WinterWolf Studios Photography @ Interesting Photographers

Mar

03

2014

WinterWolf Studios Photography

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

I just recently upgraded to a Canon 6D; previously, I used a Canon 5D for years, and before that, a Canon 20D. I own a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L, a 50mm f/1.4, and a 70-200mm f/2.8L IS ll. I also keep a few Profoto lights and softboxes for my studio work, but I mostly keep my equipment to a minimum.

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

I wish I had some insightful answer for this, but honestly I’m very satisfied with my equipment. It really isn’t about the camera.. it’s always nice to upgrade my equipment and of course I do notice differences in image quality, but I’ve taken photos with old point-and-shoot cameras that I’ve appreciated just as much. As long as I’ve captured the mood I envisioned, I’m satisfied.

What is your favourite lens, and why?

I’m sure this is a popular answer, but I love my 50mm 1.4. I find myself using it constantly. It’s great in low light, it’s small and light, and it gives me good consistent results. I recommend it to everybody who asks.

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

…Depends where I’m travelling to! I always bring my 6D and my 50m 1.4 lens no matter what, but I can usually manage to bring all my lenses. I am pretty obsessed with natural lighting, so occasionally I’ll bring a reflector, but my lights usually don’t make my trips with me. I will say that I just recently purchased a Porteen Gear camera bag and I love it! It’s both functional and adorable.

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

I use Photoshop CS5 to retouch all my work. People frequently tell me they can recognize my work through the use of my colors, which I do enhance in Photoshop.

I started taking photographs when I was 17, though it wasn’t immediate love for me. It was fun, but what I really loved was editing my old modelling photos (I started out in the industry as a model). I started posting all my experimental work on DeviantART, where I randomly met my future ex-husband – who was a photographer – and my love for taking photos deepened after meeting him. Everything from beautiful colors to unique wardrobe to finding interesting hidden locations can all inspire me. I suppose I’m excited by anything that I consider unusual beauty.

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

Creative portraits! I love to people watch anyway, so it excites me to see an interesting face. I also love fashion… the more avant-garde, the better. Seamless paper backdrops aren’t really my thing.

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

It’s always a goal of mine to get my work out there as much as possible, whether it’s by social networking, publications, art shows, etc. I don’t ever want to grow lazy about expanding my company. It’s an amazing feeling of accomplishment when I’m proud of a photo I’ve created, not to mention how much it thrills me when I receive positive feedback and thoughtful messages. I hope to always enjoy my photographic journey and satisfy my clients (what a thrill to make a woman feel as beautiful as she is!). I’ll never reach all my goals because I will always keep reaching for more. There will always be ways to improve and advance.

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

http://www.girltripped.deviantart.com/art/Histrionics-and-Tea-134119303 This piece, “Histrionics and Tea”, has always been a favorite of mine. I have a big infatuation with masks, and this photo always grabs my attention. I couldn’t even say why, other than it almost looks inhuman.

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’m not sure what category my work would fall under. Alternative fashion photography? Conceptual portraits? It’s hard to really classify it. Some of my work is dark, some has a vintage feel, some is more fantasy and whimsy. I don’t tend to just focus on one thing to highlight in the photo; I like the model, make-up, wardrobe, and background to all fight for your attention. I want the viewer to not know where to look first. At the same time, I want every element of the photo to all flow together smoothly.

Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?

I’ve always felt loyal to DeviantArt, which I still check on an almost daily basis for exciting new work. There’s a lot of talent on that site. I also follow many of my favorite photographers’ Facebook pages to get my daily photo fixes.

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

Good lighting is so crucial to the photo. Also, a mistake I made when I was a beginner was caring too much about shooting “unique” angles. I equated shooting as many different extreme angles as I could per shoot as being innovative, but I was pretty much neglecting focusing on what was truly flattering to my models. I wince a little bit now when I see some of the bad angles I shot some of my first models at.