The real me…..
Photo by Catriona Rubenis-Stevens (my daughter)
Q. Describe yourself.
A. Wow, that’s a hard one to start. I suppose I would say, easygoing, laid back, but positive, always sees the good before the bad, good sense of humour, easily amused.
Q. What were your favorite subjects at school?
A. Anything that allowed me to be creative; I’m not an academic!
Q. What brought you into photography?
A. I was given an old box camera by my folks, it was pretty lousy actually, just a tin box with a lens, but it struck a chord.
Q. What was your first job in photography?
A. Just after I left school, I worked with a professional photographer in Cannock. Although part time, I learned a lot with him, but I suppose my first full time post was as a news photographer with a local paper.
Q. How would you describe your style?
A. Contemporary, relaxed, fun, sometimes quirky, a little off the wall when the situation allows it, but above all, I love working with people and natural light.
Q. Who or what influences you and why?
A. There are some really great and whacky tv ads, I think advertising is a big influence, but also modern art has an effect on my way of thinking, often without me realising it.
Q. What was the last book you read?
A. Touching the Void. I’m not a great reader, but I just couldn’t put this one down.
Q. Besides weddings and location portraits, what other areas of photography do you really enjoy?
A. I love commercial portraits. I think there is no limit to what goes. You can be as crazy as you like, but it’s important to offer what the client wants as well as what I think I can get away with!
Q. Did you go into photography straight from school or college?
A. When I left school, I wasn’t 100% sure of what to do. I knew it had to be something creative, so I worked as an engraver for a couple of years until I was sure. Then I went to college to study photography full time. I learnt the basics with film and chemicals, the old fashioned way! Digital came quite late for me, but I love it now.
Q. So what ‘floats your boat’ when you’re not taking pictures?
A. Hahaha, you’ve hit the nail on the head there…. I have a narrowboat, so I suppose a spot of cruising is a good way to relax. I used to be a keen rock climber, but just don’t seem to get the time now. I love walking and travelling, but I find it next to impossible to leave the camera at home, so I suppose my number one hobby is still photography. Sorry, but I just love what I do.
Q. Do you have any kids and animals?
A. I have a grown up daughter who now lives in New York. She originally studied acting in Manhattan, but is more involved in producing and directing now. I also have a cat called Morse. He is such a character, he even has his own Facebook page!
Q. Define beauty?
A. “In the eyes of the beholder”……….. everyone is beautiful in their own way.
Q. Describe your photographic pet hate?
A. Without question, it has to be copyright theft. I recently read of an entire website that was ripped off, along with many of the images, shocking. The ‘photographer’ (thief) made the fatal error of copying the work of a high profile, world class photographer. Big mistake!
Q. If you could photograph anyone who would it be and why?
A. Lois Spence. The guy is a genius, completely whacko, but great fun. I think it would be a hoot to work with him.
Additional info is in my Profile on Network Local