Dec

04

2013

Noukka Signe Photography

Portrait / Self Portrait

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?

 

Flickr, DeviantART and I follow photographers’ blogs with RSS.

 

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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.

 

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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

http://www.noukkasigne.com/

https://www.facebook.com/noukkasigne


Nov

28

2013

Alex Benetel Photography

Conceptual Photography / Fine Art

Alex Benetel Photography

https://www.facebook.com/alexbenetelphotography

http://500px.com/deltalex

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexandra-roseliza/

http://alexbenetel.4ormat.com/

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

 

I use a Nikon D600, 50mm f/1.8 lens (with a UV filter), tripod and a remote.

 

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

 

It’s hard to pick any dislikes about my equipment. My camera is an absolute dream; it’s reaching its first Birthday actually. I love the video capabilities it has and that I can shoot in low light situations, which was a bit of a problem for me prior to purchasing the Nikon D600. It also being full frame is a major positive as well. I am however, looking to purchase a new lens very soon and add it to my equipment list.

 

What is your favourite lens, and why?

 

I’ve only ever owned the kit lens that came with my first DSLR (Nikon D90) and my current prime lens. As I only ever use my 50mm f/1.8 lens, it’s my current favourite. It’s lasted a long while and it’s really suited to my style of photography. It’s great for portraits and landscape photos, especially when I’m travelling. Like I said, I’m looking to purchase a few new lenses in the future so my favourite is bound to change.

 

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

 

My Nikon D600, 50mm f/1.8 lens, remote, camera charger and extra memory cards. That and some essentials I’ll need whilst I’m out, as I don’t like to carry more than one bag.

 

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

 

I use Photoshop CS4.

 

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

 

I’ve been taking photographs my whole life. However, it became a real passion of mine when I was 16. So I’d say I’ve been serious about photography for about 4 years now. I find inspiration in everything around me, in the shows and films I watch, the music I listen to, on my car, bus and train trips into university, my own experiences, other people’s experiences – literally anywhere and everywhere. On most cases, I ensure that I have somewhat of an idea mapped out in my head before shooting so that I can embody the character in mind. It’s important that I’m in the right headspace whilst shooting.

 

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

 

I mostly enjoy taking conceptual photographs. In terms of what style of photography do I like the most? I just love photographs that tell stories, photographs that have depth. I love finding that sense of mystery, because I always love it when I’m looking at a photograph and have a million questions dancing around in my head.

 

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

 

I have so many goals that I’d like to achieve with my photography, some of which I’ve been lucky enough to have already achieved. However, there are so many more goals I’d like to achieve in the future. I’ve found that when I think I’m in a moment that I suspect is pretty important, I stop myself and really look around at what’s happening. It’s then when I feel like I’m in some sort of a dream-like state.  It’s hard to explain, but when I get that “Is this really happening?” feeling, then I know it’s a special moment.

 

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

 

I wouldn’t say that I necessarily have a favourite piece, but whenever I’m asked to showcase one work that represents my photography, I always male reference to this one.

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexandra-roseliza/8561031635/

 

I think it’s because I came up with the idea on the day, if I remember correctly and shot it half an hour later. It came out even better than I had imagined, which never happens. I believe this piece took my work to a whole new level and each time I look at it, it makes me even more determined to continue to create great pieces. I’m very proud 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.

 

I’m not too sure actually. I’m always trying to categorise my photography into some sort of genre but seem to have some trouble doing so. I always say “conceptual photography” or “fine art photography” but who knows really, it’s always changing because I’m always trying new things.

 

Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?

 

Well, I’m on Flickr everyday and I try to visit sites like Phlearn now and then.

 

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

 

I’ve learned a lot since starting photography, but I have to say that one must not give up, keep challenging themselves, be persistent and to take pictures for yourself.

 

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

 

I would suggest you go and check out the works of:

Sparrek – http://www.flickr.com/photos/sparrek/

Logan Zillmer – http://www.flickr.com/photos/loganzillmer/



Nov

26

2013

Bill Gekas Photography

Fine Art / Portrait

Bill Gekas Photography

www.billgekas.com

www.500px.com/billgekas

www.1x.com/member/billgekas

www.facebook.com/billgekas

 

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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.