My original interest in photography began back in 1991 through two good friends who I met while living in Aberdeen, Scotland. They are brothers and are fantastic photographers, and I started going on photography jaunts with them. Long story short, they gave me my first SLR, tripod and lenses all those years ago.
Although I work in science, I think I have a creative side too, and photography is probably where this shows through. My photographic tastes are varied, but I definitely prefer outdoor work – landscapes, seascapes, and architecture, and I adore my 10-22mm ultrawide angle lens. Overall I much prefer using natural light, & almost never use flash. Similarly, I’m not really into portrait photography, but do enjoy catching cool street scenes and candid people shots when chances arise.
As an English transplant living in Boston, I’m fortunate to be living here in the New England region – it’s one of the most beautiful and culturally rich parts of the USA, and there is certainly no shortage of photo opportunities. From cityscapes to stunning coastlines, it will be quite some time before I could exhaust my camera here.
Photography for me has always been a hobby – I like the stuff I capture, and I do it for my own enjoyment, but if anyone else happens to like something I come up with, then I’m even happier. It’s a great way to relieve stress for me – maybe it’s my equivalent of a “man cave”!
Wherever I am in the world, I’m never bored if I have a camera with me, I can always find somewhere to wander around & something to photograph. Whilst I prefer playing with my DSLR, I also have a Canon G11 that is more compact & comes everywhere with me, even to work – this produces great quality photos and allows for manual settings as well as shooting in RAW.
I’m naturally drawn to bright colours and gravitate towards shots with lots of colour contrast, but I do love good black and white photo opportunities too. My post processing is quite basic mostly – routinely I’ll sharpen a little, crop if necessary, fix any exposure issues, and boost contrast. A couple of my favourite processing styles right now though are cross processing and the lomo effect. Aside from that, I’m not too technical, although I’m trying to slowly learn more techniques.
This year I started a 365 project. I’m using it as motivation to improve my photography, but also to help broaden my horizons – taking shots that are “different” for me, trying new techniques, different processing styles and so forth. It’s amazing where you’ll find photo opportunities when the “pressure” is on! I look upon it as a photo journal and actually find it fun, although there are still nine months to go, so we’ll see if that continues!
As for the future? Photography will continue to be my hobby, my way of getting away from it all. I have no desire to earn through my camera, but I am currently looking into a volunteer photography position, which I really hope comes to fruition.
Nicola,
Lovely to hear your story.. and I myself have just begun a 365 project! So I know what you’ve let yourself into! I wish you all the best and I hope that it improves your photography, lets you experiment, learn more about what you like and smile more!! 🙂 Look for me on flickr (jonathandavidphotography.co.uk) I’d love to keep an eye on your adventure!!
Jony
Thanks Jony, I really enjoyed yours too and seeing your great work! I will dig you out on Flickr as well! Moral support for the 365 is always fun. Thanks for your nice words.
Best wishes, Nicky
Very nice profile Nicky! Keep experimenting. You have a good eye. Speaking of eyes, I really like the “eye” shot in your profile. I only have one question. What is a “man cave?”
Stephen
Thanks Stephen! The eyes on the garage door was a fun find in a really derelict part of town – someone was obviously a very talented artist. Oh & a “man cave”? Maybe the term hasn’t filtered across the Atlantic yet – here in the US it’s used to describe a part of a house where a guy will go to take refuge & enjoy their hobbies etc – like the basement or garage or something like that!
Nicky
Great comment on the ‘man-cave’ notion. I would definately have to agree with you there. Men have their xboxs, pool tables, sport and so forth, we have photography! I really like the 365 project idea. Would love to see how you go with that! I’m on Flickr as well (www.flickr.com/photos/po_jo) add me! I’ll look for you as well!
Hi Paula! It’s true isn’t it, taking the camera out is a great way to get away from it all and go into hibernation for a while. And thanks for finding me on Flickr, I’ll enjoy your photos when I have a better chance to go throuigh more of them, but I’ve already spotted lots of wonderful stuff on your pages there!
Best wishes,
Nicky
Nice story, Nicola. Your use of natural light and not flash resonates with me, as I’d rather be outside shooting on the go as well. When you can’t control the lighting it makes you get creative with your positioning and settings.
Fantastic shots in your profile. I love them both!
Thank you Shawn. I agree completely – and on a similar note, I rarely use the lovely tripod I have, although that does get more use than my flash, that’s for sure! Thanks for your kind comments.
I like your work and your style. Thanks for sharing!
Many thanks Chris, that’s a kind thing to say! Thanks for finding me on Flickr too, I was actually looking at some of your photos last night – love the abandoned missile site especially, very cool! I always love cityscapes and architecture too, so seeing your Michigan pictures was also great!