Patricia Niland
Name: Patricia Niland
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Favourite type of photography: Brand photography
Location: Southport, North West England
Website: www.niland.photography
Instagram: @patricianiland
How did you get into photography?
My dad was a keen hobbyist photographer with a darkroom in our house, and there were always plenty of photographic magazines, lying around too. I'd go out with Dad and his camera and we'd alternate taking photographs, one shot for me, one for him, then go home, develop the film and print the photographs.
I found the whole process absolutely magical. I still find it a thing of wonder to look through a viewfinder and capture a moment in time. It’s very special!
Do you have any photographic qualifications or accolades?
I trained as a graphic designer, so my qualifications are for design, rather than photography. However, in 2023, I was fortunate to be awarded Highly Commended in the Pink Lady Food Photography Awards.
This year I have been awarded Commended in the World Food Photography Awards, and in August I have a photograph featuring in the Glasgow Gallery of Photography, which I'm very excited about.
What's the first photograph you remember seeing or shooting?
The first image(s) that truly left a deep impression on me were war photographs. They were in a feature in one of my dad’s photography magazines.
They filled me with horror, yet also a sense of heroism. I remember feeling deeply saddened that humans could inflict such suffering on one another. But what struck me just as much was the realisation that a photographer had gone to war to capture those moments.
What do you love about photography?
The opportunity it gives me to look really look closely at the world. Also, it is the connection a great photograph can forge. A powerful image can stir a myriad of feelings and as a photographer, I see this as the greatest challenge when shooting. How can I create that connection? How can I make the audience feel something?
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What do you wish you'd learned about photography earlier?
No one thing, I just wish I’d put self-doubt to one side and been more confident with the learning process.
Where is your favourite place for photography?
It’s wherever I am shooting at the time. I consider myself to be extremely lucky to be a photographer and just being behind a lens makes me very happy.
Do you have a favourite photographic technique?
Not so much a technique, but I love manipulating light. It feels like a constant battle and I think that's why it keeps me intrigued, because even subtle changes in a lighting setup can dramatically change the flavour of an image.
Can you briefly outline your approach to image processing?
I always aim to get the shot as close to 'right' in camera and then use processing just as the finishing touch. But sometimes, when I require a certain effect, my processing will be much heavier.
I view raw files in Adobe Bridge and then take them into Photoshop or Lightroom. (But I do prefer Photoshop.) Working in Adobe Camera Raw, I normally adjust the shadows, blacks and colour levels and then do any dodging and burning in Photoshop.
What's your favourite lens?
The small Canon nifty 50mm - I love the crisp image quality and it also creates a lovely soft bokeh when required.
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Do you have a favourite accessory?
It has to be my Manfrotto tripod, which incorporates an adjustable arm for overhead shooting - perfect for flat-lays.
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Have you found the perfect camera bag yet?
Yes. It's a large Lowepro bag, but sadly, they don't make it anymore. It's very well padded and has numerous pockets. When I'm on a shoot, it's ideal to pop in the car as it holds my camera lenses, flash guns, batteries and a couple of light modifiers!
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Which photographers have influenced or inspired you, and how or why?
It would have to be Magnum, a collective of the world's most talented photographers. I find their work astounding. Each photographer has their own individual accent, but the ones that I would highlight would be:
Eve Arnold: In my opinion, one of the best photographers ever. Her work has a glorious femininity to it. The portraits she shot have a beautiful subtlety to them, not invasive, and you get a sense that you are not viewing a photograph, but you are there in the moment. She is probably most famous for her photographs of Marilyn Monroe and Malcolm X.
Steve McCurry: A photojournalist, his 'Afghan Girl' was the first photograph that brought him to my attention. His travel photography is absolutely stunning and he has a way of capturing the world that creates very special imagery.
Please recommend 2 or 3 female photographers to follow on Instagram.
Roberta Dallalba @roberta.dallalba - beautiful food photography with minimal colour pallets and muted tones.
Suzy Bennett @suzybennett.photography - lovely lifestyle imagery
Is there a camera, lens or accessory that you don't have yet but you'd like to buy at some point?
At the moment, I'm looking at the Canon 70-200m zoom lens. Yes, I can live without it, but it does cover a good focal length range that I think could be very useful for me. Watch this space.
Is there a genre of photography that you love but that you haven't tried yet?
I have dabbled with ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) before, but would like to explore it more as a means of creating art prints.
What's your proudest photographic moment?
The Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year Awards 2023, having my photograph exhibited at The Royal Photographic Society in Bristol. Definitely a pinch-me moment.
If you could have one superpower that could help you with photography, what would it be?
I would love to be better at styling.
Your favourite baked goods are?
As I'm not really into sweet foods, it would have to be savoury, so a steak and ale pie.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’d say my strengths lie in creativity, empathy, and independence. I thrive on exploring ideas and expressing them visually, while also being able to connect deeply with people and their stories. Which works very well for my work. On the flip side, though, I can be overly self-critical at times, perhaps too independent, and perfectionism is something I’m always trying to keep in check.
I’m inspired by cities, the energy and the constant visual stimulation. They excite me. But I also find running in nature and open space offers me a grounding contrast, a sense of calm and clarity that I return to when I need to reset. Great to calm a busy mind.
At home, I’m very happily ‘owned’ by a large Maine Coon cat who unapologetically rules the house (and my heart) and who is an occasional photobomber.
I prefer shooting images that are effective for business, rather than just shooting for art’s sake. I define myself as the Brand Building Photographer, because I love working with businesses. My joy is seeing a client grow, because they choose to use great visuals.
Looking ahead, I just want to keep evolving and see where photography leads me. Staying curious is key for me. I’m not chasing a fixed goal, it’s more about staying open, responding to what inspires me and hopefully I will continue to grow along the way.
