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

 

I shoot with a Canon 6D body; and use Canon 17-40mm f4 L, 50mm f1.4, and 70-200mm f4 L lenses; Cokin ND8, graduated ND4, and circular polarizing filters; a Hähnel shutter release; Velbon Sherpa tripod; and Lowepro Messenger and Trekker bags.

 

 

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

 

I like all my gear – I feel that it serves my needs well. The 6D is a fairly new purchase, but I think it’s a great camera for its price point and quality. The only change I would make to my gear, maybe, would be to pick up either a 24-70mm or 24-105mm f4 L lens – to help fill the gap and operate as a flexible, general purpose lens.

 

 

What is your favourite lens, and why?

 

My 50mm is probably my favourite. It’s my newest (and cheapest) lens – but it’s light, fast, and forces me to be more physical in my framing. It’s a great general purpose lens, and works well in urban settings.

 

 

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

 

I usually just pack as much as I can – making sure that I have enough power and memory for the trip.

 

 

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

 

I use Lightroom for general import/export, organization, and processing – and Photoshop for more intensive work.

 

 

How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration? How do you take your pictures?

 

I’ve been taking pictures for over 12 years, but only seriously in the last 2-3 years. I find inspiration in both natural and urban environments – but have been focusing primarily on architecture and urban landscapes. I take pictures in a variety of ways. Sometimes, it’s simply being in the right place at the right time (and having your gear with you) – and other times it’s the result of deciding on a particular subject matter or a theme, researching locations and shooting positions, waking up early or staying up late, battling weather, and then just waiting for the right time to release the shutter.

 

 

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

 

I really enjoy architectural work. In a previous life, I was a graphic designer – and have a fondness for seeing things broken down into grids and presented in simple expressions of a more complex whole. That said, it’s hard not to be blown away by the natural landscape and the endless supply of beauty that exists all around us.

 

 

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

 

My goal with photography is to continually grow and refine my skills and body of work, with the intention of making a career out of shooting architecture – whether it be for firms, designers, developers, etc. I’ll know I’m there when I have to start turning down work, or hiring help. Fingers crossed…

 

 

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

 

I try not to have favourites, particularly with my own photography. That said, I’m quite happy with how my ‘Venezia’ works turned out. Not only is it great to visit new places, but it opens your eyes to new environments – everything is new. Both series of ‘Venezia’ works can be found on my website (http://www.corystevens.ca/).

 

 

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.

 

Although my focus is currently architecture-heavy – including several architecture-inspired, digital abstract series – I also enjoy being in nature, shooting landscapes, waterfalls, etc. I currently don’t like the idea of limiting my work to one or two particular genres, because I still enjoy the freedom of being able to do what I want. Photography, for me, is primarily a creative expression – so I don’t want to restrict my work to the confines of a particular genre, at least right now. That said, I understand the benefit of having a signature look and feel to one’s work – and I expect that my position on this may change over time.

 

 

Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?

 

Behance (http://www.behance.net/) is a great place to see lots of amazing work by contemporary photographers, as is 500px (http://500px.com/). I also like Faded + Blurred (http://fadedandblurred.com/) and Resource Magazine (http://resourcemagonline.com/) for their content. But these are only a few of the many publications that I follow and participate in.

 

 

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

 

Photographs don’t take themselves – you have to get out there and make it happen.

 

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

 

The list is too long. Behance is full of great photographers – I would look there first.

 

 

Cory Stevens Photography