Interview with Stevie Purves from
Stevie Purves Photography, Kelso
How long have you been into photography?
I have been into photography now for around 6 years but only seriously for about 3 years.
I’m sad to say that I never had the experience with film and came straight into the digital world of photography.
What first attracted you to photography?
Photography has always been there for me, it’s one of those things that clicked from when I first held a camera but if I was to pin down what got me into photography it would be with sports. I always go back to the time where I used to go up to East Fortune racing with my little point and shoot, I really cannot remember the model I was using at that time but it surely wouldn’t be the most expensive on the market. Being a biker myself catching those bikes at the speeds they go was just such a rush so in essence I think that was when I really started to think, how can I better this?
How would you describe your style of photography?
I suppose it is safe to say that I don’t have a particular style yet however I get a lot of enjoyment now a days from doing portraiture whether it be people or animals or both. The style I try and get from this is happy, it needs to show character but I do change this up a little to give difference and this is where the style changes for me into maybe a moody or even surreal style depending on the conditions and the subject.
Are you self taught?
Most of what I know and put into practice is self-taught however finding and attending workshops is a great way to expand the thought process of photography. To name a few I’ve been on workshops with Photographers on Safari ( Farne Island trip ), Steve Gosling (Landscapes), Laurie Campbell ( wildlife ).
Where/who do you get inspiration from?
At the moment my inspiration comes from 3 main photographers that I have been following quite a lot at the moment and love their work, Scott Kelby, Joe Mcnally and of course Joel Grimes. It is amazing what these guys do and to watch, listen and read their work is an eye opener to what can be accomplished!
If you could shoot with any photographer past or present, who would that be?
This would have to be Joe MCnally for sure, on location photography with Joe would be second to none on my must do list!
What camera do you use?
At the moment I am shooting with a Nikon D7000. I have to say when I was looking at upgrading my Nikon from a D60 to the beast that is the D7000 it took a lot of deliberating but what cracked it was holding it, it felt right and it’s an absolute fantastic DSLR. It’s my workhorse.
In respect to cameras and gear, what would you recommend to a beginner?
It’s a good question! – difficult to answer as it really depends on the budget however a good overall package at the moment is the Nikon D5200, great camera with some great features and its very affordable and it can come with the 18-55mm VR Lens kit which is a great little
lens for starting out however if your budget allows save a little money on the body and get good glass. Next on the list would be a tripod, this is a must for me especially regardless of VR! – I’m using a Giottos MTL 9351B at the moment and this has served me well for almost 3 years now.
Now you’re going to say, But what about Canon? Well I am sorry folks, I’ve never been a canon shooter, shocking huh? But that’s it. I picked up a Nikon D60 and stuck with Nikon there on in.
What is you favourite accessory?
Oh boy, just one? Well I think it will have to be my newest toy, the Flex TT5 pocket wizards, they are awesome in a studio or out in the field and not badly priced couple together with the 681B monopod and the 43” Westcott 43 inch umbrella and the SB600 Nikon Flash it’s a great mobile light unit for in the field.
What are you planning to buy next?
On my list next when budget allows is the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens. This lens for portraiture work with people or animals will be a great investment due to its sharpness, rendering and speed. It’s been top of my list for quite some time now and I cannot wait until it’s in my bag of tricks!
Now photography has gone digital some people disagree with the use of photoshop,
what is you opinion of using software to manipulate images?
I hear this quite a lot and really in lamens terms it’s a no brainer. Back in the film day we had the dark room that has now involved to the digital dark room they call Photoshop.
Photoshop is tool just like anything else and personally you do what you want with it. I think to disagree with the use of Photoshop is to also disagree with any development of an image that you take and it’s a real personal thing to a photography.
I use Photoshop, of course I do but my personal feeling is dependent on the image, if something needs taken out to enhance the image, then take it out. Very rarely do I put things in but if you want to go down the composite root then go for it, who is to tell otherwise? It may not be for everyone but that is why photography is such a personal thing.
So to cut back to the question, use your eyes, if you like it and if you have an imagination and want to push the boundaries with effects and so forth then go for it!
What are your future plans for your photography?
My fundamental plan for photography is to keep enjoying it. People and Pet photography is becoming a niche for me in these latest months and I hope to pursue that as much as possible.
With my new site launch I will be hoping to document the work I do along with clients and my personal work also and I hope that many of you can come along and support the site as much as possible and do what I do, enjoy the world of photography!
For more information Stevies website can be found here –
www.steviepurvesphotography.co.uk
