“I’ve been shooting photographs for maybe 10 years now, though due to my massive sense of self-loathing I hadn’t really shown anybody my photos until less than a year ago. In fact, for the most part I didn’t even mention the fact that I was into photography in conversation. It’s a bit of a weird thing, but I guess I’m like that with a lot of stuff – often avoiding bringing up the fact that I skate when talking to people (unless I’m drunk and trying to impress girls). I guess I hold the things that I enjoy very close to me in my own little world.
Are details of equipment important? Not really, but I’m always interested, so maybe others are too: I’ve owned pretty much everything over the years from Leicas to Lomos, 5×4 press cameras to Hasselblads, pre-war folders to pinhole pieces, I even had a DSLR for a while (it was sold on pretty quickly! Horrible). Right now I’m busting a Canon T90, and an Olympus XA3. Keeping it strictly 35mm and strictly simple. I shoot the cheapest film I can buy or “borrow” – I’m on a budget!
I recently finished 3 years of studying film at University in Manchester, specialising in Cinematography. It was an enjoyable experience and I saw some success – along with a couple of friends we won an award or two and had some of our work screened at film festivals around the world. Cinematography is awesome – I love it, though there is a lot of stress involved – relying on (bad) actors, crews, mental directors, busy schedules, extensive lighting set-ups etc – its a lot of work and I get stressed out super easily. I think that one of the beauties of photography (at least the way I shoot) is the freedom to just roam the streets, or hang out with friends and shoot away without any real pressure.
I guess I’m now at a turning point in my life – I no longer have the comfort of student loans and its time to actually start making some money. How? I have no idea.”
Cheers,
- Rog