Helen Metcalf
Name: Helen Metcalf
Camera: Sony A7RIII, Fujifilm X100V
Favourite type of photography: Landscape
Location: Washington, Tyne and Wear, UK
Website: www.helenmetcalfphotography.uk
Instagram: @helenmetcalfphotos
How did you get into photography?
I bought myself a second-hand DSLR in 2017 and started shooting with a friend, and then joined one-off workshop groups. It grew from there!
Do you have any photographic qualifications or accolades?
No, I'm largely self-taught, I read online articles, magazines and photography books. I've had a few photos shown in the local press and one shown on the ITV local news, but does that count? (Editor: Yes!) I think most regular shooters who are members of local groups manage that these days!
What's the first photograph you remember seeing or shooting?
I've racked my brains, but I really can't remember! I shoot hundreds and I'm very self-critical so I only process a handful, and then if I'm not happy with, them I get rid! I vaguely remember being fascinated with my Dad's old Zeiss Ikon film camera as a child, but I can't remember if I actually managed to capture anything. He probably didn't let me loose with film in it!
What do you love about photography?
I love that I can capture a moment, look back on it, and relive being there, as well as have a picture I can be proud of displaying.
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What do you wish you'd learned about photography earlier?
Post-processing techniques. It's only relatively recently that I've spent time getting to grips with Lightroom and using masks. I spent so long without processing my images, and then just applying changes globally, as I found it quite technical to follow. Two things changed that for me, I reached out to a female landscape photographer featured in Outdoor Photography Magazine who kindly went through a processing session with me over Zoom, and I enrolled on a course to learn Lightroom with Joe Houghton, via Camversation. I'm certainly no expert, but I can do much more now and get the best from my raw images.
Where is your favourite place for photography?
I find myself drawn to water - I can spend all day shooting waterfalls, given the chance! I love including water in my shots, moving or still, and catching huge sea waves during big storms. Also old buildings, in black and white. I grew up in Durham City and still find that a great place to shoot, with the river, castle and cathedral. Durham Cathedral is another place I could easily spend a full day at with the camera.
Do you have a favourite photographic technique?
Shooting long exposures of waterfalls. I love experimenting with filters and shutter speed to capture the movement and texture.
Can you briefly outline your approach to image processing?
I use Adobe Lightroom Classic, apply a few global adjustments (exposure, WB, shadows/highlights) and then one or more gradient filters, (foreground, or sky masking) clarity, dehaze, selective contrast and light/shadow adjustment, then sharpen and export.
What's your favourite lens?
My go-to lens is my Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 GM. It's heavy but a great all-rounder.
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Do you have a favourite accessory?
My tripods! I have a Benro Tortoise 24C and a 3 Legged Thing Leo
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Have you found the perfect camera bag yet?
Yes! I have used the F Stop Kashmir UL for a few years now, it's female-specific and super comfortable. I commented on Angela’s review of it for the SheClicks website.
Read our F-Stop Kashmir UL 30L Review
Which photographers have influenced or inspired you, and how or why?
Bill Ward and Rachel Talibart for shooting water, Ruth Grindrod, Joe Cornish and Simon Baxter for their landscapes, Joe Houghton for teaching Lightroom processing, Will Patino for his teaching methodology and approach to composition and processing.
Please recommend 2 or 3 female photographers to follow on Instagram.
Fiona Campbell @fiona.a.campbell, Ali Marley @alimarleyphoto, Ruth Grindrod @ruthgrindrodlandscapes_
Is there a camera, lens or accessory that you don't have yet but you'd like to buy at some point?
Cameras, like all technology, are advancing at such a rapid rate, it's hard to keep up, and I try not to be tempted by the latest incarnations. I'd like to upgrade to the Sony A7RV at some point, or invest in the 16-35mm GM lens, but I can't say I need to for the foreseeable future.
Is there a genre of photography that you love but that you haven't tried yet?
I'd love to try sports photography, shooting fast action in football or athletics. The nearest I've done to date is horses and gun dogs!
What's your proudest photographic moment?
I caught forked lightning during a storm through a bedroom window with my Nikon camera several years ago. It was my first attempt at shooting lightning, and it made a half-page spread in the local paper.
If you could have one superpower that could help you with photography, what would it be?
Controlling the clouds...
Your favourite baked goods are?
Gluten free granola or paradise slice!
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m an unassuming, typically dreamy Piscean (maybe that's why I love water). I'd love to take pictures full-time, but that might have to wait until I retire. I'm a creative personality as opposed to business-minded and love being outdoors with my wife and our two dogs. I generally have either a pint of real ale or a camera in my hand and that's just how I like it!
