A series interviewing photographers in Raglan. (Email info@raglanchronicle.co.nz if you would like to be profiled as part of this series.)
This week the Chronicle caught up with local photographer Leanne Roughton.
Tell us a little about how you started with photography?
Photography has been a hobby most of my life and only developed into paid work much later on. I started going to photography night classes and workshops after our second child was stillborn.
I was in a sad place for a long time, but I found that absorbing myself in something I was passionate about helped me through my grief. I was fascinated by the darkroom process and read countless photography books and magazines from the library.
After having two more children I had a significant health scare and realised that life is too short to not follow your heart. I started taking photos for families and eventually weddings. For the last few years I’ve been helping the team at Marque Brand Studios during the wedding season.
What equipment do you use?
Canon 5D Mark II and a few L series lenses. I love my telephoto for weddings as I can keep out of the way of what’s going on but still get in close for the important moments. I also enjoy primes and for editing I use Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
Do you like shooting in digital or…?
Digital is awesome. The technology keeps improving and the ability to see what you’ve taken straight away gives more freedom to experiment. You do have to remember to print your favourites and back up files as there’s always a risk of losing them!
What are some of your favourite things to shoot?
My children doing fun things outdoors… I guess it’s the memories I love to capture and the fun we have looking back on them. I also enjoy helping other families get photos together.. and I love weddings!
Last five photos you shot?
Surfers at Manu Bay.
Are there any photographers or artists that you are inspired by?
There are so many, but some of my current favourites for inspiration would be Roberto Valenzuela, Jerry Ghionis, and Sue Bryce. NZ photographers include Isaac & Amber de Reus (Perspectives Photography), Rachel Callander, Mark Hamilton, and Trevor Penfold (Raglan).
How would you describe your style?
Natural, fun and candid.
Have you got any funny photo shoot experiences?
At weddings I often take shots of guys getting ready, so it’s always a lot of laughs. Probably a stand out funny/awkward moment would be when I was waiting in the hallway for the guys to suit up and the father of the groom came dashing out of the bathroom after his shower – he’d forgotten to take a towel with him and had to run dripping wet right past me! I resisted the urge to take a photo.
The story behind your cover photo:
I wanted to use something local and current .. and I liked the significance of the NZ flag after all the debate about changing it.
How can people contact you?
l.roughton@xtra.co.nz or feel free to call me: 021 055 2407
