@charlienzcharlie
1. Ok, Charlie,Tell me where it all started, what or who inspired you to want to pick up a camera and get behind it?
Firstly, hello to all, Charlie Quinn here from Napier, born and bred. My photography began during the lockdowns, trapped at home, I started writing humorous poems to pass the time, which unexpectedly sparked a creative itch. That itch led me to pick up a camera, and before I knew it, I was hooked—drawn into the captivating world of photography and it’s a great wind down after a week in my trade as a steel fabricator/welder.
2. What’s your vibe? Describe your style?
If it’s old, broken, or rustic, it’s probably worthy of a photograph. Hey! That phrase may describe me well in a few years!
3. Dream camera, unlimited budget—what would it be, or do you already have it?
I’m not fussed about chasing the latest and greatest. Photography’s a hobby for me, not a profession, so what I’ve got works just fine.
4. Tell us about a photographer whose work inspires you—what do you like about their work?
There are too many photographers I admire to single out just one—from local talents to legends abroad and those no longer with us. What gets me is the effort behind a photo: the understanding, the planning, the waiting, and the often many failed attempts. People often overlook that grind, but it’s what makes a great image resonate. The professional photographers out there are well respected, I’m not sure if I could produce such a great level of work to a clients request! Lastly a historical photograph irrespective of who the photographer was stops me in my tracks, it’s like being taken back in time.
5. Mentors or someone who has helped you greatly, encouraged you in your photography passion?
My family and friends have been my biggest cheerleaders. I reckon your environment shapes your style, and they’ve always been there to appreciate the results. I’m not tech-savvy—Instagram’s about my limit, and even that bamboozles me sometimes! But I’ve figured out how to post a photo with a song that fits, and the encouragement given and received from that platform helps us all along. That’s how Shayne Jeffares from Fotofest spotted my work and invited me to join. It’s taken me two years to get my act together and say yes—so thanks for your patience Shayne! I’m slowly but surely getting some prints together for the event.
6. Mac or PC and favourite software or app for editing?
Mac and Lightroom do the trick for me. I liken it to sticking with the same supermarket—not because it’s the best in the world, but because I know every isle and where everything is down that isle, in and out like lightning with my tucker for the week.
7. What’s in your kit? Send us a pic with a description of your gear and what’s your must-have accessory or extra bit of kit, favourite lens?
I shoot with a Fujifilm body and a mix of lenses, primes, wides and not so wides, zoom lenses, but my go-to is a Tamron 18-300mm (27-450mm in full-frame terms). It’s versatile and perfect when the light’s good. I’m not a big fan of swapping lenses on the trot, I don’t know how others get on but I end up with a grubby sensor! Roughly 80% of my photos come from cycling around on my old bike armed with a handful of sandwiches thrown in the bag. My must-have? A thermos of coffee. Pulling up for a breather and a cuppa often leads to spotting a great composition.
8. Tell us about a recent image you shot that you’re really proud of and why? During the recent Art Deco Weekend, I set out to photograph the steam train crossing a bridge at Awatoto. Three attempts ended in failure—wrong timing, wrong spot. But on the fourth try, I nailed it! It’s not perfect, but I’m proud of the persistence and the moody vibe of that train against the bridge.
