With the blogging community growing by the day so too will the number of bright, new photographers to capture their every outfit. We caught up with the talented Lydia Collinsto get her insider knowledge on what goes on from behind the lens.
How did you get in to photography?
Photography is something I have always been fascinated with and passionate about; from a young age I remember family holidays with disposable cameras. Even though at the end of the holiday you’d have to come home, I always remember that excitement of getting rolls of film developed and re-living the holiday all over again! In fact, each trip I go on now, I always make sure I have a disposable camera - there is something so lovely about having a physical copy of an image that you can hold and keep forever. It was around the age of 14 when I got into digital photography, my secondary school was starting up a new Photography GCSE and I jumped at the opportunity with no hesitation. I absolutely loved the course, I found it was a way I could really express myself and experiment with different styles. I then continued to study Photography as an A Level where I learnt a lot about the technical side, and spent many hours in the darkroom experimenting with a vast array of different styles. More recently, I graduated from BA Photography at the University of the Arts London where I really noticed the value of networking and understanding the industry.
Why photograph bloggers?
Photographing bloggers and influencers is a great way for me to meet loads of interesting people. I LOVE the feeling when you know you have 'the' shot, and you’ve worked together to get it, it’s such a special moment. It’s a privilege creating photographs that define and express an individual’s style, and photographing bloggers and influencers is the perfect way to do this!
What are your tips on how to get yourself / your work noticed in the blogging community?
For me I think the key thing is getting yourself familiar with the current trends and styles, and building a network with people that have similar ideas and interests as you. You have to put a lot of time and effort in but if it’s something that you love and that you’re passionate about, you’ll enjoy it along the way! It's important to have individual style and to reflect this style in each shoot and throughout the work that you do.
What's the best way to promote/present your work and why?
I post the majority of my photographs onto my website and have regular blogposts about my shoots and BTS of what happens. I use Instagram as a tool for showing my work and style of photography and also communicating and connecting with the blogging community and other photographers. I often lose myself for hours searching for new people and brands and styles of photography, I find it so inspiring.
What do you use to shoot with and why?
For street style and fashion shots I shoot with my Canon 70D. I use this camera on a daily basis - such a reliable and great camera! For when I go travelling and to places aside from the fashion scene, I love shooting with my Hasselblad 500cm, it’s my baby! Such an incredible camera with amazing quality, and nothing beats the anticipation of waiting for my films to be developed!
Favourite locations to shoot?
I mean London is a just a treasure trove of opportunity when it comes to shoot locations! It’s full of hidden gems and is so diverse that it’s suited to everybody’s individual style. One of my favourite things to do is walk around London exploring different areas and places to shoot - I think I get a little too excited and carried away sometimes!
Any tips you can offer to aspiring photographers?
Just go for it! Don’t be afraid. It took me years to find the style of photography that I love, and that all came from patience and determination. Because photography is a hobby, I never minded putting in the work and still don’t now! So just experiment and find your own style and technique of shooting.
TBP x
