Emerging Leica Ambassador

Leica Camera is pleased to announce photographer Amy Currell as its new Emerging Ambassador. Amy has been chosen through this year’s partnership with the Association of Photographers (AOP), a unique collaboration with Leica that aims to spotlight the work of talented and innovative photographers and provide them with the platform and tools to further elevate and support their practice and profession.

How did you start in photography and were you always focussed on working commercially?
I started taking photographs when I was 14, working with different subjects – mainly what was around me. I’d photograph family and often went around London working in areas I found visually exciting. After I finished university, I knew I wanted to work commercially so I emailed lots of photographers and began assisting work. When assisting I wasn’t sure what kind of photography I wanted to shoot. Then I started working for a still life photographer and I knew I’d found my niche.

How would you describe your photographic style?
My style has developed a lot over the last five years and now I’d say it is quite considered and composed. I work with a muted colour palette that runs through my work and my lighting techniques closely match that.

Do you have a favourite type of photography?
Absolutely, Still Life photography is what I love shooting. I enjoy the freedom it gives you and the time it allows you to compose and consider your framing and all the possibilities for set design. You can create anything – and I love seeing the images in my head come to life in front of the camera.

Have you always had an interest in using Leica cameras?
I’ve always had an affinity with Leica cameras. I started shooting on a second-hand Leica M6 when I was 18 and it completely changed the way I worked.

What makes shooting with a Leica camera unique?
For me it’s the feel of the Leica that I fell in love with – the cameras are tactile and intuitive. Also, the range of lenses and the quality of them is something I’m always drawn back to.

How do you feel about being selected as a Leica Emerging Ambassador?I was thrilled to be selected and am so excited to see where the ambassadorship leads. Having access to new Leica equipment is a unique opportunity – and I’m excited to meet new people and engage with the wider Leica community.

What are your 3 main tips for shooting in a studio?
Consistency, determination, and lighting. Set yourself regular goals so you have at least two or three days a month set aside to work on personal projects. Determination – keep going even if you don’t get the results you wanted the first time. So much of creating interesting still life work is trial and error. Finally – practice lighting and find what works for you. I’m always looking for new techniques but I always have my main set of lighting that stays consistent and then this gives you the freedom to experiment in other areas whilst achieving the results you want.

Follow Amy on Instagram to see more of her work.