Meerkat Communications

What’s the one thing that you would spend money (that you didn’t really have to spare) on?

I think, for me, it boils down to two contenders: concerts and travel.

I love going to concerts and am still not tired of the novelty of seeing bands that I have loved forever LIVE! Having grown up waaaay down south, where very few bands, expect those with a giant budget, dare to go, I missed out on so many shows I would’ve loved to have seen, and so now I’m making up for lost time and cram in as many live shows as I possibly can, whether the budget really allows it or not 🙂 )There’s something so magical about the energy of the crowd and the almost surreal quality of hearing something done live that you’ve listening to hundreds and hundreds of times on a recording.

Then there’s travel. I would never, ever say ‘no!’ to exploring new places, seeing new sights, meeting new people, savouring new foods, and experiencing different cultures. Not only does it fuel my imagination and allow me to explore one of my passions, photography, it also often changes my thinking or gives me new insights or allows me to understand someone better.

To quote Mastercard: Priceless.

It’s been great to see an array of photographers contributing to the site. In today’s Creative Path post, I’d like to introduce Jeremy Lim, a Vancouver-based photographer (and multi-tasker) specializing in capturing big moments. You can track him down via his website, or on Facebook and  Twitter.

1.      How long have you been a photographer? How did you get started with it?

Photography’s a relatively new thing for me.  The first time I picked up a camera was back in April 2008.  I had a friend, Mikey Valdes, who spent every other day telling me about his photography adventures.  After a few months of admiring his work, I caved, bought myself a used Canon 30D, and haven’t looked back since.

2.      Is this your full time job? A career goal? A hobby?

Photography’s both a part-time job and a career goal.  Right now, I spend most of my time with business functions, concerts, and commercial work.  In the future, I’d like to specialize in large-scale, global events; I love capturing big moments.

3.      If this is not your full time career, do you struggle to make time for this? Is there anything you do to ensure you make time?

All the time, but only because there’s always something to shoot.  Back in November 2009, I started a daily photo project where I promised myself to take at least one photo, every single day.  Truthfully, it’s been more of a chore than a joy, but it’s kept me shooting consistently – day in and day out – and my photography has jumped leaps and bounds because of it.  Not every shot is portfolio material, but I make sure to get out and capture something meaningful, no matter what.  Rain or shine, sick or well, stuck or inspired – it’s just got to happen.

4.      If this is your full time job, how did you achieve this?

Lots of hand shaking and helping people.  You’d be surprised how fast the world moves with a little kindness.

5.      How do you deal with “naysayers”… you know, those voices/people who keep asking when the phase is going to pass? Or negative criticism about your work/creative endeavor?

Well, I’m blessed because I’ve never had anyone doubt me.  Great friends.  Great family.  That said, we’re all our own worst critics and I’ve definitely lost my drive more than once.  To keep my head straight, I think about what makes me happy in life, and for me, that’s making memories.

6.      Is there something you have worked on that you are especially proud of? Or received accolades for?

I just finished my coverage of the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.  Shooting 10-hour days for two weeks was a bit nuts, but the images captured, the people met, and the fact I survived make it one of my proudest and fondest memories.  Similarly, my Olympic project, COLOURS 2010, also holds a big place in my heart.  During the Vancouver 2010 and Singapore 2010 Olympics, I chased tourists in their national gear, asking them for photos.  There were hundreds of awkward moments, but it made my Olympic experience; no one else in the world captured the images I did, and I’m incredibly proud of that.

7.      What does creativity mean to you?

Telling a story.  I don’t know any form of art or expression that doesn’t tell a story.

8.      What advice would you give to others trying to follow a similar path?

When it comes to promoting yourself, choose a niche and stick to it.  When you become the best at one thing, you become the go-to person for that type of project.  If you are a jack of all trades, you’ll find yourself at a disadvantage against specialists.  That said, don’t ever stop experimenting.  For example, my roots began in club photography.  I don’t do it anymore, but without it, I wouldn’t have developed the style I have today.  Also, buy the best camera and lenses you can for the type of photography you want to specialize in.  You might survive using a Canon Rebel XSi or a Nikon D80 in ideal settings, but when it comes to tough situations, pro-grade gear helps you get results you need.

All images are copyright Jeremy Lim 2010 and may no be reproduced or reused in any way, without permission from Jeremy.

Meet Cath Scott, a South African photographer and mom, our latest addition to the Meerkat Creative Path series. You can connect with Cath via https://twitter.com/cazpi or on her website.

Bio

My career started as a teacher, until I became a mother, which led to becoming a photographer. My passion is photographing children and bringing out the best in them – capturing bits of time. Examples of my work can be found on:http://www.cazpix.co.za/ 

1. How long have you been doing photography? How did you get started with it?

I have always had an interest in photography, but didn’t do anything about it until I got a really nice camera in the middle of last year. I have since upgraded my camera, and the learning curve is huge, but having kids is what made photography amazing for me – something I had to capture properly!

2. Is this your full time job? A career goal? A hobby?

Right now it’s half of a hobby and half of a career. I take pictures because I love it. I have started a small business so that other people can also have memories captured.

3. If this is not your full time career, do you struggle to make time for this? Is there anything you do to ensure you make time?

Making time is a bit difficult, as I run my kids around all week, but my husband is very supportive, and I do most shoots on weekends – and he watches the kids for me.

4. How do you deal with “naysayers”… you know, those voices/people who keep asking when the phase is going to pass? Or negative criticism about your work/creative endeavor?

Most people have actually been very encouraging, and helpful. I have so much to learn, and have not had negative feedback, only positive encouragement – my friends are quite amazing. I would be my own worst enemy in this endeavour!

5. What would your dream project be?

Have a studio, and take pictures of kiddies having fun 🙂

6. Is there something you have worked on that you are especially proud of? Or received accolades for?

I recently won a photography course with the very talented Andre Van Rooyen. I entered a Breadline Africa competition with one of my images, and won. I am very excited about this!

7. What does creativity mean to you?

Creativity is absolute expression. Defining yourself by making things is fun, relaxing, and rewarding. It needs to be an arena where you can explore. You learn a lot about yourself through creating things.

8. What advice would you give to others trying to follow a similar path?

Go for it. Take tons of photographs. Read lots. Ask questions. Experiment. Go way out of your depth, and enjoy the learning curve!

All images are copyright Cath Scott and are not to be reproduced  or used without permission.

"Twelve Days" - copyright Annabelle Nicoll 2010

Our next creative to be featured is Irish photographer, Annabelle Nicoll.You can see more of Annabelle’s exquisite work on her website www.annabellenicoll.com. In her words, “it is what you see that informs how you see”.

How long have you been a photographer? How did you get started with it?

I have been a photographer for 10 years. I fell in love with the medium while doing a year’s foundation course in art and design; I then went on to study Editorial Photography in Brighton, UK, though I would see myself more as a Fine Art Photographer.

Is this your full time job? A career goal? A hobby?

It is a full time, part time, hobby that drives me crazy. There is a love hate relationship with it as there is no consistency and no predictability to how I work. For the last 5 years I have made good money from it but I now have 2 daughters who take up most of my time. My work is mainly shown in a gallery context and I have had work bought for the commercial sector.  I struggle with balancing the need to make money and my attachment to making work for this, and just working for pleasure’s sake.

If this is your full time job, how did you achieve this?

With lots of self help books!

How do you deal with “naysayers”… you know, those voices/people who keep asking when the phase is going to pass? Or negative criticism about your work/creative endeavor?

It depends on my state of mind at the time, if I am feeling confident, I would think it was only their opinion, yet if not, I may question my motives etc…

Annabelle Nicoll at work - copyright Annabelle Nicoll 2010

What would your dream project be?

To photograph the Ice caps, to highlight the worlds fragility and link it to our current state of consciousness as  a species.

Is there something you have worked on that you are especially proud of? Or received accolades for?

Yes. I worked on a body of work around Meditation and state of mind which has received numerous mentions in articles, including in the Sunday Times. This work has also had a lot of sales, enabling me to carry on working, going to Finland  to complete another body of work.

What does creativity mean to you?

Creativity is a human condition; it is part of who we are and to deny it is to deny ourselves. A  moment of flow, of true connection to who you are in a place in time. It is an unformulaic discovery, a process. It is something I cannot live without, yet to be creative is a calling that can drive you mad. Reaching the highest highs and lowest lows.

What advice would you give to others trying to follow a similar path?

To journal every day, to try (though hard) to not be attached to outcome . To be present, patient and persistent and to believe in yourself (hard also). To never give up and most important, to not be perfect, to make mistakes .

Following my last post entitled “Are You Following Your Passion?“, I’ve decided to give kudos and a promotional space to those people who are doing just that… whether full time, part time, as their day job or hobby.

If you’re an artist, writer, actor, musician, photographer; participating in any creative realm, I want to hear from you! If you’d like to be interviewed (electronically), then email me: geraldine@meerkatcommunications.ca. There’ll be an opportunity to link to your work/porfolio, and if you’re a visual artist, a spot for an image to be included.

I’d love to hear from you, and have you be part of the Meerkat Creative Path Series.

Geraldine