Jan
13
2014
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
Sep
06
2013Julian Escardo Photography
http://julianescardo.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/FJEimages?fref=ts
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
I am a Nikon guy. I currently shoot a Nikon D300 and my chief lens is a fantastic Nikon 14-24, 1:2.8G ED, excellent for architecture. I also have a Sigma 10-20, that extra angle comes veeeeeery handy sometimes, I cannot tell you how many times it got me out of a bind when needing to capture that extra curve or an edge. Oddly enough and due to the type of photography I capture I don’t own a tripod; I do all my work hand held, though I brace my body as a tripod or control my breathing when shooting straight up or in tight spaces. I never lie down of the floor as it has been suggested. No flash or filters for the moment. I will get a tripod soon when I can afford one, it is stupid not to have one.
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
Oh this is a good question….my current camera is great, that’s all I can say. If anything I am grateful to have it. But, I bought it just before the D700 came out and I really miss the full frame feature. I guess if I had to start again today I would go with a smaller Leica, perfect lenses too and not as menacing as the big SLRs, especially because I attach the double battery/grip and that makes it huge. I’ve been kicked out of several places and I think it is because the image big equipment portrays is that of ‘being up to something’. Same for people, they scare people too.
What is your favourite lens, and why?
As mentioned, the 14-24 – fast and reliable (heavy!!). I would love to experiment with a good fisheye. My next lens if I stay with this general configuration will be either a prime 135mm or a 24-70 to begin working on some street photography and details.
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
Camera body, main lens (already mentioned), also the sigma 10-20 and I pack a very old 50 mm, 1.8, manual focus. I love this last one for artistic details, compos requiring depth of field, plain having to move into position to frame, etc. I always pack a cleaning brush pen and a large microfiber cloth. I can’t tell you how many times I grab the lens thinking the cap is on and I put a finger smudge on the glass. And anyone that says they haven’t done that is full of crap.
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
Lightroom 5 and PS Elements 11. That’s it. I am very basic when it comes to processing. I try and stay pure and focus on my basic style; yes I dodge, straighten a bit and color/tone correct. All I can say is that I shoot photos, not layers, if you know what I mean, so when I go to the ‘lab’ all the basic structure is there and I don’t have to clip but crop, or replace, transport, borrow skies or add elements that were not there to begin with. If it is cloudy and you need blue skies you come back, period, old school style…if the light is not good you take a break and come back later. With all we have a our disposal that may sound stupid but it is that kind of old fashioned approach that makes it gritty and exciting, I love the process, and the results are the results and they are true.
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration?
I have been taking photographs since 2006, but I did a stint in the late 70’s with two great Canon cameras, first the AT1 and then the AE1, I loved it and them. I shot landscapes in Canada, mostly winter scenes. TriX film 400 bw, had my own enlarger, the Ilford paper, etc. It lasted one full year and then bam! I sold all my gear and never looked back, I needed the money, I was getting married, etc., but the bug was always there to come back one day. I had to wait I guess. I came back during a big change in my life, I needed to adapt to coming back to LA after many years of being absent. I bought a D50 with whatever lens came with it (18-55) and I went out to take pictures, compartmentalize the city, break it down to begin relating to it once again. One day I turned a corner, downtown, I was suddenly face to face with Frank Gehry’s Disney Concert Hall, I was immediately hooked, I had found architecture, geometry, lines, sensuality, form. I chose digital this time around. Yet, I’m looking for an AT1 at the moment…for old time’s sake.
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration? How do you take your pictures?
It is everywhere! otherwise I walk and walk and walk. When I visit a building I like I try to sense it, I walk it first, I pretend I’m strapped to the architect’s pencil when he drew the first drafts. I take my time. Then I take a few shots to begin extracting the essence, understand the language, capture it’s elegance.
I take my photographs any way I can…..Mostly I stand and look straight up. By the time I take the camera to my head I already have the image composed. I do square format so when I take control of the camera I have to factor in that crop, not always easy.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
hummmmmm, probably the hardest question to answer. I did a Disney Concert Hall piece in LA, my favorite building thus far and the one that is responsible for my love of architecture and forms. Here’s the link, it is totally abstracted and even has a light texture, an unusual POV for that building and I couldn’t even look through the viewfinder to take it because there was a wall in front of me so I raised the camera and shot blind. I love the harmony, the negative space.
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.
My work fits into two categories I guess: architecture and abstracts, with many of those abstracts being architectural abstracts. My work fits into the category of Architecture, Black and White, Geometry, Urban, Artistic and Design…at the risk of sounding silly.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
Yes, I cruise the internet to view the work of other photographers, read blogs, and stay current, get inspiration. The sources are so varied it would be unfair to name just two or three.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
My most important lesson when taking photographs? Oh well, the same as in life, listen and be ready. After that, focus, be yourself, don’t gamble yet take chances, feel your surroundings, use all your senses and be safe. I can’t tell you how many times I could have fallen from a height or gotten killed by oncoming traffic. I shoot alone like most photographers so I have no one to warn me when I go into a trance and start photographing if I’m walking backwards and risk losing my foothold. When I get in the groove I forget to eat, go to the bathroom, or drink water. I am one with my subject and nothing can disturb me.
Sep
02
2013Rita Vita Finzi Photography
www.flickr.com/photos/
www.blurb.com/my/store (my books)
www.redbubble.com/explore/
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
I don’t have any very “rich” and sophisticated equipment – and, actually, I don’t think you really need it. I have a very good camera – Canon 7D – and some very good lenses: Canon 70-200mm f/4, Canon 85mm f/1.8, Sigma 35mm f/1.4, Tamron 90mm f/2.8, Sigma 10-20mm 4-5.6, Canon 17-85mm 5.6; an old Manfrotto tripod and no filters – they will be my next purchase (e.g. for more and better long exposure experiments).
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
Honestly, the only reason sometimes I think about changing my camera is that with high iso it is annoying noisy – therefore the idea of a Canon EOS 5D Mark III is tempting me. But more than this, at the moment I am thinking/dreaming about a “step back” to analog photography (+ home printing) because I think that it is absolutely unique especially for black and white photos – so sharp, rich in tones and details and precious. I think this is my next “challenge” – yes, I think this would improve my equipment and my photography a lot.
What is your favourite lens, and why?
Sigma 35mm f/1.4: it is simply “perfection” – unbelievably bright and sharp, excellent for so many subjects – architecture, details, nature, close-up, and highly performing even in the worse light conditions. And nothing to envy to the Canon one, but really less expensive.
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
It is always difficult to organize my photo kit bag when I fly, but I couldn’t go without my 35, 85 and 70-200; recently I take my 10-20 often with me, if I hadn’t it in Calatrava station (Liege) I would have cried 🙂
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
I bought Aperture sometimes ago, and I am quite satisfied by it (for quick and easy post process); then Photoshop CS5, for more sophisticated works (what I call my “artworks”).
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration? How do you take your pictures?
Photography for me is a quite recent discovery – I bought my first camera in 2007 – a tiny but lovely Konika Minolta DIMAGE A200 – then one year later my first Canon (Eos 350D), then a Canon 40D and now a Canon 7D. Before 2007, I didn’t even know what photography was …
About inspiration: difficult to reply – what I love is, more than subject itself, to be able to “see” things with different eyes, or, at least, to try it; what inspires me can be a particular light, some shadows, shapes or colours – a particular bokeh, or a situation, things like these. Anyway, first of all I am fascinating by architecture, geometries and composition (“urbanabstractions”) and I find inspiration from the world around me, travelling or just walking around; as much, inspiration comes by great “masters”, contemporary and not, and, why not? from the photo communities on the internet, that have had a very important role in my photographic development.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
Minimal photography – can be architecture or nature – is one of the two things I love the most. There are many reasons for this, one for all is that taking photographs means to me the attempt to go to the “core” of something, to catch the mistery, the harmony, the music, the meaning, the feeling and the vision. “Taking away” to arrive to the essence, yes, I think this is what I point to.
Another thing I love is creating “artworks”, taking inspiration and starting from a shot of mine, and transforming it into something completely different – process that allows my mind to fly.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
Well, difficult to answer this question: I think my principal goal is “enjoying” (that means silence, concentration, observation, even contemplation, time) and together with it learning – I still have a lot to learn, and improving, day by day. Therefore I am going on enjoying photography and the very special pleasure it gives to me. Anyway, at the moment I am into a sort of “transition moment”: looking for new challenges, as I wrote above: black and white + people (portraits and street shots), this is what I am looking at.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
Gosh, this IS difficult, and no, not because I think I have plenty of masterpieces!, but just because many shots take me back to some situation, or feeling, or particular moment. This said, may I provide more than one link? Just three, that can somehow represent my photography:
1. Architecture – Santiago Calatrava’s breathe: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritavitafinzi/6958548603/in/set-72157622803581807
2. Nature – “On the motionless branches of some trees … : http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritavitafinzi/6254445893/
3. Artworks – http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritavitafinzi/4425219843/
“TREES” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?
“DREAMS IN PROGRESS” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?
(here my postproductions in progress, from the original shot untill the final creation)
“SANTIAGO CALATRAVA’S BREATH” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?
(Calatrava’s Guillermine Station in Liege, Belgium)
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.
The links I provided above are referred to my most special interests: architecture, nature and artworks. But I am interested in all possibilities, genres and subjects – everything can be inspirational and everything can offer a different side and sight.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
Fickr has been the very first one – I joined in in 2007, and it has been my first “window” on photography world: I have learned a lot;
then 500px, Red Bubble; I also often visit many great master galleries, photo tutorials (e.g. on youtube, very usefull), canon community.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
That everything, even the most tiny and apparently insignificant thing, can be viewed into a different perspective; that photography is a matter of time, soul and concentration; that every day you can get surprised if only you are open to surprise yourself.
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
1. Gianni Galassi (http://giannigalassi.typepad.com/), a master for architecture and urban abstractions
2. Tom McLaughlan (http://ministract.com/), an inspiring ministract artist
3. Alberta Dionisi (http://www.flickr.com/photos/albertadionisi/7186788945/) one of the more sophisticated photographers I have met on Flickr
well, this list can be really longer!
Jul
10
2013John Kosmopoulos Photography
https://plus.google.com/105209854925481789028/posts
http://www.stark-magazine.com/member/johnkosmopoulos
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
First, I would like to thank you for the great honour of being part of “Interesting Photographers”. To answer your question, I am one of those photographers that believe in a minimalist philosophy when it comes to photography although I love the tools and toys of photography. As we all know as photographers, the best equipment does not guarantee the best results. Creative and interesting photography requires a creative photographer and not necessarily varied tools to cultivate what I call “oramagraphy” (Greek for “vision drawing” similar to photography as “light drawing”), a personal and unifying vision in one’s photography that may lead to innovative and prescient photography in the wider community. This personal vision may apply to cinematography, architecture, and all fine arts.
I currently use a Canon Rebel T3i / EOS 600D as I have found the quality to be superb for my workflow. It has a vari-angle 3.0-inch LCD monitor that comes in very handy when doing long exposure photography. As for lenses, I mostly use a Canon 17-40 mm zoom wide angle lens and a 70-200 mm lens all-purpose lens for most of my photography. I also use an EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM for those hard to get long-distance shots. As for filters, I use 10 and 6 stop B+W ND filters and 10 and 6 stop Formatt Hitech IRND filters. I also use a cable release and a Manfrotto tripod for stability and sharp photographs.
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
There is nothing that I particularly dislike about my equipment. However, I am looking to upgrade my camera to a full-frame Canon Mark 5D III and possibly converting my current DSLR to Infrared. As long as the camera can handle my creativity, it’s fine.
What is your favourite lens, and why?
The Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Wide Angle Zoom Lens. I use this lens 99% of the time when I am shooting architecture, land and seascapes, and long exposure photography. It is quite sharp and versatile.
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
I like to travel as light as possible. I usually bring my DSLR, my Canon 17-40 mm zoom wide angle lens and a 70-200 mm lens along with my 10 and 6 stop B+W ND filters, my 16 stop Formatt Hitech IR filters, cable release, and Manfrotto tripod. I tend to use my Sony digital point-and-shoot camera or Samsung Galaxy S3 phone for behind the scenes shots and videos, especially when I am doing long exposure photography.
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
I use Photoshop CS6 mainly for general adjustments, luminosity masks, gradients, and layers. I love the Nik Software suite, especially Silver Efex Pro 2. I also use Topaz DeNoise 5 for noise reduction. I also use OnOne Perfect Photo Suite 7 for some brush effects and resize options.
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration? How do you take your pictures?
I tend to allow many of my personal aspirations and inspirations in art, literature, music, and science to collide to create new worlds within my photography. It is one of the main reasons that I can never get bored of photography and its promises to fulfill my artistic side. Architectural photography is like listening to Mozart or Miles Davis for me; abstract photography is like translating a novel written in the language of quantum mechanics, and long exposure photography is like standing in a photograph of an eternal Proustian memory cocooned by a harmonious silence. I am very mindful of the ecology I am in, whether it is a city or rural landscape. I study it from all angles. It is almost as if I have to slowly breathe in the scenery, as if allowing a bottle of wine to breathe, so that I can get my senses to acclimate and discover an enlightened aesthetic wherever I happen to be with my camera. Inspiration abounds wherever you are. You just have to allow the nascent eyes that photography gives you to open wide and shut when you feel the inspiration.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
I tend to gravitate towards architecture, archistract, and long exposure photography. However, I don’t believe that a photographer has to be focused on one subject. We all have our special loves in photography, but I believe in eclecticism in photography. When I tend to see the same thing repeated in my own workflow, my instinct is to venture outside of my own comfort zone and learn to be creative in different ways. I get bored very easily but I know my muse is always waiting for me around the corner.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
I hope that photography becomes a many-splendored and limitless journey for me. I see photography as a value and not necessarily a goal that I have to achieve. I have been fortunate to win some international awards, to be published across several magazines and websites, to have a few galleries displaying my photography, and to meet up with some great photographers in my travels who have inspired me to always reach new heights in my own photography. I will continue to broaden my own vision and voice as a photographer wherever this great life takes me.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
A very difficult question to answer as it is like asking which one of your children do you like best. I have a few sets that I really like including my “Abstract” series on my website (http://www.silverzenphotography.com/galleries/abstracts/), especially my “Mindscapes / Pagestracts” series of abstracted books (https://plus.google.com/photos/105209854925481789028/albums/5884127855991470225). I also like my “Toronto” set on my Google+ Page (https://plus.google.com/photos/105209854925481789028/albums/5841272374597425713) and Architecture set on my website (http://www.silverzenphotography.com/galleries/architecture/). I have offered a few of these images from the sets as part of this interview.
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 I mainly focus on architecture, abstract, and long exposure photography or a combination of the three, I espouse an “eclectic aesthetic fine art” (EAFA) philosophy of photography. I believe in the idea and ideal of finding beauty in the simplest of moments. I tend to gravitate towards black and white photography the most, but I also like colour. Sometimes the choice of one or the other makes quite a difference in the impact a photograph has on the viewer. It’s a personal choice.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
I tend to visit Stark Magazine, Google Plus, 500px, and Art Limited the most. I have met so many great photographers that I have grown to admire across these media platforms.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
Practice, practice, practice. Photography is a skill like any other skill. Take the time to learn how to compose, find interesting content, and explore an aesthetic context to fulfil your vision as a photographer. Photography can teach you how to slow down, be present, and to see the world in a beautiful way.
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
This is a very difficult choice as there as so many. Some have already been represented here at Interesting Photographers. This is by no means an exhaustive list.
Michael Kenna – http://www.michaelkenna.net/
Hengki Koentjoro – http://www.koentjoro.com/
Vassilis Tangoulis – http://www.vassilistangoulis.com/gr/
Marc Koegel – http://www.silverlandscapes.com/
Sharon Tenenbaum- http://sharontenenbaum.com/
Steve Landeros – http://www.stevelanderosphotography.com/
May
06
2013Flohh – Florence Huschelrath Photography
http://www.flickr.com/photos/
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
I use mainly a compact, Canon IXUS 220 HS but I have also a reflex, Canon 500D.
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
I hate being bothered with a camera. As a result, I prefer a compact camera, small and inconspicuous I bring it everywhere.
What is your favourite lens, and why?
[None]
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
My handbag in which I put my little compact!
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
I crop and treat my pictures using Photoshop CS3 but I get down to basics and I don’t “cheat” with post-processing.
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration? How do you take your pictures?
I started to take pictures like this in 2008. However, as I have studied Arts at the University, I am interested in images in general and in photography in particular.
I find my inspiration in everyday life. What I am interested in: to yield unrecognizable things, places, objects we see every day.
I like to transform a picture into a painting. I am fond of pictures in square format that to boost the dynamics of my photos.
My “eye” is attracted by lines and colours. Friends say about me that “I don’t see the same things as other people.”
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
Obviously, I like abstract style from which I find inspiration. However, this does not prevent me to appreciate all styles of photos.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
At the beginning, photography is just a leisure for me. Originally, my approach is to surprise myself. I work with the aim to transform ordinary things into enigmatic pictures, and push the viewer to wonder “what is it?”.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
Of course big issue… The more minimalist, cleaner my pictures are, the more it affects me. However, I would like to say that despite what you might think, for me these pictures are not the simplest to achieve. Consequently as an example (more than the favourite) I choose this one : http://www.flickr.com/photos/
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.
My pictures are abstract, artistic and urban.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
I wander a lot on the net (Flickr mainly) and I go from blog to blog discovering other photographers.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
The camera is a just tool for me, the extension of my “tiger’s eye” … pretentious isn’t it ! 🙂 . Just kidding, what I try to say is that the eye of the photographer appears to be as important as the camera used.
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
I like the work of people as : Francesco Pallante a.k.a ISCO72 in Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Apr
30
2013Kevin Connor Keller Photography
http://www.flickr.com/photos/conorkeller/
http://fortysixtyphoto.com/author/conor/
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
I’m currently shooting with a Canon 60d. I also have a Canon t2i with a broken shutter so I use it only for video. My 50/1.8 stays on the camera most of the time, but my 18-55 is always there waiting, just in case. I recently purchased a 50/1.4 modified for free-lensing which I’m excited to use soon. For lighting I have a LumoPro LP160, triggered by Cybersyncs, and modified by a DIY Beauty Dish and a Softlighter II. My collection of gear is small, but has everything I currently need. Having photographer friends also allows me the opportunity to use their equipment (cameras, lenses, filters, lights, modifiers, etc) which is always a plus.
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
I try not to worry too much about what my camera can’t do for me so I can’t really say what I dislike about it. I’d like to think that I use my equipment to its full potential, but since most of the technical aspects are beyond my understanding, it’s safe to say I probably don’t. Currently, my camera does everything I need, is easy to use, shoots well in all lighting situations, has a large tilt swivel LCD, and takes high quality photo and video. I couldn’t ask for more, except maybe a full frame sensor, but that’s not the camera’s fault.
What is your favourite lens, and why?
Although I use my Canon 50/1.8 most of the time, I’m going to have to say my favourite lens I’ve used so far was my Nikkor 35/1.8 (sorry Canon fans!) with my first camera, a Nikon D60. It was super quick, and the focus was always super sharp and spot on. Along with the 50/1.8, they are both great lenses that won’t break your budget.
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
I like to take the minimalist approach and only carry around my camera, lens of choice, back up memory card, and a back up battery.
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
Not surprisingly, Adobe Lightroom 4 and Photoshop CS6.
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration? How do you take your pictures?
As a kid I was always playing with disposable cameras and Polaroid just for fun. I picked up my first DSLR in 2008 when I started treating photography as a creative medium I could really get into. It’s still fun, except now I can’t throw my camera away when I’m done. As cliché as it sounds, inspiration for me can come from anywhere and be anything. It just has to be something that throws a spark to my imagination.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
I can appreciate any good photograph but my favourite style or genre would be conceptual manipulations. I love the idea of taking a seemingly normal concept and manipulating it so it crosses the “dream or reality” boundary. There are so many great artists/photographers who do this so well.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
Another cliché answer, but I just want to continue to get better. It’s a pretty generalized goal that keeps things simple and leaves a lot of room for growth. It’s also a goal that doesn’t allow you to reach a certain point, but I see that as a good thing.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
The first thing that comes to mind is a quote from Imogen Cunningham, “Which of my photographs is my favourite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.”
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.
My photos range from conceptual/abstract to family portraits and anywhere in between.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
I don’t visit many photography websites but there are a few that I will browse through every once in awhile for inspiration, insight, and a few tutorials to learn with. Joel Robison, Brooke Shaden, Sean Flanigan to name a few. Phlearn is also a great website and learning tool with an incredible amount of tutorials.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
When creativity taps you on the shoulder, take it by the hand and don’t ask any questions.
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
There are far too many to mention but I’ll start with my diverse and talented group of photos friends in our Forty Sixty Photo collective: Sean Hamilton, Jose Rosado, Dustin Genereux, Dabe Alan, and Peter Place.
Some of my favourite conceptual/manipulation artists: Joel Robison, Kyle Thompson, Nicholas Scarpinato, Sarah Ann Loreth, Brooke Shaden, David Talley, Laura Makabresku, and many many others worth mentioning.
Apr
19
2013Caecilia Metella Photography
http://www.flickr.com/photos/caecilia_metella/
https://www.facebook.com/caeciliametellaphotography?fref=ts
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
Ensign selfix (analogue), Lomo (analogue), Box brownie (analogue), Canon eos 60d (digital), tall tripod, small tripod, speedlite 430 ex II flash, Sigma polarising filters, Tamron 1:1 macro lens, Canon ef-s 17-85mm lens, Tamron sp af 70-200mm, Canon ef 17-40 mm l series lens.
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
I am happy with everything, except that I would like it if Canon or Tamron did a L-series equivalent of the 17-85mm lens, as this is the range that I work in most.
What is your favourite lens, and why?
The tamron 1:1 macro lens. The optical quality is superb and it is a real precision instrument!
When you travel, what is in your essential kit bag?
Eos60d, small tripod, sigma filters, 17-85mm lens, 17-40mm lens.
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
Photoshop.
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration?
For about 10 years, first as an archaeological photographer and then as a fine art photographer. I find inspiration by simply looking for ordinary things in strange places and looking for strange things in ordinary places! The wealth of beautiful but unnoticed detail in the urban and industrial environment is a constant source of wonder to me.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
Abstract. I like the loss of scale and lack of reference that comes with abstract work
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
I am striving to convey sense and emotion in my most recent work, using natural elements; I don’t know if I will reach this, but people are starting to respond to this work in the way that I had hoped! Whether I get there can only be decided by the viewer.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why?
My image of the monument to Mussolini at the foro italico. It is everything I like in an urban abstract – strong and simple in form and line, scale-less and reference-less, and striking to the eye.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
I visit so many! I visit this blog at least twice a week to see what’s new, and I also visit Zealous Co quite regularly. Flickr is a great source of inspiration to me also; some of my favourite photographers post a lot of work on there.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
Don’t think that what looks like it could make a good photograph will automatically make a good photograph – and don’t dismiss the unlikely shots because they often turn out to be the best work!
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
Tom McLaughlan (daruma* on flickr)
Andrea Vismara (andrea vismara on flickr)
Studio Murano (studiomurano on flickr)