Apr
06
2016
How did you discover photography? Tell us a little bit about yourself and your influences.
Since a young age I’ve always been interested in solitary activities: reading, listening to music, watching cinema, writing, walking… Photography just happens to be something you do on your own so at some point I started using this medium to document what was around me: first music, then relationships, travelling, and in the last years the work has gain different counters being more centered in inner experiences and the way photography can be used as a gateway for the psyche and analyzing thoughts.
What does photography mean to you?
I guess the same as for you. Or perhaps, it means less to me than the average person because the choice of working with this medium was rather random, or by force of accident. What I mean to say is that I could be using any other medium to talk about the ideas I’m working with, and sometimes I do that, sometimes I use painting and collage. I’ve said this numerous times before but I’m rather more interested in ideas than the medium those ideas use to come across.
How do you find inspiration?
I’m not a big fan of the word inspiration. I believe that if one works with art and creative endeavors we are bound to know sooner than later that ideas come from working and experimenting a lot, or at least leaving the work aside and having an active imagination rolling all the time. I can’t say I don’t have references, because I do. I keep collecting old paintings, photos, stamps, engravings, postcards, and other objects that resonate with me or are close with the topics I work with. I’m not sure if those things help shape the way my pictures come to be, but I strongly believe the references and things we choose to see and do have an impact and help creating an atmosphere for new things to emerge.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
Style I guess is more about creating an artificially induced reality (as in commercial/fashion photography) and I’m looking to work within a different set of rules. Maybe we can address this question as “visual language” and if I had to put in a box my visual expression is about that which is not in the frame. Rather about what is “behind the image”. I mean, I’m interested in exploring the human condition and the unintelligible things we all think about but can’t really express so well. Some people call it “conceptual” photography, not sure if I feel comfortable with that either but it gets close to a description.
I’m not much interested in what is being done in photography nowadays. I think it lacks a sense of narrative and authorship. I think there’s too many people shooting and very little people with good ideas. I tend to prefer more intimate art in general and Photography nowadays seems to bore the hell out of me. Therefore, I happen to research more in Performance, Painting, Sculpture and Cinema…
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
To look for a personal language and work within those boundaries.
When you look at a photograph, how do you decide if it is a ´good´ piece of work?
It takes a long time to arrive at that decision and only in retrospect can I understand if it’s really good. When I’m working on a series I try to stay enough time with a set of selected photos – minimum one to two years – to see if the pictures still resonate and speak to me in some way. It’s a kind of relationship I have with those images. The pictures that are not useful quickly loose their sense of narrative and interest or become redundant and that’s how I discard them. The editing process is the most difficult and laborious aspect of working with photography.
What was the most challenging photograph that you have ever taken, and why?
I don’t know what you mean by challenging… I’m not diving into trenches. I think a work can be challenging if it makes your mind active; it if makes you start questioning things – and things not exclusive about the piece itself. For me those are challenging pieces. If I just happen to look at something and feel no expression perhaps I shouldn’t be seeing that at all.
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
Equipment is not so relevant to me but at the moment I’ve been working mostly with a Canon EOS3 with an 85mm f/1.2 lens and a Pentax K1000 with a 50mm f/1.2 lens. I also have a digital Nikon camera with 3 lens I use mostly for test shots, an old Ricoh Auto Half and a Lomo LC-A+.
I have a few other cameras lying around but they just happen to be used very randomly.
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
I really don’t think much about equipment or invest too much in it, usually it’s the idea behind the picture(s) and that’s the driving force to research and which then leads me to produce images. The cameras are just tools serving a specific function and I can’t really like or dislike them for what they are as objects. If the camera doesn’t “fit” me of course I will not use it and the most curious of all things is that most of the cameras I mentioned earlier were actually passed over to me by relatives so I never set out to buy them in the first place. Sorry but I really can’t indulge in a serious “gear talk” because I don’t have so much knowledge of it.
What is your favourite lens, and why?
I really like the Pentax 50mm f/1.2, it’s got a wonderful bokeh effect and even though it’s not easy to get to the sweet spot I like that because it forces me to go slower and appreciate the moment.
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
I tend to bring either one or two cameras for all travels. One which can be portable and hassle free – that is usually the Lomo LC-A – and the other might be either the Pentax or the Canon. Apart from that, carrying a book to read is essential as well as a notebook to write thoughts and sketch what I see.
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
These days I’m not working in the darkroom so actually I’m having a good time by exploring unorthodox approaches to editing: like getting the negatives from the lab, scanning them and then re-photographing as either new pictures or double exposures. The other day I was actually painting on top of pictures and doing collages. I like this aspect of the image growing by itself and evolving into something you can’t control so much. I also find myself drawing images similar with what I intend to photograph (or the other way around). I think it’s interesting if you keep insisting on a topic or set of images for a long time because eventually something will emerge that is far more interesting and with an energy of its own – than what you set out to do in the first place. As for digital post-processing I use mostly Photoshop, but there’s minimum chance for accidents there so it’s not as fun.
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration? How do you take your pictures?
1) At least for the last 17 years or so. I started taking photos as a way of documenting ideas and also because I felt it was liberating. I am not a commercial photographer and for that reason I don’t shoot that much. I think that gives me freedom to be honest and do what I please without having to make much compromises.
2) I don’t set to “find” inspiration, what happens when I work with photography is that themes seem to be somehow inter-connected with my own life: context, relationships, books and films I’m watching, sense of space, and of course interests in general, so I just work that through photography and what comes out happens to propel the next piece of work and so on. I see “inspiration” more or less has a chance to pursue an emotional process and in the end that’s just work.
3) The way I approach photography differs from project to project. In the case of my latest series “ZONA”, I worked from a storyboard and based on very controlled/theatrical ideas. In the case of the series “State of Mind” everything came together while I was organizing my archives and noticed there was a visual pattern in all the photos I was taking while travelling, so that idea was the driving force to question myself why was I doing that and think of it as a whole. I really can’t formulate a method of work since it changes and evolves through time.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
At the present moment I feel I’m using photography as a self-analysis tool and for exploring topics related with relationships, identity, archetypes and the unconscious. I use it as a cathartic experience and to make me question different personal topics. I don’t have any goal or will to achieve anything with what I’m doing but of course I have a sense on what I wish to do next.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why?
You know how it goes, every artist will say their current work is the best one so far, right?
I’ve been exploring more and more about how to use the body to express changes/shifts in the psyche and how we can physically represent thoughts, emotions, dreams and inward experiences through the body using minimal symbolic elements. This is the topic of my ongoing research and therefore my favorite images are now emerging into something that will hopefully become a new series of 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)?
Like any photographer I take all kinds of different pictures according with the situations. I don’t take MANY pictures, and not ALL the time but I do try to explore with the medium when I have a chance…I never set out to do any preconceived style of photography and my previous works are very different in nature. I’ve worked with social-politic themes (“From Russia with Love”) and religious rituals (“Venha a Nós o Vosso Reino”) in the past using not only photography but also installation and video, it’s hard and misleading to actually constrain visual expression into categories.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
None really, I just do the blind click and see what pops up. I do research a lot on painting though. Today for instances I spent nearly two hours looking at paintings from Leonora Carrington and Remedios Varo, both extremely interesting and not so well known female painters.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
I would say not taking photography too serious and just doing something that pleases you. If you see too much photographs from other people you get numb and loose a sense of perspective. I mean, it’s good to see a lot of images and go to exhibitions but most importantly is finding your voice, running away from screens and acting out of emotion and what resonates with you will somehow come out on the other end. There’s many photographers out there and some of them are interesting but for the most part the images will unfortunately not age so well and the reason is mostly because they don’t possess a unique voice or something to say. So that’s an important lesson: struggle not with the medium but in finding your own voice, something that speaks to you. If you feel good and it’s easy to accomplish you’re probably doing the right thing. But then again, who am I to give any advices…
Nuno Moreira
http://nmphotos.org
https://vimeo.com/152906064
Mar
24
2016
How did you discover photography? Tell us a little bit about yourself and your influences.
I think my photography addiction started with the discovery of the great community of flickr. I was overwhelmed by the fascinating storrytelling works of young self-portrait artists. And I wanted to do some similar kind of art. I wanted to create photos that tell stories and mystical worlds I would love to live in. I wanted to express myself and my ideas.
What does photography mean to you?
Today photography means to me expressing myself and creating beauty. I would love the people to “feel” when viewing my images.
How do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in the art of other artists, photographers as well as musicians, painters and others. Nature is also a huge inspirational source for me and the beauty one can find in simple daily things.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
I love fine art photography, because wonderful worlds are created and portrait photography that shows the beauty of humans.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
Dare more.
When you look at a photograph, how do you decide if it is a ´good´ piece of work?
A good photo in my sense is a photo you are viewing for more than just a few seconds and that deeply touches you.
What was the most challenging photograph that you have ever taken, and why?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/-anne_k/8420617629/in/dateposted-public/
I think this was one of the hardest pictures I took, because it was so freaking cold I didn’t even feel any part of my body anymore after this shooting. And with such cold hands after the right photo is taken it really hurts a lot to package the tripod.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know that you have reached it?
I would love to turn my hobby into a career. Beeing able to subsist on capturing the beauty in everything I love.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am always looking for wonderful inspiring people to work with. Models, makeup or hair artist and others.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
This is such a difficult question. I love a lot of my photos. Sometimes not even because the photo is so wonderful but because I love to remember the moment when taking this picture.
But I think at the time this is one of my favourites:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/-anne_k/18988798714/in/dateposted-public/
It is a picture of my lovely little sister, that shows the fascinating uniqueness and freedom of childhood.
Now, getting more technical, what equipment (e.g. camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment, etc.,) do you use?
I don’t need a lot. I have my camera a 5D Mark ii which I really love – but most of the time I’m just using a 50mm 1,8 lens and some manual lenses like a helios. For self portraits I also use a tripod and a remote release.
What do you like/dislike about your equipment, specifically your camera, and how would you improve it?
I love my camera. And I love to work with those old manual lenses.
What photographic equipment would you like to own and why?
I would like to own a 24-70mm lens with an high aperture, but I have to put more money aside first.
What would be the perfect piece of photographic equipment that doesn´t exist yet?
I would love to have the same quality camera and lenses but everything smaller and far lighter, so that I can take them with me everywhere and whenever I want.
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any? How long do you spend on this process? Tell us a bit about your workflow.
I’m doing a lot in photoshop. My process of post-processing can be quite different. Sometimes I have pictures that are just perfect and I don’t need to edit a lot more. But most of the times I am editing a lot and this can take half an hour up to an hour (but this is really unusual). I’m working a lot with colours and brightness and also doing a bit of beauty retouching.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
Most of the time I’m looking for inspirational stuff on flickr, but I also love to visit a bunch of blogs and magazines about photography. There are so many great works out there.
Finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
I really love the works of Anna Ådén, Jennifer Zinke and Michael Fiukowski.
Anne Krämer Photography
www.facebook.com/
www.flickr.com/photos/-anne_k/
Dec
08
2014What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
I use a 5D Mark III camera for every of my works and I often switch between a Canon 50mm f.1.4 and a Canon 16-35mm f2.8.
I also have in my bag a Canon 24-70mm f2.8 but I prefer fixe lenses so i don’t use it very often. I also have a Manfrotto Tripod for night photography only. No filters are plugged on my lenses and I don’t like Flash light. I prefer constant light so I have a LED panel that i use for portrait stuff and only in studio. I have a big bag and specialize clothes for my reports across countries.
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
I completely like my camera. It’s a perfect equipment for what i want to do. I would probably prefer fix lenses like the 35mm f1.4 and the 85mm f1.2.
A second « security » camera will be great like the Canon 6D.
What is your favourite lens, and why?
It depend of the subject. For my portrait works I am completely crazy fan of my 50mm f1.4 because it create a perfect blur on the pictures, especially at f2.8.
For landscapes and report like Iceland, I use my 16-35mm for impressive picture like huge landscape and to create a big impression of space but I also use the 50mm for more abstract picture.
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
For Iceland, I travelled with my camera, for sure, the 16-35mm f2.8 and the 50mm f1.4, the tripod and a microfiber tissue. Good gloves are reeeeaaally necessary if you want to take picture in cold countries. ^^
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
For my report, i only use Lightroom because i consider that if the picture is too modified, it has not the resentment that i felt during the shot.
For portrait, prefer to use Photoshop to create images more thin and precise.
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration? How do you take your pictures?
I started photography when at the age of 20. After i decided to stop my studies after a licence in advertising and marketing strategy. I always love seeing pictures, understanding how it can be taken. What was the techniques.
And because of that curiosity, I deeply fall in what is now a real passion. I always try things, I always want to experiment new techniques. So I find the inspiration on what i discover or on what which bite my curiosity. When I’m in a country, I always shoot everything. I have a thin line of subject and I try to turn my spiritual approach on what I’ve decided.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
I don’t like a special style. I’m always attracted by beautiful pictures. I’m completely open minded. If the subject of a picture is the life of an oyster in the north of San Francisco bay and if the picture is beautiful or bite my curiosity, it will be as much good as a picture taken by a famous photographer. I’m just focus on my personal feelings and how the picture can vibrate on my body.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
For me, it’s only a question of vibration. If I have the complete feeling that my picture is good or is vibrating, it means that I’ve reached a new step. And when I’ve reunited lot of « vibrating pictures », i try to create a link between them and that’s the moment I erase some of them because the whole are not coherent. To resume, first, the feelings and finally, the concrete part of the work and the research of consistency.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
I really like the work I’ve made in Iceland. Because it’s my first report and it’s my first lonely travel. I always wanted to go in Iceland but I didn’t find the strength to do that. I’ve decided to experience the loneliness of mind and discover what I’m capable to do. I’m really proud of the report because it’s the beginning of a new way of life. http://www.constant-photographie.com/islande-ce-pays-que-je-n-ai-pas-aime#0
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.
A part of my work is completely anchored in nature, landscapes, urban and artistic photography. And the other part fit into portrait photography. I’ve done Live Gig photography for two years too so it’s not possible to put my works in a box. I’m a free photographer and it’s a luxury i want to keep.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
I often visit artistic blog like Fubiz because I’m not focus only on photography but design, architecture, drawing are really important to feed my imagination. I follow many photographs on Facebook and it’s a perfect way to see fresh stuff, always reinvented. I also buy lot of photography books.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
I learned many lesson but the most important is probably « Don’t be idle, if you are not close enough of the subject, move your ass and be closer, you will never be too close of your subject »
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
I have many name Yohan Terraza has already an interview on your blog. Probably Sylvain Norget for his amazing portrait work. Anthony Fournier for his curiosity about photography and experimentation. Thomas Babeau for his impressive fashion work. I have probably many other photographers I want to name but they are already big : Erwin Olaf, Ryan McGinley, Annie Leibovitz…..STOP. Haha !
Constant Formé-Bècherat Photography
www.facebook.com/
http://twitter.com/
Apr
24
2014
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
I use Nikon equipment and more particularly Nikon D4 & D800. I have several lenses too as AFS 800/5.6 VR, 600/4 VR, 300/2.8 VR, 80-400 VR ED, 70-200 2.8 VR2, 24-120/4 VR. I have one monopod in gitzo carbon but I prefer to hold the camera rather than use a tripod.
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
I really like my camera because it is a strong equipment, adapted to bush constraints. Nevertheless, I dislike the heavy weight but, unfortunately, I have no choice…
What is your favorite lens, and why?
My favorite lens is AFS NIKKOR 800/5.6 VR FL ED because I can photography wild animals without disturbing them. Moreover, the quality is amazing and the weight is lighter than 600mm.
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
Probably my eyes and my legs…
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
I use Lightroom 4.
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration? How do you take your pictures?
I work in photography since 1994. I started by working for press and then for sports agencies. I followed international competitions and tournaments like Olympics games, soccer, rugby, tennis… It was a great experience, very formative because you must be attentive, reactive, still available… In the same time, I dreamed about African continent, quiet and authenticity. That’s why, I decided to travel in Tanzania in 2002. For me, it was a tremendous shock ; it disrupted and changed my life and my approach of photography. Finally, I could shoot with my instinct, my feelings, my vision of photography and nature and not only for editorial requests.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
I cannot say that I like a style of photography more than other. However, I have a particular fondness for portraiture and B&W. For me, black and white is the best way to express how I see animals and wildlife, how I feel their personality. I love images with high contrast and deep shadows because I think it feels more emotional… I try to use my photos as a vehicle for inducing emotions and moods, and conveying powerful messages. I hope I do well but it is not easy because it is very subjective…
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
When I travelled in Africa in 2002 to shoot African fauna, I had no idea what I wanted to do with. However, my aim was to shoot with my instinct, my feelings by adding dream, poetry and, sometimes, fun. It was when I started to show some of my pictures during exhibits that I realize that people feel touched too. It was a great pleasure of course and the beginning of a beautiful adventure.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
My favourite piece is a portrait of lion taken in 2007 in Tanzania (Serengeti). The picture named “Lion in the wind”. I like watching this picture because I remember the great moment I knew meeting this magnificent lion. I often thinking about this strong wild cat. It’s exactly what I’m looking for when I work in Africa : I’m always try to find a piece of eternal Africa, one of our origins as a lost paradise. One before the arrival of the white man, at the beginning of the era of industrialization, with its desire to impose progress wherever he goes. Main visible consequences : massive destruction of species and natural resources.
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.
B&W / Nature / Portrait / Fine art
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
I do not visit some particular photography websites but I am still curious of any new photographic works in any support (internet, books…).
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
To be ready at any time…
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog ?
I like both to discover new talents and also to re-discover the masters of photography, especially in B&W.
Laurent Baheux Photography
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Laurent-Baheux-photographer/153078781389198
http://500px.com/laurentbaheux
Apr
02
2014
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
I usually take photos with Canon Eos 500d and my favourite lens is Canon 50 mm 1.8 . Sometimes I use Helios 44m-4. Sometimes I take photos with old cameras like Lubitel, Zenit or Agfa Isolette.
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
I want to buy a new camera soon. My equipment restricts me a lot. I’d like to buy wide-angle lens too.
What is your favourite lens, and why?
My favourite lens is Canon 50 mm 1.8 because it makes a beautiful bokeh on photos and is very bright. When I take photos during sunrise or sunset, I love to use Helios lens.
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
My camera and some lens, lens cleaner , battery charger and some memory cards.
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
I use Adobe Photoshop CS6.
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration? How do you take your pictures?
I’ve been taking pictures since I was a kid. Initially, these were the photos illustrating the events of my life. Later, I began to photograph people, I did photo shoots with friends. Our background was a sheet, our light were desk lamps. Each session was planned before , we didpaper decorations, we were preparing designs, make-ups. With time photography became the most important part in my life, my air. Inspirations come mostly the same: when I go by tram, train, talk with people, look through shop windows, websites, magazines. Sometimes I find a prop in a shop, a single cloth and it inspires me. In each session I put a lot of heart and energy. I love being tired when I come home with a camera full of photos. I’m never fully satisfied with myself. There will always be nuances that spoil the original plan, once more ,sometimes less.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
I like every photography style. Each style is different to another one. Photography is a great branch of art. Most, however, I like to photographfashion with the release of a fairytale, abstract, unusual as photos of Tim Walker or Beinta.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
I want to continue to develop, and I think I never fully attain perfection, but I want to strive to fulfill your photographic dreams even if I would have to give it 300%.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
I think it’s one of my favourite photos I’ve ever taken. I’ve been planning it for a very long time and I’m happy that I could finally did 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.
Artistic, I think so 😉
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
Fashionising.com, digitalcamerapolska.pl, flog.pl
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
That I can’t give up and that I should learn on my mistakes.
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
Beinta http://www.beinta.com/ and Anka Zhuravleva.
FairyLady Photography
https://www.facebook.com/fairyladyphotography
My name is Paulina Maciejewska, I’m known as FairyLady. I’m from Poland, from Konin, I study art history on Adam Mickiewicz’s University in Poznań. I love windy mornings,summer evenings, fields full of cereals, cloudy sky, country paths, a smell of soap and ticking of a clock.
I’m in love with carousels, birds, shabby chic style and flowers. I go around the world looking at everything through the
lens. Photography accompanied me since childhood, but for some time has become my greatest passion and the way I’d would like to follow in the future.
Through pictures I express my emotions and unleash my imagination.
World of my photos is world of my dreams, a reflection of what sits in my soul. In photography, I love its diversity and flexibility. Since childhood, I run with the camera, but I never thought that so it overwhelm me, I never thought that something so fall in love, become independent. I try not to close in one style images, I create as I feel. But the most I like to photograph people, so it was, and I think it will be.
Mar
25
2014
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
Nikon D800, Samyang 14mm f/2.8, Nikon 16-35mm f/4.0 VR, Sigma 50mm f/1.4, Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR.
B+W ND 10 stop filter, Hoya NDx400 and Hoya circular Polarization Filter.
Sirui Tripod R-4203L and Sirui Ball Head K-40X
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
I think I need a new faster telephoto lens, something like Nikon 70-200 mm f/2.8 VR II. Other than that, I’m satisfied with my equipment.
What is your favourite lens, and why?
Nikon 16-35mm f/4.0 VR. I just find it great for landscapes and for the type of work I do.
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
I use Lowepro Pro Runner 350W bag. And when I travel I have all my equipment with me.
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
I use mostly Lightroom to edit my work and sometimes Photoshop.
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration? How do you take your pictures?
I have been taking photos now about five years. I find my inspiration from the nature surrounding me and from movies and TV series and even from music.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
I love to create atmospheric landscape photographs. I just feel that it conveys my vision best.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
I don’t have a particular goal. I want to continue capture photographs as long as I enjoy doing it.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
http://www.mikkolagerstedt.com/#/alone/ The first one. Still standing.. It’s one of my favorite photos because the moment was just perfect. A guy standing in front of burning ground, taking photos and then the flock of birds flew past him. A moment to remember.
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 style is more to the Fine Art category.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
500px and Behance.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
It’s fine if you don’t succeed capturing something at the first time, try it for as many times as you have to get it perfect.
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
Joel Tjintjelaar
Mikko Lagerstedt Photography
http://www.mikkolagerstedt.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Photography-Mikko-Lagerstedt/137616549627247?v=wall
Mar
17
2014
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
Cameras: Canon EOS 60D, analogue: Canon EOS 700
Lenses: 28mm f/1.8 and 50mm f/1.8
Tripod: Manfrotto 055XPROB
Other than that, I only use a remote, mostly for self-portraits.
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
For my current situation my equipment is absolutely perfect and I’m very happy about it, but like probably every other photographer who doesn’t own one yet I’m secretly dreaming of a full frame camera.
What is your favourite lens, and why?
My favourite lens right now is definitely the 28mm, the wider angle is perfect for most of my shoots.
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
Whenever it is possible I bring all my equipment, but if I had to chose I would probably go for my Canon 60D and 28mm lens. Only for landscape photos I would definitely prefer my film camera because I really adore the unique style and colours of analogue photos.
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
Adobe Photoshop CS6.
How long have you been taking photographs?
I have been taking photos for as long as I can remember, but photography really became my passion in 2012 and has been my main way of self-expression ever since.
How do you find inspiration?
Actually, almost everything around me inspires me. The energy of big cities, the whisper of the ocean, the silence of forests and mountains, all that. But mostly, it is people and their stories which really captivate me. Their words and actions, the look in their eyes, the things left unsaid, the entire spectrum of human emotion fascinates me endlessly.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
I would not say that I prefer any specific style, but I adore every kind of photo which tells a story and most often it is portraits full of raw emotion which truly move me.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
My goal is to be true to myself and never to be afraid of changes because our minds constantly change, too.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
I’m especially fond of my self-portraits because I remember the situation and state of mind they were taken in so well which make them a lot more meaningful. I must admit I am rather indecisive, so my latest photo is usually my favourite – right now it would be “Constellations” then.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/annaheimkreiter/12996681453/
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.
For my digital photography “artistic” or “fine art photography” would probably be the best description. Whenever I use my analogue camera nature is my favourite subject, sometimes combined with portraits.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
The only page I really do visit regularly is Flickr.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
No matter how difficult it may seem, you should never compare yourself to others too much. Even without it it is hard enough to be satisfied with your own work.
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
I always feel like I don’t know enough photographers who use mainly film in their work, so discovering some rather unknown photographers of this genre would be really amazing.
Anna Heimkreiter Photography
https://www.facebook.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Mar
03
2014
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.
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
Felicia Simion photography! She’s a young photographer who shoots the most beautiful surreal portraits and landscapes.
WinterWolf Studios Photography
https://www.facebook.com/pages/WinterWolf-Studios/293443074174
http://www.girltripped.deviantart.com
Feb
28
2014
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
I use a 5D mII and a 24-70 usually but I love my 85mm. I only use natural light, so no flash, and I use a really cheap tripod that I need to change urgently. That’s pretty much it.
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
Well, my camera is a recent present I got for Christmas, so I really don’t see anything bad about it. But I would buy a new tripod, mostly because the camera I used before was pretty small compared to this one, so the tripod can’t handle it.
What is your favourite lens, and why?
I love my 85mm, because of its depth of field (1.2) but it’s really difficult to focus, it takes me hours to do a selfportrait with it, so I guess I have to admit how much I love my 24-70.
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
The camera, at least two lenses and two batteries.
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
Photoshop CS6, Camera Raw… and I’ve used Gimp when I didn’t have Photoshop.
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration? How do you take your pictures?
I started when I was 16 but I was like one or two years just being silly with my camera and learning until I really got attached to it, so I guess I was around 18 when I started doing real stuff.
I find it everywhere, actually, in music and lyrics and books mostly, but even just a view can inspire me.
I usually have like a thousand ideas in a moment, but there’s always one, just one that remains in my mind, I don’t even have to write it down, and I just wait until I can make it real!
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
Portraiture, because I like people related to how much we can express in a second but I use myself because I’m never comfortable around people so… I guess it sounds weird.
But I love so many more styles, like photojournalism.. I would love to try it, to travel and show the world the real world we live in.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
Actually, I don’t have any goals. I know it sounds terrible but, I prefer to find job like a retoucher or something like that than actually work taking pictures. When I do what I love under pressure it’s never good, my work is not as it could be and I know I would end up hating my camera, I never want that to happen, so I prefer to work, earn a decent amount of money to live and take pictures on my free time.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
Home: http://www.flickr.com/photos/emsweet/9573512728/
It means a lot to me, being in a long distance relationship… I don’t think it needs any other comment.
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 really don’t know how to categorize my work in one style. I guess I’m more artistic or conceptual, at least I think that, because I look more for the meaning it has to me than the color or anything else.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
Not really. It’s amazing how many things can inspire you outside of photography. All I visit regularly is my social sites or tumblr, sites like that, that’s all the photography I see.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
That it doesn’t matter what they teach you, photography, and art in general is about interpretation, not understanding.
We’re so obsessed about knowing the why of everything we don’t want to see that some things are just what it is to us. Each one of us see differently, each one of us see a different meaning. It doesn’t need to be perfect or beautiful, it just need to be something that means for somebody and it’ll be worth it. Art is about feelings, not techniques, money or galleries.
And obviously, you don’t need to go to class to see this, in fact is better if you do not go, or they’ll steal your motivation. Some people don’t get it back. Teach yourself.
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
There’re many many talented photographers on this world I wouldn’t know where to start, Stefani Trifkovic or Marta Bevacqua.
Melania Brescia Photography
www.facebook.com/
Feb
24
2014
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
I own a Nikon D700 and an sb-900 speedlight. I have two lenses – a 50mm f/1.8 and a Sigma 35mmf/1.4. I use a $40 basic tripod and a remote. Most of my equipment is used, no fancy business here!
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
I appreciate the D700, it’s a great camera body and built like a tank. I do wish it included more features such as video and I would have liked it to rival the Mark II in megapixels, instead of having 12.1 megapixels (which is great, but for my purposes I would prefer to have more).
What is your favourite lens, and why?
My favourite lens that I own would be the Sigma 35mm – it’s a beautiful lens that produces really clear and crisp images. However I only have two lenses so it’s not a very good answer. I love the 85mm and the 105mm lenses.
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
It really depends on the type of travel. On previous trips I brought all of my equipment (which is not much) as well as several costumes that can take up a lot of space. However, I am going on another adventure soon, where I’ll be backpacking in India and Southeast Asia. I’m aiming to keep my items to a bare minimum – one camera body, two lenses, a remote, external hard drive and potentially a netbook. I won’t be able to carry much more than that!
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
Photoshop CS5 for fine art images and Lightroom 4 for event photography and portraiture.
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration? How do you take your pictures?
I’ve been teaching myself photography since April 2012 – mainly through the internet and other photographers’ willingness to share. People’s generosity is incredible.
I believe that the practice of being mindful and aware of your reality allows you to take in as much as possible. This in turns allows you to be inspired by every sensory experience that comes your way. This is the way I want to lead my life and my photography – taking notice of everything around me and being inspired by it all.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
I strive to create surrealistic and magical images because that is what I naturally gravitate towards the most – I find art that is darker, whimsical, or mysterious to be much more dynamic and personally exciting.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
Oh god this is a difficult question to answer, as there are so many things I want to do and accomplish. I don’t ever want to reach a point of comfortable stagnation, where I am happy with where I am and do not want to push myself further! I hope that doesn’t sound pretentious.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
I’m really content with “Cosmic Dreaming” and would say that’s my current favourite primarily because it depicts exactly how I feel at this stage in my life.
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 am not sure! I suppose it my love of portraiture and landscapes could be a medley of genres all bundled and wrapped nicely under the “fine art” category.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
I have an obsessive tendency to check National Geographic’s website, even though I have a print subscription.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
I learned that if I want a career in such an overly saturated market, I have to really believe in my work and I have to hustle! No one will do this for me, and my dreams won’t happen otherwise.
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
Kitra Cahana (her work is incredible, enjoy)
Liat Aharoni Photography
https://www.facebook.com/liataharoniphotography
http://www.flickr.com/photos/liataharoni