Member Profile: Tony Whittaker

About me:

Do you consider yourself a Pro/Semi-Pro/Amateur/Beginner photographer?

I’m a professional photographer.

Who are you?

Hi, my name is Anthony Whittaker from Essex UK. I am 40 years old and a dad of 2 boys. In the last few years, I took the leap to become a professional photographer.

Your Photography Journey

My photography journey started when I was really little. I always played with my dad’s camera, always took pictures on holidays etc but the turning point for me was when we had our first child. My wife took him to a place to get photos done when he was about 6 months and they were not nice, so my wife basically challenged to me to do better – challenge accepted!! I took my old camera from the wardrobe, blew off the dust and surprised her with my first-ever image. She showed her friends and they wanted me to take their photos but at the time I was not confident enough and had no training to be comfortable that I knew what I was doing so…

This is where my TSOP journey began. My wife booked me on a photography course with an award-winning photographer in Baildon for my birthday present. I arrived for the course of beginners where I met Marc Newton. He taught me all the missing pieces in my photography knowledge and gave me the confidence to start building a portfolio. I then followed up by doing the Photoshop and Studio Lighting courses and then all the new online courses. I did not stop practicing and trying different ways of finding what I like and my style and this continues today.

I ended up starting to do some portraits and wedding shoots and getting positive feedback from people, but my biggest compliment was when Marc Newton asked me to photograph his wedding - this is still one of my proudest photography moments to date.

What is your preferred genre?

My preferred genre is studio portraits - anything from newborn, dance shoots and headshots. I love creating all different lighting styles, With weddings if I look at my style, I will probably say it’s a commercial look with a touch of fine art.

What inspires you to create photography?

I love to capture special memories or create images for people depending on their requests etc. In my free time, I like going for walks with my camera and creating some landscape photography.

Who are some other photographers you’re inspired by?

Photographers I look up to have to be Marc Newton, Annie Leibovitz, and Rankin.

My favourite photograph:

My favourite photo that I’ve taken ©*Tony Whittaker*

What is your favourite photograph that you’ve taken?

One of my favourite landscapes I have taken is Big Ben with a moving London bus. This was taken for my son who is mad about London and Big Ben.

What’s next for Tony?

Coming up this year with my fingers crossed I will be opening my own larger purpose-built studio so expanding and developing what I currently have. Exciting times ahead and I would not be in this position if it wasn’t for the help from Marc and The School of Photography. My dream would be to further develop and grow my business and to be even more successful.

Where can people follow you?

You can find me at www.photography-ffmemories.co.uk/