Verity Milligan: The Thrill of Morning Light and Misty Moments

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In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, host Angela Nicholson welcomes the talented Verity Milligan, an award-winning photographer based in Birmingham, UK. Verity is renowned for her stunning cityscapes of Birmingham and her breathtaking photographs of the natural world. Besides her personal projects, Verity creates content for globally recognized brands and has been a long-standing judge for the Landscape Photographer of the Year competition.

The conversation begins by highlighting Verity's enthusiasm for photography. Verity shares her exhilarating experiences of waking up at dawn, driven by the chance to capture unique, foggy landscapes. Her passion is evident as she describes the thrill of photographing rare weather conditions and sharing those moments with others.

Verity's journey into photography is unconventional. Initially, on an academic path, she pivoted from a master's degree in American visual culture and a stint running an independent cinema to teaching media theory and documentary filmmaking. Her photography journey began as a hobby and gradually became her career, leading her to choose between academia and freelancing. Ultimately, her love for photography won, allowing her to embrace a creative and flexible lifestyle.

Angela and Verity delve into the nuances of Verity's work, discussing how her background in documentary filmmaking influences her photography. Verity emphasizes the importance of storytelling and lighting, which she carries over from her video work to her still images. This narrative-driven approach sets her work apart, making her photographs not just visually stunning but also emotionally compelling.

The episode also explores the practical aspects of Verity's career, including her approach to client work and the challenges of managing expectations. Verity shares insights into her freelance life, the joy of outdoor photography and the delicate balance of maintaining creativity while fulfilling commercial demands. She highlights the importance of personal projects, which not only fuel her passion but also attract clients who appreciate her unique style.

Verity leads workshops, using her teaching experience to inspire and educate others. She emphasises the emotional connection with the landscape over technical perfection, fostering a supportive environment for her participants.

The discussion touches on the representation of women in photography. Verity notes the progress made but acknowledges the need for more female voices in senior roles, judging panels, and editorial positions.

Throughout the episode, Verity's genuine love for photography shines through. Whether capturing the beauty of Birmingham or the rugged landscapes of the Lake District, her work is a testament to her dedication and artistic vision.

Verity Milligan's journey is a reminder of the joy that comes from following one's passion and the endless possibilities that lie within the art of photography.

Keywords
photography, career, clients, personal projects, style, managing expectations, cities, workshops, photography workshops, comfort and confidence, balance, outdoor photography, joy, representation, female photographers, confidence imbalance, financial barriers, dawn vs dusk

Takeaways

• Personal projects can attract clients and help develop a unique style.
• Managing client expectations is crucial, especially when shooting in specific conditions.
• Photographers can become documentarians of change in cities.
• Leading workshops can be a way to earn money and connect with other photographers.
• Creating memorable experiences for workshop participants is important. 

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