photography, anybody can pick up a camera and take a half-decent picture. These people think that means they can call themselves a professional and start charging money for their work. And there are models that think it’s a quick buck. But there’s more to modeling than standing

in front of a camera. Real skill and talent are involved. The number of girls that start out and think just because they have done a couple of shoots they are experienced and then start charging ridiculous rates, is shocking. In both cases – would-be photographers and models – they should be learning their craft before even thinking of charging fees.

I’m not saying I’m the most original photographer myself or the best at what I do, but I do work hard at my chosen profession. I’ve been taking pictures for more than twenty years, working with film, and digitally. Digital especially means you can experiment more as

there aren’t the same costs involved. People should be out there trying new ideas. There isn’t the same fear anymore of getting the film back from the developers and finding out you’ve fucked up. Photographers should be pushing the envelope and discovering new ways of working.

I think there are exciting times ahead. New technology is coming out every day, pushing what can be achieved. Cameras are performing better at high ISOs, which means greater possibilities for being more creative with lighting and low-light situations. Photo-editing software is becoming more powerful and coming with more functions – it means you can be more creative in post-production work. I’m looking forward to seeing what is produced after people fully embrace these new technologies.

Myself, I still work with a forty-year-old light, a Nikon D80 and one lens. Maybe that’s why I’m called Artpunk. Making do with what I’ve got around me.