Urbanity Chic , Spotlight Interview

Kee Ramsorrun is a professional photographer from London and is the founder of KEEphotography. When we first checked out some of Kee’s portfolio at Urbanity Chic we were impressed and were therefore delighted when he had the time to complete a Spotlight Interview with us. Read on to discover, amongst other things, how Kee got into photography, what he does to relax and what photographers he’s inspired by.

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Q: How did you get into professional photography?

I was an actor for seven years before I became a photographer, it always bothered me how many actors would say that they didn’t enjoy their headshot session or were unhappy with their photos so I spent AGES finding out why this was and decided that I could try to offer a better service. I am also a trained filmmaker so it was a case or transferring the skills over to photography, which took a lot of courses and research and dedication!

Q: What do you enjoy most photographing?  

I love interacting with people. That’s why I specialize in working in the creative arts, photographing performers. There is nothing quite like that moment where you “get the shot”, when the hair, make up, model and photographer come together to create a great image. It’s awesome!

Q: How has the last 12 months been for you?

The last 12 months has been crazy, I got married in April to the best woman that has ever lived and she has inspired me to take my photography to the next level. Helen, my wife, is an actress also so we are both heavily involved in that industry. I’ve met loads of new friends by staring at them through a lens!

Q: Who inspires you?

My wife and my brother are always the two people I turn to first. There are literally thousands of other creative people out there that I draw on for inspiration though, it’s everywhere!

Q: Which modern day fashion designers or fashion icons do you look up to?

I’ve always admired Calvin Klein, not only as a designer, but also because the brand is so strong, supported by beautiful images. Personally I think that is hugely important to any advertising campaign – powerful images. Who can forget Brooke Shields in the 80s in those jeans?

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Q: What makes a good photographer in your opinion?  

That really depends on what your taking photos of! If you are photographing people I think the most important thing is to be able to create rapport with your subject. It’s all well and good being able to understand lighting and perfect exposure but if you cannot work with the model to get expressions and poses, you needn’t bother, as your images will not be engaging.

Q: Do you prefer using film cameras or digital?

I’m all about digital. Film offers a certain quality that is admittedly beautiful and each roll and camera gives a unique look, but that look is achievable with a little hard work and the right digital imaging software. The beauty of digital is that it gives you almost endless possibilities and a safety net if you need to take extra exposures to ensure you have the shot.

Q: Do you prefer to shoot on location or in the studio?  

Good question. I like being out and about, it’s a really good way to discover and explore wherever you live. I live in London so doing shoots on location has helped me reconnect with the city and find out new things. I’ve fallen in love with the place all over again! However, I do love studio shoots, there is an added creativity to getting the lighting right which you have total control over, which, although you can manipulate it on location, you don’t always have TOTAL control!

Q: Do you have any interesting stories about a particular photo shoot you’d like to share?  

I was doing a shoot in Dulwich Park with a model one day. There is a fantastic boating lake in the park and I jokingly suggested that it would make for a great photograph if she were to get in. It was the middle of winter and the last thing I expected to see was her kicking off her shoes and jumping over the fence. Unfortunately I was too busy helping her get out while she screamed at the freezing cold temperature to take any photos of it!

Q: Do you have a specific style of photography that makes you unique?

Everyone does. No one else takes photos like me and I don’t take photos like anyone else. Photography is an art and art is subjective therefore everyone brings their own style and creativity to it.

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Q: Do you have a favourite photograph?  

That’s really difficult. If you mean one of my own then definitely not, I am uber-critical of my work and none of them are ever quite right in my eyes. However, if it can be someone’s else’s photo then there is a photo of my Dad that my brother took when he got his first DSLR that I just love, he captured the moment and my Dad’s personality perfectly. Also, there is photo of my brother and I when I was just a couple of weeks old and my brother was around two years old. He is holding me looking absolutely baffled as to what I am!

Q: Who is your favourite photographer?  

I am totally in awe of Phillip Bloom at the moment. He doesn’t do loads of fashion photography but he is a master of his art.

Q: Is there anybody you would like to work with (either behind or in front of the camera)?  

I would like one day for my wife and I to be at the level where I am being commissioned by a top agency to take photos of her! That would mean we would both be at the top of our game!

Q: What does fashion mean to you?  

I think fashion is one of the ways of expressing who we are and where we came from. It is an immediate way of communicating something about yourself without having to say anything.

Q: How would you define your personal style?  

Ghetto fabulous.

Q: Where are you based?  

I live in Forest Hill, South East London but travel all over.

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Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?  

I’m actually from Birmingham so I’ve always lived in cities. It’s great because you get to escape to the country. You don’t get country folk escaping to the city; I think I have the best of both worlds.

Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?  

I am a big magic fan and recently got to take portraits of Paul Daniels who I have been a fan of since I was a kid. Aside of that, the highlights are when a client gets in touch to say how happy they are with their photographs. That’s the whole point.

Q: What are you hoping to achieve in the future?  

World domination. Nah, I just want to be respected for what I do. I don’t want fame but I want to help people through training or giving them photos that will help with their career.

Q: What do you do to relax?

Spending time with my wife is my favourite way of relaxing. We enjoy watching good TV shows, eating good food and having a good conversation. We are also taking lessons in Argentine Tango.

Q: Where would your favourite holiday (vacation) be and why?

I think probably driving around the States with my wife. We both love America, particularly New York, so getting to see more of it would be great.

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Q: What songs are on your iPod at the moment?  

I am loving Jesus Culture right now. Also quite enjoying revisiting Flight of the Conchords.

Q: Do you have any interesting hobbies?  

I love making time-lapse videos and shooting long exposure/slow shutter photography so when I am not photographing people I like to take a long walk by myself with my camera.

Q: If you could give a little piece of advice for aspiring photographers what would it be?  

Use the Internet. You can find ANYTHING you need on there. Talk to other professionals that you admire, they are usually willing to help. If anyone ever asks me for advice I always give it because it’s great to see other people doing well. Also, find ONE photographer whose work you really admire and try and find out why you like it, then see if you can replicate that, then add your own style to it.

Q: What motivates you to do what you do?  

Giving people photographs that I know they will be happy with is all the motivation I need!