Featured Photographic Artist: Sam Wilkinson

Sam Wilkinson is one of the talented local photographic artists featured in our new exhibition launching with First Thursdays at Cameraland. After graduating from Rhodes University with a Fine Art degree in Photography, Sam moved to Cape Town where she began her photographic career by working with and assisting a few of the cities most-respected professional photographers. After venturing out on her own, she developed a particular passion for food, lifestyle and travel photography. Sam is known to deliver professional and compelling imagery, irrespective of the genre or subject matter.

1.       How would you classify your photographic style and who inspires you?  

I would say my photography has a rather rustic style. No one person inspires me, it's more my surroundings, experiences, books, exhibitions etc. that get the creative juices flowing. 

2.       What is it that draws you to pick up your camera and take a photo?

Interesting light, shapes, textures, colours and moments are what make me want to pick up my camera and shoot.

3.       What type of gear do you use and do you have any favourites?

Camera (Canon), lenses (Canon), tripod and a few bounces are my essentials. It's not really considered gear but natural light is my favourite tool.

4.       What would be your ultimate shot and how would you shoot it?  

An epic environmental portrait, someone whose face tells an entire story. I would use natural light and maybe a bounce or two to get a moody shot in an interesting environment that suits that person's story.

5.       What is the most challenging part of photographing your preferred subject?  

Getting (or timing) the light right is always the challenge since bad light can destroy a shot. If a person is my subject, then the challenge is capturing that perfect expression that tells a story within the shot.

6.       What’s next on the horizon that you’re most excited about?

Hopefully a trip to a visually exciting place but, in the near future, a rustic food & drinks shoot.

7.       If you could go back in time and offer yourself one piece of advice when you picked up the camera for the first time, what would it be?

Experiment, make mistakes and have fun! 

Website: www.samwilkinson.co.za