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

I use a Canon 5D Mark II camera body and a variety of lenses including the 85mm f/1.8, 50mm f/1.4, and 70-200mm f/2.8. Each lens has a UV filter on it, and I carry all of that in a Lowepro camera bag. I’ve got a tripod, but I don’t generally use it unless I am shooting a self-portrait. Lastly, I’ve started to build a small collection of external lighting equipment. Right now, I have two lights (AlienBees), a few different modifiers (softboxes, umbrellas, beauty dishes), and Pocketwizards to trigger them.

 

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

For the most part, I’m pretty happy with my equipment. I am glad that my camera is full-frame. It allows me to shoot in low-light situations without compromising the aesthetics of my images. I do wish I had more lights to work with. I’m currently in the stages of experimenting with different lighting setups and trying to work high-key lighting scenarios into my style. I feel it could be easier with a few more lights in my arsenal, but so far, I’m doing alright with it.

 

What is your favourite lens, and why?

It depends what I’m shooting. For most of my fine art work, I prefer the 85mm f/1.8, as I find it to be attractive focal length. It allows me to be close enough to engage with my subject yet stay far away so as to capture the scene as if I were an onlooker rather than someone directing it. When shooting portraits and fashion, I stick to the 70-200mm f/2.8, because it allows for a lot of variety depending on whether I am shooting close-ups of the subject or full-body shots.

 

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

I don’t have that much equipment, so I usually just take it all (excluding the studio lighting, as it’s much too large and bulky).

 

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

I use Photoshop CS5 exclusively.

 

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

I’ve been taking photographs for three years now, since the age of sixteen. I find inspiration in everyday life, through listening to music and reading novels. I find these methods more effective than looking at anything visually, as it allows for the individual to imagine his own scenes rather than being influenced by what he views visually.

 

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

I really enjoy surreal photography. It allows for the most creativity, in my opinion.

 

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

I know it’s a really cliché answers, but my ultimate goal is just to be able to make a comfortable living through photography and to stay happy and able to create what my heart desires. I have so many stories buzzing around in my head that I don’t think I will be able to die until I’ve told them all.

 

Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.

This is my favorite: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alex-stoddard/8055207956/in/photostream because I love the dark atmosphere playing alongside the innocence of the child subject. There is a strong composition and concept to it.

 

 Does your work fit into any one or more distinct genres  (nature, landscape, long-exposure, black-and-white,  infra-red, urban, artistic, macro, vintage, vernacular, social, street)? If other, please specify.

I suppose, of those listed, it would fit into artistic photography.

 

Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?

There are a few that I visit pretty regularly: Flickr, Phlearn, FStoppers, [FRAMED].

 

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

I must create for myself first and foremost. Everyone else comes second.

 

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

There’s an artist named Marwane Pallas who I think is absolutely brilliant. I’d like to see him on here.