Interview with Andy Whale from United Kingdom

I studied at Bournemouth Poole College of art and design in Dorset, United Kingdom.

I don't remember the very first photograph but I do remember the first photograph that actually meant something to me emotionally.

I took a picture of a tree against a barbed wire fence silhouetted with a background of a deep orange sunset. It was the first time that I could see how an image could create emotion from the viewer, and the objects within the photograph have real meaning.

I use a Canon DSLR Equipment and I have a 5D Mark 4 and 24mm to 70mm and 70 mm to 200 mm L series lenses. I also have a fish eye and a 100mm Macro with various flashes etc.

I always hope to achieve happiness in my life and creating beautiful images helps me in that cause.

Art and literature!

Muted, painterly and intriguing.

Receiving the Category Winner of the Year from the 2023 European Photography Awards is an incredible milestone in my career. It motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of my creativity and deliver compelling visual storytelling that leaves a lasting impact on audiences.

The recognition is a testament to amazing collaboration between me the (photographer) commissioning client ,singer songwriter Nick Capaldi and an amazing computer re-toucher Tobias Winkler and our dedication, and artistic vision in capturing beautiful imagery that resonates with viewers.

The winning photograph which was produced by me for Nicks new album cover titled ‘You and All The Seasons,’ showcases a profoundly beautiful and symbolic moment. The image portrays Nick Capaldi proposing to his beloved wife in front of a majestic tree that has been digitally enhanced to depict the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Nick and I are based in Dorchester Dorset and we wanted to photograph in Dorchester if we could. We visited a few different locations to try and find the perfect tree to use as the main location for the photography.

We eventually found it at Athlehampton House which has many amazing trees and topiary hedges. This Yew tree had been shaped perfectly for our purposes! We chose the perfume time and day where the sun would be low enough to create a beautiful warm golden light .

In this composition, I worked with the computer re-toucher to work out the kind of techniques to illustrate the tree’s transformation throughout the year. Blossoming flowers represent the vivacity of spring, vibrant green leaves symbolise the lushness of summer, while the rich hues of autumn leaves evoke a sense of warmth and change.

I feel the photograph conveys a profound narrative, capturing the essence of love, growth, and the cyclical nature of life itself.

I’m hoping that it will introduce new clients for me to work with in the commercial world all over Europe.

Brian Griffin, Irving Penn, Richard Avedon.

Work hard, be conscientious and watch what other people are doing while you are helping them.

I find it hard to advise new photographers today as the process I went through 40 years ago has changed dramatically. Since digital photography has taken over and with digital images being so easily accessible it has changed the art form dramatically.

I think to make it as a successful photographer nowadays you have to be working in different mediums at the same time. All I can say as that if you're going to pursue your passion try to stick to one particular genre in photography and try to become the best you possibly can within that.

I think my key to success is hard work, determination and not giving up when times are hard.

I am always looking at new ideas and absorbing as much information as I can.