Margaret Preuss-Higham
Name: Margaret Preuss-Higham
Camera: Canon EOS R
Favourite type of photography: All types, but especially multiple exposure
Location: Portesham, Dorset, UK
Instagram: @margaretphigham, @mph.mono
How did you get into photography?
I renewed my interest in photography when I moved to the village. A group in the village had an exhibition, word had got round that I enjoyed photography and I was asked to show my images. From there, I joined a camera club, and the rest is history.
Do you have any photographic qualifications or accolades?
I don't have any qualifications, but there are a few walls in the country and a couple abroad with my images on them.
What's the first photograph you remember seeing or shooting?
It was from my first ever real trip, it was a school trip; however, I have a photo of myself holding my father's camera bag.
What do you love about photography?
To me, it is a challenge, you see something, and to get the image so that others can see what I see.
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What do you wish you'd learned about photography earlier?
I dabbled for years, but it is only in the last ten years that I have focused on it seriously. I like to experiment, but recently at the club I attend, we had a special evening regarding colour and the colour wheel.
Where is your favourite place for photography?
We visit Holywell Bay in Cornwall at least once a year, and it is my heaven. However, I do enjoy messing around at home too.
Do you have a favourite photographic technique?
I don't have a favourite technique, however, ICM (intentional camera movement) and multiple-exposure are something I use a lot as I am into abstract photography.
Can you briefly outline your approach to image processing?
I am someone who likes to push boundaries, push the sliders up and down. I enjoy adding texture, bringing elements out, I move down the flow in Adobe Lightroom Classic. I will sometimes invert an image to get a colour negative. I think it is the frustrated artist in me, I can do it then remove it easily and reset an image, whereas with a canvas, if you’ve got it wrong, it’s not so easy to put right.
What's your favourite lens?
I don't really have a favourite lens.
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Do you have a favourite accessory?
Not yet.
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Have you found the perfect camera bag yet?
No.
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Which photographers have influenced or inspired you, and how or why?
Nobody in particular, but I have attended Paul Hill and Maria Falconer study days and have found them really good.
Please recommend 2 or 3 female photographers to follow on Instagram.
I belong to a black and white group and I have to friends in that group that I would recommend following: Carol Tritton caroltritton and Alison Webber FRPS @through_an_aspergic_lens
Is there a camera, lens or accessory that you don't have yet but you'd like to buy at some point?
I am intrigued by Lensbaby but need to do more research.
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Is there a genre of photography that you love but that you haven't tried yet?
I will try anything. I suppose underwater, but as I don't like going underwater, I won't be having a go any time soon.
What's your proudest photographic moment?
When someone buys one of my images.
If you could have one superpower that could help you with photography, what would it be?
The ability to make the weather perfect all the time.
Your favourite baked goods are?
A scone, as long as it comes with cream and jam - before you ask , I am jam first and then cream.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I started my work-life at 16 as an apprentice hairdresser, which I did for many years, finishing at the start of COVID. In 2007, I began training to be a priest in the Church of England. For the last 10 years, I have looked after 3 village churches in Dorset, and I am soon to retire at 69. I am thankful I have photography as a hobby, as leaving the wonderful place I live is going to be extremely hard.
