Rich Spencer

I am a photographer specialising in portraiture and concert images. I work largely in the reportage/documentary style for an enhanced sense of realism. I work with up to date professional digital equipment and software to get the best out of my images and ensure a lasting impact for every project I undertake.

I studied Fine Art at the School of Art, Aberystwyth University. Amongst other traditional academic areas such as painting and illustration, the course provided me with practical skills in film photography - shooting with a manual camera and hand developing my shots.

In my free time I honed my skill while pursuing my personal interest in Live Music and shot regularly for local and visiting acts including: Eric Bibb, Cara Dillon, Rag Foundation and Spiers & Boden of Bellowhead.

I established Freeboprich Photography in 2007 to focus my efforts on commercial concert and event photography. It began with an invitation to shoot at the Royal Festival Hall in London and the next year I started working on commission for Staffordshire Performing Arts working at Symphony Hall, Birmingham on several occasions and other venues.

In 2009 I developed a side project with my friend, Emma Harrison whose interest in vintage clothing and lifestyle has led us to our collaboration on portrait/fashion shoots, under the guise of Sweethearts Vintage Photography. The experience in studio practise has proved invaluable as directing a shoot varies greatly from capturing a performance. We have since completed a fashion shoot commission for Birmingham based jewellers, Magnus & Bella.

From April to December 2011 I collaborated on the local events blog, LichLIVE to review and enhance the image of Lichfield based acts and arts establishments. Despite the blog coming to an end due to other commitments, we are still intent on promoting and doing our bit for local music.

As of 2012 I have started to take on Wedding commissions as well as expressly commercial projects for the first time.