I first delved into the world of photography when I was about 10, when my Nan gave me a camera for Christmas. At that age I wasn’t able to do anything technical with the camera, but it got me started. Much of the photos I took were snaps of family and friends, until about a year ago when I developed an interest in being able to make my photos more creative. I subsequently commandeered my partner at the time’s DSLR and began an epic learning journey.
I decided after a while of using his camera that I wanted to have my own. From then on I started snapping away at almost anything and everything to develop my technique. I taught myself about shutter speeds, apertures, ISOs and focal lengths, and how each of these related to each other. I tried out my new techniques each time I learnt something new, just by taking my camera out. This didn’t have to be anywhere exotic. Many times I explored within the house and the garden.
I took up a GCSE course at the local college, just to get a few ideas and for a bit of fun. This helped to develop my technical knowledge and got me into taking shots I wouldn’t otherwise have known how to take.
On the course I also learnt about other professional photographers – these gave some inspiration to my work. Richard Avedon was most notable in inspiring my work and formed the beginning of my ongoing study of hands. This is of course in conjunction with numerous Flickr members whom I used as a basis for my own development.
Currently I am attempting to be semi-pro, and it has been a project in itself getting a website up and running. As I came from being a complete amateur, having never used a DSLR, I still very much enjoy taking photos for my own pleasure, and will continue to do so if professionalism ever takes off. My main interests lie within landscape, portrait and abstract photography. It is amazing to see something interesting in things which others walk nonchalantly past.
Web: www.zoephoto.co.uk
Blog: http://zoe-andrews.blogspot.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/zoeandrewsphoto
Facebook Fans: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fareham-United-Kingdom/Zoe-Andrews-Photography/112835715397301
“It is amazing to see something interesting in things which others walk nonchalantly past.”
I have a very similar philosophy. Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you too!