About Nine Photos
Why Photography?
I’m not going to say I got my first camera when I was 6 and was hooked ever since. I studied a little photography at college, but only chose to go back and create a career out of it in 2004. I wanted to run my own business and this seemed to be something I felt passionate about. I always loved my mum and dad’s old photographs, that were kept in a battered old suitcase. I loved the images because of the memories and this is my strongest point in my work. Capturing those moments of fun, tears, places and simply things about living bring out the best in me.
Weddings
I am married and did the whole white wedding thing in 1999, so I remember what it is like to plan this day. I was not a photographer then and it was a minefield to select someone to capture the day for us. My best advice is to meet your photographer to check you get along and that your styles match. My style is fairly informal, because I want you and your guests to enjoy your day. I have a tips book on Blurb and take a look at Adore by Chloe, where you will get some great ideas and also see some of my work featured on there.
(The images are my personal ones from my wedding)
Portraits
I would recommend looking at which of your own photographs make you smile the most, when deciding on a portrait session. Studio and location photography can be quite different, so it is worth thinking about what would make you feel more comfortable, because that will bring out the best in you and your family and friends. There is little about sitting still in my sessions, because I want you to have a laugh. You don’t have to look at the camera, or even have your face in shot to show your personalities. Kids being themselves is by far the best imagery and they are the memories that will make you smile in years to come. You won’t be forced to pose with props & be uncomfortable. (See my sister with the monkey below!) There are more tips in my book on Blurb.
Inspiration
I prefer photography that is not obvious. I like to work hard to figure out what is going on in an image. So I like the work of Francesca Woodman and Gregory Crewdson. Art and galleries in general can easily fill my day and I could work on conceptual photography full time if I didn’t run the business. Shopping, even if it is window shopping, inspires me and I think that stems from my days as a buyer. Travel is my big life and photographic inspiration though. I can lie on a beach, or go trekking, but there is always something about being away from the norm - switching off the social media and just looking at things in fresh eyes. I’d love to go traveling with Karl Pilkington, because there would be no travel b*ll*cks, but a naivety of what is out there. My first ‘travelling’ holiday was a 2 week backpack round Egypt and now I want to go anywhere and everywhere.
You can see what inspires me and my style on Pinterest now, along with how my house would look if I had the time and the money.
Me
My mum and dad are my strongest influence. My dad passed away when I was fourteen and he always said ‘life’s too short’ about various things, so I try and remember that every time I’m afraid to push beyond my comfort zone. My mum worked hard and knows how to party hard, so hey, I guess I like to take after her. Having an older brother and sister means I am always little sis, but I love it. Widnes will always be home, even though I couldn’t wait to live somewhere bigger and I may have lost my accent, but I am a Northerner. I like change, be it in work, home, or life. Films and music festival are my favourite ways to escape. I married my university boyfriend and whilst we don’t have children, as it wasn’t meant to be, our dog, Quito, gets spoilt rotten. I would live by the coast given the chance and get on a plane if the opportunity to work abroad ever came calling.
Why the name Nine Photos?
You decide:
1 I graduated in 2007, so these numbers add up to 9.
2 There are 9 zones that you can print in a darkroom using the Zone System developed by Ansel Adams. (Actually 10 zones, but 1 of those is the base you print on.)
Either way, I just didn’t want to be ‘Joanne Withers Photography’, because I wanted a brand name and also to save my name for me and my personal photography work.
Random Facts
1 What makes me frown: Tailgate driving (actually that makes me swear)
2 Fav smell: Coffee
3 Fav sound: Crowd singing at a live gig
4 Greatest achievement so far: Reaching Uhuru Peak on Kilimanjaro
5 Item of clothing you would live in if only one choice: Jeans
6 Guilty pleasures: Dirty Dancing, Carry On & old Agatha Christie films
7 Animal you would own as a pet if you could: Tiger
8 Top of the bucket list: Machu Picchu
9 Strangest title I’ve had: Mrs Witches - They couldn’t pronounce my name in Hong Kong
