I’ve been on a journey since I was given my first DSLR for Christmas last year – a journey of joyous discovery. Sounds a bit full-on I know! OK it’s mostly just been great fun actually.
I started off taking zillions of shots mainly of the beautiful countryside where I live – hundreds of snow shots anyone?!
I soon got interested in macro shots like this one. Cue lots of fun with nature close-ups.
One thing lead to another and I started experimenting in manual mode, gasp! – despite having no clue what I was doing. I confess I’m not really a read-the-manual type of person and I was getting results I was really pleased with despite my somewhat scant technical grasp!
At the same time I’ve been studying art and design and it wasn’t until I was planning my end of year art college exhibition in June that I realised that the direction of my abstract painting and photography were clearly linked which was a bit of a revelation.
Whilst painting for me is a lot about the process and often being frustrated with the results, photography is quite often more of a quick win – with immediate results I love.
Now I am well and truly thoroughly obsessed! I’ve just started an MA in Contemporary Fine Art and my photography is a key element.
I wanted to document where I’ve got to so far and delve a bit deeper into my love of colour and abstraction and so I’ve just created a book called Colour Story. This collection highlights my love of colour and interest in manually changing and manipulating what I see through my lens to uncover something different, unusual and beautiful.
I’m also developing the commission side of my work. I’ve recently taken lots of shots I love in commercial settings. I’m enjoying the idea of taking the everyday surroundings of a place and making something bespoke, unique and beautiful to put back into it.
So here: baubles in a lighting boutique and styling products in a hair salon!
I’ve got so many ideas and so much to learn. Hmm – now where did I put that manual again?!
Why not pop over to Holly’s website and blog or her fine art photography book featuring full page lush colour-drenched shots from her latest abstract photography collection.
Article and all images © Holly Rowan Hesson, October 2010 – all rights reserved.
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