Interview: Photographer Rachel Ross (Scotland)

Can you tell us a little about you? My name is Rachel Ross and I am 25 years old. I am from Glasgow; Scotland and I am a freelance fashion and wedding photographer. How and when did you get into photography? I have always been interested in photography from the age of 15. I knew what I wanted to do at this age and I suppose I can call myself lucky for that. I picked up my first ever digital camera at the age of 15 and started taking pictures of plants, animals, people and landscapes. I never really knew what field I wanted to work in. It wasn’t long enough before I picked up my first DSLR camera and then went onto study photography both at college and university and I haven’t stopped taking pictures since. What does photography mean to you? Photography has always been a passion of mine, from the very first day I picked up a camera to now working full time as a freelance photographer and invested in my own studio. It Is a hobby and a career path that I chose to do. It has allowed me to become more flexible and creative as a photographer. It allows me to see the world differently. Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers. I like to be different and I think its important to create your own style and be consistent. I would describe my work as bold and edgy. I like to work with colours and light and this stands out in most of my work. In terms of creative direction, lighting, models, makeup and styling. I make sure that I play a big part in all of these elements in order to give my images life. Where do you get inspiration from? My inspiration is the people around me. Those who work hard give me both the determination and inspiration to achieve better images every day. I am inspired by the way people talk about that one thing that they love whether its their job, their hobby, a talent that they have. It gives me motivation to stay inspired. I am also inspired by the people I work with to create the shots that I want. The styling, the makeup, the model. All of their ideas inspire me and its great seeing their visions come to life in my images. Think you in advance what you want in the picture? I often have my idea’s ready before a photoshoot takes place. For example, the mood boards, the location, the lighting, the styling, the makeup and also the models. However, during my shoots, I also like to experiment using different lighting. A lot of people say that you should experiment before a photoshoot so that you are prepared, however I tend to experiment more during a photoshoot as the weather may change, the studio layout may have been changed and also because I feel inspired to learn more during a photoshoot. Studio, on location or both? I prefer to shoot in studio because I like to experiment with different lighting set ups which I can be restricted with on location. I love using gels in the studio to create coloured images. I also enjoy working with different backdrops and not necessary photographing them as they are but seeing how the use of light has an effect on the backdrops and the models from a different perspective. I don’t mind shooting on location, however I can feel uninspired very quickly. I like to photograph against unusual buildings that create abstract shapes. I guess I quite like architectural fashion, graffiti and using reflections when it comes to photographing on location. Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional? I would consider myself as a paid professional as I have recently just started my own business and also work as a freelance fashion photographer for clients. I enjoy doing weddings as I can carry my inspiration from my fashion work into my wedding work and it gives me the ability to learn new skills in this industry. However I would like to see myself go further in the fashion industry and would love for other people to see my work and for me also to show it too. What has been your most memorable session and why? I have had plenty of sessions that I have loved being a part of. I would like to mention one in particular that I certainly have had a blast at. I am currently working with a vintage fashion brand called Mack and Rose who sell ethnical fashion garments. I recently shot an urban festival editorial with 6 models on location at a skate park in Glasgow city Centre. This was so much fun as I was able to take the lead in all creative direction during the photoshoot. It was great to work with both experience and inexperienced models to give people a chance to show what they can achieve. It was also amazing to see everyone’s work and ideas come to life in my images. Nikon or Canon? Favourite lens? I have always been a Nikon user. I started college at the age of 18 and the college provided Nikon cameras and so Nikon was my first ever DSLR and I have never been seen without them. They are a great brand and I have currently bought the D850 which is absolutely incredible. I adore the 24-70mm Lens f2.8, Its great for portrait work and weddings. It’s the one lens I always carry around with me as I feel it is suitable for most of the work I shoot. What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business? Make sure you are firstly passionate about your business. Make sure that the public sees this through the use of being visible online, posting images every day to your social media accounts. Make sure you have your own style. You want to be different from the rest. Be consistent. This will make people want to work with you. Constantly try and improve and don’t give up. Its worth it all in the end. What do you think of our new magazine? I love the magazine. I think its great that there is such a diversity of different talents and nationalities showcasing their work both amateur and professional. I love looking at everyone’s work. www.rachelrossphotography.co.uk