library in the window on Cosgrove Passage. Details on the website: http://ttvpete.com
General website access portal: peteashton.com
Pete’s Flickr
Pete’s Twitter @ttvpete
