Vicki Knights is a portrait photographer who loves creating natural, unique images of people. She is also passionate about showing parents know how to take great photos of their kids and runs dynamic half-day photography workshops especially designed for mums and dads. She loves people and can get the shyest of children and the least willing of dads on side! Vicki lives in Surbiton with her husband and two young boys.
How long have you been a photographer?
I’ve been into photography for as long as I can remember, but I started my business nearly three years ago. I’d worked in advertising for 10 years but after the birth of my first son I didn’t relish the thought of going back to the corporate world; so Vicki Knights Photography was born and I’ve never looked back.
What got you into photography?
I’ve always been into taking photographs, especially of children, and used to come back from my travels with photos of children from around the world! But at the time I was just using a point and shoot camera and I was getting frustrated not being able to be as creative as I wanted. So in 2007 my lovely husband bought me a digital SLR for my birthday and then it became an obsession! I went on a few uninspiring courses so instead I just taught myself through many hours spent with my head in books or on forums! I’m passionate about photographing outside using nature and the changing seasons as beautiful backdrops. I love capturing people’s real personalities and that certain something that makes them unique.
Which photographer do you look up to and why?
Oh there are so many that I love and looking through photography blogs is one of my favourite pastimes. I mainly look up to female lifestyle photographers who have made a real success of their business. Currently my favourites are Barb Uil (who runs Jinky Art in Australia) for her creativity and colour, and Lisa Lucky in the US who shoots in such a creative way. And I love the blog of Pinkle Toes Photography from the US again.
What do you prefer – film or digital?
I shoot only in digital now. I love the flexibility it provides, especially when photographing kids!
What should your customers expect during a session?
They should expect to have lots of fun! It’s natural to feel a bit nervous about a family photo shoot (especially the Dads!) but clients always say to me at the end of the session ‘we really enjoyed that!’ I never ask children to sit still and smile for the camera, I want them to dance, run, pull funny faces or do whatever makes them happy. I act like a five year old for most of my shoots as well! And I ensure that every shoot I do is planned especially for that individual family. We discuss beforehand the best season to have the shoot, and the best location; whether that’s in the middle of the leaves in Autumn, or picking bluebells in May.
Do you have any tips for capturing the perfect picture?
The most important thing in photography is the light…you can’t take the perfect picture anywhere! You need to take your child to the best light and then photograph them. Inside bring your child right up to the window and turn off your flash! Outside you are best to shoot on an overcast day as that creates a beautiful soft light. If it’s sunny then take your child into the shade and photograph there. And here’s a bit of a shameless plug, but if you are after tons of great tips to photograph your kids and finally learn how to use your fancy camera, you should join me on one of my photography workshops for parents! I run them at the Medicine Garden in Cobham every 2-3 months. Please see my blog or website for details.
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