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/
Jan
17
2014
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
I use Canon 5D Mark II digital camera and 50mm f/1.4 Canon lens. I use tripod, natural lightning and a remote control. That’s all! Also, I love to experiment with analog/FD lenses, for example Helios 58mm f/2. This is an amazing little lens from Russia, that has crazy circular bokeh, amazing coloring and sharpness.
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
I like everything about my equipment and I am in love with Canon. But I need a wide angle lens, cause I have only 50mm.
What is your favourite lens, and why?
Definitely Canon 50mm f/1.4, I use it all the time. I think you don’t have to have the best equipment, the best camera in the world and a lot of lenses. Camera is a tool you use, and you have to know how to use it.
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
I always take my tripod, my camera Canon 5D Mark II and Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens, aluminium reflector and my laptop. Why? Because that’s all I got!
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
Yes, I edit photographs in excellent Adobe Photoshop CS6. Programs for processing photos release a person’s creativity and allow you to be different from others. I love to compose several photos into one, or play with multiple layers. I do a lot of retouching, and I’m used to spending 10 hours or more in front of my computer editing photos.
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration? How do you take your pictures?
I was born in Bihac, Bosnia and Herzegovina, I’m 24 years old and have graduated with a degree in mathematics and computer sciences. I work currently as a computer science teacher in middle school in Bihac. Also I am working with Trevillion Images (freelance), and Art+Commerce/Vogue Italia (freelance). I began taking photos when I was 19 years old when I got my first digital camera, and since that photography has become my greatest love.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
I’m interested in art/fine art photography the most, but I also do fashion, street and classic portraits photography.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
My dream is to study photography at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. I am waiting for some schollarship to come around.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
My favorite photo is „See through“ (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=704155462936426&set=a.704154896269816.1073741863.182472465104731&type=3&theater).
I have found inspiration in unique beauty that redheads with freckles have. Freckles are used to be considered undesirable and unsightly, but today they have reached full splendor in the world of photography. I also think that every person is beautiful in their own way, so I find every person inspirational.
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 fit into artistic, vintage, street, long exposure fine art and portrait.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
Yes, there are. I like to visit 500px.com and vogue.it/photovogue daily. I often visit society6.com, deviantart.com, viewbug.com, pixoto.com and youpic.com.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
Follow your heart. And the most important is that you don’t have to have the best camera and a lot of lenses, it’s the emotions that count. If you make an artwork which will touch other people’s hearts, then you succeded. 🙂
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
Katerina Plotnikova, Kirsty Mitchell, Oleg Oprisco. They all have beautiful minds!
Maja Topcagic Photography
https://www.facebook.com/angelicaphotographs
Dec
04
2013
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
Digital:
A Canon EOS60D with
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 lens
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 lens
Canon EF 35mm f/2.0 lens
Sigma 17-80mm f/2.8-f/4 lens
Hama tripod
remote RC-1
Flash: Canon 430ex II (rarely in use)
And a 4-in-1 reflector (gold, silver, white, black)
Analog:
My uncle’s old Pentax camera with a 50mm f/1.4 lens and a 17mm fisheye lens.
A second-hand Kodak Retina 1a (which has a 50mm f1.4 lens attached)
I use Hama UV filters to protect the glass of my lenses
And have a couple of filter sets, of which I most regularly use the polarizing filter (Hama)
Cleaning equipment was one of the cheaper brands on Amazon, but it does the job.
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
I chose the 60D because of the vari-angular screen, which I still love very much, and it’s a great camera. A big step up from my old 400D/RebelXTi.
I do sometimes wish I had a full-frame camera as the crop sensor can be quite limiting from time to time, but I mostly overcome this by expanding photos in post-processing.
I’ve learnt quickly that your equipment is just a toolkit, and it’s mostly about how you use it.
What is your favourite lens, and why?
The 50mm f/1.4 because it’s a great all-round length, and it’s crisp and sharp, this is the lens I use 90% of the time.
I also love the quality of the 85mm, but it’s a bit too close-up most of the time.
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
The 60D, 50mm, 35mm and remote. Tripod if I have a spot for it.
2 SD cards: two Sandisk 16GB Extreme Pro and my charger.
I usually take one of the analog cameras too, with an extra roll of film.
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
I use Adobe Lightroom 5 and Adobe Photoshop CS6 Extended
I also like to work with a Wacom tablet because it allows me to be precise.
How long have you been taking photographs?
I’ve been taking photographs for 8 years now, since I was thirteen and bought my first point & shoot camera.
How do you find inspiration?
I’ve learnt that inspiration is not something that just comes to you, but you can actively seek for it.
I listen to music, read books, browse the web and look at other art to be inspired. But daydreaming is also an excellent way of getting inspired. Just let your mind run free, think of stories in your head and make sure that you write down the ideas or collect the sentences/images that inspire you because you will forget, even if you think you won’t. I carry a little notebook with me at all times for this, but I also like to record it with my voice recorder on my phone.
People are also incredibly inspiring, just by watching them in daily life I get inspired to take certain photos, or someone’s face is just interesting enough to inspire me.
So I guess it’s not so much about finding inspiration, more about keeping the ideas.
How do you take your pictures?
This differs a lot. I’m not a huge fan of planning shoots, although I would like to try that more.
It’s usually a pretty spontaneous process, I do have some images in my head, but I also like playing around to see what works, and to get inspired by the shoot itself. It’s not uncommon for me to suddenly cry out “oh!” and excitedly change something about the setup (whether it’s a self portrait, or not).
I mostly go by feelings/vibe or colors and light. My camera is almost always set to manual, which allows me to play with the settings.
My self-portraits are usually taken with a tripod and a remote, and me running up and down between the camera and the posing position.
I’ve definitely had shoots where I knew exactly what I wanted, and I would go out and do that before trying other things.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
I find it very hard to choose just one genre. I like working with people most, even if I’m actually a very shy person. When I hold my camera I’m a lot more open and confident, and do what’s needed to make the person in front of the camera to feel comfortable. Most of my work consists of portraits.
But I can definitely appreciate landscape photography as well when they’re well-executed. There’s something magical about them. And one thing I’m always more attracted to are photographs with natural lighting.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
I’m not working to one specific goal. I started photography because I wanted to express myself, and that’s still my motivation so I guess a goal is to always make work I believe in. And to always keep improving.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
It changes every day, but if I had to choose now it would be this photo: http://500px.com/photo/4970954
It’s one of shoots where I knew exactly what I wanted, and it was so incredibly cold. It’s partly one of my favorites because it was crazy to do. My skin hurt from lying in the snow, and I only had a couple of shots to do it before I couldn’t take the cold anymore. And I like that it doesn’t tell a straight-forward story, and everyone can have their own interpretation of 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 portraiture probably describes it best.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
Flickr, DeviantART and I follow photographers’ blogs with RSS.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
Anything is possible. And I mean this in a very broad sense, that anything is possible within creating photographs,
but also that anything is possible in life. When I started I had no idea where it would take me, I didn’t necessarily wanted to be taken anywhere, but it did. I’ve gained a lot of friends through photography, and it’s still a pretty surreal thing to me that my photos are on book covers now. I’m still not sure where I want to go with photography, but I do know I’d always like to keep doing it, even if it’s just on the side.
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
Lara Jade, whose work was one of the reasons I ever started photography.
Noukka Signe Photography
https://www.facebook.com/noukkasigne
Nov
26
2013Bill Gekas Photography
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
Currently I’m shooting with a Pentax K5ii dslr, an assortment of prime and zoom lenses, a number of manual speed lights, a studio strobe and many different types of light modifiers from soft/octaboxes to grids and everything in between. Despite all the gear at my disposal I generally favour a one to two light setup which in most cases is a soft/octabox and white reflector.
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
I’m not a fan of cameras and all their accessories, they’re just tools and the main obstacles in the creation process. The only tool that I can complain about and would like to improve is the one that sits between my ears!
What is your favourite lens, and why?
My most used lens is the DA16-45/4, a medium zoom equivalent to a 24-70mm. It’s versatile, sharp and compact and works well at the apertures I’m known to do most of my work at. For shallower DOF work I can’t go past my FA50/1.4, used correctly and with the right shoot it’s a gem of a lens. A fast fifty should be in every photographers bag!
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
The minimum I’d travel with would be my camera, DA16-45/4 and FA50/1.4 lenses, a couple of speed lights, shoot thru umbrella and 5 in 1 reflector.
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop are the post processing tools I use. Any cropping, pre-sharpening, white balance and cataloguing are done in Lightroom and then I’ll use Photoshop for finer retouching and selective adjustments where necessary.
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration? How do you take your pictures?
I started playing with cameras and photography since the 90’s shooting and developing b&w film but more seriously in the last 4 years or so refining my stylistic approach to portraiture. The internet provides inspiration only a few clicks away but I also find a lot of inspiration from the unfamiliar and am a fan of foreign films.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
I enjoy and respect all genres of photography but portraiture with a fine art aesthetic is what it’s all about for me. Having the end viewer connect to a subject that is a complete stranger to them is where your standard portraiture transcends into something a lot deeper, it’s almost a surreal experience when it’s achieved.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
My personal immediate goal in photography has been always to have the freedom to create what I want, how I want and when I want without the pressures associated with the commercial side of photography. Fortunately I have that freedom in my own personal body of work and although the end goal is to master the art of photography, it’s a lifelong journey where the goal post moves past the horizon once you think you’ve come closer to it as questions answered create a whole set of new questions.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
My image ‘Pleiadian’ http://500px.com/photo/6998787 is probably my favourite image and one that has been awarded and has graced the covers of photography magazines worldwide. The expression of the subject, the play of colors and lighting all work together to produce an image which demands a second look.
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 has been categorized as fine art portraiture although I’m content with it just being called portraiture.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
Amongst all the noise on the internet it’s sometimes a struggle to find works that stand out but I’ve found the curated section of the 1x.com gallery a website I visit almost daily. The selection of works across all genres on 1x.com are at the top of the game and a source of inspiration for many amateurs and seasoned professionals.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
Be your own worst critic!
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
I have a lot of respect and admiration for the works by photographers Erwin Olaf, Dan Winters, Eugenio Recuenco and it would be great to see them featured here.
Nov
22
2013Kitty Gallannaugh Photography
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
I use a Canon 5DMkII with 50, 35 & 85mm lenses. As I only work with natural light I don’t use anything else.
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
I don’t think I could dislike anything about my camera, I’m rather protective of it. I love our history together and all the shoots we’ve been on and the fact that I feel confident with it around my neck; I feel my camera is one of the very few things I know like the back of my hand. Sometimes I wish my lenses had a bit of a lower aperture but apart from that I’m happy with what I work with.
What is your favourite lens, and why?
I trialled the 85mm 1.2 and fell head over heels in love with it, so it’s now my dream to one day own one. It was just so crisp, it captured things like the viewer was there too and was incredibly versatile.
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
My camera body, a couple of lenses, a packet of tissues (my nose always seems to need them no matter what) and nothing else. I like to travel with all my equipment may not be much but it makes me feel comfortable.
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
I use Photoshop CS5 to edit all my photographs with, it’s a good friend!
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration? How do you take your pictures?
I had a red plastic camera when I was five or six that I took with me everywhere; I think that’s where it all began. I’ve been photographing on a professional level for six years now and the inspiration still stems from when I was little; I listen to new songs, read poems or novels, go on long forest walks, write and just watch the World go by.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
I love looking at travel photography; the kind of photography that is documents someone’s journey from packing their bags to driving the winding roads and setting up camp beneath the stars. Seeing people adventure around the planet is something that warms my heart and inspires my mind.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
To just shoot until I can shoot no more. I want to record moments for people time and time again, whether it’s a brand campaign or a personal engagement shoot, they are all moments that matter. I just want to shoot for as long as life will let me.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
I don’t have a favourite, not yet anyway. I’ve told myself that I don’t want to take my favourite photo for a really long time in case it makes me slow down or try less, I’m scared I’d feel like I could slowly stop if I had an all-time favourite. Maybe by the time I’m an old lady I’ll be happy to go back every photo and have a favourite.
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’d say my work falls somewhere between fashion and portraiture with a little bit of journalism on the side.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
Apart from Flickr, not really. I visit individual photographer’s blogs from time to time to keep up to date with their lives but I don’t spend much time browsing online.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
To be true to yourself, it shows through every photograph.
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
I am a huge fan of Jana Martish’s work, it is incredibly inspiring to get lost within.
Nov
13
2013Brenda Waworga Photography
https://www.facebook.com/brendawaworgaphotoworks
http://bwaworga.deviantart.com/
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
I used canon 5 DMarkII for camera, and canon135mm f.2, 50mm f1.8 and 17-40mm f.4 for lenses.
I also used canon 4360EXII flash, YN pt04 for trigger, silver and white umbrella with lightstand and reflector
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
I think my camera is a very powerful camera, it has everything I need on photoshoot, great resolution images and videos, its full frame and work in any kind of weather even on rainy day
dislike, it doesn’t have building flash which sometimes I need, nothing to be complain about.
What is your favourite lens, and why?
Its canon 135mm f.2, I think it suits me best with my photography interest which is portrait with natural light.
This lens is sharp and have creamy bokeh and also create beautiful colors.
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
Definitively my camera body and my wide lens: 17-40mm f.4 and my flash light 430exII.
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
Adobe photoshop cs3.
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration? How do you take your pictures?
Probably around 4 years.
I find inspirations from many things like people around, magazines, others photographers works, music, movies even from just a random conversations… many things.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
Portrait and fashion because I love capturing emotions from people and make them feel they are beautiful and since I love fashion I also want to captured some fashionable portraits too.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
I always want to collaborate with new creative people and expand my ability on capturing portraits, I also want to learn more about lighting.
I think I never set the bar, I just keep pushing myself … no limit.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
I have a lot actually, but if I have to pick it will be this one: http://fav.me/d6lvspr
because it portrait emotion and it was pretty hard to shoot because me and model need to go drowned a bit in the cold ocean but I’m glad we got the result we want.
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.
Portrait and Fashion photography.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
deviantart.com
There are so many inspirations works there from so many photographers around the world.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
Photography makes me feel confident and love life even more because there are so many beautiful things in this world that we need to appreciated and enjoy.
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
Miobi (they are team between model and photographer) they are so talented and I think deserve more recognition.
Their portfolio: http://miobi.deviantart.com/
Oct
23
2013Julia Trotti Photography
https://www.facebook.com/juliatrottiphotography
http://www.flickr.com/people/paperaeroplanes/
http://jtrotti.blogspot.com.es/
http://juliatrotti.tumblr.com/
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
I use a Canon 5d mkiii with two prime lenses – the 85mm f1.2 and 35mm f1.4. I don’t use any extra lighting or reflectors in my work.
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
I can’t say anything bad about my equipment, I sort of see my camera and lenses just as a tool to create what I envision. It’s up to me to make what I have work, so I can’t really complain about my equipment!
What is your favourite lens, and why?
I love the 85mm f1.2 – the images produced by this lens are so beautiful! It has a crisp focus and amazing bokeh, and the colours that come naturally without editing are fantastic.
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
My camera body and my two lenses, but this goes for any shoot I go to!
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
I use Lightroom 4 with my Digital Film Actions presets to colour my photos, and I use Photoshop to lightly retouch them.
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration? How do you take your pictures?
I first started taking photos 4 years ago. I find inspiration everywhere, but mostly I am inspired by beautiful locations and interesting faces.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
Portrait photography will always be my favourite. While I am quite shy in person, taking photos has lead me to get to know people in a way I never imagined.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
My goal instead is to photograph for as long as it makes me happy, which feels like forever at the moment. I would love to travel the world hosting workshops and shooting campaigns for amazing brands.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/paperaeroplanes/9351841838/ This is one of my favourite photos. We spent a day shooting on a cliff overlooking the endless ocean. It was ridiculously windy and cold but Megan, our model for the day, was such a trooper and kept pushing even though her skin was crawling with goosebumps. I think this is my favourite photo because it is one of those moments where all the negative elements of the day just transform for a second into something special.
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.
Portrait & fashion photography. I’m pretty sure 90% of my portfolio consists of photos of people!
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
Ben Trovato is one of my favourite fashion websites. I always find myself awing at the beautiful photos they post.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
Photography has helped me learn to follow my dreams regardless of what happens. After photographing for so many years it’s only inevitable to be faced with challenges every now and then, so my biggest lesson learnt is being able to stay true to myself with any situation I am faced with.
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
My partner Dan is a talented videographer who specialises in fashion films. I don’t want to be biased, but I definitely think he needs more recognition for his amazing work! His website is www.imakefilms.com.au
Sep
23
2013Tracie Taylor Photography
https://www.facebook.com/TracieTaylorPhotography
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tracietaylorphotography/
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
I shoot both Canon and Nikon professionally. Canon 5D MarkII’s and Nikon D3. My favorite glass is my Canon 85 1.2 and my Nikon 300 2.8. For my underwater sessions I use an Ikelight canon housing with one or two substrobes and several ports.
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
The only complaint I have is the weight of my gear.
What is your favourite lens, and why?
Canon 85 1.2 for the pure clarity of the glass. It’s my go to lens for almost all of my portrait work.
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
If I’m travelling for personal pleasure I usually grab my Leica M8 with a 50mm and my underwater gear. If it’s work, I usually grab 2 or 3 bodies with lots of glass. Always my 85 1.2, 50 1.2, 70-200 2.8, 16-35 2.8 and always something fun like my lensbaby or TS.
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
Photoshop CS5 and Lightroom 5.
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration? How do you take your pictures?
I’ve been documenting weddings for over 12 years. As a professional photographer I tell stories through my work. My clients stories and my own. I document the love that surrounds me and all of the emotions that life has to offer. It sounds corny but love truly is what inspires my images.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
Style? Oh gosh I’m all over the board. I love shooting and documenting weddings/events but I equally love a preplanned creative shoot. I guess it depends on the client. On a personal level I love creating artistic images.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
My goal has always been to provide the best possible images to my clients. It’s an ever evolving industry. I don’t think I’ll ever stop learning. As long as I’ve given it my best I’d say I’m there.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
That is almost impossible. I have a new favourite image with each shoot. I guess if I had to choose just one, it would be a very personal image. One I took just days before my mom passed away. She was holding her rosary with my Dad and my 3 daughters. It’s titled Generations of Faith. http://www.flickr.com/photos/tracietaylorphotography/2922761135/
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.
Professionally I’m a wedding photographer but I’d classify myself as a photographer of life. Life can be captured in so many different genres. My images almost always include people. I suppose I can be classified as a portrait photographer specializing in weddings, underwater, artistic fine art and black and white.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
500px and Flickr.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
Always be prepared. Always have a camera nearby.
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
Surprise me. I love meeting new talent!
May
15
2013Alain Laboile Photography
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
I use a Canon 5D Mark III and the only lens I use (and I have) is a Canon 35 mm f 1.4
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
It’s a minimalist equipment. I eliminated all the superfluous (flash, tripod). The camera, very technical, exceeds my requirements. I’m not focused on technique and I am only using a small part part of multiple features.
The camera and the lens are a little bit too heavy.
What is your favourite lens, and why?
I groped, tried several lenses. The fixed focal length 35mm suits me perfectly. It allows me to include my many and moving subjects and I know immediately what can be part of the frame.
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
It should be as light as possible.
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
I shoot in RAW format. I use Camera raw included in Photoshop . I make my little finishing touches with Photoshop.
How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration? How do you take your pictures?
I’m a father of six. My children are my subject, It’s a limitless subject.
I just have to look, children are creative, you just need to be there waiting for things to happen up in the frame and “click”.
Today my children moving and playing in their own environment with their spontaneous behaviour are my privileged motives.
My photography looks like a kind of daily diary began in 2006.
My omnipresence with my camera made me invisible. I learned to anticipate the movements of children, cats, projections of water, moving objects. I place myself and I wait for things to put in place like a choreography.
I am extremely present with my children. I’m there when they play and this is often the game that introduces the photographic idea.
Sometimes of course you need a boost, a gesture may suffice, or a verbal indication such as “do that again to see! “Or” back a little, “or” wait … go there! ‘
These are most often indications of placing or time, without explanation of what I want to photograph.
I think they have become accustomed to these few words launched. The important thing is to do it in motion, do not stop the game for a briefing . All is in real time.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
I do not prefer a particular style, but I like photography focused on people. I love when a picture arouses emotion, tells a story.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
Every day I share my photos via internet. I totally recognized the universal and timeless dimension of my photographic work by reading testimonials from other people from around the world. It is fantastic to be able, without any artifice that removal of color, share daily days pieces of our family life, and find a positive response to this simple life close to nature. Immerse someone in their own childhood through photography is very rewarding. The use of black and white probably reinforces this feeling.
I cannot count the testimonies of people remembering them in the country with their grandparents, or finding the smell of summer vacation …
I like the idea that someone could delve into his own life by reading a picture of crossed random stranger on the web.
What is sure is that this “vein” of the family photo is not a calculation or a conscious decision on my part. However ,these universal comments necessarily influence my photographic production.
As long as I bring something to people I will continue.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
It’s “waiting for the postman” because this photo has initiated the series .it is not the most technically accomplished but it is dear to my heart.
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 take the expression of an internet people telling that my photos are “street family”.
I’m quite fascinated by the “street photography” It isn’t something I can practice because I live in the countryside, but I find my work quite close to this spirit there.
There are similarities in the crude side and spontaneous situations photographed. These are pieces of life that transcribe a certain reality.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
These are the social networks (Facebook,Flickr) that lead me to new photographic discoveries.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
Do not be trapped by the technique but let me flooded by my subject.
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
Joseph- Philippe Bevillard: http://www.joseph-philippebevillard.com/ I really love his work, fascinating!
Apr
29
2013Maryanne Gobble Photography
https://www.facebook.com/neweyedea
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14527832@N06/
What kind of equipment (camera body, lens, filters, flash, tripod, cleaning equipment other) do you use?
Most of my recent work was created on a Canon Xsi with a Tamron 17-55mm lens. I often use a remote shutter and a basic tripod I picked up from around $30 online. My camera body broke last week so I’m passing time with a Nikon D200 and Canon Xs. If it works, work it.
What do you like and dislike about your equipment, specially your camera, and how would you improve it?
I certainly feel the limitations with my equipment. It’s almost laughable to be making art with this stuff. So when I make something I’m proud of I feel part super ninja and part fraud. My strongest desires in equipment at the moment are a higher ISO and overall dependability.
What is your favourite lens, and why?
I love my wide angle zoom usually left at around 17mm. It’s how I see the world.
When you travel, what is in your essential photographic kit bag?
Body, wide angle, backpack, and iPad. Rubber boots, plastic bags and umbrella if it’s a notoriously wet location.
What kind of software/tools do you use for post-processing, if any?
Adobe CS3.
How long have you been taking photographs?
I’ve been taking photographs for about a decade. Yet it’s only the last two years I’ve felt like I’m doing it the way I want.
How do you find inspiration?
I have a very busy mind so inspiration tends to come easy. Most recently I’ve been inspired by writers, creation myths, being a mother, and sound.
Which style of photography do you like the most, and why?
This is a hard one for me. I love so many aspects of portrait, travel, documentary, and fine art. I slap a generic fine art label on it and call it good. There is such a focus on keeping one style but I’m rethinking that route. I want to grow.
What goal are you working towards within your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
I aim to be alive and free. I want to be a contributor to society. I’m willing to bleed for it.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.
My current favourite is this image. 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 human series is male nude and I also have a self portrait series.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?
Lensscratch, Creative Live.
What is the one most important lesson that you have learned since you started taking photographs?
Money and fame are poor motivators. Haters gonna hate.
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?
Susan Burnstine Photography
Bertil Nilsson
http://www.nielsbruchmann.com/