Steph Toogood - Photographer of the Month July'17
Introduce Yourself
Hi, I’m Steph, a young photographer based in Somerset, UK. I provide photographic services for dogs and families as well as wildlife and photographing for my own pleasure. In the past I have photographed weddings and occasionally do a bit of gig photography – I try a bit of everything!
How did you get into Photography
Both my Grandfather and Father were photographers, so I grew up loving it and was always being taught. I then studied the subject at GCSE, however I didn’t enjoy it hugely. The subject wasn’t about how good your photos were, it was all about how good your editing was which I really didn’t like. I prefer completely natural images. This made me more determined to go ahead and take photographs which looked fantastic without enhancements. After photographing my first wedding, inheriting my Dads camera equipment and slowly adding to it, I then opened up a Facebook page around 2 years ago offering photographic services.
What can you tell us about your entry ‘Sheep a boo!’ into our Spring photo competition
My sheep a boo image was taken in my home village which used to be known as ‘sheep town’. I waited patiently for a while before the little lamb popped its head around the tree! I felt that it represented Spring well as lambs are born during that season, and the beautiful sunset behind gave a warm, spring feeling.
Do you have any particular style of photography you specialise in?
I mainly offer professional studio photoshoots for clients, but aside from that I have recently got into more wildlife photography which has become my favourite. I’m always trying new things, so don’t really feel I have a specific style I specialise in.
What do you enjoy about photography?
I love being able to capture moments. It’s an amazing feeling when you get that one photo you’ve been visualising in your head. It’s very rewarding.
Tell us about one of your projects
I am currently working more on my wildlife photography and am hoping to capture 12 great images of UK wildlife to produce a calendar for next year.
If you could offer one piece of advice to aspiring photographers what would it be?
Something my Dad wrote in a letter before he passed away always sticks in my mind. “Just take one more photo, even if it drives people nuts”. I take hundreds of photos when I have a subject, never missing a moment. Do what you love – point your eyes, then your camera and just take one more photo until you capture that ‘wow’ image.
Any plans for the rest of the year?
Aside from my current wildlife calender project, I’m aiming to market my images more in the form of framed, mounted prints and greetings cards and get my work out there! I am also investing in a new macro lens for some insect photography which I’ve never done before – so something new and challenging!
Where can we see your work?
You can find all of my work over on my Facebook page, Toogood Photography
