You’ve been reading their articles for months or years, have you ever wondered “Who are the photographers who write for dPS”? Today we meet Helen Bradley, a long time writer on the site.
1. How long have you been shooting?
I have been shooting seriously for about ten years. I started quite by accident. I needed some slides for an art class so I borrowed a Pentax K-1000 film camera, got some quick instructions on how to use an SLR and headed out shooting. It was love at first click!
2. Do you have a full time job or are you a full time photographer?
I am a full time freelance lifestyle writer and part of what I do is to write tutorials, and produce videos and books about photography, Photoshop and Lightroom.
I also write about Microsoft Office and iPad apps so I get to include my photographs in what I do every day. If my photos aren’t the subject of a photography or post production tutorial, they’ll be illustrating a tutorial on some application or other.
3. If you had to limit yourself to one genre of photography, what would it be and why?
It would have to be street photography. I love city streets and the noise, dirt and bustle of big cities. I get a thrill from finding a really great piece of street art, stencil art or cool person to shoot. I like the buzz of shooting on the streets and interacting with people that I meet. I’ve met some really interesting people whom I’ve either photographed or spent time talking with because they too have a camera in their hand – or a paintbrush.
4. When did you start writing for dPS and why?
I started writing for dPS in December 2008. I’d seen a note saying Darren was looking for writers and being an Aussie I felt that that might tip the balance in my favor. I love writing about fun and interesting stuff. I’m a strong believer in something I once heard Guy Kawasaki say – that you should eat like a bird and poop like an elephant. He meant you should learn and absorb everything you can then spread the information far and wide. This is what I live to do so dPS was a logical fit for me.
5. What do you shoot with and what’s your favorite lens?
I am a camera junkie. I have boxes of film in my fridge, I own a Holga, a refurbished Polaroid land camera, a point and shoot converted for IR capture, a Lens Baby and my trusty Pentax K-7 and a bag of lenses.
My favorite lens is a 28-200 3.8-5.6 Tamron lens. It’s a great everyday lens – it’s the only lens I carry when I am out on the streets, it can capture pretty much anything and it’s not too heavy or awkward to hand hold.
6. What would be your number one tip to any new photographer?
Carry your camera with you. All the time. Everywhere. It’s really, really difficult to take a photograph without one.
7. What’s your next big project?
Thank you for asking! I’ve just launched a book in the 57 Secrets series. The book is 57 Secrets for Working Smarter in Photoshop and you can learn more about it at http://www.57secrets.com/photoshop.htm. It is available as a Kindle ebook and a printed book from Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/57-Secrets-Working-Smarter-Photoshop/dp/161038010X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1357091649&sr=8-2&keywords=57+secrets+photoshop
8. Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?
My web site and blogs are all at: http://www.projectwoman.com
I have a craft blog at: http://www.craftinggoodness.com
Find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/projectwoman
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/helenbradley
YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/HelenLBradley
Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/116149445148279071329/posts
I also offer classes on Photoshop, Photoshop Elements and Lightroom and one on one training. Details here: http://projectwoman.com/articles/44PhotoshopTraining.htm
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