Oomska’s ‘Future of Photography’ Series continues…
We presented our interviewees with a set list of questions, and left the matter of in what format and at what length they should answer entirely up to them. Here are Derek Ridgers’s responses.
The question I most get asked, more than any other, and which fits this Q&A well enough is: “How can I get started as a photographer?”
In the digital age this question is probably more pertinent than it’s ever been because there is so much less printed media around and so many more photographers.
My answer would be: know and research well your market and then look for gaps which aren’t currently being addressed. Obviously there may be good reasons why those gaps aren’t being covered but there will always be opportunities for people who can see things that other people don’t see. If you want to shoot ‘me too’ type fashion or glamour or kids or nature, fine. But just don’t expect to get a career out of it.
In other words, don’t follow the crowd, look for something new which you can make 100% your own. And if it’s new enough and interesting enough, people will beat a path to your door.