Roger Payling is a professional photographer with experience of several years. He specialises in both corporate and advertising portraits. He shoots in both Dubai and London. As he was in London in August, I sent him the questions by email and had a telephonic interview with him.
Me: What do you feel about colour and black/white photography?
Payling: They are both great if used well. Colour images can be so powerful If just one colour is used……Black and white images can be dramatic as we don’t see in B/W and therefore has the element of surprise
Me: How do you feel about photographing the same subject again? Is it different from the first time?
Payling: No image is ever exactly the same and I would always try and improve the shot from first time around….Perfection is my constant goal.
Me: What makes a great photograph?
Payling: A great idea, great light, and a great composition.
Me: What are your influences and inspiration?
Payling: I’m influenced by all I see. I’ve travelled a lot, those experiences broaden one’s horizons. My inspirations are driven by ideas.
Me: Do you prefer shooting on film or digital format?
Payling: Having shot film in all formats including 10” x 8” sheet film I can honestly say I now prefer shooting digitally. I usually shoot tethered to my Mac Book Pro 17” and the excitement of seeing my image almost instantly is a great help. It’s also useful to be able to show the art director and client if they are on the shoot.. Advertising photography is a team effort.
Me: Which photographers have influenced your work or you draw inspiration from?
Payling: Here’s a few……Irving Penn: Lester Bookbinder: Richard Avedon : Don MucCullin: Nick Knight
Me: How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?
Payling: I’m constantly looking at images, film and tv. I go to photographic exhibitions and visit art galleries. Watching light, understanding light.
Me: Among your works, which one is your favourite?
Payling: Please see attached. ( my next image is my favourite…)
(Not attached here as it is subject to copyright. Visit website to view his work)
Me: Which lens do you find yourself using most often? Why?
Payling: I have a selection of lenses and often use a Canon 50-200mm zoom. It’s sharp and versatile.
Me: When you travel which is the equipment you never leave behind like a must have for shoots?
Payling: When I’m commissioned for a shoot I take lots of equipment. I’m prepared for almost any situation.
Me: When you are taking photographs, what composition choices are suitable for you?
Payling: The subject matter usually defines the composition. Keeping the viewer within the image is vital. Not having objects or parts of landscapes/models that can take the viewer out of the image…( I once spent two hours with an ex – vogue photographer whilst I was a student positioning two grape pips in the foreground of a still life. They made the shot and I learned so much from that experience.)
Me: When taking photographs in natural light/outdoors, as most of your photos are taken in natural light, how do you light up the main object?
Payling: Many of my images are shot with continuous light and large flash lights. When on location using natural light I may use reflectors to bounce light back into the subject. I may also use HMI lights or flash to also help the feel of the image.
Me: What different angles do you feel are appropriate for photographing a model?
Payling: This would depend on the brief or idea. If it’s a fashion or beauty model I would shoot from positions that flatter the model….
Me: What do you do when there is too much colour? Payling: Change or remove some of the props if that’s possible. Desaturation in photoshop is also an option.