Modellenland
- 20 mei 2018

Interview: Photographer Robert Campbell (Scotland)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I'm 49yrs old. Born and brought up in the South West of Scotland and live in a small ex-mining community in East Ayrshire with my wife Samantha.

How and when did you get into photography?

I've always been into photography ever since I was in my teens (a few years ago now), as the years went by the camera would come along with me on family holidays / occassions to capture special moments. However, 3yrs ago I had the oppourtunity to buy my first DSLR camera, a second hand Canon 20D and from that point on I never looked back.

What does photography mean to you?

I enjoy photography because it has given me a chance to look at the world around me with fresh eyes every single day, to experience the smallest detail which before I would have just walked by and not noticed. To see the colour, light and depth in everything around me. It has allowed me to capture a moment that will last forever that tells a story and brings out emotion in me and others. Every day is different and I keep on learning, it gives me a creative outlet which previously wasn't open to me as a boy growing up in a working class mining village in the South West of Scotland

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I would say my style is honest and personal with a touch of the wow factor.

Where do you get inspiration from?

My Inspiration comes from inside me, being a very emotional person I like to convey that in every image. Professionally the photographers that I admire (in no particular order) are Karl Taylor, Peter Coulson and Dani Diamond.

Think you in advance what you want in the picture?

I'm very spontanious in my shooting and thats when I find the little miracles happen.

Studio, on location or both?

They both bring their own challenges when taking a picture, but I must admit for me it's both, on location the environment becomes part of the story that you wish to express within the image. Where as the studio give more of a stark look, concertrating purely on the subject matter, both are very different monsters to conquer

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

Currently a hobbyist, but would love to have it become my main profession. I have been lucky enought to have been published on numerous occassions with an American modeling magazine.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

On a personnal note rather than professional, I was picked to take the event photography for the SAMH charity, a local charity in the South West of Scotland trying to raise funding and awareness of Male suicide following the untimely death of a 21yr old male, who was a friend of a neighbours child. It was a humbling and thought provoking experience and brough home to me the value of life and the importance to live your life to the full and in happiness, resulting in me following my dream of becoming a professional photographer.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

Canon all the way. My favorite lens is a Canon 20 – 105mm L lens, this is my workhouse lens. Its always with me at every photoshoot I have, the focus is fast and allows me to produce rich deep colour images.

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

Educate yourself as much as you can, get out with your camera and take pictures, there will be days when nothing will have turn out as you planned, but don't be discouraged, believe in yourself.

What do you think of our new magazine?

I enjoy your new magazine very much. It portrays both Diversity and Equality.

Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/RobertCampbellPhotographyAyrshire