Based in the North of England, Toni Slater took up photography as an outlet from her busy and high-pressure job in healthcare. A keen amateur photographer, she shoots a huge variety of subjects, producing beautiful and sometimes highly complex images. As part of my mission to showcase both amateur and professional photographers, I spoke with Toni to find out more about her photographic journey.
What got you into photography?
We always had cameras in the family when I was younger. My grandad was very into taking photos when we were on holiday and there were lots of albums in the house with prints. And my dad also had a lot of film cameras and a big collection of slides. I had cheap cameras, but it wasn’t until lockdown hit in 2020 that I started to take a real interest. I live near the River Mersey and there’s a lot of wildlife even though the area is built up. When we were allowed out on daily walks, I invested in an OM Systems (Olympus) micro four thirds camera and started taking it out with me.
Then, in January 2021, I discovered the 52Frames websites. The idea behind the website is that you take one shot per week to post on the site, but it has to have been shot in that seven day period. The website gives you a theme each week and it’s up to you how you interpret the brief. It’s either a camera skill or a subject so, for example, we covered things such as water, macro photography or using a shutter speed of 1/4000th or faster. I have done every single week since January 2021, but now I’ve done so many I dare not miss a week!
Last week, the theme was ‘shape with lights.’ What I love is that people interpret the brief so differently, and you’ll get both creative and literal approaches. It’s fascinating to see how people approach things. It’s a really safe space with lots of tutorial videos to help and it’s really made me think about what I’m shooting.
Do you have a favourite genre of photography and why? Tell me a bit more about what you shoot.
I started off with nature and wildlife but as I’ve developed my skills, I have evolved into shooting other genres. I am definitely not a studio photographer as I prefer being outside, shooting as I go along. I love walking around new places and spotting opportunities as opposed to a scene that’s been set up. I do minimal edits, preferring natural straight out of the camera shots and those chance moments of things you can’t ever exactly recreate. I also love shooting black and white when the subject matter allows.
I have recently become interested in multiple exposure photography after one of the 52Frames assignments was to use the Vanoost technique. I was really inspired by a multiple exposure photographer called Janina Wilde, who showed me how easy the technique is to actually do. Of course, you never know how the shots will turn out! My shot of Produce Hall is a multi-exposure shot made up of eight photos put together.
I’ve evolved a lot and become braver, which has led me to experimenting with other genres and aspects of photography. But I still prefer shots straight out of the camera with minimal edits and cropping.
What kind of influences do you draw inspiration from?
It’s mainly just people I’ve met through 52Frames and another group called SheClicks. I also know a few photographers as friends and take tips and guidance from them. Shirlaine Forrest is a good friend who lives locally to me and is an amazing gig photographer. She’s been helping and inspiring me. Gig photography is hard – you take hundreds of photos and only use a few. It’s something I never thought I’d try, but encouragement from someone who’s good at it gave me courage to experiment. My partner is in a band called The March Violets and I took photos of them in Malta which are going to be used in their new album.
What kit do you shoot with and what’s your favourite bit of kit?
I shoot with an Olympus OM EM1 Mk III, and I’m trying to justify upgrading to an OM1! My favourite lens at the moment is my 40-150mm f2.8. It’s so versatile and it pretty much lives on my camera.
I have a 100-300mm that I use with a teleconverter for birds and far away nature shots and a 12-45mm f4.5. I’m trying to learn to love using a tripod, but I much prefer hand held shots as these feel freer to me. I’ve also recently bought a very cheap flash to give it a try, along with some ND filters. I do also have a macro lens and a manual focus 25mm, but I do struggle with focusing as I wear vari-focal lenses.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m currently doing the Institute of Photography diploma, which is an online course that you can work through at your own speed. There are 14 different assignments which get marked as you go along and then go towards your final diploma. I’ve also just started a Street Photography course as I knew it would push me out of my comfort zone. And I’m obviously continuing with 52Frames. I do all this when I have time and just try to be in the right place at the right time.
What would you say is your goal with your photography?
Just to continue improving, seeing others appreciate my work, getting positive feedback on my shots and being brave to try new things. I have sold a few photos to friends and love that someone will go into their house and ask about my photo. Being asked by people if they can share my work (with credit of course) makes me smile as I know my photos are being shared within the wider community.
As a female photographer, do you feel that you face any particular challenges? Do you feel that the industry is favourable towards women, or would you like to see any changes?
I haven’t really put myself out there in the competitive market yet so haven’t really felt this. There is a huge community for female photographers who provide support to each other which I have found invaluable. I think however that there is a genuine lack of respect in some circles, especially generic social media groups. I have left groups due to being spoken to like I know nothing and have had my photo messaged back to me with ‘helpful edits’. No thanks, I am perfectly capable of producing a decent shot myself!
However, with shots using the Vanoost technique I was contacted by a male photographer who wanted tips and help with doing it.
What advice would you give to budding photographers?
Take loads of shots!! I sometimes come home with 300 shots and only 5-6 are ok. I narrow down, and narrow down again. Its best to have a few decent shots that a hundred that are just ok. Read about composition, framing and don’t be afraid to try stuff. And use your phone! I have taken some of my best shots on my phone, often when the lighting is tricky a phone can create the best settings for where you are at the time. Do a course if you can, there are loads of online ones that can be done whenever your spare time allows. Look back at previous photos and try and recreate then to see how your eye and skill has improved.
I would rather have a small selection of photos that are really good – I will narrow down an album of images and then go back a few days later and do it again.
You can view more of Toni’s work on her Facebook and Instagram pages.
