Every picture tells a story, and in the case of Dr Denise Maxwell, owner of Lensi Photography, her images speak volumes about the quality of her work and the calibre of her subjects.
It’s a far cry from her days as a student with the University of Wolverhampton, where, as the first person in her family to go to university, she studied social policy and women’s studies at the Dudley Campus. “I remember spending a lot of time doing presentations – avoiding doing exams at all costs – they’ve never been my forte. It felt very surreal for me. Most of the way through I still felt I was figuring stuff out as I went along.”
This gift for presenting has certainly worked its way to the foreground of Denise’s career, as she’s now a photographer, educator and inspirational speaker, having made a huge career change when made redundant from her job in the NHS, setting up Lensi Photography thirteen years ago.
Not that it didn’t come with fears and risks, especially in terms of making a good income from photography: “I did have a hiccup where I got scared of not being able to earn what I needed to and got a proper job as a lecturer at a local college… I hated the job so much, the workload and lack of work/life balance was so stressful, I made the decision that could not be my life. It made me even more determined to make photography work.”
Now Denise mentors and teaches others how to succeed, and crucially, make money, through photography. Entering the industry wasn’t easy, and she’s determined to be seen so that she can inspire others like her.
I’ve been humbled by being the last person to photograph a family’s loved one before they have passed, the photos then become so valuable.
“I knew no one like me making it as a photographer. Nearly every photographer I knew was a white, middle-class male. Their achievements were great, but I always left with the feeling ‘great for you, things are going to be different for me.’ I couldn’t relate to their experiences, entry into, and progression through the profession. I cannot explain how much of an impact it would have had to see someone that looked like me or was from where I was from to look up to.
“Everything is a lot more accessible now with social media, but if I can be that ‘see it so you can be it’ person to someone else, based on any part of what makes me who I am: a woman, a black woman, a yam yam, from a working class background, a mother, who changed career from something completely different – that would be a huge blessing. I have had people contact me to tell me this – it makes me feel honoured.”
With a talent for multi-genre photography, Denise’s portfolio – and growing list of awards – is extensive. She’s photographed some of the most well-known people in the world including, HM Queen Elizabeth, Barack Obama, Ye (formerly Kanye West) Stormzy and Usain Bolt as well as covered events such as the BAFTAs, London Fashion Week and the Brit Awards and she was an official photographer for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. She also recently shot for Starling Bank’s “Make Money Equal” campaign to change the way women are pictured in financial situations compared to men.
“Photography has taken me all over the world. Rwanda, Vegas and Switzerland have been some of my favourite places. I have stood side by side with people I used to watch on television, or swoon over in concert. I accidentally kicked Lewis Hamilton while photographing him! My arm trembled getting a photo with Usher when I had to photograph him. I have stood in arenas I used to watch on TV, photographing events we used to watch as a family, such as Eurovision.”
However, it’s not always the highest-profile subjects that have meant most to Denise. “I have a client list that features some of the most recognisable names in business but I felt nothing but honour and warmth doing portraits of an older women who whispered to me after her shoot: ‘Thank you for giving me back my confidence, I didn’t think I would look like this again.’ I’ve been humbled by being the last person to photograph a family’s loved one before they have passed, the photos then become so valuable.”
“I love the variety that my work gives me. I enjoy the fact that I am shooting different things on different days, which is constantly testing me, making me think about how I shoot. I enjoy each subject for different reasons: the pace of music and concerts because I love stages and people performing; branding portraits because I love contributing to how people brand their businesses; the fast pace of sports; documenting events - there is so much to love.
“I document life. I document history. I can bring attention to situations and stories. I help companies and individuals to tell stories or their brand, services and their business. I work in a medium that nearly every business and individual will connect with at some point.”
Last year the University awarded Denise an honorary degree in recognition of her work. “Obviously I studied something completely different to what I now do. However, in terms of being able to work with people and assess situations, being driven and self-motivated – those are all things that have helped me as a self-employed person, owning their own business. My career has gone to places that I’d never imagined. Studying for a degree can lead to lots of different things and your career can lead to anywhere.”
Saying she was “completely chuffed” and “absolutely overjoyed” at receiving her degree, the question now is, what does the future hold?
“Each year I create a list of events or people I would like to shoot or other milestones in my business. I am a bit superstitious so I wouldn’t want to put it out there for everyone to see! So I can’t share them here. There is a Jamaican superstition about ‘washing your mouth on things’ which is about speaking about them before they come to life.
“There are projects I still want to do; celebs I want to say I have in my portfolio and events I want to shoot. I have further goals to reach in business and topics to explore. Photography is endless, there are literally projects around every corner, everyone is just going to have to watch this space to see what comes next!”
