Interview - David Freeman Photography

1)  Tell me how you got involved in photographing Miss England regional heats

"I got involved a few years ago when I did a little test shoot with Sophie Chrysapphes , who at the time was Miss Hertfordshire. After the little shoot the organiser saw the picture and asked who the photographer was and would he like to photograph the Miss Hertfordshire event and that's how it started..below is the image."

2) What is your number one tip for a model when photographing?

"Well , the main tips I would offer is to be yourself in front of the camera, don’t wear too much makeup to start with and build the look up as the shoot goes on. I always start with very little makeup on my shoots, as it gives me a chance to workout out any bad habits or what the persons best look is on camera and when they see an image of themselves with out very little makeup it gives them a boost in confidence. Also use the eyes a lot, the eyes can tell so many stories."

3) Can photographers spot from a photo day beforehand who is going to win that heat?

"Sometimes, although I’m normally watching peoples faces and even sometimes the way they move, before I even use the camera as its important to watch a person and the way they move or facial expressions. On the day of taking the photos, the camera can be quite intimidating to some people, so I try and relax them and just have fun and that way it normally brings out the best in people."

4)  Who’s your photographic inspiration/ idol?

"Probably two of my inspirations and mentor are David Bailey, legendary fashion photographer who uses lots of movement in his photos and just seems to capture the moment and a man I met 10 years ago Tommy Hindley who was one of the great sports photographers and I was lucky enough to learn from him about anticipation of getting a shot in sports photography."

5)  Tell me about some of your favourite pictures you’ve taken throughout your time working within the Miss England heats?

"God, there are hundreds I could choose, every persons I have worked with has brought something unique to a shoot, but here are a few of the people from the Miss England heats and a big thank you to Kirsty Heslewood and Fay Hill , as they were the first two people I ever photographed from Miss Herts.

I've probably forgotten someone as there have been so many shoots over the years.but one picture that I love is from Miss Herts last year, when everyone was waiting for Kirsty to arrive as she had just run the London Marathon , but was just a little bit too late..this image was used on the Miss World website to thank all the girls for raising I think £19000…"

6) What has been the best part of being a Miss England regional photographer?

"Well some of the best parts for me as the photographer at the heats is seeing everyone putting in so much effort with the Eco outfits and the fundraising everyone does and makes me feel very pleased to be just a small part of the event by giving the girls some photos to remember from the day and hopefully an experience they can share in the future with the photos.

"Thanks again Larissa for asking me the questions,  I was over the moon when you won Miss Hampshire as you come from my home town and really looking forward to our shoot with Mark Young Mr Hampshire on Sunday at Rhinefield House and supporting you both leading up to the finals later this year."