Ask the Expert - Tom Robinson
With a passion for travel and photography Tom Robinson loves to capture the world as it stands. We caught up with him whilst he's back in the UK for a lesson in winter photography.
Q: Have you always had a passion for photography?
A: Yes, I’ve been taking photos for over ten years now and started out with a Olympus OM-1. I would spend hours in the darkroom developing my photos and experimenting with different techniques, then, after resisting for a few years, I made the switch over to digital and haven’t looked back since. I still play with my Polariod camera and have recently bought a Lomo ActionSampler - a really fun camera that takes four photos on one frame of film. It’s not a camera I’d use professionally, but whether you’re an amateur or professional it‘s good to keep experimenting and trying new things.
A: Yes, I’ve been taking photos for over ten years now and started out with a Olympus OM-1. I would spend hours in the darkroom developing my photos and experimenting with different techniques, then, after resisting for a few years, I made the switch over to digital and haven’t looked back since. I still play with my Polariod camera and have recently bought a Lomo ActionSampler - a really fun camera that takes four photos on one frame of film. It’s not a camera I’d use professionally, but whether you’re an amateur or professional it‘s good to keep experimenting and trying new things.
Q: What king of equipment do you use?
A: I use a Canon 5D II, which is a professional 21.1 megapixel digital SLR. For lenses, I use a 24-105mm f4 and a 70-200 F4 IS. I don‘t like using a flash, but when I do I use a Canon 580EX II. I also like to experiment with Adobe Lightroom to organise and retouch the photos.
A: I use a Canon 5D II, which is a professional 21.1 megapixel digital SLR. For lenses, I use a 24-105mm f4 and a 70-200 F4 IS. I don‘t like using a flash, but when I do I use a Canon 580EX II. I also like to experiment with Adobe Lightroom to organise and retouch the photos.
Q: A lot of your work captures the culture of the community you are in. Is there one area of photography you specialise in?
A: With my photography I simply try to capture the environment that I’m in. The best way to describe it is travel photography.
A: With my photography I simply try to capture the environment that I’m in. The best way to describe it is travel photography.
Q: Have you had any work published?
A: Yes. Last month an image I took in Peru was published in a Japanese magazine - the article was about traditional dress. Next month images from my Feet First series will be appearing in a Brazilian magazine. I’m also exhibiting some work in Covent garden, London in December.
A: Yes. Last month an image I took in Peru was published in a Japanese magazine - the article was about traditional dress. Next month images from my Feet First series will be appearing in a Brazilian magazine. I’m also exhibiting some work in Covent garden, London in December.
Q: What advice would you give a budding photographer?
A: It’s a difficult one as since the advent of digital photography there’s been an overwhelming response of amateur photographers producing some really great work. Some tips I would suggest are: 1. Take a series of images based around a theme, rather than a collection of random images. Whether it be a specific group of people, festival or special occasion, a group of themed images will show you can consistently take great photos, rather than just occasionally. It should also push your work creatively! 2. Be really strict when it comes to editing your photos. Rather than have 30 okay images, edit it down to 15 really strong images. 3. Get your work online and submit it to as many blogs, chat rooms, competitions that you can think of. The more people that see your work, the more likely someone will want to buy it/commission you.
A: It’s a difficult one as since the advent of digital photography there’s been an overwhelming response of amateur photographers producing some really great work. Some tips I would suggest are: 1. Take a series of images based around a theme, rather than a collection of random images. Whether it be a specific group of people, festival or special occasion, a group of themed images will show you can consistently take great photos, rather than just occasionally. It should also push your work creatively! 2. Be really strict when it comes to editing your photos. Rather than have 30 okay images, edit it down to 15 really strong images. 3. Get your work online and submit it to as many blogs, chat rooms, competitions that you can think of. The more people that see your work, the more likely someone will want to buy it/commission you.
Q: Your work takes you all over the world, where has been your favourite place to photograph?
A:Guatemala is an amazing country to travel in and photograph. The people are incredibly friendly and it’s relatively easy to get off the beaten track to experience different surroundings - perfect for photography. Bolivia is another favourite - some of the landscapes are quite simply incredible and even though I’m happy with the photos I’ve taken there, it’s a place that needs to be experienced too. It’s also one of the hardest countries I’ve photographed, due to the extreme conditions, the cold and lack of electricity. Next on my list to visit is Mongolia and India.
A:Guatemala is an amazing country to travel in and photograph. The people are incredibly friendly and it’s relatively easy to get off the beaten track to experience different surroundings - perfect for photography. Bolivia is another favourite - some of the landscapes are quite simply incredible and even though I’m happy with the photos I’ve taken there, it’s a place that needs to be experienced too. It’s also one of the hardest countries I’ve photographed, due to the extreme conditions, the cold and lack of electricity. Next on my list to visit is Mongolia and India.
Q: What kind of gear (outdoor clothing/equipment) do you take when out on location?
A: In cold weather conditions the ultimate accessory is fingerless gloves with pouch. They keep your hands warm and allow quick access to fingers so you can still get those shots. I hate camera bags as they’re a great way of attracting unwanted attention from thieves. Instead I use a normal rucksack and simply wrap my camera up in a jumper. I still use Lowepro lens cases for the lenses, but they still go in my rucksack. Deuter and Powe Alpine are my favourite rucksack brands. I have a pair of Scarpa ZG65’s, which are excellent for walking around cities to trekking through The Andes, they’re light, breathable and very comfortable. A small compass is also a great travel accessory, even when you're just visiting cities.
A: In cold weather conditions the ultimate accessory is fingerless gloves with pouch. They keep your hands warm and allow quick access to fingers so you can still get those shots. I hate camera bags as they’re a great way of attracting unwanted attention from thieves. Instead I use a normal rucksack and simply wrap my camera up in a jumper. I still use Lowepro lens cases for the lenses, but they still go in my rucksack. Deuter and Powe Alpine are my favourite rucksack brands. I have a pair of Scarpa ZG65’s, which are excellent for walking around cities to trekking through The Andes, they’re light, breathable and very comfortable. A small compass is also a great travel accessory, even when you're just visiting cities.
Q:Do you ever camp out to get better shots e.g. daybreak/sunset?
A: I do indeed. As hard as it can be to get out of bed before the sun has risen it is an important part of getting great shots. While trekking through The Andes I camped and it’s great to be able to step out of your tent, take the shot you anticipated the night before and then get straight back into your sleeping bag. In New Zealand I had a campervan, which is probably the best way to travel and to see a country properly. One evening I drove up the side of a mountain in the dark and was greeted with beautiful views in the morning - stunning to photograph! A great thing about this time of year in the UK is that sunrise is later so you don’t have to get up quite so early.
A: I do indeed. As hard as it can be to get out of bed before the sun has risen it is an important part of getting great shots. While trekking through The Andes I camped and it’s great to be able to step out of your tent, take the shot you anticipated the night before and then get straight back into your sleeping bag. In New Zealand I had a campervan, which is probably the best way to travel and to see a country properly. One evening I drove up the side of a mountain in the dark and was greeted with beautiful views in the morning - stunning to photograph! A great thing about this time of year in the UK is that sunrise is later so you don’t have to get up quite so early.
Q: Is there any specialist equipment you need when shooting in colder climes?
A: Colder climates can also mean more rain, so if you’re out and about with your camera make sure it stays dry. I like to have my camera to hand at all times rather than store it in a camera bag - although this doesn’t bode well for when it’s raining. I recently lost a camera when climbing up Snowdon on a particularly cold and wet day with my camera around my neck - lesson learned! Aquapac make a great selection of flexible waterproof cases for all different camera types, which I have since invested in: http://www.aquapac.net. Graduated filters are also a great way of adding colour or contrast to a flat, grey sky. They’re relatively inexpensive pieces of plastic that can easily be held in front of your camera, whether it be a £100 compact, or a £2000 DSLR, they’re a great way to improve your photos.
A: Colder climates can also mean more rain, so if you’re out and about with your camera make sure it stays dry. I like to have my camera to hand at all times rather than store it in a camera bag - although this doesn’t bode well for when it’s raining. I recently lost a camera when climbing up Snowdon on a particularly cold and wet day with my camera around my neck - lesson learned! Aquapac make a great selection of flexible waterproof cases for all different camera types, which I have since invested in: http://www.aquapac.net. Graduated filters are also a great way of adding colour or contrast to a flat, grey sky. They’re relatively inexpensive pieces of plastic that can easily be held in front of your camera, whether it be a £100 compact, or a £2000 DSLR, they’re a great way to improve your photos.
Q: What type of picture can you take in the winter?
A: In winter months the light can often be flat and grey (especially here in England). This can result in photos that lack colour and depth. A great way to overcome this problem is to experiment with black and white photography. Using an editing program like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom you can easily increase the contrast of your photos, which really brings out the textures in your photos.
A: In winter months the light can often be flat and grey (especially here in England). This can result in photos that lack colour and depth. A great way to overcome this problem is to experiment with black and white photography. Using an editing program like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom you can easily increase the contrast of your photos, which really brings out the textures in your photos.
Q: How do you shoot snow without it looking dull/grey?
A: When photographing snow, the picture can often turn out looking grey and flat. This is because the camera thinks the snow is far too bright, so the camera lowers the exposure, resulting in a grey image. The easy solution is to use your camera’s exposure compensation to force the camera to take a brighter image. These days even small digital cameras have exposure compensation. It may be hidden in one of the menus, but look out for EV+ or EV-. Increasing the exposure by one stop (EV+1) should do the trick! Remember to set it back though once you've finished photographing the snow.
A: When photographing snow, the picture can often turn out looking grey and flat. This is because the camera thinks the snow is far too bright, so the camera lowers the exposure, resulting in a grey image. The easy solution is to use your camera’s exposure compensation to force the camera to take a brighter image. These days even small digital cameras have exposure compensation. It may be hidden in one of the menus, but look out for EV+ or EV-. Increasing the exposure by one stop (EV+1) should do the trick! Remember to set it back though once you've finished photographing the snow.
Q: Are there any locations you would recommend in the UK? Do you have any top tips for us?
A:For me the best parts of the UK are along the coast - Cornwall, Wales, Norfolk. There’s nothing I like more than a brisk winter walk along some cliffs or a beach at low-tide with my camera. Last weekend I was in Portloe, Cornwall where I took the black and white photo of houses by the sea. My tip is: In cold weather, camera batteries run out far quicker than in warmer climates. Always remember to take a spare battery with you and store it in dry place. If you get stuck with a flat battery minutes before the perfect sunset, remove the battery and warm it up either in your hands or a pocket close to your body (I have at times resorted to using the warmth of my armpit). After a few minutes your battery should have a little extra charge that'll allow you to get that perfect shot. See more work online from Tom Robinson
A:For me the best parts of the UK are along the coast - Cornwall, Wales, Norfolk. There’s nothing I like more than a brisk winter walk along some cliffs or a beach at low-tide with my camera. Last weekend I was in Portloe, Cornwall where I took the black and white photo of houses by the sea. My tip is: In cold weather, camera batteries run out far quicker than in warmer climates. Always remember to take a spare battery with you and store it in dry place. If you get stuck with a flat battery minutes before the perfect sunset, remove the battery and warm it up either in your hands or a pocket close to your body (I have at times resorted to using the warmth of my armpit). After a few minutes your battery should have a little extra charge that'll allow you to get that perfect shot. See more work online from Tom Robinson
