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Speaking with Photographer, Chris Lishman
Wednesday, 26 August 2020 14:47:07 Europe/London
Chris Lishman is a Northumberland-based photographer who captures stunning landscape and cityscape shots around the North East and the UK but, he is also the club photographer at the Newcastle Falcons RFC.
We caught up with Chris and discussed his career change to photography, his passion for his home, Northumbria, his love of sports and much more.
Hi Chris, thanks for taking the time to speak to us. Can you start by introducing yourself and telling us a little about your life?
Following twenty-five successful years in the retail industry, I decided on a change of career following the sale of a business and after three years at Newcastle College studying Commercial Photographic Practice, I qualified with a distinction which allowed me to continue to pursue my passion for photography in the commercial world.
I am from a strong sports background and captained Northumberland Rugby Union in the 1990s. I have been the club photographer at Newcastle Falcons since 2012 and combine this role with my commercial work as well as his fine art photography which sells successfully in shops and galleries throughout the North East of England and further afield.
As a very proud Northumbrian, I’m never happier than when either wandering the beautiful countryside and coastline of my home county, in search of new compositions and wonderful light, or when I’m behind the lens photographing the action at major live events (whatever the weather).
I’ve been happily married to my wife, Gill for over 25 years and I’m as extremely proud father to Rachael and Jamie who are both currently studying at university.
When did you first become interested in photography?
When I was playing rugby, a photograph of myself by John Burles won sports photograph of the year, I think in 1985 so I guess from then on I had an interest in photography. John is still alive and I am still in touch with him from time-to-time!
What’s a typical day like in the life of Chris Lishman?
I have three distinct parts to my business, commercial, fine art and as club photographer at Newcastle Falcons, so there is never a dull moment! Photography is my business, so with that come all the usual administration tasks.
What kind of kit do you use?
I am basically a ‘Canon man’ and have invested considerably in quality bodies but perhaps all else, the glass (lens) is key. I would highly recommend investing in the best you can afford to. I also use Fuji (mirrorless) for travel photography as it keeps the weight down. Being studio trained, I also possess many lights and modifiers.
Where’s your favourite place in the North East to photograph?
Easy, all of the North East. We are spoilt for choice of locations but if I was to be more specific, I would head to the coast. It’s soul strengthening, no matter what the weather or light conditions are.
How do you find the perfect location and angle to shoot from?
Trust me, I have been to most North East locations more than once and will always find time to suck it all in and find a different angle or location.
Is there anywhere on your photography bucket list you haven’t made it to yet?
Possibly the Aurora Borealis in Iceland or Norway. One day!
You’ve said your two loves are sports and photography. It must be an honour to be the club photographer for the Newcastle Falcons RFC?
Yes, indeed and have always considered it a privilege and a pleasure. I played rugby at a decent standard from the age of seven and it re-invigorated my passion for the sport when I got the job back in 2012.
You take all sorts of different photographs. What would you say is your favourite subject?
Difficult one that! I am a passionate Northumbrian so possibly the plethora of superb locations that we have. But then again, I get a different buzz from shooting a great action shot or perhaps even a commercial portrait/location/product etc.
I love to be creative so I’m always looking to try and develop different techniques.
If you weren’t a photographer, what career would you have pursued?
I was in retail for 25 years which gave me the opportunity to become a photographer but I am happier now than I have ever been with ‘work’. If I were to pick something else though, I love architecture and would possibly have followed that path.
What advice would you give to an aspiring photographer?
Get out there and shoot. No matter what equipment you have, you will learn from your successes but perhaps more from your failures!
Look at ‘good’ photographs in magazines, web etc. Try to work out why they are good and how they are lit.
What’s the future looking like? Any big projects on the horizon?
More of the same and continue to A: develop my skills (you never stop learning) and B: keep on just loving what I am doing. The rest, as they say, will hopefully fall into place.
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