Andrew Toomer

ARTIST PROFILE

Andrew Toomer

Q&As

Hi Andrew. Thank you so much for all your wonderful submissions to the Artspace Gallery, and for taking the time to talk about you and your work.

‘Be Boar Aware’ by Andrew Toomer (Photography)

Q – How did you get into photography?

A – I have been interested in photography since I was around 17 when I used to shoot live concerts for a small promoter in South Wales. I then went many years without a camera. It is only since the beginning of this year I have pursued it to the degree that I am now.

‘You’ve Got A Little Something… Never Mind’ by Andrew Toomer (Photography)

Q – Have you taught yourself, or have you had any formal photographic training?

A – I consider myself to be predominantly self taught, I have used various websites for help along the way, and have had some assistance from some photographer friends but a lot of what I have learnt through trial and error.

‘The Devil Is In The Detail’ by Andrew Toomer (Photography)

Q – What is the main subject of your photographs and why is this?

A – The main focus of my photography is wildlife. I have always been interested in animals and have always enjoyed visiting places such as zoos and wildlife centers. I think the reason I focus on wildlife predominantly is I want to show a side to the world that many people do not take the time to witness and many do not appreciate.

‘Standing Tall’ by Andrew Toomer (Photography)

Q – Where do you live and does living there influence your creative process or provide inspiration in another way? Are there any other places that inspire you?

A – I have grown up in the Forest of Dean so of course having such an abundance of wildlife right on my doorstep has been a great inspiration. I also find inspiration anywhere that wildlife thrives. It would be a dream to shoot in places such as Kenya, Costa Rica and Brazil.

‘Should Have Brought An Umbrella’ by Andrew Toomer (Photography)

Q – What kind of gear do you use?

A – My current set up is a Canon 5d MK IV and  Canon 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 mark II. I also use a Manfrotto monopod and K&F Concept tripod.

‘Peekaboo’ by Andrew Toomer (Photography)

Q – Are most of your photos taken using a tripod or handheld?

A – The majority of my work is taken handheld but always carry a tripod and monopod just to be safe.

‘On The Rocks’ by Andrew Toomer (Photography)

Q – How do you approach a new location that you haven’t shot at before? Do you spend time scouting before shooting, etc.?

A – I spend a lot of time researching locations to shoot along with ideal times of the year for certain types of wildlife.

‘Like A Deer In Headlights’ by Andrew Toomer (Photography)

Q – Do you get better photos from setup and wait for action to “happen” or get shots on the move?

A – This purely comes down to the day and the location, I have had great results from both setting up and on the move.

‘Labyrinth, Come In’ by Andrew Toomer (Photography)

Q – Are there fellow photographers who inspire you, who either work with the same media as you, or in other fields?

A – I draw inspiration from so many photographers that specialize in the same field as me but also have always had a great deal of respect for photographers such as Ansel Adams and David Bailey.

One of my favorite wildlife photographers at the moment is Dani Connor and I have always been inspired by a friend of mine Robin Jones, he has helped me no end with my photography journey so far.

‘He’s Behind You’ by Andrew Toomer (Photography)

Q – Is a majority of your work using manual or auto focus?

A – I mainly use auto focus due to fast moving subjects, with the exception of dragonflies for some reason I find shooting dragonflies easier with manual focus.

‘Good Morning Deer’ by Andrew Toomer (Photography)

Q – Is there a photograph you are most proud of? Why?

A – I am incredibly critical of my own work, so I’d probably have to go with no.

‘Frozen In Time’ by Andrew Toomer (Photography)

Q – What’s the most useful photographic tip you have learnt?

A – I think the most important thing I have learnt that is relevant to my discipline would be not to get discouraged by a slow day. Sometimes I spend hours in the forest and come home with nothing and it used to bother me. Now I try to just enjoy the time and if I come home with a shot it’s a bonus.

‘Do You Think He Saw Me’ by Andrew Toomer (Photography)

Q – Are there any other art forms that you would like to try?

A – I tried drawing once, that was the end of that!

‘Dinner Time’ by Andrew Toomer (Photography)