The Croydon Photography Forum’s (CPF) goal is to expose our attendees to various photographers who share different elements of their practice with the group. This week, we will be hosting our own Nick ‘Redders’ Redman to speak about his.
Nick’s journey begun with his first DSLR, a Nikon D70s in 2005, with an 18-70 kit lens sold to him by a work friend, and he has never looked back since.
In his own words, “I’m a non-award-winning bitzertographer (yes made that up). A camera pretty much goes with me wherever I go, work and play. I used to shoot anything that moved or stayed still when I started – without a clue to be honest, but gradually navigating the learning curve. Self-studied mostly with a couple of key workshops attended from photographers on my go-to list.
People got to know me as the ‘guy with the camera’, so along the way I met people who liked my stuff and offered me work. Did a lot of free stuff initially, (you know – imposter syndrome) which eventually led to a realisation of self-worth and paid jobs.
As a jobbing photographer, I’ve shot 6 MOBO awards and various events and spin-offs for them, architecture and interiors, events; corporate and private, a Red Bull air race, concerts, band/artist promos, jobs for Abbey Road studio, a Michelin starred chef and the barman who serves authentic Vodka Martinis where, legend has it, Ian Fleming coined the phrase ‘shaken not stirred’!
With the pandemic, my paid work currently is in construction, related to my day job as a construction manager in IT and building services. I do monthly images for the client and have been doing progress videos for the last year, a new string to the bow.
My personal work typically revolves around wherever my life is/was heading and where I spend my time. I enjoy street photography and fashion/model shoots and am fascinated by lighting, (often inspired by good cinematography). I love a bit of film photography – it’s chicken soup for the soul.
photography journey
Aspirations for future, are always to raise my bar, closer to my photographic inspirations and figure out some personal projects.
I’ll present some of my favourite work from the above and maybe a few good failures that I have learned from along the way”.
While any size donation is welcomed, donations of £3 will entitle you to an entry into the evening’s prize draw, and a donation of £5 will give you 2 prize draw entries. Nick has kindly donated a print of his work as a prize.
To keep in touch with the Lenses of Croydon Team, follow us on Twitter @LensesofCroydon or Instagram @LensesofCroydon where you can find more information about our events.
