ARTIST PROFILE
Q&As
Sandra Walding
Hi Sandra. 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.
![](https://artspacecinderford.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Reflection-300x216.jpg)
Q – What is your background?
A – I have worked in the Building Industry for 35 years with no interest in photography at all.
![](https://artspacecinderford.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Ripples-300x114.jpg)
Q – How did you get into photography?
A – By accident, I had a 25 year award at work and was awarded a gift of
a Nikon D3100 camera. I didn’t understand camera settings and
basically didn’t have a clue.
![](https://artspacecinderford.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Severn-Ham-219x300.jpg)
Q – Have you taught yourself, or have you had any formal training?
A – Self taught, but I have been on a few courses to try to improve my
technique. I have learnt from YouTube and fellow Club members
really. I like Gary Gough who does long exposure and this is
something I am starting to try out.
![](https://artspacecinderford.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Husk-and-Leaf-300x178.jpg)
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 live in Cinderford. Pembrokeshire inspires me. Somehow it seems easier to do on the coast.
![](https://artspacecinderford.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/SWAL2956-Edit-300x184.jpg)
Q – Do you have a favorite subject and if so, why?
A – Flowers and macro. I love the intricate nature of the flower and
macro suits this really well.
![](https://artspacecinderford.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Walk-in-the-Woods-241x300.jpg)
Q – What kind of gear do you use?
A – Fuji XT20 and XT3, with lenses up to 400mm and as low as a 8mm
wide angle lens which bends buildings really well.
![](https://artspacecinderford.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWAL4268-240x300.jpg)
Q – Where do you get your inspiration from?
A – Watching YouTube videos. Also sharing ideas with other members
of my Camera Club. I also belong to Facebook creative macro and
Impressionist groups.
![](https://artspacecinderford.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/DSCF2631-Edit-2-267x300.jpg)
Q – How would you describe your style? How has your style evolved
over ;me, and what has influenced its development?
A – My style is going more towards impressionistic and abstract. I am
getting more interested in sport. As for development it’s reading,
studying and watching what others do, asking questions and always
searching for the perfect image.
![](https://artspacecinderford.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Abstract-Movement-300x115.jpg)
Q – What is your creative process?
A – Get an idea and keep trying until you get it right. Sometimes I might
take 50 images just to get one good one. Sometimes you fail completely, but go back and try again. I import into Lightroom and I also use Nik Colour and Nik Silver Effects. For the weird and wonderful I use Topaz Studio.
![](https://artspacecinderford.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/DSCF3538-2-300x192.jpg)
Q – Are there fellow artists who inspire you, who either work with the
same media as you, or in other fields?
A – I’m just an enthusiastic amateur photographer who likes to have a go at anything.
![](https://artspacecinderford.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWAL5060-Edit-Edit-300x239.jpg)
Q – Is there a photograph you are most proud of? Why?
A – I have an image of fireworks that is almost perfect symmetry. This is very hard to do and it’s also dependent on how the firework acts as well as the wind!
![](https://artspacecinderford.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/SWAL1856-Edit-300x261.jpg)
Q – What are you working on at the moment?
A – Minimalist and very abstract. Trying impressionist and creative macro.
![](https://artspacecinderford.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Abstract-Blue-300x89.jpg)