Snapshot of a student photographers life

How did you get into photography?
I first got into photography when I decided to study it at college as an A Level subject. Before that I had never really thought of photography more than point and click snapshots on holiday.

What do you love most about being a photographer?
I love the fact that I am documenting a moment that could be lost and forgotten forever, even if it will be just for my enjoyment in the future.

What is it about music photography that you like so much?
I like capturing that precise moment that everyone else in the room will have completely missed due to the atmosphere and excitement of a gig.

Where do you get your inspiration for a photo shoot?
How I find my inspiration really depends on what kind of shoot I am undertaking. If my focus is music photography then I tend to do a lot of research into the bands style before going to photograph them. This is so I can get their style across in the photographs. However, if my focus is urban photography, I like to wander a city and see what I find, the same way The Flaneurs of the 19th Century did.

Have you had any work published, if so where?
I recently photographed a local music festival called Sonic Music Fest and my images have been used in various local magazines and newspapers. Also a few of my photographs have been used in the universities student newspaper Pluto.

Do you use both digital and film cameras, if so do you have a preference?
I mainly use digital for my music photography because of the quick turnover of images, which are needed for various websites. I do love film photography however, especially for urban photography and portraiture.

What do you think are the benefits of digital over film or vice versa?
I think they both have their strength and weaknesses and it just depends on the individual as to which they prefer.

How has the Internet helped with your photography?
Having a website is good for getting your work seen, but you have to be very careful with copyright issues. I think the Internet is most helpful for research and finding prospective clients.

Of the hundreds of photographs you have taken, do you have one that is your favourite or particularly special to you, if so why?
I have a series of photographs, which mean a lot to me, they are of an old mental asylum just outside Preston, which I've visited on many occasions to photograph. It has so much history and is due to be redeveloped soon, so in a way I have documented a place, which will soon be lost and forgotten about.

What kit do you own?
I own a Canon 400D digital SLR, a Canon Film SLR, a Lomo fisheye and a Nikon compact digital camera.

Who are your greatest photographic influences?
One of my favourite photographers is Mick Rock, who is an amazing music photographer. It was his work that really inspired me to get into music photography properly and consider it as a career option.

What plans have you got for the future?
My main plan for the moment is to travel and document the various places I visit. After that I definitely want to focus more on my music photography.

Is there anyone in particular whom you would love to photograph?
There is no one in particular. But I would love to photograph at the new O2 arena, due to the scale of the place.

Have you ever had any embarrassing encounters whilst photographing?

Once I went to do a photo shoot with a band and the batteries in my camera ran out. The bands drummer had to drive me to Tesco's so I could buy some more.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to get into photography?
If your not sure what your focus in photography is I would recommend taking a beginners course. Once you have done this you could carry it on further to degree level. Other advice would be to get a good portfolio of work together and circuit - get your work out there and make people notice who you and what your work is about.

Is there any particular skills or traits you need to be a photographer?
You have to be very determined to be successful and make it into the industry, as it can be a very hard profession to get into.

Interview by James Sharp.