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Interview....

1. What got you started in the photography world?

I always loved art, I was taught how to paint/draw as a child, by my nana who was a painter when she was younger. I knew I wanted my career to be something in the arts, I couldn't stand to work in an office, so despite people saying I was wasting my intelligience I ended up at art college where I was introduced to photography and fell in love with it.

2. What gets you started in the mornings?

My mind never really switches off I am always thinking of new ideas for images that I want to create so just the excitement of making it all happen gets me motivated.

3. Who is/are your favourite woman photographer, and why?

Just the one??

Ellen Von Unwerth - although some criticise her for her technical ability I think she displays one of the most impressive imaginations I have ever seen. Her eye for detail staggers me. I just love all of her concepts, her style is so fun and she manages to make all the women she photographs look unbelievably sexy.

Cindy Sherman - this woman is just a chameleon. She manages to work in several different roles from creative director to photographer AND model. And the styles of work she creates varies so much from her Untitled Film Stills series to her more recent clown work. She is a typical girl in that she loves to dress up and take on different identities through the use of different outfits, hairstyles etc.

4. What are your specialisms, the types of photos you're best known for,
and what do you photograph just for fun?

I am probably best known for my 'character portaits' - I do not know a better term to describe them. Basically I love my images to be a bit eccentric but to have some kind of theme or narrative behind them.

For fun I like to photograph classic cars (my main hobby) and also creepy dolls (I have a vast collection).

5. The exhibition or gallery showing that's moved you the most.

Julian Germains exhibition 'For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness' - a series of large scale photographs documenting an old man whose beloved wife had sadly passed away. He was lonely but continued to see the best in life and made the most of his time. The exhibition had a great emotional impact on me having recently lost a grandparent but I have no doubt that it would have moved me regardless of that relevant situation.

6. What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

Its not what you know its who you know. Obviously it is important to be skilled and talented but you can be more skilled and talented than I don't know, David La Chapelle, and you will get NOWHERE if you don't make yourself known. Network, network, NETWORK! Get yourself out there, shove your work in peoples faces and get them to pay attention to you. It is hard work but it will pay off in the end when someone gives you a break!

7. Is there a women's aesthetic in photography?

Personally yes, my work is VERY kitsch and girly but thats just my style. Generally no, I don't think you can typify an image on gender. Work is so varied and equally as impressive whether male or female.

8. Apologies in advance for this:

film/digital - FILM! I just wish that it wasn't so damn expensive! Due to the market now, working in film isn't particularly viable as customers want their image like yesterday. You can have as many pixels as you like but it will never compare to a 5x4.

Nikon/Canon - Canon, but just because thats my camera and its what I'm used too.

Apple/PC - PC, I am quite opposed to change and find Apples a bit scary!

digital darkroom/wet darkroom - Again, you cannot beat a day in the wet-room coming out smelling of fixer. But, again, it is not cost-effective and the whole process is a bit slow. It is great for personal work but there is not much room for it in the commercial world now.


9. Where do you think the industry is going, given the rise of cheap or
free 'stock' and a camera in everyone's hand?

Cheap camera's and the whole 'Next top model' culture has had a bad effect on the industry in that is difficult to get anybody to pay a photographer for their services, because 'my Uncle's got a camera, he can do it' etc. I dare say professional models are also finding it hard to find paid work due to in the rise of young girls wanting to give it a go for free.

Hopefully the professionals in the industry will continue to improve on their abilities and the gap between pro and amature will become wider, and thus our skills will once again be appreciated.

10. What would delight you the most, if it happened this week?

If the 5x4 fairies left a nice surprise on my doorstep!