SheFeatures: Jenny Fenton
Name: Jenny Fenton
Camera: OM System OM-1, Olympus Pen-F, Olympus OM-D E-M5 (converted to Infrared), Canon EOS R7
Favourite type(s) of photography: Creative. ICM (Intentional Camera Movement), Nature, Cities
Website: lemoncarddesigns.co.uk
Instagram: @jen_f_photography
Location: Ealing, London
How did you get into photography?
Both my parents were photographers and used Pentax cameras. I was given a Brownie 127 camera when I was 8 years old and I never went anywhere without it.
As I grew older, my parents gave me their old Pentax to use. I learnt so much from my parents. I even had my own darkroom in the downstairs loo, which my father converted for me.
My father also used to give slide shows to local societies, which I loved. He was always in his study, putting the shows together. He was obviously 'hooked' like I have been all my life.
I left school at 15 and went to art college in Worthing, where I studied graphics and photography. After college, I worked for an advertising company where we had a darkroom where we developed all the photos we used.
This was in Lancashire and I stayed there for 6 years. I then moved to London and worked for Compass Graphics until having my family. Photography and design was always a big part of my life.
Do you have any photographic qualifications or accolades?
I guess my biggest accolade is that Kew Gardens sold my photographic flower greeting cards for many years. One year my handmade cards were their choice for their Christmas cards. I literally made nearly 1,000 and they all sold out. I had to put glitter on every one of them!
What's the first photograph you remember seeing or shooting?
I shot a close-up of a statue of Vespasian's head - he was a Roman Emporer. It won a local competition when I was about 19 years old.
What do you love about photography?
I love how variable and creative it can be. Plus, I like breaking the rules. I have no strict rules, but I watch many webinars and learn from them. I never give up learning.
What do you wish you'd learned about photography earlier?
Nothing really, as I started learning at a young age and had the encouragement of my parents. Studying at an art college and working in graphics for ten years continued my learning.
Actually, I'm still learning how to use Photoshop. So there we go.
Where is your favourite place for photography?
I love Black Park in South Buckinghamshire, it’s acres and acres of beautiful trees. Basically, anywhere with trees. I find it very therapeutic.
Do you have a favourite photographic technique?
I love Intentional camera movement (ICM) and multiple exposure. They are very emotional forms of photography and allow you to portray feelings.
Can you briefly outline your approach to image processing?
I mainly go by my gut feeling. I use Lightroom on my PC and iPad. I also love to blend photos.
What's your favourite lens?
I always reach for a wide-angle lens.
Do you have a favourite accessory?
My neutral density filter, it allows me to capture long exposure and is useful for ICM.
Have you found the perfect camera bag yet?
No! The search continues.
Which photographers have influenced or inspired you, and how or why?
David Bailey and Ansel Adams, both for their black and white photographs. And latterly, Doug Chinnery.
Please recommend 2 or 3 female photographers to follow on Instagram.
Shona Perkins (@mybeautifulscotland), Stephanie Johnson (@stephjohnphoto) and Liz Sherriff (@liz_sherriff)
Is there a camera, lens or accessory that you don't have yet but you'd like to buy at some point?
I’d like to buy myself a Canon wide-angle lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, but I haven’t decided which one yet.
Is there a photography genre you love but haven't tried yet?
I can’t really think of anything. I’m just about to go back to experimenting with black-and-white photography, plus more multiple-exposure photography.
What's your proudest photographic moment?
Being published in Outdoor Photography several times!
If you could have one superpower that could help you with photography, what would it be?
I’d like a new back, please. Also the ability to go back to my youth to visit New Zealand. I'll need a lot of superpowers!
Your favourite baked goods are?
Flapjack.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a creative and I enjoy being a bit of a rebel regarding photography. I also love bleak countries such as Spitzbergen, Greenland and Iceland - oh and Venice - I must go back there! I'm always experimenting and constantly learning. I wish there were more hours in the day!
I'm trying to market my 'new' greeting cards at the moment, but I need an agent.
