TGt Meets... Roz Collins, Owner of Roz Collins Photography

Meet our latest TGt meets...Roz Collins, Owner of Roz Collins Photography. We got to find out exactly what inspired Roz to fulfill a career in photography and what she loves most about working in that industry.

Tell us a little bit about yourself…

Hi, my name is Roz, I live on Camden Road in Bath and I am an award winning, contemporary photographer, who uses available ambient light (and reflectors) to capture natural images that tell a visual story of individuals, families and businesses.

What inspired you to become a photographer?

I was given a camera by my grandparents when I was 10 - it was a Boots Instamatic and I took it everywhere and spent all my pocket money on film and getting my photos printed. I didn’t study photography until after my second baby, but after years of commissioning photographers, I finally decided to lead by example to my children and to follow my own dream of capturing beautiful images of people, places and things.

What three things do you love the most about what you do?

1. I love the fact that every person who comes in front of my camera offers up a special part of themselves & we make a connection… a special few moments, sometimes longer of just them, my camera and me behind the lens. That’s when they show me a glimpse of something and I take the ‘real’ them.

2. I love that every single shoot is different – even when it’s the same people and same location, but a different day/week/year. The light is different, their mood, my creative eye etc.. it keeps me inspired, pushing my creativity and thinking on my feet.

3. I love that I am part of telling a story through images, whether it be the story of a family or individual or that of a business. I love that my images hang on walls for decades and don’t date… there’s something timeless and nostalgic capturing a part of childhood, so special when they grow up so quickly.

Does more expensive camera equipment make someone a better photographer?

ABSOLUTELY NO… that’s like assuming a more expensive car makes you a better driver! Knowing how to use your camera so you are making the decisions to get the image you want, how to use and control the light, how to make people feel at ease and work with you to give you what you want from them for the image you’re making, having a creative eye and knowing how to compose the image so it will be engaging – those matter more than if it is an expensive camera. But having said that as a professional you need kit you can rely on and the right type of lenses to do the job you need from them.

What are your favourite types of locations for photography?

I love beautiful architectural backdrops… but I also love having to think creatively if it’s not an obviously beautiful place or space. So basically indoor or outdoor I will use my creative eye to find a little ‘spot’ and elevate it into something special by the way I shoot the images.

Do you have any special techniques in helping your client feel comfortable having their picture taken?

No, I have no magic tricks or potions - I am just myself and use patience and my natural sense of humour to create rapport with my clients – they trust me and they feel at ease in my company so that helps too I guess.

Most people have a camera phone so why should people come to a professional photographer?

As with any profession, people are buying a professional photographers experience, training, knowledge, expertise and creativity to make the photographs they are commissioning. Some people will never understand the difference or place any value on it, but most people do. I guess it is like going out to eat at a restaurant… we can all cook at home but there are things you can’t make or recreate without years of training and experience – that’s the same with photography.

Find out more about Roz Collins Photography HERE!