business under the umbrella of a calico sky.....
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When did you first start getting interested in Photography?
I was always interested in photography, from whenever I can remember. I was given a camera when I was about 5. The first photograph I do remember is of my brother and sister on holiday. I’ve always liked photographing people.
What was it like being paid for your first photograph?
Empowering. It hadn’t occurred to me that anyone would want my work. I offered to give away a landscape to someone who liked it but they wouldn’t accept it without giving me money!
I see from your publicity pack that you have a first class honours degree in Photography. What did your tutors say about your work?
Daring, innovative and gritty were all words used in various tutorials (along with many others, some not repeatable!!).
How did you come up with the name Calico-Sky?
I found lots of interesting names looking at an atlas but this came from an Edward Lear poem called Calico Pie. He doesn’t even use those words, the poem just inspired the name..
Who would you say influenced you most when you were studying photography? Who is your favourite photographer and why?
Influences – Roni Horn for concept related images, Martin Parr for gritty reality, Andreas Gursky for attention to detail and many more. Some of my friends from University were actually some of my biggest influences, it’s amazing how many ideas bounce around. I have 2 favourite photographers. The first has to be David Doubilet. He’s an underwater photographer who dives all over the world. He creates the most beautiful and captivating photos of things most of us will never see. Amazing. The second is Jocelyn Bain-Hogg. I met him in University and he inspired most of my final year work. He did a fascinating piece of work spanning 3 years photographing London’s gangster scene.
What was the first wedding commission like?
My first wedding was actually my brother's. My main feeling all day was ‘if they don’t like the pictures he’ll never let me forget it’. I’ve never been more stressed at a wedding. I really enjoy weddings now, I guess that you have to be a PR person, diplomatic and stateswoman as well as a professional photographer. I love the social event and there’s always so much going on and it’s great when people smile so much.
Do you think that living in West Wales is a major influence on your work?
I love the area, the scenery is beautiful and the way of life here is so relaxed. Yes, my landscapes (and seascapes) are important to me and this is a great place to increase my portfolio but more than anything I love being outdoors .
You mention in your publicity pack that you have travelled extensively. What do feel that being in other countries gives your work?
I think travel helped to widen my perspective, see things from another point of view and when I got back, I opened my eyes to everyday things I hadn’t really been aware of before. I spent some time working in India and getting to know some of the customs and family life over there helped immensely when I photographed my first Indian wedding.
What advice would you give to someone aiming to set up their own successful photographic business?
Get your head around the business side early and don’t stop taking pictures for yourself!!!!!
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interview | computer box press
20 june 2007
simon montgomery
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