Valda Bailey
This week we put the questions to Expressionist Photographer Valda Bailey
Valda Bailey
What got you into photography ?
It was something I originally took up when I was about 14. Obviously film photography these days. It was just another creative outlet. Ever since I was able I have been drawing,painting, scribbling, making thing. Photography was another direction to plunder.
How long have you been shooting for ?
Although I learned about film and the darkroom etc when I was a teenager, I put photography aside shortly after – for a good few decades. I was painting during this time, but not really taking photos. I renewed my enthusiasm for it about 20 years ago. Really just as digital was becoming viable.
What do you most like to shoot ?
I will shoot anything and everything. I prefer things that don’t move, so that rather cuts out people and animals. I used to be a street photographer however, but gave it up for many reasons – not least because my personality is not cut out for it. And the distinct lack of any kind of decisive moment opportunity in the small village where I live.
What camera do you shoot with and what else is in your bag ?
Canon R5 and a 70-300mm lens. Kit holds no interest for me. It did once, but not any more. The less the better as far as I am concerned.
What’s the hardest part of working as a photographer ( if any ) ?
Lack of time. I co-run an online subscription-based creative platform with Doug Chinnery and although I love the work, I have very little time to make my own images these days. I often get called upon to judge some of the many ‘POTY’ competitions or other such things – that also eats into my vanishingly tiny amount of free time. However, it is very nice to be able to give something back in this way – not to mention an honour to be asked in the first place.
If money was no object, what would your dream camera be or are you happy with what you have ?
If money were no object I would buy time. That is the most precious resource for me. I love my job and it is a privilege to teach and run tours but I would certainly cut back.
Do you have any photography inspirations and who are they ?
I learnt street photography from Jay Maisel. Who in turn was inspired by Saul Leiter, so both of them, certainly. Mostly I look to painters for inspiration – Abstract Expressionism especially.
Is there anywhere or anything that you haven’t photographed but you”d love to and why ?
I am fortunate that I have travelled widely – both on vacation and also leading groups. So my bucket list places such as Japan, India, Namibia, USA, Morocco have all been ticked off. Several times over in many cases. I would love to visit New Zealand for the landscape and scenery. The distance has always deterred me.
What advice would you give to a female photographer just starting out ?
No different to advice that I would give to a photographer of any gender – that feels irrelevant to me. Nothing groundbreaking I’m afraid. Work hard. Harder than you thought you could. Look at lots of art. Learn about art as well as photography. It does also rather depend on which area of photography a person is interested in of course.
If you could be any animal / mythical creature, what would it be and why ?
I am fond of saying that I like dogs better than most humans. So a golden retriever. No question about it. Preferably one of the three that currently live with me and my husband. They have it all figured out. Overindulged little freeloaders who spend their lives walking, eating, sleeping and generally just being adored.
En Plein Air II
Old Man Winter
Saffron and Silk
To learn more about Valda and her work please visit the links below.