Photographer Interview- Christina Greene

How long have you been a photographer and what got you in to the business?

I've been a serious photographer for about three years now, and professionally offering my services now for a year. I got in the business after doing a gallery showing and selling a few of my prints as well as doing sittings for several friends' kids, all which gave me the confidence to take the leap and form November Sun Photography.

What is your favorite subject to photograph and is there a "favorite time" to photograph it?

My absolute favorite subject to shoot is the Milky Way in the summer time. I enjoy what I do when I'm doing event photographs or sittings with kids, but there's something about being outside when its dark with a million stars overhead with my camera. There's such a huge difference in what you see with your eyes and then what appears on the camera. It blows me away every single time.

In your opinion, what is the most important piece of equipment other than your camera and lens?

Tripod. There's a lot you can do while taking pictures or in post production to fix things like lighting issues or cropping, but nothing really you can do to fix camera shake. Having a good, stable tripod has been key for me-especially when I'm doing night photography.

Do you have a favorite lens you like to use when photographing people?

For portrait photography, I love my Nikon Nikkon 35mm 1.8 lens. Its just a good, fast, all around portrait lens.

You have volunteered your photography for a few causes. Can you tell me more about it and how you got involved?

I volunteer for two causes. One is with the Clark County Breastfeeding Coalition and the other isn't through an organization (though there are some out there), but I offer free sittings for parents adoption children. I got involved with the CCBC through it's chairwoman Martha Suronen. Every year they hold a Well Mama Fair in Vancouver but haven't had the funds to hire a photographer to cover the event. I like the community they bring together of not only mothers, but women entrepreneurs, and so I've been doing that for the past few years. As for the second cause-this one I got into after a foster mother I knew through an acquaintance couldn't get a slot for one of the Red Thread Sessions photographers (they're an organization that does free sessions for children's adoptions or open birth adoptions). Adoption is something near and dear to my heart-my husband's mother's side is all adopted-so when I heard that she was in need, I volunteered, and while I was doing her kids' photos, I offered my services to any other foster parents that she knew. For now, I do these sessions on a word of mouth basis, but my plans are to eventually join the Red Thread Sessions team of volunteers.

Do you have any advice for a new photographer in the business?

Explore. It might sound cliche, but you'll find-even on subjects you work with every day-there is always something new you can do with your pictures.

Kenneth Cappello Interview

Kenneth Cappello

Fashion/Celebrity/Sports/Advertising/Video

  

(interview is copied directly from email)

1. Can you describe a typical work day? 

Fielding emails making sure retouching is on point uploading files conference calls etc. sometimes it's just training Ju  jitsu and staring at my dogs

 2. I plan to move to LA after school, (I'm from NorCal) is it possible to book jobs with NY magazines without having established myself there first like you did? 

Yur work is gonna do the speaking. And unfortunately the net working  Depends on the mags really For fashion nyc is a good place to start. But I'm into living were you want to live.

3. Do you have any advice on how to stand out in this image saturated culture while I'm just starting out? 

Man good photos good styling good eye. Be careful on becoming a Instagram only photographer. It' seems hard out there it's so so saturated. Everyone is a photographer or a creative director. Like you can shoot a bunch of naked girls and have 200k followers or you can just take the photos you want. Working for a establish photographer is also a good way to get yur tools down and understand what needs to be done to get were you need to go

 4. When it comes to concepts for shoots, whether it be an ad, fashion story for a mag, etc, what is the collaboration process? How much creative freedom do you have? 

Sometimes none sometimes 100 percent it just depends on the client. With editorial shoots it's a colab between you and the art director kinda or the stylist.

Sometimes it's all you. Sometimes they will call with a concept and if you don't like it don't do it. Ads they are hiring you usually for what you do but you still have to stay within there perimeters and the lines get blurry it's all job to job.

5. Currently I shoot Portland's style/ streetstyle for Portland Fashion Week's instagram. It's unpaid, but I have a lot of freedom and I want to make the most of it, any advice? 

That's good

Ig is a very powerful tool

People get hired form ig all the time art directors really do look at it. Shooting for free is totally normal a lot of young photographers don't understand that. Your building a body of work that's hopefully gonna pay off in the future to come.

PHOTOGRAPHER INTERVIEW- VELVET HARRIOT

1.) How long have you been a photographer?

I've been photographing anything and everything that would stand still since I was a tween! I didn't start photographing professionally until I was in my early 20's when I had the support from my fiance and a drive to create a business I love!

2.) What inspires you most when it comes to photography?

My favorite style of photography would have to be lifestyle.  Seeing raw emotions always touches me.  My favorite portraits that I take are generally the less posed and more real moments that my wedding couples have together.  I love finding those couples that are willing to just be themselves with each other and me.

3.) What made you want to start your own business?

My Mother told me to, and I loved it! Haha :) I really enjoy the challenge of photographing a person who is self proclaimed "terrible in front of the camera".  At this point in my career though, I really enjoy the relationships that I get to be a part of and getting to use my creative side in a way that supports myself and my family.  Doing what you love isn't something everyone gets to do and I'm determined to not take that for granted!

4.) What's your "must haves" when it comes to camera gear?

I'm currently LOVING my 85mm and full frame Nikon.  I did a lot of work with my crop sensor and I'm still crazy proud of how much I learned from that, but once you go full frame, you never go back.

5.) How are you able to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera? Do you have any special tricks up your sleeve?

It truly depends on who you're working with! Don't be afraid to be yourself.  I personally friend all of my clients on Facebook/Instagram and allow them to see some of my personal life.  I don't post anything political/religious/inflammatory.  I usually post things my 3 ladies say, or fun outings that my family goes on, that way when I'm in the room with a bride/groom on their big day or out at a family session we have things to talk about.  They feel like they already know me and vice versa!
 

6.) Do you prefer Photoshop or Lightroom?

I do most of my post processing in Lightroom, but use Photoshop for more detailed edits!  I think they are both necessary in different ways!

7.) Is portrait work what you want to continue doing or would you rather be doing something else?

I LOVE portrait work.  That being said, I have narrowed my work down to Weddings/Families/Boudoir.  I don't prefer senior work or photographing parties.  I'm sure I will downsize again in the next year on what I want to do.  Some sessions just bring me more joy and that shows in my work.  I want to provide my clients with the absolute best service, and if I don't LOVE what I'm shooting then they aren't getting the best quality from me.  Plus I know lots of wonderful photographers in the area who specialize in different areas and I really enjoy the professional relationships that have developed because of sharing business instead of trying to compete!  It's all about community in the end and this community is pretty dang amazing.

Photographer Interview- Ryan Dearth

As I become more interested in LifeStyle photography I have stubbled across some amazing work including the work of Ryan Dearth.
My interest in how people live and wanting to document it in photos seemed quite similar to the ideas that got Mr Dearth started.
"It all started, I think, from the travel I did as a kid - that is to say my obsession with people, their cultures, and what makes them tick. " -Dearth

The questions I decided to ask were questions that I am currently struggling to pin point. Thank you Ryan Dearth for you kindness and advice!

#1. How did you narrow down the "genre" of photography that you decided to become your profession?

1. I kind of just fell into doing lifestyle photography – I started as a photojournalist and strived to tell real stories but graduated from school at the very beginning of the financial crisis when all of the major newspapers were folding. I eventually turned toward more setup scenes and had a knack for capturing real moments in setup environments. It was a good way for me to keep a sense of reality in my photos while having a bigger production happening.

#2. What was the best advice that you've received along the way in regards to your photography career?

2. Some of the best advice I ever got was from a mentor of mine early on. He told me to shoot EVERYTHING. Even if I was out skiing, or hiking with my friends, or eating dinner with family, shoot it. Shoot all the details. If you have a free hand you should have a camera in it. Sort out the crap later because it will help develop your eye and style as well as teach you what’s important. I still do the same thing today, but my success rate is much better in what photos I keep. Another good piece of advice came from famed internet photographer and friend Thomas Hawk (look him up, he’s awesome) – even when you’re in a creative rut, just shoot through it. Not only will you get through the rut faster, but you’ll come out much stronger.

#3. Was there ever a specific situation that was intimidating to you in the beginning?

3. It’s always tough. The more you learn about photography the more you realize you don’t know. Every year I gain so much experience and build entirely new bodies of work and every year I tackle projects that I never knew I could. It’s all scary, I’m not sure that ever goes away. But once again you come out stronger because of it. There will absolutely be failures – I fail daily, and I seem to succeed less often, but that’s all part of the game. 

Maybe thats some of the best advice I can impart – get used to failure and rejection, and don’t take it personally because you will get 100 “No’s” for every “YES.” But when you do get that nod, it feels that much better. That, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people. Successful photographers don’t do it alone, they surround themselves by people who support them, and people who do specific things very well. Work smart, not hard.

Photographer Interview - Rex Thomson

Rex Thomson is a concert photographer that I have had the privilege of working with on various projects and shooting alongside at concerts and festivals around the country. Since meeting Rex 4 years ago he has helped me when ever I have any questions about photography or needed advice. He has introduced me to many people in the music industry and has hooked me up with jobs. I drove out to Sandy to sit down with Rex to catch up and ask a few questions about his experiences as a photographer.

Jason: Rex, how did you get your start in concert photography?

Rex:  I have always loved music and being around it. My background is in video and graphic design. Having a background with video I was familiar with a camera and when I had free time at concerts I would just mess around snapping off some photos. Once day a good friend and one of my favorite musicians Bonnie Paine of Elephant Revival expressed to me how much she loved my photos and her belief that I should start to take photography more serious. I’m happy I decided to listen to her.

Jason: What’s your favorite type of photos to take at a concert or festival?

Rex: I love to get that up close and personal photo with a shit tone of expression, but my favorite would have to be arranging large group photos. Music brings out unique people and provides a place for personal expression. Getting these photos of friends or a group of devoted fans always leads to a fun image. They can be a pain in the ass to arrange 50 plus people, but once it’s all ready the expressions and joy on everyone face takes the prize!

Jason: Any advice you would have to anyone wanting to get into music photography?

Rex: Don’t be afraid to go the extra mile to get a photo that you want. Try to get the best access you can. When you do get the access you want act like you have done it before and belong there. Sometimes people don't think twice and will let you run wild if you look like you know what your doing. Be nice to the security and people working the stage area. Sometimes you can talk your way into places your not supposed to be. Always have your camera ready to take a photo. You never know who you will take a photo of or what will end up unfolding right in front of your eyes.

Jason: What’s the worst thing that has happened to you on a job site?

Rex: I was at a festival, I won’t say which one, and I was working with a bands to do extended work, like on stage and all access. The band gave me an all access pass that hangs around my neck so people knew I had permission. The person running production on the stage didn’t believe me that I had the permission even with the pass. He got over aggressive with me instead of being professional and confirming things with the band. Long story short, in his attempt to be over aggressive with me one of my lenses got dropped out of my pouch and broke as he tried to escort me out of the stage area. As this was unfolding the band's manager saw all of this happen and stepped in. The festival ended up renting me a lens for the rest of the weekend and paid for a new lens.

Jason:  What do you find the hardest part about being on the road half the year traveling the country following bands around and festival hoping in the summer?

Rex: I used to say the hardest part was keeping up with all of the photos and not have them pile up for me when I get home. Now I would say is making sure you make sure to take care of myself. Make sure I get enough sleep when I have the opportunity, take a nap if needed, eat well, take a few minutes on the road to get out and see something new so you can stretch your legs and take a moment to enjoy the journey you're on. A few years back I had a major health scare. There was a point where death was a strong possibility. During this time I realized how much I let life pass me by all of these years. Yes I was loving running city to city and festival to festival having the time of my life but I never took much time to take care of myself. Now that my health is improving and i'm the feeling better than I have in a very long time I find that I enjoy what I do so much more. Taking that moment to enjoy what's around you, listening to what your body and taking a moment to take it all is has made me a happier person and I think it shows in my work.

Photographer Interview-Laurie Ludes- maternity and newborn photographer

I reached out to Laurie after checking out her website and saw some pretty awesome photographs of her maternity and newborn shots. I emailed about 10 questions to her and received some good advice and gained some insight into her business.

As a graphic designer in the marketing department for Verizon Wireless, Laurie did not ever think she would be a photographer. She had been laid off in 2002 and with the severance payout she started her own graphic design business, but struggled with the high costs of advertising and the market was so saturated already. She bought a nice camera so that if her clients requested photos she could provide. She practiced on family and friends and was receiving good feedback. She learned everything she could from on-line courses, and and knowing Photoshop well took her photos from good to great.
She asked to do maternity photos for someone she knew, followed up and did her newborn shots as well. That was the key event that guided her to start a photography business. She started out slowly but kept at it and eventually became very successful.
When I asked what steps she recommend I take to be a success she said social networking and Photoshop skills are a must. Saying that you should be devoting at least 2 hours per day to social networking, and being active on all platforms is a bonus. Also knowledge of making videos is a great skill, people want videos. Marketing is very important in this line of work, Laurie would buy print ads and was able to get her photos featured in OB-GYN offices. but offering free sessions just to get her work out there worked best for her in the beginning. Now, she does not pay for any advertising at all, she relies on social networking.

Laurie had this to say when asked what the best lesson she had learned was, "Stay true to your own style and identity. Don't try to be someone else...it will only lead you to never feeling good about yourself. Create a style of your own and build on it. Be yourself!" 

Photographer Interview - Jess McGlothin

Jess McGlothlin Media
www.jessmcglothlinmedia.com



Jess is a photographer currently based out of Bozeman, Montana (one of my favorite cities in the US). She is a writer and photographer that shoots fly fishing, lifestyle and travel photography. She is one of the nicest photographers I've ever talked to and here is my email interview with her.

Me: How long have you been a photographer?

Jess: I dabbled with photography when I was working in Europe in my late teens, but really started approaching it as a professional when I was 21. 

Me: Who got you interested in photography?

Jess: There’s no one person in particular. I guess I can look back to an editor who promised to publish my first big national investigative article in 2009, but would only run it if I had photo evidence. So I snuck onto a worksite with my camera and got the images. The story ran, and five years later a hydroelectric dam on Montana’s Madison River was stopped. It was encouraging to see writing and photography teamed together to make a difference.

Me: Did you go to school for photography?

Jess: I did not. I actually was offered full-ride academic scholarships to several universities, but got bored. So I left and started a business. 

Me: What lead you to where you are today?

Jess: Good question. It’s a long, winding path, and looking back the connections I made three, five, or seven years ago sometimes bounce balance in the strangest places. The most straightforward answer isn’t very sexy: it’s a lot of long hours, a lot of rejection when pitching clients and editors, and a lot of hours on the road. It’s 98% slog work, 2% “fun” work. 

Me: Do you have a favorite destination to photograph?

Jess: I was able to travel to a very remote atoll in French Polynesia for a shoot for Costa del Mar Sunglasses last year. It was near-perfect shoot — a great team, fantastically nice locals, good weather, good housing, unique fishing, and I picked up all kinds of new skills. Managing sharks, throwing spears, an eating all kinds of weird food. The client was thrilled with the images, and despite myself and one of the anglers ending up in the island clinic for medical issues (always travel with a good medical kit!) it was a fantastic shoot. Heading to Samoa at the end of March for a shoot, and I’m excited to get back to the South Pacific!

Me: Is there a place you dream of photographing one day?

Jess: I’d love to get back to Russia; I worked there for five months and that country sticks with you! Otherwise, the Middle East, South Africa, and Australia are high on the list. 

Me: What is the best thing about your job? The worst?

Jess: The best part? Seeing incredible places and meeting fantastic people. The fishing is fun, but for me this is really about documenting people and places. The worst? The hours! 80-hour weeks are pretty standard, even when I’m home. The work doesn’t go away, and a lot of the day-to-day is running a business.

Me: Do you have any advice for getting into fly-fishing photography?

Jess: Shoot! Just get out and shoot. That’s the best way to figure out your own style. Fly-fishing photography is a niche within a niche; it’s a small family and only so many clients to get work from. Don’t be afraid to work with other photographers — I’m getting ready to teach a photography/fishing retreat in Central America this fall with two of the industry’s leading fishing photographers. It’s too small an industry to play territorial. Learn, always keep your eyes open, and don’t be afraid to put in the hours.

The photographer that inspires me is.........

Grace Chon is a photographer of animals.  Her style is all her own as she is a self taught photographer.  Her background is in advertising via creative director, which gives her an edge on the pulse of what societies interest are.  I love animals and would love to gain more experience in pet photography as it seems to be a fun and always interesting direction to go.

Featured Photographer-Dorothea Lange

Dorothea Lange was most known for her photographs depicting the life of Americans during the Great Depression. During the 1920’s Dorothea and her husband traveled the Southwest, photographing Native Americans. During the Depression she focused on the tragedy that had set upon San Francisco. Particularly she focused on migrant farm workers in the western states. Her photographs show the awful conditions that many children and adults had to live with. Beautiful and sad photos present the truth of life during one of the most difficult times in American history.

I was drawn to her photography because it evokes emotion and she is showing a glimpse into a life that we are all fortunate not to have experienced. I couldn’t stop looking at the photos and wondering what had happened to the subject. I could see myself as a documentary photographer, capturing the stories that are not always the most appealing, stories that we would rather not hear about. I am intrigued how she shows these horrible conditions in the most stunning photographs.