Lilian Blot

Born in Le Mans (France) in 1969, Lilian Blot (aka Frenchy) moved to England in 1999. Currently working at Durham University as a research fellow he has lived in many place in the UK and France before arriving in Durham in 2009. Keen traveller Lilian enjoys being outdoors in remote places and spending time taking picture or just watching what nature has to offer.

MY PHOTOGRAPHY

Probably my main interest is landscape photography. The only drawback is that I'm not a morning person. I like anything visual and graphic. Perhaps this is one of the reason I am attracted to abstract subject, macro photography and architectural subject. I am starting to work a little bit more in Black & White and investigate the many possibilities of long exposure. I think it would be fair to say I would take a picture of about anything as long as I find it interesting.

THE  BIGGEST INFLUENCE

Perhaps I should say my parents, who offered me my first reflex (film) in 2005. They got me started in taking photography more seriously. I realised quickly I should go digital as my abilities (or lack of it) in using film meant great expenses for little results. Regarding influences, I would say exhibition, magazines and the web. You can see so many different work to get inspired from. However, for me nothing beats seeing the prints from up close.

MY FIRST CAMERA

I can't remember the model nor the brand of my first camera, however I still have it back in France, as well as the very old camera with which I took my first picture. It looks so old It might even be a collectable now.

MY FAVOURITE CURRENT KIT

If I had to get marooned in the middle of nowhere for months I would take my Nikon D90 with a wide angle lens, my tripod and a set of filters (Cokin circular polarizer and my B+W ten stop neutral density and ND gradutated filter). If I had a little bit more space I would add my Tamron 90mm macro. That should keep me busy for a while as long as I don't forget to take a charger.

MY FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPHERS

I don't have one in particular, I have a long list of bookmarks in my browser. If you like anything related to sailing and the sea, I recommend Jonathan Chritchley, and for long exposure I like Alper Cukur a Turkey based photographer specialised in long exposure. There is also Mondino who had a big influence in the 90s.

ME AND THE DPS

I joined the DPS in December 2010 . So far did not have any winning pictures, came close a few times though.

THE 3 THINGS I ENJOY MOST BEING A MEMBER OF THE DPS

-         The assignments must be in first place. It's a great way to know a little bit more about other members and a good opportunity to try new things. Adding to that the review session where you can see what other have done on the same location is very interesting.

-         The people

-         A very good program, I am looking forward to several invited speaker in 2011. Seeing their printed work is a plus and you can judge how the printing process can be key to a successful photo.

AN AMBITION (In photography)

To have a RPS distinction starting with a Licentiate-ship and, perhaps after few years, an Associateship.

THE PEARL

Participate to the assignments, you'll have at least one day out taking pictures every month. Show your pictures to other fellow members, competition is a good start and at least you will have some feedback from judges. Don't be disheartened if others don't like your pictures, not everybody will, that is why there is so much diversity in photography and make it so exciting.

www.lilianblot.com