July 05, 2004 - This week, we interview Andy Bell from Deceptive Media:

Please tell us a little about yourself:
I was born in London in 1966 which makes me 38. I'm currently living in Basingstoke and working in London as a web/new media developer.

When was the first time you grabbed a camera?
I used a camera for the first (time) when I was about 11 I think, but I was never really interested until about 4 years ago when I got my first digital camera.

What makes photography so interesting to you?
I'm not sure that just straight photography would interest me. I like the whole process and especially applying the final touches in Photoshop. I'm fairly sure that if it was not for the post process with Photoshop (or whatever) that I would not be taking photos now. Don't get me wrong, I don’t totally rely on the post process, it's still very important to me to get the exposure and composition right in the first place - this gives far more scope when applying the finishing touches.

So it's safe to say you're a hardcore digital guy right? What makes Photoshop (and its processes) so interesting?
Yep, coming from a recording studio background I just love processing and effects and I guess this is what I also enjoy so much about Photoshop.

Do you have any other hobbies other than photography? Do they mix with it?
I used to love to make music, but haven’t made any for the last year or so as I have no time with my job. Before my current job I ran my own recording studio with my brother. We recorded a few albums under the name Surge which were released by Millennium Records; nothing much came of it though but a great time was had. I find photography a much more immediate hobby and slots nicely into the time I have available. It also means I am able to listen to music more, something that’s difficult when you are making it.

So then what is your most memorable photographic experience?
Never really had one, they all merge into one.

Any negatives then?
Loads! Coming home from a shoot thinking you have quite a few good shots only to realize they are all crap, I find that enormously frustrating and it happens more than I would like.

After going through your archives, you shoot a little of everything... do you have a shooting style?
I don’t think I have any particular shooting style. I like to take all sorts of shots, just depends what’s around me. I guess I always look for the simplest composition, less is always more. As the title of my blog suggests, I like to find photos that have a deceptive element to them as in this shot where Stefan looks like a giant! In reality these are very hard to find.

So Stefan is your son? What does your family think of your photo hobby? Does it take away a lot of time away from family?
Stefan's my partner’s son; I live with both her and Stefan. My partner's an avid photographer and she has her own photoblog which some of you may know: Polaris Photography. We have "his" and "hers" computers and we probably look a little sad in the evening’s Photoshopping together! Most of our photography is done on the days out we have together and we've bought Stefan a cheap digital camera so as he does not feel so left out. So for me I guess I'm lucky in the sense that photography is part of my family life, which is great.

Have you ever thought of sticking to a single theme, or experimenting with another?
I do follow themes to a certain degree; I work in Docklands, London which is full of office tower blocks. It never seems to bore me taking photos around there, and sometimes I will have a session at home on one particular subject, but that's rare.

So obviously you prefer digital over film. Ever thought of trying film?
I've just brought my partner a film SLR and I intend to give it a go seeing the stunning results she's getting.

Apart from when you were young, have you ever shot with film? What are some the challenges going to be in switching from digital to film for you?
Never shot with film before. I think the obvious challenges will be only having 36 exposures and then the waiting for the film to be developed. I'm looking forward to having a go but to be honest I don't think I will get that into it as I don't have the patience for it. One of the things that I love about digital photography is the immediacy.

Why did you start Deceptive Media?
Mainly for the discipline, to force me to edit my photos and to give me a reason to take photographs. Also to get away from other sites like DPChallenge and PhotoSig, where I did most of my learning but ultimately got bored. I do recommend these sites though as a learning tool; I tended to get far more constructive criticism than I do from my photoblog, but they do tend to be a bit purist for my liking which is why I had to eventually move on.

What have been the biggest joys in running DM?
Feedback and knowing from my stats that people are looking and returning, in far greater numbers than I ever envisaged.

The biggest strains?
Having nothing to put up. Finding the time. Crap weather on a Sunday - the day I try and get out and take photos.

Has photography and photoblogging changed your life?
I see things differently.

How so?
I seem to always be looking at things as if it were a possible photograph; it's quite annoying in a way.

Your inspirations? Both in photography and photoblogs?
You’re best of checking my links page here.

Alright... So what then is the best photograph you've ever seen?
I've seen far too many great photos to single one out in particular. I add links to photos that really impress me on my about page.

Coming from a man who visits a lot of photoblogs, what can make them better?
I think they're fine, everyone’s are different and it's the variety I enjoy.

Are you involved in anything else photography-wise other than your photoblog?
I submit to Photo Friday on the odd occasion; my submissions can be seen here.

As always, we thank you for both this interview, and for your wonderful photoblog...
Thanks.