Verity Milligan: The Thrill of Morning Light and Misty Moments
In this engaging episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson sits down with the talented Verity Milligan, an award-winning photographer and content creator based in Birmingham, UK. Verity is best known for her stunning cityscapes of Birmingham and her breathtaking images of the natural world. In addition to her personal projects, Verity creates content for globally recognised brands and has been a long-standing judge for the prestigious Landscape Photographer of the Year competition.
Verity’s journey into photography is anything but conventional. Initially, she was on an academic path, completing a master's degree in American visual culture. After running an independent cinema and teaching media theory and documentary filmmaking, Verity found her true passion in photography. This hobby gradually evolved into a full-time career, leading her to choose between academia and freelancing. Ultimately, her love for photography won, allowing her to embrace a creative and flexible lifestyle.
Angela begins the conversation by highlighting Verity's enthusiasm for photography. Verity shares her joyful experiences of waking up at dawn, driven by the chance to capture unique, foggy landscapes. Her passion is evident as she describes the thrill of photographing rare weather conditions and sharing those moments with others. For Verity, the magic of dawn and the rare misty mornings are worth the early starts and the effort.
The discussion delves into Verity’s work, exploring how her background in documentary filmmaking influences her photography. Verity emphasises the importance of storytelling and lighting, which she carries over from her video work to her still images. This narrative-driven approach sets her work apart, making her photographs not just visually stunning but also emotionally compelling.
Verity also shares the practical aspects of her career, including her approach to client work and the challenges of managing expectations. She provides valuable insights into her freelance life, the joy of outdoor photography, and the delicate balance of maintaining creativity while fulfilling commercial demands. Verity highlights the significance of personal projects, which not only fuel her passion but also attract clients who appreciate her unique style.
In addition to her commercial and personal work, Verity is passionate about sharing her knowledge and skills through workshops. Leveraging her teaching experience, she inspires and educates others, fostering a supportive environment for her participants. Verity emphasizes the emotional connection with the landscape over technical perfection, helping her students connect deeply with their surroundings and their photography.
The episode also addresses the representation of women in photography. Verity notes the progress made but acknowledges the need for more female voices in senior roles, judging panels, and editorial positions. She commends initiatives like SheClicks for their role in empowering female photographers and building a supportive community.
Throughout the episode, Verity’s genuine love for photography shines through. Whether capturing the beauty of Birmingham or the rugged landscapes of the Lake District, her work is a testament to her dedication and artistic vision. Her narrative-driven approach and the ability to find beauty in both urban and natural settings make her an inspiring figure in the photography community.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in photography. It offers inspiration, practical advice, and a glimpse into the world of a passionate and talented photographer. Verity Milligan’s journey is a reminder of the joy that comes from following one’s passion and the endless possibilities that lie within the art of photography.
Tune in to hear Verity’s stories, insights, and the excitement that drives her to create stunning images. Don’t miss this chance to be inspired by her unique perspective and her dedication to capturing the world’s beauty, one photograph at a time.
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CEWE
Thank you to CEWE, Europe's leading photo printing company for supporting this podcast. CEWE offers an extensive range of high-quality photo products, including the award-winning CEWE PHOTOBOOK, Wall Art, Calendars, and Prints. They also host the world's largest photo competition, the CEWE Photo Awards. It's free to enter and you can submit up to 100 images for a chance to win a share of €250,000 in prizes.
Visit cewe.co.uk for more information
