altB’s Clancy mason catches up with Blackpool based photographer Jill Reidy to talk her photography and the Christmas gift packages she has on offer.
CM: Tell us a little bit about yourself / your photography business
JR: I went to Art College in the late ‘60s and graduated with a degree in Graphic Design. Having decided a life in advertising wasn’t for me, I went on to do various other things, including running my own cake making business, selling at craft fairs and then teaching.
I’d always been interested in photography and when I took early retirement I went to Cuba and took thousands of images. On my return I decided I had to display them somewhere and managed to get an exhibition, ‘Hanging Out in Havana,’ in a local restaurant. The exhibition was an unexpected success and I sold several of the prints.
From this my hobby soon became my new employment. I work for myself at Red Snapper Photography and also with a photographer friend and colleague, Claire Walmsley, running workshops for children and adults. Apart from a short course at Art College (over forty years ago, and using film) I am self-taught. I love shooting community events and have been lucky enough to get several commissions from LeftCoast, The Grand Theatre and Blackpool Council.
I’m rarely see without a camera hanging by my side, as I especially love street photography, the more weird and wonderful the better, and where better than Blackpool to find the weird and wonderful? I have had several exhibitions, including at Blott Artists Studios, the Solaris Centre at South Shore, the Grundy Art Gallery, and in local hotels and restaurants.
My life now consists of juggling adult children, grandchildren and photography – the perfect combination!
CM: What are your most requested items to photograph leading up to Christmas?
JR: The most requested items, leading up to Christmas are probably photo shoots of babies and children, which are popular as presents. In past years I have sold at Christmas Fayres but this year they clash with work commitments. The most popular items at the fayres are the mounted prints of local scenes and the bags printed with Blackpool images.
CM: Do you have any top tips for wannabe / amateur photographers to get that perfect Christmas snap?
JR: If attempting to photograph children or animals then certainly patience, patience, patience and a good sense of humour. For scenes, again patience – we have wonderful sunsets here in Blackpool, and they change every few seconds. Don’t be afraid to keep shooting more than you think you will ever need – then cull, cull, and cull again (unless you are like me and find it hard to get rid of any images). Pick only the best ones to display electronically or print out and frame. Above all, enjoy and have fun!
CM: Depending on if you’ve been naughty or nice this year, what would you most like Santa leave under your tree?
JR: I’m a Nikon girl so I’d really like the best Nikon camera that money can buy, along with a nice selection of lenses, although, as we’re talking £1000s here I don’t think I’ll ever have been good enough for Santa to fill my stocking with those desirable items!
CM: Do you have any special activities or promotions taking place leading up to Christmas that might make great gifts?
JR: I have a special Christmas Offer for Baby/Children/ Family photoshoots: £60 for a shoot which includes a free disk with 10 images and the option to buy prints, mounted/framed if required. These shoots can either take place in my studio or on location.
I also have Christmas offers on:
- Mounted prints: buy one A3 mounted print for £45.00 and get an A4 mounted print (worth £25) absolutely free.
- Tote bags, £4.00 each or three for £10.00
- All-purpose cards: £2.00 each or three for £5.00
For more information contact Jill via her Facebook page, email [email protected] or call 07824 393615.
Show Comments (0)