James Trusler - Photographer of the Month July '18
Introduce yourself
I’m James Trusler, I work full time in the construction trade but away from all the dust and noise of my day job, I love to head out into the countryside with my camera to capture the beautiful scenery in and around my home county of Northamptonshire.
How did you get into photography?
Growing up in the small village of Denton in Northamptonshire, I was surrounded by countryside. The fields and woods were my childhood playground and it is where my love for wildlife and the outdoors stems from. The days of going exploring with friends and our homemade bow and arrows are nowlong gonebut I decided to try my hand at photography as a way of staying connected to nature.
Not long after buying my first camera in 2008, a Sony A350 digital camera, I completed an online diploma in photography through The Photography Institute. I bought lots of photography books and magazines and spent most of my free time outdoors practising and working on my craft. With a lot of trial, error and patience, my hobby turned into a real passion which has only continued to grow.
What can you tell us about your past entries into our photography competition?
I regularly drive past this little tree and knew that with the right conditions it would produce a lovely photograph. Luckily on the day this shot was taken, I was working nearby; as I finished work I could see the storm clouds building up and I knew the contrast between the yellow rapeseed and the dark clouds behind would produce a powerful image. I love photographs that include a dramatic sky so I was really pleased with this shot.
Do you have any particular style of photography you specialise in?
I specialise in nature photography, focusing on landscapes and wildlife. I particularly enjoy capturing landscape shots that have a mysterious, ethereal quality to them.
What do you enjoy about photography?
Photography really helps you appreciate the amazing transformation the environment goes through as the season’s progress. Every season has its own beautiful quality but sadly, most people are too busy to stop and take it all in. For me, photography is a great way to escape the hectic nature and stresses of modern life.
Tell us about one of your projects/your work
Towards the end of July, I’ll start the long process of picking the images for my 2019 calendar which will go on sale in October. I like to give myself plenty of time; picking 12 images from the past year’s photography projects is such a hard task. Then, before you know it we’ll be into autumn which, for me, is probably the best season for landscape photography so I’ll be heading out regularly to capture the autumnal colours.
If you could offer one piece of advice to aspiring photographers what would it be?
My advice would be to get to know your camera inside out. Read your camera’s instruction manual and learn every little tip and trick your camera has to offer. Sometimes, just a subtle tweak on the camera can give the image that extra bit of wow factor. Also, don’t rely on the camera’s automatic modes; learn to shoot in manual mode including manual focusing. Youtube is a great site for tutorial videos that will teach you how to shoot in manual mode. It may seem daunting to begin with but having complete control of the camera will take your photography to the next level.
Where can we see your work?
You can see my work on my Facebook, Instagram page or my website.
