Benjamin Edwards In Focus

From receiving a digital SLR camera from his girlfriend to becoming addicted to snapping across the county, we find out more about Benjamin Edwards' passion for photography and reveal his top 10 shots.

Tell us more about yourself
I’m Ben, a history teacher at The Cotswold School in Bourton-on-the-Water, living in Cheltenham but born and brought up in Gloucester. It seems that a lot of my photographs are taken outside of Gloucestershire though, I’m not sure why! Perhaps it is because I enjoy travel and have been fortunate enough to visit some great locations abroad.

How and when did you first get into photography?
Although I have always liked taking snaps, I have only really got into photography in the last year since my 30th birthday present of a digital SLR from my lovely girlfriend (though I think she might regret it now as I have become so attached to it!). I have become a bit addicted and have enjoyed the process of learning the skills and being able to achieve some decent results.

Art was never my thing at school and I now enjoy being able to produce work using my camera. Photography also brings out the geek in me, I like working out the technical issues that it throws up. I also think photography is a great excuse for getting out and about and visiting places I might otherwise not.

What camera and other equipment do you use?
I use a Nikon D40, which is a great little camera. I have added some really useful lenses including a Sigma 10-20mm (great for big wide shots), a Nikon 50mm prime lens (very sharp and great for shallow depth of field shots which I enjoy) and a 70-300mm telephoto (which I actually use far less than I expected I would when I bought it). I use the Cokin filter system too which has added another dimension to my shots. I have a Manfrotto tripod and other bits and pieces. Despite all this one of my best photos was taken with a cheap disposable camera!

Gallery of pictures from Benjamin Edwards

Out of the 10 photos you picked for the gallery, which is your favourite and why?
That’s a really hard question. I like the wide angle landscape ones like the one of Three Cliffs Bay and the Holst Statue a lot. I was especially pleased with the end result of the Boston Reflections shot too (it took a bit of work to set up right) but I think my favourite is the one of the Bull Ring. I like the colours and the composition and the little reflecting flare sets it off.

Do you use any image editing software?
Yes, I use Photoshop Elements. To me time in the ‘digital darkroom’ is nearly as fun as time actually out on location shooting. Some people criticise digital manipulation, but in moderation it is a really useful tool. I have done some HDR work but again find it best used in moderation.

Are you a film or digital advocate?
I’ve only ever used digital. My ratio of good shots to bad shots would make film very expensive!

Do you have any formal training? How did you develop your skills?
No formal training. I’ve read a few great books (in particular Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson) and I enjoy learning from the online community on sites such as Flickr. It’s great for both inspiration and technical advice. Otherwise trial and error has been my main method of development.

If you could photograph anyone who would it be?
I’m not too bothered about shooting anybody famous, in fact very few of my images are of people at all. I would like to take more candid shots and also more quality photos of people that I care about.

What’s your favourite Gloucestershire location?
Not sure I have a favourite location. There are some impressive buildings to shoot such as Gloucester Cathedral, Docks and regency Cheltenham but above these Gloucestershire is a great county for landscape shots. From the Cotswolds to the Forest of Dean there’s always something worth capturing.

Do you have any tips for budding snappers?
Learn how to use your camera beyond the basic settings and then take as many photographs as possible, reviewing your work. Taking your time is key. Despite this, however, and the skill of the photographer, being in the right place at the right time makes all the difference.

You can see more of Benjamin Edwards’ photos on his Flickr profile, flickr.com/benjaminedwards.

SoGlos.com
7 August 2008