CALVENDO self-publishers in conversation: David Ireland

David Ireland’s photographic ventures started when his nephew appointed him as ‘official wedding photographer’. Since then, his camera has never been too far away and his Calvendo calendar portfolio reflects his passion for photogenic locations and motives, with castles, cathedrals and steam trains.

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David, can you talk a bit about your background as a photographer and how and
when you took up photography?

About 10 years ago I was asked by my nephew to photograph his wedding but at the time only had a cheap compact digital camera. I bought a second-hand Canon 300D (which I still own) for the job. Not many days go by now when I haven’t pressed the shutter button for one reason or another. I only use my cameras fully manual now and take 90% plus photos in RAW format.

David's Anglican Cathedrals calendar, part of the Calvendo Gold edition

David’s Anglican Cathedrals calendar, part of the Calvendo Gold edition

From the Anglican Cathedrals calendar

From the Anglican Cathedrals calendar

How would you describe your style and approach as a photographer? Continue reading

Calvendo self-publishers in conversation: Richard Sheppard

You could say it was a “lucky accident” that Calvendo self-publisher Richard Sheppard got into photography seriously. What do we mean by that? Well, just read on and it’ll all be explained! Plus, some really good Calvendo tips from a photographer who takes inspiration from what’s around him and never fails to see the humour in a picture.

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Richard, can you talk a bit about your background as a photographer and how and when you took up photography?

I took up photography seriously when I was about 17 – a long time ago now! My dad was a keen photographer (I inherited his Zenith E) and I think I caught the bug from him. When I was 23 I broke my leg while hang gliding and decided, as I lay in my hospital bed, that I was going to leave my engineering job and go to college to study photography. That was fun. I did go back into engineering however – and hang gliding! Now I shoot stock and do the odd commission but it isn’t my main source of income. Continue reading

Calvendo self-publishers in conversation: Leigh Bagley

Leigh Bagley’s calendars are different to the the mostly photography-based work that the majority of Calvendo authors create: He works with colorful abstract graphic print designs that are timeless, classic and cool – at least, that’s what we think. Time to have a chat with him to learn more about his background as an artist and designer, his inspiration and the importance of colour for his work.

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Leigh, you studied textile design at the Royal College of Art in London and are now lecturing at the Glasgow School of Art as well as running your own company, producing abstract graphic prints. Can you tell us as a bit about your career and how you came to do what you’re doing?

Born and raised just outside Birmingham, I developed an eye for colour and interest in design from an early age. My design career began shortly after graduating from the Royal College of Art in London in 2000 when I worked as a freelance knitted textile designer selling to Calvin Klein, Levi, Nicole Fahri, Eddie Bauer, Milk, Woolmark, to name just a few, for the next ten years.

Following my textile design career working in both fashion and interiors, in 2012, I decided to launch my print company because I was eager to develop my interests in rich abstract graphic print design and I produced my first collection of limited edition prints. Luckily, my work was instantly coveted by leading architecture and interior design companies which helped promote my design work. As my name got around, my editioned prints became sought after by private clients, so I started to expand and investigate the potential of my design work on other products.

How would you describe your style and main interest as an artist? Continue reading