Back in November 2013, I came across Helena's work though her workshops and online blog. Her enthusiasm and talent blew me away immediately and I knew she was going to be the kind of creative we'd like to get to know at Gather.ly. After being of one the original people that came in to chat to us about ideas and directions for the future, she has remained a close friend of ours. Now graduated and on a path to success of her own, I caught up with her to see what she's got in store...
Hey Helena! Tell us a bit about yourself and how you first got started in photography?
When I first decided to get into photojournalism I believed I’d be working for National Geographic, travelling the world, taking beautiful photos of breath-taking places. A bit later I had the goal of taking it even further and changing the world through telling stories people otherwise wouldn’t get to see – making them look at things they didn’t want to look at.
While I still believe that photojournalists and documentary photographers can change the world, one step (or photo) at a time, I’m not the right person to document hard situations of bad things happening all around the world. I’d much rather tell beautiful stories and focus on the good that’s out there – and use that as a way to make the world a more positive, happier and friendlier place.
Where did you study and what are the main things you learnt during your time as a student?
I studied Photojournalism & Documentary Photography at the London College of Communication (LCC, part of the University of the Arts London). The course has taught me so many things, but mainly helped me to ‘grow up’ as a photographer and business person. I learned to find my own style, and figured out that I'm really passionate about creative, lifestyle photography. I decided to set up my own business, and always focused on staying true to myself.
Being a student is an amazing time to experiment and try out new things. Above all it’s a great place to be curious and to constantly keep learning.
Where are your favourite places to shoot? And kit?
I love natural light and natural environments – so anywhere that has a lot of available light is perfect for me. Having a background in documentary photography has a big influence on me.
I also like beautiful places and settings – it’s enjoyable to photograph things and places that naturally look good. It’s pleasing for the eye. When I documented the circus a few months ago I only used whatever light was available – it was challenging, but I believe the photos tell the story of the circus more honestly than if I had used flash.
The same with food photography: I love styling food, making it look beautiful and aesthetically appealing. After all that’s what food photography is supposed to do – make you want to eat it. I always shoot in natural light and also try to use lots of natural backgrounds, such as wood.
I shoot with a Canon 6D and the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens most of the time. I love the lens, it works for pretty much everything I photograph.
You also run your own photography workshops, what kind of things do you teach and share to those interested in taking up photography?
I first started teaching when one of my blog readers asked me for advice. We met for coffee, and I shared my photography knowledge with her. From there I decided to set up small workshops, teaching people how to use their DSLR cameras in manual mode – explaining everything from exposure to composition.
The workshops are mainly aimed at beginners, but over time I found that even more advanced photographers still learn so much and it’s amazing to see how much they grow in just half a day.
What exciting things have you got planned for the future now that you have left University?
I’m still freelancing as a photographer, and have also started taking on some design work. But more importantly, I have set up the business I’ve been envisioning for the last three years. Together with a friend who studied magazine publishing at LCC, I run a creative studio called The Magic Elephant. We tell beautiful brand stories – which means we develop brand identities and strategies, and bring them to life through design, lifestyle photography, art direction, and copywriting. Our aim is to document inspiration.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I find inspiration in everything I see and do! It’s really that simple. Going out and seeing the world is so inspirational in itself. You meet people, share ideas, collaborate, get inspired by the work they do… Enthusiasm and determination are contagious.
Is there a certain photographer that you love?
It has to be August Sander. He was a German documentary and portrait photographer who lived during the early twentieth century. One of his biggest projects is called ‘People of the 20th Century’: a documentary series of people and professions (divided into seven categories) to create a mirror of the time.
Do you have any advice or tips for those still studying?
When I first realised that I wasn’t going in the ‘typical’ photojournalism direction the course was designed for, I had to find a way to combine my personal passions with what the course taught me. I started working out of my own initiative - getting books from the library on design, psychology, branding, etc. Setting up my blog. Started freelancing. Building relationships with people in the creative industries.
That’s one of the most important things I’ve learned: if you want to make something happen, make it happen yourself. It doesn’t matter if your course isn’t 100% about what you want to do – you can always learn something from it and apply it to your own work.
Just believe in yourself and your work. Always keep challenging yourself, learning, and growing. Find your personal style and passion, follow that path and be determined.
And as Steve Jobs said: 'If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.'
We think it's pretty safe to say that Helena is a photographer who really knows how to inspire others and her passion for making beautiful imagery shines through in each project she takes on. We're excited to see what's in store for her and her new adventures with The Magic Elephant and if you'd like to learn first hand how to improve your own photography, we suggest you go on a Lunch class around east London with the lovely lady herself.
