Samantha Nicol: I Have Made Plenty of Friends Through Photography

May 7, 2009 by · 1 comment

Mariana Velichkova’s interview with the photographer Samantha Nicol

What kind of photography in your opinion best suits your personality?

Macro photography in particular, flowers. Being a patient person and meticulous I enjoy working with small depth of fields. This also suits the Scottish Climate as I can still indulge in my passion even when it’s raining outside.

When taking a portrait picture what do you think is the most important to focus on?

The most important thing to focus on is the eyes, everything else can be out of focus, but the eyes have to be pin sharp.

What do you like the most of taking pictures of babies?

I believe photographs trigger memories and that there is nothing more precious than a newborn baby. As they grow up so fast I feel it’s important to capture them at this special time.

It’s very satisfying capturing a special moment between baby and parent as they look in wonder, it can be very fleeting but I enjoy that challenge.

How would you define beauty and happiness?

Both beauty and happiness can be so different for different people. Beauty for me can be an amazing sunrise, when all is quiet and peaceful, when all the conditions are ideal for that perfect capture. It is a combination of qualities which leaves a lasting impression. Happiness is being lost in the moment and the joy of knowing that I just got “the” shot.

Does photography help you in any way in your personal life?

I have made plenty of friends through photography. It’s improved my confidence in my ability.

What is the greatest challenge for you in your developing as a photographer?

To capture the moment that captivated me. I have young children and that’s my number one role. Sometimes it’s not possible to take off on a whim to get that shot. I adore being a mum and am very fortunate to have patient children who don’t complain when mummy has her camera out again!

If you have to replace taking pictures with something else to express yourself what would it be?

I love gardening and creating a space which is beautiful to relax in. When in full bloom I get the chance to photograph my efforts.

Your dream picture is…?

A picture that I would hang on my wall and never tire from looking at it.

Biography:

My name is Samantha Nicol and I’m 33 years old and I live in Ayrshire in Scotland UK. I am married and have 2 young children aged 3 and 6 years. I work part time in the civil service so I have plenty of time to indulge in my photography passion.

I have always loved taking pictures and started with a small compact camera. This got my creative juices going and upgraded to my first DSLR camera a Nikon D50 when I was 30. Since then I have become slightly obsessed with photography and see a picture in every situation.

I’m one of those people who prefer to be in the passenger seat of the car and I tend to shout “Stop the car” quite often when I see a photo opportunity.

I recently upgraded all my photo equipment and currently shoot with a Nikon D300. I also bought a home studio lighting kit and have been doing portrait work. I particularly like working with newborn babies.

I feel I have still to find my niche and will photograph everything and anything. And use a variety of different lenses from macro to telephoto. With the temperamental Scottish weather staying indoors and photographing flowers has become a great past time of mine.

I thoroughly enjoy processing my images using Photoshop CS4. I like to experiment, try new things and work with textures. I love every part of photography, from pressing the shutter, to processing the image to hanging the framed print on the wall. In time I would love to pay the bills by doing something I adore.