Interview With Photographer And ePHOTOzine Member Baden

Baden has only been a photographer for just over a year, but he is already producing some brilliant model photos to rival other photographers. Here, he tells us a bit about himself and his photography.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born and bred in Wales but I moved to Kent in 2010 when I met my wife. I am 37-years-old and I work part time as a lab technician and do photography in my spare time. I use what is regarded as mid-range kit consisting of a Canon 50D, Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 and Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro lens.


When I moved to Kent I did not know anyone and I took up photography in 2011 as a way of getting to know the area and meet people. I used to keep marine fish and was always impressed by the beautiful photographs that other people were able to take of their tanks. With the most popular camera at that time being a Canon 350D, I brought a second hand one, but quickly upgraded to my current 50D. I started, like most people, shooting anything and everything, but found that I enjoyed shooting people and in particular the creative side of the editing. I have only been taking photography seriously since September 2011, so I have just completed my first year in this hobby and realise I still have a lot to learn, but really looking forward to the journey!


Who or what inspires you photographically?
Since I took up photography I do see the world with new eyes! A drive in the country, watching a film or browsing the internet I see things I never would have before, like light and shadows and how they affect a scene or create a mood. I have met and made many friends through photography and there are people who have given me invaluable advice and help along the way, so these people have been a big influence and inspiration.


Your model shots are particularly good, talk us through how you set up a shot.
My early model shoots were on location using a combination of a natural light, a single Speedlight and a reflector. British weather being what it is I invested in a studio kit so I could still do shoots in bad weather. My kit consists of a half width (1.35m) paper backdrop and a set of 35 year old Bowen’s monolites all set up in my kitchen! It is a bit hectic, but it works!

Most of my model shoots are collaborations and ideas flow in which direction we all would like the shoot to go. I have been very lucky to work with some really creative people, which makes my job a lot easier.


How did you achieve the blue lady look?
For this shot, it was all about the make up! Again this was a collaboration with a very talented make-up artist, hair stylist and of course a beautiful model. Many people have asked if the make-up was real or added in post-production, it was 100% real and my wife still complains about how long it took to clean the bathroom afterwards! The inspiration behind the image was from the famous 1950 print/painting "The Chinese Lady" aka "The Blue/Green Lady" by Vladimir Tretchikoff, which adorned many a wall in the 60’s and 70’s.

You can take a look at more of Baden's work by visiting his portfolio: Baden's Portfolio.