Holly Cant is a freelance photographer who has specialised as a press photographer for the last 12 years. She is now expanding into commercial and social portraiture, alongside events and wedding photography. I spoke with Holly about her fascinating career so far.
Retailer of the Year Awards / Hair & Beauty – Ginger & Lime · photo copyright Holly Cant
Hi Holly, can you tell me more about your background in photography?
I studied Photography at the University of Westminster and then worked at a company called The Image Maker as a studio photographer. I did a lot of family portraiture and some pet photography, which I loved. We’d shoot a 45-minute slot, and then I’d choose 20-30 to edit and put on a show reel for the client to view. I then found a job on a local newspaper and it quickly became clear that my specialism was in photojournalism. My last few projects at university were based around this and it’s why I got into photography in the first place. The studio was fun, but I knew I wasn’t getting enough out of it.
I worked at the Bucks Free Press [1] for two years as a trainee press photographer, alongside two great photographers. I then moved to the Watford Observer [2] as a senior photographer, covering North London. Last February I took over East London as well and was then promoted to Picture Editor. In October of this year I made the decision to go freelance.
photo copyright Holly Cant
Did you always know you wanted to be a photographer?
My Dad was a really good photographer and he had a makeshift darkroom in our house. We had a ritual on Friday nights from when I was about 8 years old – we’d listen to jazz and he’d teach me to develop pictures. I saw the pictures come to life and I was hooked from there. I knew then that I wanted to work behind a camera.
I read a lot on the history of photography and when I went to university I knew I wanted to work in press – to do something that helps and report on what was happening in the world. I’ve covered some great events and reported on some cool stuff over the years.
photo copyright Holly Cant
What kit do you shoot you with? How important you think choice of kit is for a press photographer?
I shoot with Canon 1DXs [3], as you need the quick frames per second (fps) for shooting news and sport (Premiership football, for example). On the paper we used 16-35mm [4] and 70-200mm [5] lenses – I eventually got a 24-70mm [6] which was perfect as it covers the middle ground.
I also use Canon flashguns [7] because you can’t carry studio kit around on press shoots! You need fast cameras and weight is a consideration. On a day where you’ve got everything and your laptop, you’re looking at 10kg on your back. So you need to learn to cut back on kit when you’re on foot. The 1DX is a pretty heavy camera, but you need it for the fps rate and high ISO capability. But with the work I’m doing now, I don’t think I’ll always need the speed, so I’m getting a Canon 5D Mk III [8] to use as well.
Royal visit to Warner Studios · photo copyright Holly Cant
What’s been your favourite job so far?
I shot Prince William, Kate and Harry at the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Tour and it felt amazing. It was hard to get on that shoot and there were crowds of people screaming, and I was there shooting. All three of them were so easy to work with and so smiley! And also when I first started shooting Premiership football – that was another wow moment! It can be a pretty cool job and you feel very lucky.
Jasper the pet fox in Sarratt, October 2017 · photo copyright Holly Cant
Now you’ve gone freelance, what sort of things are you looking to shoot more of?
I don’t want to rule anything out at the moment. Having worked in press I’m good at adapting. I love the idea of shooting more animals, but I’m open to taking on more challenges. When you’re shooting presswork you’re on a very tight schedule, but now I have more time to set up and work with the client to make them feel more comfortable. I love chatting with people and really like having the time to connect with people.
Accra, Ghana, July 2005 · photo copyright Holly Cant
How would you define your photographic style?
I think I’m stealthy! I’ve had to cover things like funerals for the press and, of course, you shouldn’t be noticed. So, when I’ve shot weddings I do reportage style with long lenses. I’m unobtrusive and try to make it fun. I like capturing people being natural and often without them noticing I’m there – I think it comes from the press photography.
India – November 2014, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur · photo copyright Holly Cant
Do you have any tips for those starting out in the business?
I personally learned more in the first six months as a trainee on a newspaper than I did in three years of university. We were constantly shooting film at university but I was adamant I wanted to go into presswork, and it was a constant battle to get digital! If you’re interested in press photography, the best experience is on the job. If I were starting out now, I would look at shadowing or assisting – particularly with the university fees in the UK.
Royal visit to Warner Studios · photo copyright Holly Cant
Since you’ve started freelancing, what sort of jobs have you been working on?
I still do a lot of press for Newsquest and The Wharf in London. And I’ve been shooting a lot of private work, both commercial and social. I’m doing a lot for a bakery chain called Warrens Bakeries [9], who are the oldest maker of Cornish pasties in the world and are opening up across London, as well as carrying on with regular press work.
And what would be your dream shoot in the future?
I’d love to do some work for Lonely Planet. Anything travel related is my passion. So I’d like to combine my photography and passion for travel. I also love animals and would love to do more puppy shoots! But I don’t want to typecast at this point as I’m still enjoying shooting lots of different genres.
You can view Holly’s work on her website [10] as well as on Twitter [11] and Facebook [12].