How Was It Taken?

Whilst scouting around the Totally Tamron gallery this week, we came across Brian Dicks' captivating image of a Native American Warrior. Here, we find out more about Brian, and how he took the photo.

Brian, ePHOTOzine member Dixxipix, was a graphic designer until he retired. He's always had an interest in photography and this year he's president of Stafford Photographic Society, where he's been a member since 2007.

So what drew Brian to Tamron gear? "I use the Tamron 18-270mm lens as it gives me a great range without having to keep swapping lenses." He says.

Brian came across this captivating shot whilst at an event organised by English Heritage called 'History Live' at Kelmarsh Hall, near Northampton.

"I saw the character while he was having a break (there were a lot of re-enacting of battle scenes) and asked if I could take his photograph. He was by a white tent, so I looked around and found the dark blue tent nearby and asked him to stand by it. I then asked him to crouch down and took several shots, some with him snarling, but that looked too contrived so I settled for this shot." Explains Brian.

Brian also shared with us some advice about taking portrait shots. "The portraits I take are always in natural light", he says. "First of all talk to the person, explain what you are doing and how you will use the photograph. Make sure the person you are taking is not in direct sunlight, so they are not squinting, and it's better if they are looking slightly down, as staring up someone's nostrils is not very flattering. Make sure they are looking at the camera, unless you deliberately want the sort of shot where they are gazing into the distance."

For more information on Brian's photography, take a look at his portfolio.