Annie Armitage specialises in family, teen and nursery photography and is based in South West London. She lives in Kingston upon Thames with her husband Tony and 11 year old son Peter and Border Terrier, Reggie. Annie has been passionate about photography all her life and decided to turn her passion into her profession. Her style is almost ethereal – perhaps it’s because of the fairies that live in her camera bag?
How long have you been a photographer?
I have been a professional photographer nearly 4 years.
What got you into photography?
I have always been shooting with either a point and shoot camera or a disposable camera and people used to comment on the images that I produced. When my son started school I studied for a City and Guilds in basic photography and silver darkroom. I then went on from there to the London College of Communication, University of Arts London to study for a Diploma in Image production (photography) in which I came out with distinction 4 years ago after being a mum at home for number of years…….. I am in my late 40’s now and it is wonderful to finally find what I wanted to do with my life!
Which photographer do you look up to and why?
One of my favourite photographers is Fer Juaristi from Mexico – I love his work. It is all well and good trying to do what is right for qualifications and competitions, but he inspires me to “think out of the box” and go with a gut instinct of not being afraid to do something that is different which won’t necessarily win awards but it will stir the heart instead……I think that is far more important!
What do you prefer – film or digital?
For my general work the ease of digital is amazing, however for my exhibitions I love to use film – there is something very special about it!
What should your customers expect during a session?
Recognising that every family wants something different, I provide a specialist service tailored to their individual needs. Unusually, I visit every family before their photo session to discuss, in person, their specific requirements and importantly to meet the children so I am not a stranger on the day of the shoot.
The photographic shoot usually takes place in the home first and then out on location which could be the seaside, local park etc. The images that I capture of the family are a combination of individual portraits, family groups, photojournalistic shots of children at play, the family having fun and also those little details that are part of life. The shoot takes around 2/3 hours depending on the ages of children, how many people etc…
Do you have any tips for capturing the perfect picture?
On a sunny day try to get your subject in the shade looking towards the light to avoid panda type shadows caused by the sun.
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