Andy Meredith
Freelance PhotographerAre you a graduate? If so, what did you study?
I studied a BA(hons) in Photographic Communication at Falmouth Collage of Arts in Cornwall. I graduated in 2002 with a 2.1 and also a PQE from the British Institute of Professional Photography, which gained me an Associateship in that Institute.
Brief description of what you do.
In college the emphasis of our studies was always biased towards fine art photography in its many guises. As great as that was I realised that it might not be that relevant in the ‘real world’ so I adapted my projects towards architecture as it seemed to be the good for me.
On graduating the natural step for me was to specialise in photographing Interiors and Architecture. 7 and a bit years on I still love shooting that subject as its what I do best but recently I have been shooting a lot more portraiture and fashion. It’s a completely different challenge but I’m very excited about the way the industry is going and it always helps to be pretty diverse in your specialised areas.
What is a standard day for you?
The beauty of my job is that every day will be completely different from the last!
On a shoot day it might start very early in the morning to travel to any part of London, UK or even the world. On location you usually speak to the client to get an idea of what they need from the shoot. It is then up to you to interpret that brief in the way you feel would fit their needs photographically and artistically. Shoot days can be long but I love my job and industry and I’d never want to do anything else!
What skills have you come to rely on most in your position?
Organisation and concentration is key, but probably one of the best tools you have is passion for what you are doing. I’ve learnt many things since I graduated but I honestly think its one of those jobs where you never stop learning as things constantly evolve and progress. I have picked up skills in dealing with clients, time management, accounting, business sense and much more as well as working knowledge of Photoshop, the many camera systems and production lighting. But one of the most important things I’ve picked up is the ability to adapt.
If you had to pick one positive and one negative aspect of your job what would they be?
The positive side to being a freelance photographer is you are your own boss and you only have to answer to your clients. The creativity is also amazing. When you get to a stage when you are involved in exhibitions and win awards, the feeling of achievement and self worth is just incredible.
A negative point is that you can easily end up working 20 hour days sometimes and if you aren’t feeling what you do, then it can feel like a week!
How did you get into your role?
For me, photography and art was the only thing I ever felt truly passionate about and could see myself doing for the rest of my life. I remember taking my first ever photograph at the age of 10 on holiday in Venice and from then on I just loved cameras and making images. The natural thing was to go to art college and university to learn the skills I needed to become the best at what I do. I’d like to think that I am on my way to becoming just that.
Do you do any type of networking? If so, what?
In the first few years of being professional you really have to meet as many people as you can. No one is going to help you unless you really want to help yourself by connecting with people and putting yourself around. Sometimes it rather felt like beating down a brick wall but eventually as people trust you and your work, great things happen – people talk about you to other people.
We were always told in College by visiting lecturers that usually after about 4 years of chasing work, all of a sudden things do drop in your lap from people you have never met or spoken to. For me, that rule applied almost to the date! It’s incredible to get a call or email from someone who you were recommended to. Photography is hugely about who you know as well as what you know.
Is there any advice that you would give students looking to get into your field?
You have to feel the love and passion for your field because I believe it’s truly an amazing but complex profession. It really does pay off helping other photographers on shoots and assisting other professionals as you can gain experience and knowledge that you can adapt to your own working practice. Even if you have to work for free for a little while, what you gain in knowledge far outweighs what you gain in your pocket in the early stages. Above and beyond that, just get out there and make images happen.
Is there anything else you think we should know?
Just after graduation I did a small course in photo marketing through the British Institute of Professional Photography, which taught me some interesting tips and tricks on how to get a foot through the door and to get people to notice me.
I have also found it invaluable to gather a close knit network of friends in my field so that if I had a problem, there would be someone on the end of a phone or email who had been through similar.
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