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Abat'jour Photography
The name Abat'jour (or abat-jour) was one that my father, John Hawes, found for me. Abat'jour is a word meaning, 'opening'/'shutter''/window on the world'.
The prelude to my photography career began in 1995 when I was 16 and attending 'Hereford college of art and design' doing a GNVQ in Art and Design. It was here that I first learnt about cameras and their creative scope. It wasn't long before all my work involved a camera one way or another and my Father bought me a 35mm Minolta. It was all film and all black and white and it was in the dark room that I spent as much time as I could.
After my three years in Hereford I moved back home and then went travelling. Later I began a 'City and Guilds' in Interior design, where I achieved a distinction. During this time I still took photos mainly of ruined castles and abbeys.
I went on to gain an ND and an HND in interior design, during which time I also mastered AtuoCAD and discovered a passion for Art history and in particular the architecture of Renaissance Italy.
On leaving college I gained a job in a kitchen company planning and quoting kitchens and was looking forward to a job in commercial interior design, but always thinking about that time I could take up photography again and become self employed.
And now here I am doing just that! I succumbed to the digital age and brought a digital camera which does not require a dark room like film (although I can't say I don't miss it). It is 9 months now since I left my full time job and although I started this business photographing a wide variety of subject matter I have learnt over these months where my strengths lie.
I have a natural eye for sports photography (particularly sports that involve horses as I grew up with them) and for composition. I enjoy being creative and some of the property jobs I have done have allowed me to do this. I am also good at capturing people and prefer a more informal style when it comes to social events, rather than a portrait style set up.
The future for my business lies in events photography, particularly sports events, Property, interiors, commercial and I am always happy to do the odd commission, which keeps things interesting!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those people who have given me so much support in this career change. My family, friends, my better half and my ex work colleagues at 'Offspec Kitchens' who I also class as good friends. Also my good friend Kate, who sadly is no longer with us and was an extremely talented and successful graphic designer, she both inspires and drives me.
Jo Hawes
November'07 |
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