Name: Camilla StoddartHome Town: Edinburgh, Scotland
Home Base: Wanaka, New Zealand
Home Page: www.camillastoddartphotography.com, www.whiteroompictures.com, www.blog.whiteroompictures.com
Sponsors/employer: Faction Skis, Heli Hansen, F-stop Gear, Nordica Boots, Icebreaker, Dr Zipe Eyewear
Sports Photographed: Skiing, Snowboarding
Favorite Subject: New Zealand
Recent Projects: World Heli Challenge 2009
Do you remember when you realized photography was more than a point and shoot camera?
Not exactly. I remember always loving taking photos, ever since I was a nipper. But I am not too sure why I didn’t realise I wanted to make it into a career. I think it was because I had my heart set on being a film-maker. I wanted to be the next Tim Burton. After a gruelling 4 years studying Set and Costume Design at a swanky art school in London, I realised that I could not follow the film making channel as it involved being in cities, and I wanted to go skiing and live in the mountains. So I took my camera to Wanaka NZ, and haven’t looked back.camilla1
What was your first camera? And what is your current.
Hmm good question. My first that I played with seriously (discounting disposables from the chemist) was my fathers old Pentax SLR. I would shoot film after film and develop the shots in the schools dark room. I am now on a Canon EOS 1d Mk iii as my main body, but have a bunch of other cameras too. My grandmothers old Olympus OM4, a medium format Yashica 120, an old Polaroid camera and a wee Canon Ixus point and shoot. I have the Canon 5d mk ii and Canon G10 on my wish list…
What has photography done to your life?
Changed it… I can honestly say that it is not so much of a career, more of a vocation that has taken over your whole life. As geeky as it sounds, I live and breathe capturing photos. I get unbelievably grumpy if I don’t have my camera when a good moment to capture crops up, and even grumpier when I have my camera and its not working when there is a moment!
I would not have been able to visit half the places I have been or witnessed some of the most amazing skiing in the world. I would not be here in Wanaka, living in the most beautiful town in the world; able to go off and travel to wherever takes my fancy because I want to shoot photographs. It is not always that easy though, I have poured my blood, sweat and tears into my work and am still living and learning every day. camilla3Sometimes I think it would be the easier option to be in a grey city, running the rat race with other people dressed in grey suits, sweating on the tube. But then I come to my senses. No thanks…As a career photography has let you see much of the world. Where are the places you wish to return or are most memorable?
I think Kashmir has been one of the most incredible places I have been fortunate enough to visit. I fell in love with photographing the culture and people of Kashmir. Travel photojournalism is something I want to do much more of, as I feel that documentary photography is my best work. Walking around the back streets of Sringagar, the capital city of Kashmir, only just recovering from war, was one of the best experiences. Shooting photographs of the people, capturing the essence and feel of the place and its people.
Being an action sport photographer, one would generally assume you also play the games you shoot. What are favourite sports to do with out a camera bag on your back?
I do love to ski, this is my favourite sport, and well it would have to be considering I spend 8 months of the year in ski boots! I try to take as many days as possible each season to ski for myself, which is easier said than done sometimes!
I also love mountain biking and windsurfing. I just about to embark on my first summer in 9 years in Wanaka NZ where I am going to work on broadening my portfolio, shooting summer sports like mountain biking, surfing and climbing.Who or what do you look too find inspiration in?
As I said before I am in love with shooting anything that catches my eye, usually good light, interesting places and faces or athletes doing something spectacular. I am really into well designed magazines showcasing good photography and love the work of National Geographic photogs and aim to be one one day!
Life behind a lens means being witness to the best of times and the worst. Please let us know an experience from each.
Best: Kashmir. Having a camera and taking shots of the culture and landscape was one of my best experiences behind the lens.camilla4
Worst: shooting skiers/snowboarders when something goes very wrong. Having to call patrol and a heli to get your friend scooped up after they just skied something for your lens is not fun. Avalanches are another very real and scary part of my job.
What would you say to a young shooter with who dreams of travelling the world taking photos of the elite athletes in our sports?Go out there and shoot… Take as many shots as you can, but remember that each one should count. Put thought into your compositions and if you are shooting action sports, take the athlete out of the shot and is it still interesting? If the answer is no, rethink…
Tell us one over looked lesson you have learned in the photo business:
Don’t undersell yourself.
Camilla's recommended reading
‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!’ by Dr Seuss (read the full txt of this wonderful poem here http://denuccio.net/ohplaces.html it is well worth it…)
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A quote Camilla has liked over the years‘He knows not where he is going for the ocean will decide, its not the destination it’s the glory of the ride’
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The Last Thought: Learn something new every day.
