Art & Design
Interview with Student Photographer Niamh Barry What inspires your photography most?
I think before COVID it was definitely travelling and experiencing new surroundings completely different to my regular
day. When I went to Boston on my exchange last year, that was just the most incredible gift for a photographer because it was just so much fun. I really feel inspired by street photography, especially that weird crazy kind of atmosphere that you're just not used to. Seeing all these things that you don't normally associate with your regular life and these small and peculiar moments that make no sense. And so, those kinds of moments really stick out to me. On a more personal basis, it's kind of grown into something a bit more personal because it used to be quite like you know street photography, which was personal, but it was less direct if that makes sense. With street photography, I think it can actually be really personal, but when you take pictures of more sentimental things then obviously it's far more directly personal, just because I have been kind of drifting in and out of those two things at the moment so that's what inspires me. My friends inspire me because we're always together taking photos and learning from each other and hyping each other up and also just, you know, photographers who I see myself in in their photos. Photobooks as well; all these different things. I try to stay off Instagram a little bit just because I'll start comparing myself and doubting myself so there definitely has to be a balance in terms of where you find inspiration online because sometimes they [social media platforms] can lead you to comparing yourself.
What challenges, and potential innovations, have you experienced during lockdown, that have influenced your art?
Challenges definitely would be restricted movement and not being able to meet up with people as much because a lot of the photos I was taking were of people. With street photography, it completely changed, well not completely but to a certain extent, so we did find it really hard at the beginning. I found it harder in the summer and that's why I started doing my own projects because I felt like I wasn't getting what I wanted out of photography anymore. I felt that I was able to come up with an idea that I could make my own and have a project, so that was definitely how we overcame that, but now I've gotten back into a photography slump again because of another lockdown. It has been really hard because it is something that I really rely on too. It's good to have that outlet of photography and it's difficult not having that thing that gives you relief from stress. I'm growing into it now and I'm actually working on small little photo series as well. I think in terms of where I found inspiration, you just have to find it in the way that you live your life and all those things that are in your life that maybe you take for granted. Turning them into photos helps me stay inspired by going back to what makes me me and what makes my life my life. I think it's always a really good way to go about it if you're finding that you're just not getting what you need out of photography, considering what's happening in terms of limited contact, streets being deserted, etc. It's quite innovative as they're trying to adapt their channel to what's happening and it's hard for everyone so it definitely has been affected. Even film prices have gone up and trying to get your film scanned and all these things is becoming more expensive and more inconvenient so there are a lot of barriers. I definitely just try to channel who I am as a person and what I experience to kind of fill that void.
What advice would you give to any younger or less experienced photographers looking to carve out their own style?
2
Carving out your own style is a really interesting question. I definitely think it takes a couple of rolls, if you’re shooting on film, to develop some sort of style and how you see. But I think style kind of comes naturally and I think it's all about just practising and taking shots and making an effort to go out and find those things or making an effort to actually bring your camera along with you. But also if you're getting into film photography, just take some patience too because it's not easy. It takes a while to get used to buttons and lights or light metering and film stock. And it's expensive, so you know it all just takes some time. Genuinely, go for it and I don't let things hold you back, like if you don't think you're good enough or you're comparing yourself honestly just go for it. It’s about letting yourself do something really and not giving a **** what anyone else thinks. Doing it for yourself is going to develop your style and it's just all about practise and getting to know what film stocks you like using or if you are more of a composition person or a colour person. Don't be afraid to reach out for help or advice because so many people want to help and no one, well not everyone, but a lot of people actually aren't gatekeepers of that kind of knowledge and do you want to help other people. Definitely linking up with people around your area who may be interested in photography, definitely getting involved with those kinds of people is the best thing you can do as well because then it becomes more than just you taking photos. It's building a community around you and also just having fun and meeting new people.
