LQ Magazine catches up with Peter Brown of Beck Photographic to talk about his success and experiences as a photographer...



How long have you been working in the photography industry?

“I’ve been doing photography for 45 years.  Professionally, 15 years.  Making money, doing my hobby.”

 

 

What do you enjoy/love the most about photography?

“Every day is different.  We do weddings, portrait, and commercial (photography).  I’ve never woke up and said I don’t feel like going to work today.”

 

What’s your favourite type of photography?

“Hollywood stuff because you can be creative with it, and motor racing.  We do work for McLaren sometimes – not the actual race, just testing.”

 

 

What inspired you to start your own business?

“I re-opened the recording studio 17 years ago and then started photographing bands and it went from there.  I used to play in bands.  I’ve played all my life.  My band name is ID - I’m the guitar player.  I also play the drums in a Reggae band – Rootforce. We gig locally around Northamptonshire.  I’ve also played gigs with a 13 piece band called Blues Others.”

 

 

What has been the highlight of your career?

“I guess when Lewis Hamilton won the world championship.  I was standing on the roof of Mercedes with all the employees and big bosses looking up at me (about 800 –1000) and they wanted a big picture of everybody.  Lewis was standing in the front.  It was October so it was dark and they had all the floodlights, so it looked amazing.”

 

 

Tell me about your experiences with high profile stars and clients

“Lewis (Hamilton) is a very nice guy, very humble. I’ve also photographed: Mark Webber, Michael Portillo, Edwin Starr, The Four Tops, William Hague, Geoff Hurst (The only footballer to score 3 goals during a world cup game final!) Lewis Hamilton is probably the nicest I’ve ever met - really humble, not arrogant at all. I also provide photography for Emily Booth – Sky TV Presenter & Film Actress.  She lives in Brighton and comes up all the way to Wellingborough to get her pictures done.  She comes with make-up artists as well which is great.”

 

 

What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?

“The market is really crowded, so find a real niche.  It’s also important that it’s something you’re interested in and not just to make money.”

 

For all budding photographers and those just wanting to learn more, Beck Photographic holds a Photography Class and a Photoshop Class for beginners every month (any age group welcome). Further details of workshops are available on their website: www.beckphotographic.com.