Photographic Training Courses in the UK, from getting started to setting up a photography business

News

An Interview with Crash Taylor

Crash Taylor is one of the most admired international documentary wedding photographers and is one of the UK’s most in demand. Check out his work at http://www.crashtaylor.com. Each week Crash interviews a photographer whose work pushes the boundaries of the industry. Recently Crash interviewed Annabel Williams which was amazing and we have been waiting for the opportunity to reverse the roles! So after Crash visited the studio a few weeks ago he kindly agreed to be interviewed by Catherine Connor, co Director of Annabel Williams Contemporary Photographic Training.  Here’s how it went.

An interview by Catherine Connor, an admirer of all that Crash Taylor does.

What motivated you to become a photographer?

Growing up, my father instilled in me the timeless beauty of great photography and encouraged me to study publications like National Geographic, which definitely motivated me to become a photographer.

How would you describe your photographic education?

I’m completely self-taught. My father was an amateur photographer and he bought me my first Polaroid camera when I was 8 years old. To this day, I still continue to attend seminars and workshops with photographers who inspire me. The one thing that I love about photography is that it’s a lifetime journey of learning.

What influenced your photography the most during the learning process?

Not sure how to answer this as the learning process is a continuous one. Before becoming a full time professional photographer, I worked in the editing bay of a major Hollywood producer, where I learned that sequence, mood, lighting and continuity were the important factors in imaging, whether in film or photography. I also became very skilled in Photoshop, which is very important in enhancing photographic images. I always try to surround myself with greatness. The more you do the better you will become in your professional and personal life.

If you could give a tip to somebody in the early stages of learning photography, what might that be?

Learn to see and experiment with shadow and light and you must be able to bring out the true emotions of your subjects. Don’t focus so much on the equipment and technical aspects, pay more attention to capturing the right moment.

What is important to you prior to a photographic shoot – how do you prepare?

I always make sure I have all the details for the shoot written down. I then make a copy for my assistant who makes sure that everything gets done. I also like to listen to loud country music on the way to a shoot and funny enough it’s the only time I listen to country.

If you were to describe your photography how would you describe your style?

My style can be described as fun, artistic, original and fashion-journalistic. I like to bring a more intimate and personal perspective to my photography. I seek to capture the love of my clients in an artistic way creating unforgettable memories.  It’s very important that you create your own style to distinguish yourself from the masses.

What matters to you most during a shoot?

What matters to me most during a shoot is establishing a connection between my clients and myself. If you don’t have that connection your images will not be real emotional moments. Emotion and light are the key ingredients in the majority of my images.

Who are your photographic heroes?

I have so many photographic heroes but to name a few.

Photographers – Elliot Erwitt, Nick Brandt, Peter Lindbergh, Richard Avedon, David LaChapelle andHelmut Newton

Wedding photographers – Jerry Ghionis, Yervant, Bartosz Jastal, Jeff Newsom and JVS

Where do you head for inspiration?

My true inspiration is my family. My son inspires me so much; I’m addicted to recording his life with my camera. Travelling and experiencing different cultures is also highly inspirational. Films also get my creative juices flowing, as well as seminars and workshops with other creative individuals.

What keeps your photography fresh?

It’s definitely constant learning and experimenting. You have to keep pushing your photographic boundaries if you want to keep moving forward. I am always thinking how I can improve, everyday you wake up make it your goal to learn something new to take your photography and/or business to the next level.

If the business could speak how would it describe the businessman within?

A passionate perfectionist.

What have been your best learns to date when developing the business?

You have to network and make sure people know about your business. Networking is so important! You can be the best photographer but if nobody knows about you, your business will fail.

What do you wish you had done differently/know in your first few years in business?

The business has grown beyond my highest expectations so I can’t answer this question at the moment.

What is currently influencing the success of the business?

My determination to do whatever it takes to succeed in this highly competitive field of photography. This means making sure you are always one step ahead of your competition with your imaging and business skills. I love waking up in the morning and hate going to bed at night because I love what I do so much.

How do you balance being a good father alongside running a demanding business?

I am one lucky man as I work from home – like that I am present in my son’s everyday life. I take frequent breaks to have a quick play session and to change nappies, etc. I do most of my work after Jake has gone to bed at 6.30pm.

What advice would your wife give to other supportive partners?

My wife answers this question below.

Make sure you set some limits and have time together as a family; otherwise photography will easily take up your partner’s whole life… It seems to be a very addictive profession

What aspects of running the business do you enjoy the most?

Taking photos and editing is what I enjoy most. I also enjoy keeping my blog up to date and networking with fellow photographers.

How do you ensure you give equal attention to all areas of the business?

I am very fortunate to have somebody who takes care of the business side of things. This allows me to spend more time on networking and marketing the business, which is so important!

What have been your most effective marketing approaches?

Word of mouth is definitely the most effective marketing approach. Making sure your clients are number one and that your customer service is first class is the best marketing advice I can give. Also, search engine optimisation is hugely important!

What is your slant on networking?

Where do I start? Networking is so important. It’s vital to the success of your business. The only way to keep improving your work is to network, attend seminars and experiment.
If you need to brush up on your marketing and networking I highly recommend talking to Catherine Connor!

What do you want to do differently in the forthcoming year to develop the business?

That is a difficult question to answer as my future bookings outpace the annual calendar.

How different was the marketplace in the UK compared to the United States of America?

I would say that a great deal of the American market is smothered in competition and those that have great talent will often never have the opportunity to shine.

What could the Americans teach us?

The ability to learn is determined by the individual photographers desire to increase the scope of his photographic ability, whether he/she be American or British.

What could we teach them?

Same as above.