Photographer of the month - Lydia Collins
Well, just like that another year is upon us! A lot happened in 2018, if you follow us on instagram you will know that back in July our HQ burnt down, we lost a lot of stock and it took a few months to get back on our feet. A huge thank you to all our customers who sent such heart warming messages to us, it really means a lot.
Also, just an update for those of you who don't already know, if you are a customer of TOG, you have access to an exclusive facebook group where we share tips, advice and discuss all things Photography, so if you would like to join click here
But January is here and we are back and raring to go! Starting with our Tog' of the month for January, the incredibly talented Lydia Collins. Lydia is a fashion, fitness and lifestyle photographer based in London, UK. She is a busy lady, but we managed to catch her in between shoots to get some juicy advice that we can share with you all...
What kind of photography do you do?
I’m a freelance fashion, fitness and lifestyle photographer. I mainly shoot street style photography but also love shooting within a studio and on location!
How long have you been doing photography?
I have had a camera in hand since about the age of 14, where my secondary school opened up as a GCSE. I carried on studying photography through college and onto Uni where I graduated in 2016 and I have been fully freelance for just over a year now!
Best experience shoot photography?
I have been very lucky that within the past year, travel has become more apart of my job. Earlier this year I spent two months travelling around Australia and working along the way. I then came back and headed straight to Tulum in Mexico for one of my favourite shoots yet! It was with a brand and part of the trip was to shoot a four page spread in LOOK magazine! This is definitely up there for one of my best experiences yet.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself when starting out in Photography?
The advice to myself would be when I was at University. I definitely focussed too much on what my lecturers and other people thought about my work and not enough about what I enjoyed and what style and type of Photography I loved. Looking back, I think it’s so important to stick with what you love and everything else will fall into place. Not to worry about what other people think as there is no point pursuing a hobby if you’re not pursuing the side of it that you love.
Whats your favourite feature of the Tog Bag and why?
One of the main reasons I purchased the Tog Bag in grey was the fact it’s the only camera bag out there that’s flattering for females to wear! I really struggle with finding camera accessories that aren’t super male orientated - style and the way it fits! The Tog Bag for me works practically and also looks great! I’ve had so many compliments when I wear it. I have recently purchased the black mini backpack and grey purse, and they are perfect for my shoots out and about!
What’s your favourite lens and why?
My current favourite and go to lens is the Canon 24-70mm 1.4 - this lens is the absolute dream. I find myself being able to get any angle I want. It’s the perfect lens for those fashion low angled shots but also an amazing lens to travel with as its wide enough to create beautiful landscapes! I also love the Sigma 35mm 1.2 for portraits and close ups shots!
Which Camera do you have?
I shoot on a Canon 5d mark IV for digital photography but shoot on my Hasselblad 500cm for film photography
Do you prefer working with natural light or studio?
I always prefer shooting with natural light, I love playing around with shadows and also love shooting with backlit light behind the subject. I have recently been playing around with artificial lights such as neon and fairy lights!
Which Photographers inspire you?
I actually get a lot of my inspiration from other creatives, not just photographers. I find most of my inspiration from Pinterest and Instagram - there are so many talented people out there and I love finding new accounts and styles!
Where can we find your work?
I post a lot of my work on Instagram and my website:
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
I would love to travel with work a lot more over the next 10 years and maybe live in a few other countries! I don’t tend to plan too much or too far ahead because I am a firm believer in keeping as many doors open as possible as you never know what’s going to happen!
You can see some of Lydia's work below...
