Conversations with Ffion Thomas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ffion Thomas

Ffion, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I moved out to Arizona, from England, in July of 2023 to study photography. Back in England, I’d mainly worked in the corporate world and really felt that I just didn’t fit in. After deciding that this life wasn’t for me, I packed up my life in 7 suitcases and moved out to Arizona. I’d known for a long time that I wanted to be a Photographer, but just didn’t know where I wanted my focus to be. This is where my Professor Buzzy Sullivan came in and gave me a reality check just before summer break and told me that I have talent, but I need to find where to focus that. A friend of mine in the music industry saw my potential and invited me along to a rehearsal for a local music artist, Squydd, and the rest is history! Now I work with a number of local music artists and capture their shows, take their portraits and images for album covers. Alongside my photography work with musicians, I am a photography mentor with local organistion, Kids in Focus.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Going into the creative industry was harder than I thought and contrary to what a lot of people think, you really have to work hard regardless of whether you’re talented or not. You can take great photos, but if you don’t network and put yourself out there, nothing will come from it. This was one of my main struggles as I had (and for sure still have) a lack of self-confidence in my work. This made networking and building relationships difficult as I tended to just hide behind my lens and whoever I was with. Now however, I have started to change my mindset and feel more confident with myself and my work. Networking is a lot easier the more you do it and I have gained amazing friendships through this process.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialise in concert/show photography. My goal with my photos is to recreate the experience of the performance, not just for those attending, but so the artists can see and feel what their audience felt. I think I am known for having clean images that really portray the essence of the show and I don’t stray too far from reality in my editing, which helps me have fast delivery times too. This sets me apart from other photographers as they are very real and you can feel the emotion in my photos. The moments I am most proud of are just generally when people are excited about my work. There have been a couple of times where I’ve gone to exchange Instagram handles with someone and as they’ve viewed my profile, they see they already follow me and excitedly say “wait that’s you?” and those moments have been so surreal. It may seem small, but that validation from people you have and haven’t worked with is amazing and makes me so happy that I am where I am.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
Wow there are so many that I don’t even know where to start. As mentioned before, my professor Buzzy Sullivan. After one semester with him, he saw my potential but knew I really didn’t know where to take it and he really pushed me to find what I was passionate about. Another would be the welcoming essence of the musical community in the Valley and my family here, and back in the UK. Finally, I of course credit my close friends Sarah, Jen, Izzi, Nicole and Anela for being my biggest cheerleaders and supporting me through all of the ups and downs that come with being a creative.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ffionthomasphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ffionthomasphotography/profilecard/?igsh=MXgwNjc0OG1vZzRvOA==

Image Credits
FfionThomasPhotography