Bio: I am a Canadian garden and travel lifestyle photographer, living in Brussels, Belgium with my computer geek husband and three spoiled house-cats.
1) As a Canadian citizen, what was the path that led you to being an expat in Belgium?
The short answer is my husband, Andrew’s, job led us here. The real story is a bit more long and winding, as real life often is. In 2004, we were asked to relocate to Amsterdam, The Netherlands for three months so Andrew could work in the Dutch office. We loved The Netherlands and travelling in Europe and decided that we wanted to give expat life a try. When we returned to Canada, Andrew explored the option of a more permanent transfer with his company. While he was in the midst of these discussions, the company was purchased by an American firm. They gave us the go-ahead for a transfer to their European office in Belgium and we moved back to Europe exactly a year after we first left.
2) What kind of photography do you do?
I specialize in garden and travel stock photography. Stock photography means I work with agencies to sell my photos rather than working directly with specific clients. My photos are used in websites, magazines, books and in advertising; one was even on a stamp. These days however, diversity is the key, so I’ve photographed everything from food and hotels to portraits, even the odd celebrity. I also recently branched into creating digital art and I’m really enjoying selling to the art world.
3) How did you go from being someone with a camera to being a professional photographer with a business?
Speaking of long and winding roads… I’ve always been interested in photography and have been taking photos since I was a kid. I studied journalism in university and in my final year I specialized in photojournalism. A year after I graduated, I decided to go back to school and did a two year photography and digital imaging course. It was right at the transition from darkroom to digital so I was very fortunate to learn both. Unfortunately there weren’t many opportunities for photographers back home so I was only doing photography as a hobby.
When we moved to Belgium, I wasn’t allowed to work and had a lot of time on my hands. Because we were travelling, I was taking loads of photos and getting really excited about shooting again. I started investigating stock photo agencies and found a few that were a good fit. I also built an on-line portfolio and started networking with other photographers on-line. It’s taken a long time to build up the business, but because the vast majority is done on-line, I’ll be able to take it with me anywhere we decide to move in the future.
4) Which online tools and real world resources have you used to promote your work and your website?
I use a variety of social networking sites to get the word out about my photography. I’m on Twitter, Facebook and Linkdin. I also have a portfolio on an art site called RedBubble and recently joined a creative community called Addictlab. I also cross-promote my photography on my expat site CheeseWeb and try to be as active as I can on other people’s blogs.
5) Can you offer expats a few simple tips to take with them on their next adventure to improve their own photography?
• Zoom with your feet, before your lens. Get as close as you (safely) can to your subject and fill your frame as much as possible. Sometimes this means squatting down or standing on something or simply moving closer.
• Experiment with composition. Don’t always put your subject in the middle of the frame. Placing the subject to the right or left of the frame can be more dynamic. Look up the Rule of Thirds and use it.
• Don’t be afraid to shoot a lot! The great thing about digital photography is that we aren’t penalized for experimenting. We don’t have to pay for film and processing and we get instant results. Best of all, no one else has to see our mistakes. Try taking your camera off the automatic setting and learning what some of the other buttons do. Play and have fun!
Business Website: http://www.acmphotography.com
Personal Website or Blog: http://cheeseweb.eu
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Acornn
Facebook Group or Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alison-Cornford-Matheson-Photography/81833655184
How/Where can people purchase your work or commission you: My work can be purchased by contacting me through my website. If you are in Brussels, come see me at the Accessible Art Fair in June.
If you would like to be featured on Global Girl, please get in contact.
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