Anna Joy Thompson- September's Photographer of the Month
‘What can you tell us about your winning entry into our photography competition?’
My photo was in every way a “lucky shot”. I had gone surfing with my cousins at White Rocks Beach along the north coast of Northern Ireland. We had arrived there late in the afternoon, and the sun was already starting to cast its evening glow on the waves. I had my dad’s GoPro Hero4 with me and a handheld waterproof case and float, and I kept it on my while attempting to catch some waves. It was on the video/camera setting, so while it recorded it would take a photo every five seconds. It just so happened that I caught the same wave as my two cousins and my boyfriend. I turned the camera just at the right time that it took a photo at the exact moment that three things happened: My cousin (in the foreground) turned his head to look away from me, my other cousin (in the background) stood on his board and put his arms in the air, and my boyfriend (not pictured) fell off his board, sending it flying into the air in such a way that it perfectly blocked the sun and prevented the photo from being overexposed. I didn’t even realize that I had captured the perfect shot until I was going through the photos a few days later; I couldn’t believe my eyes!
‘How did you get into photography?’
I don’t own a camera, which sounds a bit weird considering my newfound love for photography. I started traveling a lot, and so I would take my mum’s Canon 70D with me wherever I went. I worked on framing my travel photos in such a way that they would capture the full experience of the moment. I wanted whoever stumbled across my photos to be able to immerse themselves in the world within the lens. I started setting goals for myself (such as photographing the moon and capturing the motion blur of waterfalls). I watched YouTube videos and kept practicing until I felt I had a photo that emulated the skill I was seeking to master. I am still far from the level I would like to be at, but the journey through photography is a very exciting one, so I hope to never reach the end!
‘What do you enjoy about photography?’
I enjoy sharing my experiences with others, and when they say a picture says a thousand words, they mean it. I love returning from a trip, even if years have passed, and reminiscing through photos. However, I think my favourite thing about photography is the excitement that comes with winning a contest and getting recognition; it’s a good feeling.
‘What are your plans for the future?’
I am currently in my third year of university studying business management and media communications. I plan on getting a master’s in international contract law (not quite as artsy and exciting as photography). Photography will always be a part of my life, and I look forward to learning new skills in the future. Perhaps one day I’ll even get my own camera.
Have you managed to use your prize as yet?
With the school year starting again, my cousins have actually gotten more use out of the drone than I have. However, I’m planning out all the fun projects I can delve into using the drone!
