Welshot Focus - Issue 4 - December 2017

member FOCUS
Nuala O’Rourke
CHESTER, ELLESMERE PORT &
MEMBER SINCE: 2014
ACADEMY EVENTS:
MANCHESTER.
currently doing a flat lay project. The key to doing a 365 is to
know that some days, all you will manage is a poorly executed
snap of a cat, and not to worry about it.
FAVOURITE GENRE: GENRE ,
MACRO,
PORTRAITURE,
CREATIVE,
FLOWERS
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Hi Nuala, how does it feel to be approaching your fourth year
as a member of Welshot?
For me, Welshot is about more than photography, it’s about making likeminded
friends, having fun and let’s not forget chups (chips). No seriously, I’ve learned
loads from my membership and had lots of opportunities to practice what I’ve
learned – but the camaraderie and lack of ego is what makes it different for me.
Can you remember your first Welshot event?
Yes, my first Welshot event was an open evening at Barca in Manchester. It
was only the second time I’d shot with models and using off camera flash.
There was a large group of people and I was immediately impressed with how
well it was organised with people separated into groups and working with a
team leader there to offer advice and answer all your questions. The key thing
for me was how friendly everyone was and whilst there was plenty of time for
learning, the emphasis was on having fun.
What are your favourite genres?
The great thing about Welshot is the variety of things you can try. The range
of Academy evenings and full day events give you opportunities to try different
genres of photography. I’ve always enjoyed my flower photography and, as
my daughters have horses, I’ve spent plenty of time at events photographing
show jumping.Since being a Welshot member, I’ve really started to enjoy model
photography and started working on composites. I’ve done (badly) landscapes,
photographed at the Zoo and practised macros and stock photography.
Tell us about your photo a day challenge, I believe it’s quite a task you’ve set
yourself.
I had many failed attempts to do a 365 – that is a photo a day, every day for
365 days. I tried 2007, 2011 and 2012 but always fell down half way through
the year. Then in 2013, I met some great folk on line and joined their group
and that was it – I’m now on Year 4, Day 315. I think without Welshot, I may
well have given up some years ago.The events I have been on have given me
loads of ideas – and sometimes given me projects to follow. For instance, I’m
Does your love of horses (and cats & dogs!) creep into your
photography?
Well, with 7 cats, 3 dogs and 4 horses, it’s not surprising that
they often feature in my photo a day. I will say though, none
of them are the most cooperative models and I’m in awe of
pet photographers who produce beautifully stylised images
of animals. The horses are the easiest and we’ve even had a
Welshot Academy evening at our stables!
Here at Welshot, we’ve noticed that you’ve become quite
the dab hand at composite photography. How did you get
started with that? Is it as difficult as it looks?
I’ve always enjoyed working in Photoshop but hadn’t really
tried composite photography until I went to the Welshot
Composite weekend led by Welshot members Rob and Sharon.
That event really opened my eyes up to what was possible
and I’ve enjoyed developing my skills. I’ve attended two more
composite events and not only learned loads but had lots of
fun as well.
Tell us about your involvement with The Kiwi Social
I spent 21 years working publishing magazines and
newspapers, I had a staff of journalists, photographers,
graphic artists and sales people and spent a lot of time training
them – in fact I trained as a journalist myself. I’m bringing the
marketing and sales skills I developed to the Kiwi Social to help
small businesses to develop a strong brand and an effective
marketing message. There are great people with good business
ideas joining the Kiwi Social and I hope that through sharing
my knowledge and experience I can help the Kiwi Social
support their growth.
What’s next in your photographic journey?
I thoroughly enjoyed my last full day event with Welshot, Norse
Dragon Armoury at Newborough Forest, it really sparked my
imagination. I’ve been learning to craft costumes in foam
and I’m thinking of some themed photographic ideas. I’ll bet
there’ll be an opportunity at a Welshot event to dress up the
models in my home crafted I’m also hoping to put a panel
together for one of the Societies qualifications. So, watch this
space.
And finally, do you put the milk in before or after the boiling
water when you make a cup of tea?
I’m the worst person to ask this question – as I don’t drink tea
or coffee – only water or wine - but when I make it for others
it’s always the boiling water first.
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