Daisy May Nixon
Name: Daisy May Nixon
Camera: Nikon D850
Favourite type of photography: Creative Food Photography
Location: East Yorkshire, near the market town Bevereley
Website: https://daisymaydefined.smugmug.com
Instagram: @daisymaydefined
How did you get into photography?
My husband brought me a camera for Christmas and a day’s photography course with a wonderful tutor - Caro. I spent a wonderful day with Caro learning about how to use the camera in manual mode, and it was a life changing day. I had suffered with anorexia for several years and was in recovery at this point. Over the next few months I progressed from dog shots and started to play with food photography. My love and passion for food photography eclipsed the fear I once had for food, turning it into my inspiration for what I do.
Do you have any photographic qualifications or accolades?
I am qualified with The Guild of Photographers.
What's the first photograph you remember seeing or shooting?
My first 'proper' photo would be a humble savoy cabbage. I was fascinated by nature’s own palette of colours!
What do you love about photography?
There's so much scope to be creative and you get new ideas all the time. Sometimes something in the news will prompt a photo, or a word pun, or someone will suggest something. I keep a list - a very long list.
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What do you wish you'd learned about photography earlier?
How much fun it is! There's never a bad day at the office;-)
Where is your favourite place for photography?
Definitely the studio and at home. The studio is great for the more creative(messy) levitational shots, while I love the weekends with the dogs sleeping under the butcher’s block while I am snapping away with the camera.
Do you have a favourite photographic technique?
Without any doubt it is foodscapes. I just love creating scenes out of food. It's very time-consuming but so rewarding when the shot is done.
Can you briefly outline your approach to image processing?
I import photos into Lightroom for the first edit and then move on to Photoshop for any cloning or layer work required.
What's your favourite lens?
My Sigma 24-105mm f/4 Art.
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Do you have a favourite accessory?
My styling kit! This is a large make-up box which contains everything from cocktail sticks and cotton buds to plating tools and knives. It is as important as my camera gear for the work I do.
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Have you found the perfect camera bag yet?
I love my National Geographic Africa camera bags, particularly the backpack. With anti-fatigue built-in and great styling, it still looks good after 5 years of constant use.
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Which photographers have influenced or inspired you, and how or why?
Carl Warner, the foodscape king! David Loftus, a great food photographer. Claire Aho, a woman who blazed a trail for female photographers so many years ago.
Please recommend 2 or 3 female photographers to follow on Instagram.
Caroline Dell: workingline_images Ronni Allen: ronniallenphotography
Is there a camera, lens or accessory that you don't have yet but you'd like to buy at some point?
Maybe a 70-300mm or a macro lens. But I have the kit I need, and I'm not the sort always hankering after new kit.
Is there a genre of photography that you love but that you haven't tried yet?
A few years ago, I tried some macro photography but didn't pursue it. Would like to give this another go.
What's your proudest photographic moment?
Photographing HRH The Princess Royal at an event at Gatcombe Park earlier this year. She was so lovely and spoke to me about some of my work. It was a very surreal moment. I am also wowed that I have work on permanent display at a prestigious art gallery in Mayfair,
If you could have one superpower that could help you with photography, what would it be?
More hours in each day!
Your favourite baked goods are?
Mac ‘n’ Cheese.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a middle-aged self-doubting photographer who has had many opportunities, which I am so grateful for. I live with my supportive husband and four dogs in East Yorkshire. What started as a hobby has become a commercial venture and it is good to continue to learn new techniques.
