Advice for photographers – Spotlight on Amy Bray

Advice for Photographers from a professional

Advice for Photographers - Interview With Amy Bray

The journey to becoming a photographer can be a difficult and confusing time, even seasoned professionals are still learning as styles and technology are evolving. We caught up with the lovely Amy Bray to learn more about her &  find out what advice for photographers she has! 

Advice for photographers from Amy Brae
fine art photography education

What inspired you to become a photographer?

I have always been extremely artistic. My qualifications range from Art and design to fashion and jewellery. I have always used my camera for research on all of my art projects. I then had my daughter 6 years ago and taking her photographs fascinated me. Seeing her little face on my families walls and my own just showed me the importance these photographs are to parents and family members. That’s when I decided this was definitely the job for me so that I could bring the same joy to other people through photographs.
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Photographers advice FOCUS Member interview
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Stop worrying so much about being like other photographers. You are on your own journey and all of your skills come over time and not overnight.

If you could go back in time to when you first started, is there anything you would do differently?

I would stop worrying so much about being like other photographers. You are on your own journey and all of your skills come over time and not overnight. I have adapted my own style now and am extremely proud of my progress. It really
doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing. This is about you and your own style which is definitely the attitude that I have now. Taking this approach has made my photography journey way more enjoyable as I go with the flow and don’t stress about not being the same as anybody else.
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What compelled you to take the step into fine art portraiture?

 This happened over lockdown. I had plenty of time to think about the direction of my work. I would sit and analyse my work and realised I wanted that extra special touch on my images so I reached out for any groups that could help me achieve a fine art style and that’s when I came across FOCUS. I cannot thank Carol Ann enough for this wonderful group. All I can say is practice practice practice and you will learn something new each day.  

You have won several awards with the FPA, Congratulations! What advice would you give to other photographers who are hesitant/too nervous to enter?

Thank you for all of my awards. Each and everyone means so much to me. I would say take the plunge! I have entered images thinking they wouldn’t achieve any award and they have. The judges may see something different to what you see. 
As artists we all see the flaws in our work when other people admire it for what it is. 
Getting awards from bronze to silver to gold also helps you evaluate what you could maybe try or do differently. 
Once you start and take the plunge, winning any sort of award really boosts your confidence. It can come with it’s downside of being disappointed sometimes but that’s all part of learning and what pushes us harder to try new things and work harder. 
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fine art photography competition

What is your ultimate goal that you'd love to achieve, if you haven't already?

I would love to win some awards for my newborn work. I would say I am not the greatest with newborns and I try my absolute hardest. I can see the progress in my work over the years but I’m not quite there yet. 
 
The ultimate goal I think for anyone would be to win ‘Photographer of the year’ but I am a long way off that point. Learning along the way makes goals like this more exciting and worth while! 

Final thoughts from Amy

Thank you for this amazing group. I have felt part of it since the day I joined. Everyone is extremely supportive and I really do feel it’s helped me reach the standard that my work is at now. 

You can read more about Amy’s work here https://www.amybrayphotography.co.uk/

FOCUS Photography Education

We welcome photographers from all walks of life, whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned pro looking for a new direction, you are most welcome! FOCUS photography education covers everything ‘fine art’ in a fun and exciting way! We would also love for you to be a part of our fine art facebook community! Here you will have access to advice from photographers, constructive criticism and support! 

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