Bob Riach - Photographer of the Month November '17
Introduce Yourself
My name is Bob Riach and I’m a Financial Adviser who also takes photos
I am based in Scunthorpe Lincolnshire
My partner Jo Bird and I often take photos together and we have a Photography Business together Jigsaw Photography Limited. Jo is an amazing photographer especially her wildlife photos
How did you get into Photography
I purchased my first camera around 5 years ago, and it wasn’t long before taking photos became enjoyable and rewarding. I turned professional in 2015.
I started with a second hand Pentax K10 then a Pentax K5. After a year with Pentax I changed my equipment to Sony starting with a Sony Nex7. Then a Sony A6000. In 2015 I added the latest Sony A7ii and the Sony A77ii in 2016. I also have a DJI Osmo, a Go Pro and a specialist Time Lapse camera.
I have a growing collection of lenses that are used for different types of photography ranging from Macro Lenses to large 150-600 zoom lens.
I also have a home studio and portable lighting. I am able to edit and manipulate photos in Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, and several other editing software.
My images are used by the National Media including; BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky News, The Times, Hull Daily Mail and several other regional newspapers and publications. The Amateur Photographer, Coach Magazine, BBC Wildlife, Wild Planet, The Peoples Daily China (which is the largest Chinese Newspaper Group) and Motor Cycle News have all incorporated my images within their publications.
What can you tell us about your entry ‘Mandarin Duck’ into our ‘Reflections’ Photography Competition
I took the Mandarin Duck picture near Bolton Abbey in Yorkshire.
I had been told by another photographer about a breeding pair of Dippers that nested near the river at Bolton Abbey.
Whilst I was there I spotted a pair of Mandarin Duck. They are such colourful birds and this was only the second time that I had seen a Mandarin Duck.
Do you have any particular style of photography you specialise in?
I only photograph what I enjoy. Although sometimes when we do Property or Hotel shoots for clients we do get bored, Jo often does something funny to make me laugh when we get bored.
I do not specialise in any type of photography, I vary between landscape, macro, and wildlife. I don’t take Wedding photography as I would not find it enjoyable, although I do get asked several times a month.
My Images portray a personal vision, covering numerous subjects such as landscapes, cityscapes, architecture, motorsport and much more both in colour and monochrome. I like night time photography I am always amazed at what the camera sees at night.
I also take time-lapse photography and video. I particularly like to video Wildlife when on a photography trip. After I have taken some stills, I will sometimes change the camera into video mode.
What do you enjoy about photography?
I own my own Financial Service Business Riach Financial. I also own a Legal Transcription Business. I use Photography to chill out, sometimes after a busy morning by about 3pm I divert my business telephones to my mobile phone and go out with my camera
Tell us about one of your projects…
My partner Jo Bird and I have an exhibition at the Fishing Heritage Centre in Grimsby opening in January.
Working around the theme of water we have just purchased equipment to take a range of high-speed water splash photos.
High-speed photography and water make the perfect recipe to get stunning images. Photographing moving water or water drops is a fun challenge and we have not tried this type of photography before
If you could offer one piece of advice to aspiring photographers what would it be?
My advice for anybody starting photography is to learn by speaking with other photographers. Most photographers are happy to share their knowledge and help.
My partner Jo Bird and I have recently hosted a workshop for beginners, and rather than speak about the technical element of photography we took 8 people out with their cameras and showed them how to use their cameras without using the auto mode.
Where can we see your work?
My partner Jo Bird and I have 2 websites:
http://www.propertypicture.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jigsawphotographyriach
Twitter: @bobriachphoto
Instagram: bob_riach
