Lucy Rice

Fashion and Documentary photographer Lucy Rice likes to capture life as it happens. She enjoys shooting in a traditional way getting her images as right as possible first off in the camera. Drawn to colour and movement Lucy's images show us a refreshingly honest view.

Where are you based?

In the sunny Devonport, Auckland.
 

How long have you been a photographer?

I have been taking photos since I was 15yrs old, and have been freelancing for about 5 years now, and have recently cracked into the blogoshpere with my photography blog Lamington Lucy.
 
Tell us a little about your style of photography.

I am a Fashion and Documentary photographer. I embrace light, movement and colour, sometimes a bit too much... I love spontaneity, and really getting a feel of whom or what I'm photographing. Living in the moment is key!
 
What gear do you use?

I'm a Canon girl all the way, and have recently purchased a delightful 85mm f1.8 Canon lens .
 
What is/has been your greatest challenge as a photographer?

I think all the technical jazz that comes with digital photography these days is a bit frustrating. There's always a new program, latest software etc I prefer to get the shot right from the get go. Granted, a few touch ups are sometimes needed in post production, but I feel the more I handle or manipulate an image, the more it frustrates me.
 
What has been your most memorable assignment and why?

Definitely photographing for a volunteer organization in Nepal. I was taken around orphanages, schools and a women's refuge. The stories of abandoned children and beaten woman were heart wrenching, but spending time with those woman and children, and capturing those smiles will stay with me forever.



If not a photographer, where would you see yourself?

I often think about this ...I always used to dream of having my name in the credits at the end of a movie, so I guess in film? Otherwise a florist!
 
 
If the chance arose, who or what would you most like to photograph?

A trip to Antarctica would be amazing, Cuba for the colour, oh and Tibetan monks have always fascinated me….my bucket list is long, I could keep going.

What tips or advice do you have for budding photographers?

Don't give up. It's easy to listen to those "photography is a hard business, you should try something else" comments, but if your passionate about it, it's not hard at all. There are so many small things you can do that will help to move forward; making connections, sending copious amounts of emails (getting rejected) then sending them again. Be persistent. Be pro-active and be positive.
 
 
Has the advent of digital been beneficial or detrimental to professional photographers?

I guess it depends. It's sad to see dark room photography slowly die away. That's where I learnt to respect photography, and the really appreciate the process of it.The importance was placed on getting the photo right first time around, and I suppose I still apply that to my current practice. I'm very critical of my work. That being said, I don't think many people realize how difficult it is to be a professional (digital) photographer. I don't just click and print and wham bam it's done. There's a lot of prep that goes on before hand, not to mention post production. There may be more images to choose from, but that means there's more pressure to get that perfect shot.
 
Can you see clients moving from stills to video, with the advent of HD video capabilities in digital SLR's?

I studied video and photography at art school, but always leant towards photography. I love video, but there's something special and enticing about a photograph that you just can't beat.

Are you a fan of using a flash in photography?

As of recently I am. Particularly in fashion photography, it can give the image a bit of attitude!

What would your last meal be?

I had to seriously think about this!
The most delicious Palak Paneer (spinach and cheese curry), a side of my mums roast potatoes with a juicy glass of red wine and chocolate mud cake to top it off! mmmmm
 
What do you do to get away from the grind/to de-stress when things get too hectic?

Yoga, walks on wild west coast beaches or an unplanned road trip does it for me.
 
Lucy Rice Photography