Hello, I’m John Kemp: a Derby photographer with over thirty years experience both teaching and practising photography. Those years have provided me with a strong command of technique, a good awareness of creative approaches, and an understanding that professional photography is about more than simply shooting and supplying pictures. I believe that quality photographs come firstly from the imagination of the photographer, but should be backed up with first-class technical knowledge and equipment.
I provide photography services in Derbyshire, the East Midlands and UK wide for commercial clients, including location and studio work. I also take commissions from private individuals, such as portraits, actor headshots, promotional shots for bands, etc. I’m active as a creative photographer, shooting for my own pleasure on a weekly basis.
The knowledge and experience I’ve gained from teaching in Art & Design mean that I can provide a fresh, creative approach to the brief. When the job is done, as a Derby photographer I also offer ongoing advice and support with issues such as digital resizing and printing.
My life in photography started early as I grew up in a family of photographers. My uncle was a professional photographer for Kodak UK, and both my grandfather and father were very keen amateurs. As a child I watched them developing prints in their home darkroom, and was often treated to slide shows of my uncle’s globe-trotting adventures, so it was probably inevitable that their enthusiasm for the medium would rub off on me. I took a Diploma in Visual Communications (Photography & Graphic Design), and then progressed to a BA Hons in Photographic Studies at the University of Derby. I have since taught Photography and Design to Degree, Art Foundation, A Level and BTEC students, many of whom are now photographers and designers themselves.
Please browse the galleries to view samples of my work, and contact me directly to discuss your requirements for photography.
John Kemp