Andy Sallis In Focus

Well on his way to becoming a professional photographer, there isn't an inch of the county Andy Sallis hasn't covered with camera in hand on the hunt for that perfect shot. SoGlos.com previews his top 10 pictures and finds out more.

Tell our readers about yourself
My name is Andy and I was born in 1985, I work full-time for a global business solutions company and do my photography within my free time. I live in Northway, just outside of Tewkesbury, where I have lived for most of my life.

And when do you first get into photography?
I have been into photography, I would say, all my life – I can still remember getting excited when the photos were ready to be picked up from the shop, only to be disappointed to see blurry pictures and close-ups of my fingers! In the summer of 2006 I had a website built to exhibit my photos for anyone to see, and it was when I was approached by someone willing to buy one of my photos, that I thought about wanting to become serious with my photography, and aiming for a long term goal to go professional. After two years I’m halfway there, but there’s still lots to be done!

What camera and other equipment do you use?
I dare not list my whole arsenal of equipment, but will share with you the ones I use the most. My main camera body is the Canon 1D mk III which I use for most of my photography, and my second is the Canon 350D – this was also the camera that introduced me to the SLR camera, and it has stuck with me since, and has never failed me to this day.

Some of the lenses I use range from the Canon 28-105mm – used for nearly all everyday photos from action to scenery shots; a Canon 55-200mm – used mostly to be the middle man, for action shots as well as wildlife; Canon 60mm – for macro work; and my big beauty the Canon 100-400mm – this one will be the one that gets used for wildlife and aviation.

Gallery of pictures from Andy Sallis

Out of the 10 photos you picked for the gallery, which is your favourite and why?
It would have to be the one I took in Bourton-on-the-Water – everything just seemed to fall right into place on that image. I don’t think it could have gotten any better than how it looks now!

Do you use any image editing software?
I tend to use Corel Paint Shop Pro to resize or adjust brightness in my pictures, but refuse to manipulate my photos in anyway, so how you see them is how it looked when the shot was taken – minus the adjustments made through the camera itself.

Are you a film or digital advocate?
I used to be a film photographer, but it wasn’t long before I became fully digital.

Do you have any formal training?
Everything that I’ve learned was self-taught through advice from others and reading handbooks. I also like to do a little trial and error to increase the photos that itty bit more.

If you could photograph anyone who would it be?
Oh, without hesitation, it would have to be Eric Clapton, it would be a dream come true to have a portrait session with him.

What’s your favourite Gloucestershire location?
I would have to say Slimbridge Wetland Centre. If you love wildlife that’s a great place to be, as you are surrounded by different kinds of species, and if you're lucky, a rare one too. It’s relaxing to just walk around, as it has some beautiful views from the watch towers. I also like Gloucester Docks and Gloucester Cathedral – both are very photogenic and beautiful to be surrounded by.

Do you have any tips for budding snappers?
Try and not use the ‘auto’ function on your camera, as it won’t always give you the best shot. Try and experiment with different settings, and never take just one shot of a subject – take a few both in landscape or portrait as sometimes the one photo you like most is the one you could of missed if you took just one shot.

You can see more of Andy Sallis’ photos on his Flickr profile, flickr.com/ajsphotosonline.

SoGlos.com
27 September 2008