Project Description

Amnplify Profile
“The Photographer Series”

Interview with
MIKE WOTTON
from
Queensland

Interviewer – Dave Bruce

Photos – Mike Wotton

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Let’s start with a few discovery questions. Have you always wanted to be a photographer? When did you start taking photos?
Probably not always wanted to be a photographer, started when I was 17, photographing the National Ice Hockey League in the UK, then got asked to cover motocross and ended up travelling Europe with the circuit. Included a few weddings on the side. I then did not pick a camera for about 30 years.

How would you describe your style? What makes it unique, and why do you think people resonate with your photos?
My style is best described as natural, I take what I am presented with and do the best I can. In all my photography genres I have no control over the subjects or the lighting. Natural, candid, and try to tell a story.

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What live music events, or artists, or photographers for that matter, originally drove you to feel the calling to buy a camera and join the fun?
I have always enjoyed music, started going to festivals in the 70’s and attended the 2nd ever Glastonbury. My reason for picking up a camera to go to music was I realised I got free entry and the best position in the house. I also found the photography a challenge.

Now a couple of questions on the present. How often do you shoot, which shows do you prefer – small, intimate shows or do the bells and whistles of the big shows get the juices flowing?
I don’t shoot as often as I like, having other commitments. My preference is for smaller festivals, such as Mitchell Creek Festival in the Mary Valley each year. Of course nothing beats a full production show by a headliner band.

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Please describe the creative process you employ (don’t give away too many secrets), and the photography challenges you overcame to get to here?
If I am to cover a band I normally look up all latest live Youtube videos and study movement and any particular things a band does in any song.  Challenges to get here ? Getting through the first Amnplify recruiting programme, a few dropped out and a few did not make it.

You are an Amnplify shooter. How did that come about and what have you found out about yourself while you have been here?
I originally contacted David Bruce from Amnplify and sent a few images, but was rejected in the nicest way. So I sent another mail about 3 months later, and at that time was advised Amnplify were going to start a Photographer Probationary Group, I got onto that and the rest is history. Age is not a barrier.

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In this world of equal opportunity, photography is an area where it seems female photographers equal if not outnumber many of the pits at events. Do you think the opportunities are the same for both sexes? What’s it like being a male in the pit?
I find that the pit is definitely an equal opportunity area, and being a male makes no difference, you are judged on the images you produce and the way you conduct yourself.

We live in a number dominated world. So many likes, albums going platinum, millions of streams. How do you deal with that from a motivation perspective? Do you need the artist or public acknowledgement, or have you developed a strong mental attitude with feedback?
To say I don’t care about ‘likes’ on social media would be wrong, but it is not the b all end all. I think if my images are recognised by at least crediting the photographer that’s good enough for me.

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What future goals do you have? What is still on the bucket list?
From a music perspective I would like to document a band, so, be a fly on the wall maybe during recording or show preparation. Images would be documentary style and predominantly black and white.

Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Any Pink Floyd
Artist – At the moment Gang of Youths
Movie – Pulp Fiction
Place to visit – Anywhere in Asia
Venue to play – The Tivoli
Food –  Thai
Drink – Death in the Afternoon
Person in History – Winston Churchill
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) – I have one, a Buddha.

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Want to see more of MIKE’s
Amnplify live photography?
Thousands of photos
are waiting for you
HERE

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Plus you can check out MIKE’s
online presence below
OneBigLink

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AMNPLIFY – DB