Some of you may have heard of
Darren Heath, hes a professional photographer, specializing in formula one and is well known for his unique style of work.
I was luck enough to ask him a few questions back in January, Photography related of course and unfortunately due to me being lame didn't get round to posting it. so now I've got some time to kill I thought id let you hear what he had to say.
I hope you enjoy hearing his responses as much as i did.
1.When did you start taking photographs ? I first owned a camera when I was about 13/14 years old.
2.What made you focus on formular one photography ? I loved motor sport and once I'd discovered the joy of photography it was a natural decision to marry the two. F1 – as the pinnacle of the sport – naturally became the focus and goal once I decided to pursue a career as a photographer.
3.How did you get started in the business? Badgered agencies covering F1 to give me a job as a black and white printer. I started in Jan'88 and then endeavored to prove I was worthy of covering races for the company. I shot my first foreign gp at the German event in July '89.
4.How did you develop your style? It's just the way I like to shoot. I'm not interested in shooting f1 in a conventional and possibly boring fashion. F1 is a wonderfully photogenic sport and worthy of far better photographic coverage than most shooting the sport give it.
5.Do you use one or more camera's at a time ? Always at least two cameras.
6.You've travelled to many different race tracks which has been your favourite ? I love Monza, Monaco, Montreal, Sepang, Singapore and Suzuka equally. All circuits have both good and bad elements.
7.Whats your favourite photograph you've taken and why? I haven't taken it yet! Really one likes different pictures for differing reasons. I'm always trying to improve and have other photographers and Directors of Photography (in the movie industry) that I admire and take inspiration from.
8.Why is photography important to you? Apart from my family, health etc, etc, photography is the most important thing in my life. I've strived for almost 30 years to be where I am now only ever really keen to be regarded by my peers to be one of the foremost photographers in my field.
9.What advice would you give anyone intrested in becoming a photographer? Find a style you like, practice, practice and practice some more. Only show your best work and don't shoot for free. Your work has worth and one should never forget that. Set a low price/standard now and you'll be forever trying to increase it.