Angie McMonigal Photography  

http://www.angiemcmonigal.com/

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiemcmonigalphotography/

 

 

What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?

I shoot with a Nikon D700 and most often with my Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. I also have the Nikkor macro 105mm f/2.8 and 50mm f/1.4 lenses. I tend to keep the equipment simple, I don’t use any filters, rarely use flash unless it’s for portrait work and then I use the SB800. I don’t often use a tripod but have a Manfrotto tripod and ballhead. I should probably spend a little more time researching and trying out new equipment but I generally like to keep things basic and simple. I would, however, love the Nikkor 14-24mm f2.8 lens!

 

What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?

I’d say what I like least about my camera is the noisy shutter release and how heavy it is. But, overall, I love the quality of images and the good performance at higher ISO’s.

 

What is your favourite lens, and why?

My favourite lens is definitely the 24-70mm f/2.8. I’d say I use it for over 90% of my shots. As stated before I really do prefer travelling light in terms of equipment and this lens is extremely versatile and covers most shooting situations I find myself in. I primarily shoot architectural or urban landscape images and this lens covers what range of focal lengths I most often need.

 

When you travel, what is in your essential kit bag?

That really depends on the trip and whether I’m travelling with my kids. Certainly there’s the camera, 24-70mm lens, batteries, memory cards, chargers and if I plan to do night shooting of course my tripod is along. If I’m not travelling with my children I’ll typically rent a the 14-24mm lens and I do bring my 50mm f/1.4 lens as well. Again, I keep it pretty basic. And I always have my iPhone, sometimes it’s just fun to pull that out for some Instagram shots and you never know when you might need to locate a specific location.

 
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?

I use Lightroom 3 to organize and cull my images and do basic adjustments there…exposure, WB, contrast, clarity, noise reduction if necessary. Then I’ll process most images to some degree in CS6. I don’t do a huge amount of post-processing but I think cleaning them up and enhancing them with basic adjustments gives them a more polished presence.

 
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration?

I got my first SLR in 2001 as a gift (my first DSLR in 2006) and have been shooting sporadically since then, but with more focus since late 2011. I got a little more serious about photography in 2004, taking a few classes at the Chicago Photography Center, but most of what I’ve learned has been self-taught through books, magazines, on-line searches and simply through trial and error. I spent a few years mainly shooting portraits and in late 2011 got back to shooting the fine art and architectural genre that made me fall in love with photography in the first place.

In terms of inspiration, there are so many places to get inspired. One of the most important is to expose yourself to different experiences…new music, visits to a museum or gallery, new destinations, and if that’s not possible just exploring a new area in my hometown gets me inspired. I also find so much inspiration in fellow photographers. People that are photographer friends here in Chicago that I can go out and shoot with and talk about all this photo stuff. Even those relationships that are developed through social media; Facebook, Google+, 500px and Twitter have been great. Not to mention the outstanding photos I see on all these sites, they help me see things in a different way.

 

Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?

 I most prefer architectural photography. I feel like I’m constantly trying to find a new way to view a building or piece of artwork and show it to viewers in a way that they may not have seen before. I find it fun to see the buildings and structures in new ways by isolating specific elements within the designs. Also, living in the profound architectural city of Chicago fuels my interest. I really am mesmerized by the soaring skyscraper’s throughout the city and the architects who had the vision to bring these masterpieces to fruition.

 

What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?

Just recently getting back to what I love shooting most, my main goal is to develop a clear style and subject matter with my shooting. I also want to work more on focusing on starting and completing specific series of work. This is something I’ve struggled with and only recently have found a clear(er) path toward this goal. I recently completed my From the ‘L’ series and am working on a new series A Thousand Points of Light. There will always be ongoing series that I feel aren’t ever really complete but maybe that will change with time and with me as I change. As far as knowing when I’ve reached my goal…I don’t know that I’ll ever feel it’s been reached, it’s always changing and evolving into something new.

 

Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why?

I’d have to say my favourite piece of my work is the black and white shot of the Calatrava sails of the Milwaukee Art Museum, http://500px.com/photo/7284637. This was the first shot I took that feels like it defines my style and the simplicity and strength I try to find in my subject matter. I also love black and white photography and love that there is very little gray in the image, I really do like the extremes in tones.

 

Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?

I regularly visit Lenscratch, FeatureShoot, FlakPhoto and 500px.

 

What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?

To find what style of photography you’re most passionate about and put your efforts into perfecting your techniques and vision within that style. Also, you need to develop a thick skin, there is no shortage of criticism and rejection that comes with pursuing photography and putting it out there in the world. And to never give up.

 

And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?

I really think Hengki Koentjoro’s work is outstanding. Vicki Reed’s photography is beautiful. Clarissa Bonet’s work is very compelling. And, Satoki Nagata’s street photography is excellent, I especially love his Lights in Chicago series.