ViewBug community member Megan was an aspiring writer who put down the pen and picked up the camera, realizing that her photography could tell her stories better. Megan Davies (megandavies) is from Cape Town, an artist who loves to work with people - and of course shoot them. Inspired by powerful women, her photography shows the contrast between the soft and the hard, the light and the dark. Enjoy our conversation...
What inspired you to be a photographer?
I grew up thinking I would be a writer, but when I was given my first camera in 2009 I fell in love with photography and came to realise I could tell my stories so much better through my lens. I always loved art and I feel like photography has been the best medium for me to express myself.
What was your first camera and what do you shoot with today?
My first camera was a cheapie Fujifilm point-and-shoot, my first DSLR was a Canon 550D and now I am currently shooting on a Canon 5D Mark III.
When someone looks at your photos, what do you want them to take away from it, what are you trying to communicate?
I am incredibly inspired by powerful women. I love the contrast between hard and soft and I want people to see the strength in things they would usually consider fragile, or vice versa.
What is it that you love about photography?
The people. I love meeting and working with new people. I never thought I would be a people person but I honestly cannot imagine shooting anything else. People are so inspiring and through their stories I get inspired to create even more.
What has photography done for you?
I cannot even begin to describe how much confidence photography has given me. I was incredibly shy and introverted in high school and barely spoke to anyone. At college we had to share our work with our class mates and I really struggled at first but now here I am – not being able to live without talking to and meeting new people.
Do you try to be conceptual or do you prefer to show the feeling behind a photo?
Conceptual shoots are my worst nightmare because I cannot commit to a theme, which is probably why I gave up on writing. As soon as I have to think on something too long I panic and mess it up.
How do you describe your style?
Odd.
If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
My Tamron 90mm f2.8. It’s so sharp and perfect for beauty shots. It’s also incredibly light, which is nice considering how heavy the Canon body is.
What are your 3 tips for others who want to become better photographers?
1. Copying styles before you find your own is okay. I spent my first year and a half of studies copying other photographers lighting but after a while I found my own style but I am able to do any other lighting if a client wants/needs it.
2. Attend part time photography courses even after you have studied.
3. Learn a little bit of every part of your industry. If you’re into fashion, learn to sew or do makeup. If you’re into photographing landscapes, know how weather works. You can’t know too much.
Have you received negative feedback from your work? What did you do about it?
When I was in my first year of study I had to put together a creative portfolio. We had months to work on it and I simply could not commit to an idea. I couldn’t create a story. Nothing I did was working out. I had good images but that’s all there was to them. My lecturer told me I had no meaning to my work and that I need to come up with something original that tells a story. I cried. I was so frustrated. In the end I worked backwards. I photographed people almost every single day. I took as many photos as I possibly could and then chose the best ones and created a story from those images. I feel like I bullshitted my way through that portfolio a little bit but it was the only way I could get through it. I find I often work that way now. Backwards.
Where did you learn to take photos?
I taught myself the basics through notes from photographer, Neville Lockhart, whom I shadowed for a school project, in 2012, but studied for 2 years at The Cape Town School of Photography thereafter.
Raw vs jpg and why?
RAW. Purely for processing purposes.
What do you carry in your camera bag?
My camera bag is basically my purse, so it’s more a case of what DON’T I have in my bag?
Equipment wise I am currently carrying around:
Canon 5D Mark III
Sigma 24-105mm f/4
Tamron 90mm f/2.8
Pentax SP II
Yongnuo triggers
Canon EX II Speedlite
Other odds and ends are:
2 rolls of colour film
A million batteries, all sizes
Phone chargers, camera chargers
Card reader
4 x memory cards
Canon extension tubes
Snack bars in case someone gets hungry
If you could have the gift of a great photographer who would it be and why?
Kirsty Mitchell. Her images are just so WOW. Not only that, but she made most of her Wonderland collection clothing pieces as well. She’s so unbelievably talented. I hope I can own a print of her work one day.
What is the most common mistake you see people making when shooting these days?
This is a mistake I make too, which is not using the light that’s there. I’ve become so used to controlling my own light that I forget to make use of what is available.
What is your dream location to shoot?
Right now, anywhere that isn’t Cape Town. I’m very tired of Cape Town.
How do you decide on where to shoot a photo?
The biggest deciding factor for me is safety (if I’m shooting outdoors). Next is the outfit that usually inspires me. If there isn’t an outfit, then usually a place that will contrast or compliment the softness of the human body. I love places with texture. But not abandoned buildings, I think I’m passed that.
What is next for you? Any planned adventures with your camera?
Someone asked me this a while back, and honestly, I don’t have any plans right now other than to freelance and keep learning and building my portfolio. Last year I started working for a company and I hated not having time to do my own work, so I promised myself I would freelance for a year and after that decide from there. It’s been 6 months so far and I’m still a little lost.
What is your goal with your photography?
To inspire. To create. To be seen.
For more powerful photos from Davies, please visit her profile and website.
