Limited Editions by Ronnie Baxter

Ronnie Baxter sells a selection of his photos in limited editions on Photocircle. With the sales the photographer and Photocircle help to improve the situation of Syrian refugees in Jordan. We talked to Ronnie so that you can get to know this great photographer a little better.

Who is Ronnie Baxter? 

After studying photography at Napier University in Edinburgh I started working as a commercial studio photographer and I’ve now been working in photography for over 30 years.

As a personal project over the last 3 or 4 years I’ve been exploring coastal landscape photography again  – the joy of walking the coast early in the morning and late in the evening gives me the opportunity to forget about clients, deadlines and budgets.

My images are all about balance and mood, with B/W treatment often my preference. I use long exposures and ND filters and (I hope) this helps remove any distractions and allows me to separate the elements that are part of my compositions and personal vision.

What’s your favorite place to take photos?

For the moment – although I sometimes stray further – I seldom go more than 50 miles from home. It’s often the little visited and unglamourous locations that provide inspiration for me. The need to travel to exotic and distant places – although I’m sure it would be enjoyable – is not always necessary. Sometimes the most gorgeous things are right on your door-step if you take the time to look.

What is important to you when shooting?

Patience (I’ll often spend 3 or 4 hours looking without taking the camera out of the bag), re-visiting locations and the quality of the light are very important – I look closely at weather forecasts  and tidal charts and try to plan trips when the conditions will suit, although in Scotland the conditions can change quickly and often – which is sometimes frustrating and sometimes fun in equal measure.

What’s your favorite camera / equipment? 

Over the decades I’ve shot on just about all formats, although I now work exclusively digitally. My favourite camera is – to use an old quotation – ‘The one I have with me’.

What makes a good photographer?

Gosh, if I knew that I’d bottle it and sell it! Seriously though – have something to say – a viewpoint – experiment – keep looking and learning – study others work and learn from it – be inquisitive – shoot and reshoot again and again – devour photographs, films, art and anything that can inspire you. Do all of this and more and you’ll be heading in the right direction.

For the last few years you have been lecturing in photography at various Edinburgh Colleges and Universities. Do you prefer lecturing or going out taking photos yourself? 

I enjoy both – working as a Lecturer and being able to see students progress and develop their work is immensely rewarding – although I do look out the window something and curse I’m not out shooting in favourable light !

What will be your main focus in the years to come? 

To develop my teaching practise and continue shooting.

Thanks for the interview Ronnie! 

Have a look at Ronnie Baxter’s gallery on Photocircle and discover more of his work. Check out his website or follow him on Facebook to stay up to date on his latest projects.