2024, August 2024, Rock
Suzanne Bainton Photography
Aug
As a self-taught photographer, Suzanne Bainton’s works have a unique and phenomenal edge. Over the years, she has honed her skills and now works with many brands, musicians, performers, and small businesses alike.
Suzanne currently works with small businesses to enhance their online presence through captivating photography of their brand, services, and music for promotion. Over the last 20+ years, she has traveled around the world and the United Kingdom to photograph events, locations, and people.
Now in the prime of her career, she has become so comfortable with her work that she has started to plan and organize photography exhibitions to showcase her mind-blowing works to the world.
Her love for music knows no bounds; after attending many events for work and pleasure, she has garnered a love for an eclectic range of music artists, including her favorite DJ duo, L’Entourloop. She has a real passion for scratch DJs and turntablism.
Outside of work, Suzanne loves to be in nature and epic scenery. Nothing can match the sublime feeling of being in an environment where nature is so outstandingly beautiful.
Sushi is her favourite food, and as she resided in Switzerland for eight years, she is also partial to a bit of Swiss cheese.
Over her career, she has taken photos of many well-known and upcoming DJs, artists, and musicians, as well as pioneering her style of long-exposure photography, and the only way is up as she continues to break down barriers and move borders with her incredible photography talents. Her latest exhibition subjects will focus on flowers and ink, inspired by the Vanitas art movement from the 16th century.
Suzanne Bainton
IRIE. What inspired you to become a photographer, and how did you start your career?
SUZANNE BAINTON. When I was 21, I decided to leave England and travel to Southeast Asia. The time overseas was planned for two years, but it ended up being four years, and I got the travel bug. I wanted to explore more countries and adventures. When I was in Hong Kong, I bought my first film camera (Nikon FM2). I was hooked and haven’t looked back since. I used Ilford 35mm black and white film to take my images. I would get them developed and send them home. I loved taking images of people and locations where I traveled. India was my favourite country, it unlocked my sixth sense in photography.
IRIE. Can you describe your photography style and what influences it?
SUZANNE BAINTON. I use all different styles of photography, I believe you have to try all techniques to become a better photographer. One of my favourite techniques is long exposure; I am a bit of a long exposure junky.
IRIE. You are the go-to photographer for Gav Pauze. How did you and Gav Pauze meet?
SUZANNE BAINTON. Locally, in Tunbridge Wells, there was a record shop in a warehouse called Soundwaves Records that would hold lock-in events for local DJs. I was taking photographs, Pauze was DJing, and everything stemmed from that.
IRIE. Can you share a memorable experience or challenging project you’ve worked on?
SUZANNE BAINTON. An event called Pure Science 16 in Maidstone, Kent, was its 16th Birthday bash in 2013; the lineup of DJs and performers was incredible, including David Rodigan, Goldie, Andy C, Randall, Brockie, and Eastman Sounds, to name a few. That event was incredible, and I got some amazing photos. I remember it because I was the only photographer, and trying to get every performer was very hard as there were five different stages at that event, and I had to bounce around them all.
IRIE. How do you stay current with the latest photography trends and technology?
SUZANNE BAINTON. I go to many galleries in London. It’s not far from Tunbridge Wells, so it’s easy to access, and there are always a lot of different photography events going on there. As for technology, I am very comfortable using my Panasonic Lumix and my favourite lens, a pancake 20mm.
IRIE. What advice would you give aspiring photographers looking to enter the industry?
SUZANNE BAINTON. Always take your camera with you, no matter what. If a shoot doesn’t work out, just keep trying. Trial and error is a good way to develop your skills. Also, participating in photography competitions is a great way to progress.
IRIE. Is there anything else you want to add or share with the IRIE audience?
SUZANNE BAINTON. I believe creativity should not have any boundaries or limits.
Website:
SuzanneBaintonPhotography.com
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