Lisa Buck is an award-winning photographer, based in Huddersfield, UK. She specialises in stunning fine art family portraiture and is currently working on a new project, showcasing the natural beauty and strength of women. I spoke with Lisa to find out more about her work.

How did you get into photography and what made you decide to become a photographer?

I was very lucky that the high school I attended offered a GCSE in photography, so from 14 I was hooked! We used fellow students as our models, practiced on heavy film SLR cameras, processed our own films and then developed our own photographs in the dark room. I loved seeing the images magically appear.

Unfortunately the college that I attended didn’t offer photography so, after those two short years, I didn’t pick up a camera again until my mid twenties, when I rediscovered my passion for portraits and I haven’t looked back since. At the same time I joined my local camera club, Huddersfield Photo Imaging Club, which was a real eye opener to the world of judges and critiques. But I honestly believe that I am a better professional photographer now because of it. I spot many distractions that I don’t think I would have before!

What kit do you shoot with and what would you say are your essentials to have on a shoot?

I use a Nikon D750 and various lenses collected over the years. My ‘go to kit’ is my Tamron 24-70mm and 70-200mm, plus my nifty 50! The next on my list to purchase are the Sigma Art lenses. I also use PixaPro Pika200 lights – they are amazing. I went on a Session Days workshop, organised by fellow SheClicks member Emma Finch and her business partner Graham Curry, and they recommended them to me – battery powered, light and powerful enough for portraiture.

What made you decide to specialise in family portraiture? Was it a genre that had always appealed to you? And do you shoot anything else?

I love taking photographs of children; they are so easy to photograph, and now that I have my own, I think I understand them better! I love all types of portraiture, from characters to fine art; I enter into salons and local exhibitions for fun and have done pretty well with a number of the images. I also love nature and getting out for walks in the country and by the sea.

Do you think your photography has a certain style and look, or do you enjoy experimenting with different techniques and styles?

For me, portraits are all about the eyes, so as long as I have that connection in a photo, whether with me or in telling the story, I am happy. I think my style has grown from ‘white background’ to a more polished fine art feel. I enjoy experimenting with different looks and styles, so I attend fellow photographers’ workshops and days to keep me creative and inspired.

How do you get the inspiration for your photography?

I was first inspired by Kate Hopewell-Smith – she was one of the first lifestyle photographers that I followed. I thought, and still do think her work is amazing. Other female photographers I admire are Lisa Visser, Lindsay Adler and Tracy Willis and so may more! That’s why I think SheClicks is so important to raise the profile of female photographers.

As a female photographer, do you feel that you face any particular challenges? Do you feel that the industry is favourable towards women, or would you like to see any particular changes?

I don’t feel that I have been treated any differently by customers or by people at my camera club – we are a great club that respects everyone’s creativity no matter if you are male or female. I have experienced sexism at The Photography Show, which I attended with my brother (who is also a great photographer – Paul Campbell). I found that many people spoke to Paul rather than me.

When I enquired about a Photographic Safari holiday the lady on the stand said, “It might be best to do a self-drive, so you can stay in the car whilst your husband takes photos”! It’s fantastic that SheClicks has built and is continuing to build a programme with the show to start to combat some of this.

What are you working on at the moment and do you have any particular plans for the future?

I am just about to open my own studio space with fellow photographer Kirsti Cox. We are lucky as our styles are quite different and we are concentrating on slightly different markets, so we are a good fit to go into business. I’ll also be ramping up my fine art portraiture for children and working on a new project, ‘This is me, Woman’. The project concentrates on classically beautiful editorial style images to show how amazing we are, building confidence and self worth – minus any filters! The women then have a chance to choose their own hashtags – on my new Instagram page – thisismewomen. I will also be working with various models to offer model day experiences to photographers.

Are there any tips that you’d like to give to aspiring photographers?

Don’t take criticism to heart – photography is all about opinion, what one person likes, another won’t. Be inspired by those around you but find your own style and passion. Always carry a camera – you have no idea what situations or people you will come across (I need to follow my own advice on this one!).

You can view Lisa’s work on Instagram or Facebook.