This week I welcome Annabel Williams. Annabel runs the highly successful Contemporary Photographic Training School in the Lake District. She started out as a wedding photographer, but stopped photographing weddings 5 years ago as she wanted her weekends back. These days she is busy running the school and photographing people. She is a natural light photographer who captures images with great passion and emotion. If you are interested in taking a photography course I highly recommend that you take one of Annabel’s courses. They will definitely take your photography to the next level. Enjoy the interview.
Hi Annabel,
Tell us a little bit about yourself – I am a people photographer primarily – although I love to photograph other “things” too. I started out as a poor artist like most people do, and soon realised that to really enjoy photography I needed to make money so I could do it full time! I am now passing on everything I’ve learnt, and how not to make the same mistakes, to all the willing photographers I can find, in order to change people’s perception of photography. I love taking photos and I love sharing knowledge – and people’s reaction is the best feedback I can have. So read this interview, and if you want to know any more, or just share who you are, please email me on annabel@annabelwilliams.com.
Where is home? Home for me is wherever I happen to be! Usually the Lake District, but right now in December 08, I am in Key West, which has to be the most inspiring place for a photographer to spend Christmas!
Did you go to school to study photography? No, I trained as a teacher and taught emotionally disturbed boys! Now I teach emotionally disturbed photographers! I learnt photography the hard way – by myself, because I always disagreed with everyone who made it so complicated. I started out as a schools photographer, then started my own business selling portraits and weddings way too cheaply, till I realised I needed to find the right market so I could enjoy being a photographer instead of being poor and spending 90% of my time doing admin! Unfortunately whilst colleges teach great photographic technique, they have a tendency to turn out people who believe they are going to be Mario Testino; they don’t seem to teach the business sense you need to make a success of photography in financial terms. It’s one thing being a technically competent photographer – it’s quite another being a poor struggling one – there’s nothing more guaranteed to make you feel uncreative. And at the end of the day ANYONE can take a photo – it’s how you relate to your subject that makes all the difference. So I really believe in experience and teaching yourself!
How long have you been a photographer? Scary to say – about 25 years.
How would you describe your style? Simple, fun, and constantly changing, depending on what people want. I get bored easily so am always looking for new ways to take photographs. At the moment I’m in a close-up 2.8 style! But tomorrow it could change completely.
Do you have some recent images you can share with us?
How many weddings do you average per year? None! I started out at a friend’s wedding over 20 years ago and then booked 70 weddings the following year on the back of that – found it exhausting so cut down to 30 and really enjoyed doing less for more so to speak… but stopped doing weddings about 5 years ago because I wanted my weekends back!
Do you have an assistant/2nd shooter that accompanies you on wedding assignments? Yes I always used an assistant when I did weddings – makes all the difference, particularly when they can get the sideways shots, while you are controlling the shoot. I always take a makeup artist/stylist with me on portrait shoots and she assists me as well.
What is your favourite part of the wedding to photograph? I loved most of them – particularly the details shots, and confetti, and anything where you could get natural candid shots. I think most of all I liked shooting the bride at home, in the time before the wedding, before all the mayhem starts! I loved all the anticipation of the day.
What weddings albums do you use? Queensberry – I will never forget the day their rep walked into my studio – it changed presentation forever. Before that I used to make up my own albums from 3 different companies, binders, pages and covers, because no one would listen when I asked for different sized apertures – before Queensberry, all albums were limited and boring – now the world’s your oyster! You can shoot whatever you like, and present it in any shape or form you want!
What type of cameras do you shoot with? I always use Canon, because they are so simple to work with! I currently use the 1DSmark 3 and I use a powershot A710 compact too!
What is your favourite photography accessory, other than your camera? My white umbrella – as I often shoot in the rain, I wouldn’t be without it – it means I can keep people’s faces light and carry on shooting no matter what the weather
If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why? Definitely the Canon L series – 2.8 – 70-200 – I love the way it throws the background out of focus and I can take pictures of kids without them noticing me.
What lighting equipment do you take on a shoot? None, I haven’t used lights or flash for years. I always use natural light whatever the weather – it makes a huge difference to whether people like themselves on pictures or not. Flash is useful if it’s dark, say on the aisle in a wedding – but I believe I have to take the best pictures I can of a person and therefore I will use everything in my power to achieve that – which for non-models means natural light. Pictures taken with flash are fine for models or extremely good-looking people – but for most of us mere mortals we need something much more natural. 20 years ago I used to use huge soft boxes in a studio, which give great light – but it’s also very boring working inside – working outdoors gives you a whole new world of backgrounds, and every day it’s different – so much more exciting for creative people! I’ve just learnt ways to cheat and get great results from any situation I find myself in.
What is your favourite computer/editing accessory, other than your computer? Photoshop – although I am a photographer not a lab – so I concentrate on getting the image as best as I can in camera, so there is minimal work to do in Photoshop.
What is your most used Photoshop tool, plug-in, action set etc.? Curves – I use it for absolutely everything! Often it’s all I use.
How important is Photoshop (post processing) in your final images? Very. But only for a slight adjustment. The images that come directly out of the camera are often slightly flat and just need lifting with curves. There is also far too much detail from a digital SLR for most faces and therefore I need to lighten/soften them slightly. But the images straight out of the 1dsmark 3 are truly amazing – the skin tones are awesome!
Are you a Mac or PC lover? Mac – I just can’t get on with a PC – all those places to lose stuff! With a Mac it’s just there on your desktop waiting for you! I think it’s a girl thing – I just need it straightforward and easy! Macs are built for people who want to concentrate on the creative side – so ideal for me! And they look gorgeous which makes my job so much more inspiring.
What piece of equipment would you most like to get but don’t have yet? Nothing – can’t think of anything – I hate equipment! Once I’ve got the right camera for the job I don’t need anything else – too much equipment hinders me and stops me from relating to my client which is the most important part of my photography – the camera is just there to record everything I’ve done before I press the shutter.
What’s the best part of being a photographer? Apart from the obvious – loving to take pictures – for me its giving people confidence. I love seeing someone’s reaction to their pictures – seeing them actually like themselves on a picture gives me a huge buzz. I also love teaching photography and showing people that they don’t have to make it complicated – I get a huge buzz from people suddenly understanding that they are allowed to concentrate on their subjects and not have to worry about their cameras – it’s a revelation to so many people and I just love that!
How do you keep yourself motivated and your photography fresh? It’s a natural reaction to be motivated when so many incredible things surround us – I just can’t walk down a street without seeing something amazing – I think it’s inbuilt – I just can’t help it! Anyway, there is always someone saying “I hate myself on pictures” which immediately makes me want to prove them wrong. It’s also really easy to keep my photography fresh because I try not to do the same thing twice – I take every situation as it is and look for the best in it. I always work in the client’s own environment so the shoot is always original. I also keep very aware of the trends around me. If I like the sales display in a shop window, the chances are most people will, and I will incorporate it into my next shoot.
What has been your most memorable assignment and why? That’s tricky – there have been so many amazing shoots. I suppose it would be the last one each time! I always come home and say, “wow – the people today were amazing – I had such a great shoot” and my partner says, “You always say that!” It’s true, I do! Probably because I get more inspired each time. Sounds corny – but I just love what I do.
If you could shoot a wedding with someone who would it be and why? As I don’t shoot weddings, I would love to shoot a portrait with John Swannell or Nick Knight – I have always admired these photographers – they are the only top photographers I have seen who can really capture women, as they want to look themselves rather than just as men want them to look!
Where would be your dream destination wedding? Anywhere inspiring!
A website and/or blog you visit often? None – I don’t really spend much time on the internet unless I need to buy something!
The hardest part of your job? Accounts! I loathe and detest the financial side of photography – it’s totally boring but very necessary!
Things you say or do to put your clients at ease in front of the camera? I always tell them I am just making it all up as I go along – because I am! It relaxes people to think we are creating the pictures together. I have no idea what I am going to do on a shoot – I never check out the location first (unless it is a wedding) – because if I do, I feel I’ve already done the shoot when I get there. I love to arrive at someone’s house and feel ‘Wow! This is what I’ve got to work with today!” Or “Oh God – what am I going to do with this!” Either way it’s a challenge and this is what makes it so creative and interesting. How boring to know exactly what you are going to do in a studio – ugh! Clients are only at ease if you are at ease which is why I say photographing people is 90% psychology and 10% technique – the people are far more important than the equipment.
The first photographer that comes to your mind and why? Jo de Banzie – one of the most inspiring photographers I have ever met on my courses – she has to be the person with the most talent I have ever seen, and yet was probably the most lacking in confidence when I met her – what an amazing girl – she has since gone on to be hugely successful, and I absolutely love her work. She is such an inspiration.
A wedding photographer who inspires you? Brett Harkness – again someone who came on a course who had incredible talent but didn’t know how to make a good living out of it– and is now probably the best wedding photographer in the country – he makes me want to get married just so I could be photographed by him!
The last workshop or seminar you attended and why? These days, I am the one giving the workshops and seminars – I don’t get time to attend others sadly!
Do you conduct workshops for aspiring photographers? If so, can you tell us about them? Yes I do. Annabelwilliams.com was set up by myself and Catherine Connor, the most motivational trainer on the planet! Our aim was to create a network of like-minded photographers, which we seem to have achieved! 20 years ago I attended so many courses that just taught me to buy more equipment and often left me feeling very frustrated. I vowed to set up courses for people who want something else – and that’s what we’ve done! No matter how scared you are of a camera – we teach you that it’s about YOU, and the people you are photographing – not the camera! And whether you know everything or nothing about cameras, we teach you how to get the most out of people and create a successful business from photography. We’ve trained thousands of photographers now, and I enjoy every single minute of it! Go to annabelwilliams.com for more information!
What photographic organizations do you belong to? SWPP
One way you market your business? Word of mouth – it’s the best way. When people have a great time, they tell other people.
How important is an awesome website for your business? Very important these days – you are in competition with so many people, you have to stand out from the crowd. However, the simplest site can often be the best – it does not have to cost a fortune.
Do you advertise in bridal magazines? No. I never advertise in magazines, word of mouth is always better.
If not a photographer you would have been? I was a teacher of emotionally disturbed kids, and I think I would have gone on to do more work with children, as in fact I do, but through the medium of photography. I can’t imagine not being a photographer.
Do you make time for personal photographic work? If so, what do you enjoy photographing and do you have some images you can share with us? Yes, I love taking pictures of inspiring places, objects, anything that has an unusual slant to it.
If you could be invisible for one day with your camera… I’d love to be able to capture moments like Henri Cartier Bresson – I just don’t have the courage to shoot people secretly in case they see me!
Is there anybody, living or dead you would love to capture on film and why? Probably Victoria Beckham – I would love to show her how pretty she could look if she was laughing on a picture – she always puts on a set pout which makes her look so false and hard – such a shame when she could look so approachable if shot in the right way! I once saw her in an interview and she looked so much fun because she was so animated – totally unlike the way she presents herself. The other person is Cherie Blair – I have never ever seen a good photo of her and I would love to make her look gorgeous on a photo.
What advice do you have for photographers just starting out? Have the confidence to believe you can do it, and ask for advice and tips from anyone you respect. Realise you need help from other people if you are going to run a successful business and above all never stop believing in yourself whatever anyone else may say! Get rid of negative, uncreative people from your life!
I’ve learned the most from…the photographers I train – it’s a two way process, and we all learn from each other – it’s fantastic to have such a network of like minded people to work with – we all bounce ideas off each other, and there is always someone there who understands what it’s like to be a photographer. When I first started I felt totally alone, everyone seemed to know more than me, and no one wanted to share information; I wanted to create a place where no one ever feels like that – and it’s a fantastic feeling to be there.
Who or what inspires you in your personal life and work? My family obviously, and everything around me.
What talent would you most like to have? I’d love to be able to paint – but I just get bored because it’s so slow – much easier to take a photo! Last time I painted, I ended up ripping up the newspaper I was using to protect the table, and stuck it all over the painting instead – much more interesting in the end! I’d also love to be able to play the piano properly! I hate practising anything – I just expect to be able to do it immediately, which is one of my biggest downfalls!
Something you’re still learning? Photography! …Oh and the piano!
What do you love to indulge in? Sweets – particularly liquorice, but this probably wasn’t the answer you were looking for!! I couldn’t live without liquorice torpedoes.
Something that is overrated? The technical side of photography! It’s a load of bollocks! (Am I allowed to put that?) All those technical training books showing how to light a bimbo on a chair! Or how to photograph a church steeple from different angles. What for? Boring boring boring!
Something you’re saving up for? My next trip abroad
If you could have lunch with anyone who is famous who would it be? Johnny Depp, especially if he wore his pirate outfit!
Where you’ll find me on a Friday night at 9 p.m.? At home with a very pleasant vodka, or out with friends
Your favorite film (movie) of all time? Out of Africa (for Robert Redford), or The Constant Gardener for the incredible photography – I’ve never sat through all the credits in a film before, but with this film I was speechless and couldn’t move at the end I was so inspired. If you haven’t seen it go and see it, and take in the way the train ride was filmed – totally stunning angles.
First thing you would do if you won the lottery? Nothing – money doesn’t motivate me – I am totally passionate about changing the photographic industry, and I would use the money in some way to help me to do that.
Three words that describe you? Passionate, caring and creative
What would you like to be doing in 5 years from now? If I knew, then I’d feel I’d done it so it would be boring! I love not knowing what’s coming next…
And the last question, if you had one wish… sounds corny, but I would love women to feel confident about the way they look, and realise that models just don’t look like that.
Oh one more, if someone said ‘how can I be the next Annabel Williams?’ What would you say? Take the plunge and come on a course – I absolutely promise you it will change your life. Whatever you think; I don’t do it for the money; I do it because I want people to have the chance to get their talent out there. It just costs money because great teaching takes so many people, not just me. I want to prove to the world that photographing portraits and weddings is a great job, and there is so much talent out there, which is sadly not recognized. Many people have asked me “How can I be you?” over the last few years, and many of those people are out there now being the best at what they do; Damien Lovegrove, Brett Harkness, Jo de Banzie, Tamara Peel to name just a few. All of them dared to believe in themselves, and we showed them how to do it.
Your readers can find out more about me:
Website: www.annabelwilliams.com
Email: enquiries@annabelwilliams.com