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PHIL RICHARDSON |
ALISTAIR PECK - Associate Photographer Photography has been an increasingly important part of my life since my parents let me use their camera to take my first ever photograph when I was 7 of a stone bridge near Llyn Gwynant in Wales. Soon afterwards they bought me an instamatic camera and some black and white film and I found something that that has fascinated and absorbed me ever since.As well as having developed my style and my technique over the years in between I have been working with Phil Richardson for two years now, assisting with weddings and corporate work building my experience and knowledge. As well as getting involved in the courses I have my own photographic commissions and projects, including weddings, portrait sessions and working on my photographic art gallery. The same thing that has always driven me still motivates me now in the world of digital photography, the desire to perfectly capture a moment in time so that it can be shared by everyone. |
| REBECCA FENNELL - Associate Photographer Born in Zimbabwe and raised in South Africa, my love of photography started when I was given my first camera, age 12 - quite simply, I never put the camera down! The person that first inspired me to take photos is my Dad. He loved photography and has some amazing black and white images of his life growing up in India and later coffee farming in Rhodesia in the 60’s. After school I trained as a Cordon Bleu chef and used those skills to earn money in order to spend the next 4 years traveling the world, always with a camera in my hand; sunsets, people and their cultures being the most fascinating subjects to photograph. Following my travels, the UK became my permanent home where I worked in the Travel Industry until I was made redundant post 9-11. This proved to be a blessing in disguise because it was the catalyst that made me pursue my creative dream of becoming a photographer. Having studied hard by night to obtain my City & Guild Awards, I started Rebecca Fennell Photography 3 years ago and can honestly say that never a day goes by without learning something new! I now work closely with Phil Richardson of Melen Studios and Alistair Peck of Human Eye studios, both of which have taught me so much about photography, the business of photography and about myself. Having assisted on several of Phil’s photography courses, I’ve learnt that I much enjoy teaching people about photography and how satisfying it is to share the knowledge. But the one person I love to teach and photograph is my gorgeous 8 year old son; not only does he have a keen interest in photography but he makes a great little model – with the odd bribe or two! I’m a real people person and love a good laugh. My photographic style is a very relaxed one, always keen to put people at ease when I’m photographing them so that their true personalities shine through. My African roots means that I will always love photographing wildlife, but here in the UK, it’s people that fascinate me, be it asking a stranger for their portrait or photographing them unobserved. Naturally, I’m drawn towards fun and laughter but the artist in me just loves a face that’s lived life to life to the full. And it’s always satisfying when a picture tells a good story. |
MelenCourses photography training was started in 2005 with the aim of teaching photographers the basics of photography and how to use light effectively, so that they would be able to be competent and confident when taking their own photographs after the tuition. The range of courses we offer has grown to cover most areas of photography which enables you to take the next step and become professional photographers yourselves. My love of photography started early with my father, a keen amateur photographer, watching him really inspired me as well as teaching me most of the basics. As a child it was amazing to see the photographs emerge from the murky depths of the developing solution in his dark room (our bathroom). Although i regard myself as self taught, some aspects of my work take influences from many photographers who are both unfamiliar and well known, plus from my degree course at the University of Westminster, especially from Andy Golding.