Alison McMath Photography

My journey into photography has been bubbling under the surface all my working life.

In 1981 I was a fashion student. I went on to become a designer and pattern cutter, working alongside photographers and then further into my subsequent roles as cosmetic tattooist, hair stylist and makeup artist. However, it wasn’t until I approached fifty that I actually picked up a camera and saw the endless possibilities of what I could achieve from behind the lens.

For my milestone birthday I asked for a camera with the idea that I’d then be able to photograph the makeup and hair styling that I’d created. From that moment on, my camera was by my side. I asked every photographer I worked with if they’d kindly allow me to take a few shots of my own work and to my delight, they obliged.

Once I’d seen the beauty I’d captured, I was hooked and had a huge desire to learn and improve. That was seven years ago. I’ve been working on my craft ever since and continue to do so by working with mentors and going in for qualifications. I’ve been working professionally for about three years.

People reach out to me because they like my style of photography. I guess my super-power is that I make a genuine connection with my sitter.

When I have a creative concept, I coach my sitter with the background story and the emotion I require them to convey, or I’ll bring about a natural and genuine reaction from my subject. I look for specific things that set my sitters apart, little details like a certain gesture or gaze, which makes them unique.

It was during lockdown that I realised I needed to change my photography services. I could see there was a demand for better imagery for online businesses. I treat every headshot like I’m creating a portrait and work closely with my clients to tell the story of their brand, creating images that stand out.

MastectoME Beauty Project

A respectful photo opportunity for women post mastectomy. We want it to be an empowering experience and hope they will feel strong and beautiful, so they can move forwards in a positive way.

Each sitter receives a bespoke makeover including a personalised body art creation and styling by artist Anna Pogodzinska. After their photoshoot everyone is gifted a beautiful print and a memories video of their day. It’s a free service and we have more than forty women signed up from all over the UK.

We are crowd funding this project and are gaining support from individuals and businesses as we progress. Any business who donates receives a link back to their website and we have rewards on offer in return for funding, including an invite to our gallery exhibition which will be the culmination of our project. www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ mastectome-beauty-project

Photography brings me great joy and I look forward to it every day with renewed enthusiasm.

D www.alisonmcmath.co.uk E info@alisonmcmath.co.uk www.lancmag.com