Rachel specialises in interiors and still life photography. She particularly loves shooting interiors as they can evoke a real sense of atmosphere through the light and objects within them. They also give a unique insight into the inhabitants, their style and way of living.
Rachel explains, ‘The most challenging part of my work is trying to control external factors, such as negotiating the natural light, especially in the UK and especially during the winter months!'
"Gain as much experience as you can technically and in running a small business."
Timescales can be a challenge too, making sure that under pressure she not only meets the quality required, but also the number of shots needed within the timescale set by the client. Rachel says, ‘Meeting these challenges gives me a good deal of satisfaction as it results in a real sense of achievement, something I value greatly in my work.'
She's certainly doing well since graduating in Editorial Photography from Brighton University in 2001. Her magazine clients alone include leading titles such as: Red, Eve, Country Living and Brides.
© Rachel Whiting
For others looking to get into interiors photography Rachel says, ‘My advice is to prepare for quite an exciting and uncertain journey, both in terms of yourself and your work, gain as much experience as you can technically and in running a small business.'
She stresses the importance of establishing a network through your peers and industry contacts as early as possible. Rachel also suggests you, ‘Value patience, persistence, hard work, confidence and most importantly your vision.'
Find out more at www.Rachelwhiting.co.uk.
Events and exhibitions you won't want to miss
© Robin Gierson, Lottie at Hastings
Most of us have family photos we're proud of, but Robin Gierson has turned photographing his family into his latest project, Family Pictures, with rewarding results. Through his photos he invites viewers to gaze at the life of his own family, see his children grow, share his memories, and let us make our minds up about the relationship between the photographer and his subjects. Robin has certainly captured some stunning images, setting this apart from the average family album. The exhibition is on at Focal Point Gallery in Southend from 13th September until 1st November.
Chris Charnock, APPS ‘Exploited' Gold Under 25 Award, 151st International Print Exhibition
The Aberystwyth Arts Centre is currently hosting The Royal Photographic Society 151St International Print Exhibition. This intriguing show covers a host of different photographic styles from professional and amateur photographers alike. Come along and be inspired by the variety on offer, there really is something for everyone. Exhibition ends 20th September.
Fans outside St Patrick's Church in Soho Square during the wedding of Tommy Steele to Ann Donoghue, 18th June 1960
Soho's bohemian reputation has long made it a popular hunting ground for photographers in search is great locations and interesting characters. For an insight into what was happening there in the 50s and 60s, get along to the Photographers' Gallery to see Soho Archives 1950s & 1960s. Exhibition starts 26th September and runs until 16th November, covering everything from fun and creativity, to crime and scandal. A true visual feast!
Lu Xianyi. August 1997, Guiyang, Guizhou. The first time to visit the city. (detail) © Lu Xianyi
As part of the ongoing China Now in Scotland festival, visitors can see China: A Photographic Portrait until 14th September, at the City Art Centre in Edinburgh. With so much recent coverage during the Olympics of modern day China, now is a great time to look back at over five generations and observe how things have changed. The 600 images, taken between 1951 and 2003, capture a diverse range of Chinese people based around a theme of work, rest and play. Admission is £5.
Here are a few of our favourite things!
Now's a great time to sign up to that photography course you've been promising yourself for ages. There are many local courses around the country starting up at the end of September. So if you act now you might just be able to grab yourself a place to set you on the road to photographic success. Search online to see what's available at colleges in your area or go to www.hotcourses.com
London is full of architectural gems. Over the weekend of the 20th and 21st September though, many of these gems not normally accessible to the public are throwing open their doors for the annual Open House London event. The buildings involved include the old and the new, offering loads of great photo opportunities and vantage points across the capital. Entrance is free, see website for more information.
Entrance to the Sainsbury Centre. Photo by Andy Crouch
The Sainsbury Centre of Visual Art in Norwich is hosting a one day workshop to encourage us to all get into photography. Creative Studio: Exploring Photography is happening on 24th September. Tickets are £25 each. The event includes skill sharing and developing ideas to help you establish your own personal photographic style. See website for details and to book your ticket today.
For loads of great ideas on taking better photos we thoroughly recommend taking a look at Andy Steel's latest book, Travel & Nature, published by Rotovision and priced at £25. It's packed with interesting ideas, from overcoming the challenges of working in difficult climates, to getting the best out of natural lighting, plus plenty of quick tips and hints.
There’s a certain skill to photographing flowers but grasp the basics and you won’t look back. Great colour, shape and texture make them captivating subjects.
Before you start snapping though think about what’s drawn you to a particular scene, or individual flower, and made you want to photograph it. Perhaps it’s the rich colour, the unusual markings, or shape of the petals. Whatever it is, concentrate on this striking characteristic to make sure it shows in your shots.
Issue 1: Featured photographer – Annabel Williams
Issue 2: Featured photographer – Clive Nichols
Issue 3: Featured photographer – Karen Parker
Issue 4: Featured photographer – Helena Smith
Issue 5: Featured photographer – Brett Harkness
Issue 6: Featured photographer – Jason de Caires Taylor
Issue 7: Featured photographer – Sarah Wright
Issue 8: Featured photographer – Neil Bygrave
Issue 9: Featured photographer – Adam Lawrence
Issue 10: Featured photographer – Barry Wakelin
Issue 11: Featured photographer – Brian Harte
Issue 12: Featured photographer – Michael Molloy
Issue 13: Featured photographer – Jason Hawkes
Issue 14: Featured photographer – Gavin Gough
Issue 15: Featured photographer – James Cant
1. Blink trick
If someone tends to blink when you photograph them, ask them to close their eyes and only open them when you say so.
2. Impressive panoramas
Take a series of overlapping landscape shots and stitch together with photo editing software for a really impressive panoramic picture.
3. Great looking groups
With group shots it’s always worth taking the time to arrange people so you can see everyone clearly.
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