Focus On: Becky Kerr!
If you love classic, sophisticated, down-right beautiful weddings, then you’re going to love Becky Kerr. Soon after graduating from Manchester University with a degree in photography Becky worked for numerous magazines in London as a photo editor and graphic designer. After starting a young family she decided that it was time to get behind the camera herself and moved into wedding photography. Her experience within magazines gives her images a stunning editorial feel and much of her own work has been featured in many notable publications. Get ready for a proper treat with the lovely Becky Kerr!
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in photography.
I did a general art and design degree, specialising in photography, at Manchester University. After I had graduated from university I worked in London as a picture editor for various magazines before moving into graphic design. When my husband and I decided to start a family we moved out of London and I started to really consider photography as a profession.
How long have you been working as a photographer?
About 10 years now.
Did you assist at all?
I did some assisting just after university, but only for a few weeks.
How would you describe your photographic style?
I would say that my style is very relaxed and very photo journalistic and reportage. I’ve tried to pull on my experience from magazines, so my photography is probably quite editorial as well.
What’s the most interesting or bizarre wedding that you’ve ever photographed?
I’ve never done anything particularly bizarre. I suppose one of the most ‘unique’ weddings I’ve ever photographed was a wedding that was hosted on the family farm. The couple really wanted a group photo of everyone at the wedding so I was put into the bucket of a JCB digger and lifted into the air! It didn’t really occur to me how dangerous it probably was until I came down and my legs started shaking!
Other than that wedding one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever photographed was in Malta. It was really special because we all had to pile into lovely little boats to get to the church. It was very special.
What type of cameras do you shoot with?
I use Canon.
What is your favourite editing tool?
I use Lightroom for the main bulk of editing and Photo Mechanic for quick touch ups.
What is the best part of your job?
I feel incredibly privileged to work as a wedding photographer because I get to witness some of the most sentimental and private moments between two people and their families. I think that’s incredibly special.
What is the worst part of your job?
I find editing takes a while but I still enjoy it to an extent because it gives me a chance to look at my images again and I get little bursts of excitement when I see some really great photos.
Do you make time for personal photographic work?
Occasionally but certainly not enough. When I go out for the day with my family I tend to take pictures on my phone or on a more portable camera as my equipment is quite big and bulky. Also I find that even though I love my job sometimes I just need to take a step back and recharge my batteries a bit.
What advice do you have for any photographer just starting out?
I would tell them that it is a very tough market out there, and the industry has changed massively since I’ve been working . I think the most important thing is to be true to yourself, figure out your style, and stick to it.
Do you find that submitting your work to magazines helps boost inquiry rates?
It depends to be honest, it’s definitely changing, In terms of me personally, I not only submit my work to magazines but I also advertise in them, so any potential clients are getting a double hit of me basically. Sometimes it works really well, you know I’ve met with potential clients and they’ve mentioned that they’ve seen me in various wedding publications.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
From a photography point of view it would be ‘stay confident in yourself’. If you work in an industry for a long period of time, there will be a change in trends and fashions, but it’s really important to stay true to your style and skills and not to be affected by what anyone else is doing.
From a business point of view it would be to work to the best of your ability and be interested in your clients. Don’t just sit with a couple and tell them everything you do and don’t do, be interested in their day and their plans, be interested in their story. It’s really important to listen and value your clients.
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be doing?
I really don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t a photographer! Definitely something in the creative industry.
Are you a Mac or a PC lover?
Mac
What talent would you most like to have?
I would love to play an instrument.
What is your favourite movie of all time?
Oh gosh I don’t know! I really enjoyed Avatar and I love ET, it was the first film I ever saw at the cinema.
What do you love to indulge in?
Time with friends and family.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Australia, I just love the outdoor lifestyle and the laid back culture.
The first thing you would do if you won the lottery?
I would probably share between charity and family. I think I would try and make as many people comfortable as possible.
For your business, what is the best thing on theimagefile?
I love that clients can view work in a private gallery. There’s so many things I love on theimagefile but that is definitely one of my favourite aspects.
To see more of Becky Kerr check out her website and follow her on Facebook and Twitter!
