Andrew Fyfe is a landscape photographer who believes in the importance of artistic skill over technological knowledge and professional training. Fotoflock.com spoke to him.

Was nature inspirational to you even as a child? What were the simple things that attracted you the most about what was around you?
To be honest, when I was young, my outdoor interests didn't feature landscape photography or photography of any kind but, saying that, I was always outdoors hiking or biking or, when a little older, running. I really enjoy camping which I have done for many years now, so yes I guess that I have always been an outdoor person which now includes landscape photography.

Landscape photography is your forte… Did you experiment with any other subjects before you realised your gift for conveying nature in all its beauty?
Not really, it was like a light switching on in my head. Quite literally, one day I decided that I would love to do landscape photography. Actually it was during a family walk with my new two-megapixel compact camera that I found I really enjoyed taking shots and I took it from there. I was inspired by the likes of Joe Cornish as I didn't even realise it was possible to take photos that looked so good.

How important is technology to you? Do you think photography without digitisation is like smoke without the fire?
As someone who has worked in the technology industry for over fifteen years with a degree in Computer Science, I believe that technology of any kind, whether it be a digital or film camera, is no more than a tool for the job and focusing on the tools is going to be a major stumbling block. Megapixels, smegapixels in my mind! I think the key photographic kit is your own technical and those elusive artistic skills, after that, I think lenses are very important and then the camera body. In fact I wouldn't go out to take photos without that critical technology known as kitchen roll – to dry the ND Grad filters when the air is very damp and they mist over.

When and why did you decide to sell fine art landscape photography online? Do you find the online space more viable than say, exhibitions?
My view is that an online portfolio gives your work a home but personally I think seeing the work printed up is better. A word to the wise: be very careful when deciding to part with your cash for exhibitions; it can be a rip off unless you are working with a well-recognised and respected gallery. If you want an exhibition, in my view hire a hall in the holiday season and advertise by leaflet dropping  i.e. D.I.Y.

What other media of art do you enjoy? Do you bring over some of that appreciation into your photography?
I really like aviation art, as I have always enjoyed aircraft and appreciate the work a little more now I understand some of what goes into creating a composition. I was really interested to discover that one of my wife's relations was the highest scoring night fighter pilot for the Allied Forces in WWII.

A year ago, you took part in the 'Take a View' exhibition held at the National Theatre in London. How was the experience?
It was really nice to see one of my shots displayed in the National Gallery, especially the projection on the outside wall of the National Gallery. I really enjoyed seeing the other work on display and seeing the likes of Charlie Waite. It was nice to meet some really good landscape photographers such an Ian Flindt. It was great that the Times published my image on a large part of page three of their weekend travel supplement.

Doing landscape photography must have given you the chance to travel a lot. Have you been to any places that are must-visits simply because of their natural beauty? What kind of practice techniques would you suggest to photographers interested in improving their landscape work?
Yes, landscape photography has taken me around the UK more than I think I would have and I have really enjoyed that element of it. I really enjoy the Lake District and think it’s a great place to start. As for bettering your skills, I think one approach is to focus on one small area near your home and see what you can do with it over a year, trying to better the best shots you have done.

Did you study photography professionally? Do you believe it's important to do so to be adept at handling professional assignments?
No, my background is amateur as far as landscape photography is concerned; but yes, a professional attitude is called for when you are asking people to part with their hard-earned money or commit to an assignment.

What are the necessary specializations to make it as a photographer?
Simply put, photographers need to make sure that you enjoy what you do and stick at it. Get feedback from others from forums and hear what folks have to say about your work.

Photos by Andrew Fyfe | Fotosocial