Flickr Photographer Interview - Billy Fairchild

It seems I'm on a roll this week with interviews! I truly enjoy Billy's photography. I love to see how he sees the world. I think it reminds me of how I see the world (that should scare you Billy! LOL). Enjoy the interview and please check out his Flickr stream and his blog.

Billy Fairchild (28Photos)

1 ) How long have you been interested in photography?

I had an instant interest in photography the moment that my parents bought me an old Kodak 110 camera when I was 5. I can remember being amazed with taking abstract viewpoints, and being so excited when they came back from being developed.

2 ) What got you started in photography?

See above I suppose lol, However professionally I started taking some classes and people started seeing my work. I was more into nature, abstract stuff at first. I never really wanted to do portraits, then in March of 2009 my 5 year old son passed away. I realized that portraits may not be able to save life, but it can really capture ones spirit and keep memories of them for years to come.

3 ) Do you have any photographers who's work you admire?

Honestly everyone's. I love seeing how each photographer has their own style. It's great.

4 ) What inspires you to make photographs?
Just a passion, it's like I get a giddy feeling when I see something that would look great in a photo.

5 ) Do you have a specific style that you like to shoot, such as portraits, fine art, photojournalism?

Well, pretty much all of the above. I do portraits professionally for a large company, as well as on my own. But, there is nothing like shooting something that no one else would see in the way I did through my camera.

6 ) What is your favorite photographic subject?

Old barns, I love them and have always been fascinated by them.

7 ) What gear do you shoot with?
I shoot a Nikon D300s with 18-55mm, 50mm Prime, and 55-200, as well as a few lensbaby lenses.

8 ) What is your favorite lens?

Hands down my 50mm 1.4

9 ) Do you shoot in Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority Or Manual?

Full manual ONLY

10 ) Where do you see your photography in 10 years?

I am hoping to open my own studio within two years. Crossing my fingers!

11 ) Do you have a tip for our readers?

Shoot manual! If you think you can't your wrong! Just force yourself, it will come and you will be happy you did!

12 ) Do you have a favorite photo of yours that you would like to share with us?

That's great stuff Billy. Thank you once again for sharing with us.

Chris.

Flickr Photographer Interview - Pete Holmes

Well, it's been quite a while since I've done an interview. Life sure has a way of getting in the way. :) That being said, I still have lots of photographers on Flickr whose work I enjoy and follow.

I met Pete Holmes in a group called Photo Dads. We both take a lot of photos of our kids and whatever else crosses the path of the lens. His photos have a sense of fun and excitement to them that really catches my eye. Here is my interview with Pete. Enjoy.
1 ) How long have you been interested in photography?
Off and on, for as long as I can remember.

2 ) What got you started in photography?
I think my Dad got me one of those 110-cartridge cameras when I was about 5 or 6 years old.

3 ) Do you have any photographers who's work you admire?
Annie Liebowitz, Martin Parr, Dave Gorman.

4 ) What inspires you to make photographs?
My kids, documenting family life and capturing moments.

5 ) Do you have a specific style that you like to shoot, such as portraits, fine art, photojournalism?
Definitely people, and preferably reportage/candid. Although I still work Monday to Friday as a Graphic Designer, a couple of years ago I set up my own secondary business photographing weddings and doing children and family photoshoots. www.phocus-images.co.uk

6 ) What is your favorite photographic subject?
Probably my own kids.

7 ) What gear do you shoot with?
I currently use a Canon Eos 30D.

8 ) What is your favorite lens?
I only have two! My favourite probably being the 75-300mm zoom which is great for capturing candid portraits from distance of wedding guests.

9 ) Do you shoot in Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority Or Manual?
A mixture... Shutter priority in low light conditions, Manual for night shots and when I have time to set up shots. I also, dare I say it, use Automatic modes when taking a lot of outdoor shots at a wedding or photoshoot.

10 ) Where do you see your photography in 10 years?
It's already progressed beyond a hobby, and the business is doing well doing a select number of weddings a year. Possibly giving up the day job and going full-time in the future? I've also just started getting a few images accepted into the Getty Flickr Collection, so shooting specifically for stock photography needs is also an option.

11 ) Do you have a tip for our readers?
Personally I'm not massively into getting technically-perfect shots. Capturing a specific moment in time (a smile, a glance, a grimace) is more important to me. So I suppose my general tip would be to not get bogged down by technical stuff, get out there, shoot what interests you, and have fun doing it.

12 ) Do you have a favorite photo of yours that you would like to share with us?
I'll always love this one...

That's one of my favorites in Pete's stream as well. Great capture. Such a fun moment. That's one to stop a mother's heart too!

I hope you all enjoyed learning a bit more about Pete Holmes and encourage you to visit his photo stream and his web site. Great looking site Pete and the photos are outstanding.

Thanks again Pete for sharing your insight into your photographic life.

Chris.

Budding Photographer Interview - Andrea Cobler aka Andie182

I've been watching Adrea's photostream for quite a while now. Her photography has improved greatly as she has progressed through the NYIP course. Her photos are fantastic. Everything from her horse photographs to her monkey photographs to her people shots. Such nice work.

Photographer name: Andrea Cobler aka Andie182.

1 ) How long have you been interested in photography?

I've been interested in photography since I was a kid. I always asked for a new camera for Christmas and loved taking pictures- mostly snapshots of horses. I love old photographs. I think the thing that I find so incredible about photography is the fact that with the push of a button, you can freeze a moment in time.

2 ) What got you started in photography?

That whole thing about freezing time. I love history and to be able to record it in such a beautiful and incredible way, to me, is amazing. In my "real" job I often enter the homes of people who are elderly and infirmed. It's easy to start thinking about them as just another 911 call, but then I notice their photographs on the walls and realize that here is this living, breathing person who was once a kid or a mom or someone's beloved wife and it makes you really respect their lives. I think that photography is a powerful tool and I hope that my pictures will someday influence others.

3 ) Do you have any photographers who's work you admire?

I love Annie Griffiths Belt and David Stocklein. I love both of these photographer's styles- the emotion that they capture, how they use light to set a mood- both are incredible photographers.

4 ) What inspires you to make photographs?

I think I love the emotion of the moment. My favorite photo's are ones in which I have captured a special bond- between 2 people, a person and a pet; I love photographing people and their horses. I am also really coming to love the effects of light since taking the NYIP course and really looking at lighting and how it can enhance a subject and set the mood of a photograph.

5 ) Do you have a specific style that you like to shoot? Such as portraits, fine art, photojournalism etc.

I think my favorites are portraits. But not necessarily formal, posed portraits. I like to really interact with my subjects when I am shooting them and get candid- what I call "semi-posed" portraits. I really strive to capture personalities

6 ) What is your favorite photographic subject?

I have been horse-crazy since I was a kid!!! I grew up riding American Quarter Horses and they are my favorite subjects. Especially when I can capture the bond between a horse and it's person. I really love those shots!!

7 ) What gear do you shoot with?

I'm pretty simple right now. I have an Olympus E-300, a 14-45mm f/3.5 lens and a 45-150 f/3.5 lens. I currently have an Olympus FL36 flash that I recently dropped and broke so I am looking at getting a new FL50. I would also like to buy the new Olympus E3 body and a 50mm f/2.0 prime lens. Time to upgrade!!! Alot of my shots are outdoors and natural light but for studio stuff I have 3 Impact hot lights with umbrellas, a set of barn doors and a few backgrounds that I like to shoot against. My favorite in-studio shots are high or low key so I mostly shoot against black or white.

8 ) What is your favorite lens?

I mostly shoot in telephoto. My 45-150mm is usually atached to my camera. I love to bring the subject in close and throw the background out of focus. Also when shooting horses, you have to shoot in telephoto if you don't want the horse to look like a cartoon character.

9 ) Do you shoot in Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual?

I'm usually in aperture priority- again, I love that shallow DOF. When I am shooting action shots I do switch to shutter priority- usually very fast speeds, so it also opens the aperture up and I still get that shallow DOF. I recently spent a weekend camping and boating with my family and my son and nephews were learning to wakeboard. They love for me to get good action shots of them (I am their official "My Space Profile Pix" photographer) and I decided to spend the whole weekend shooting in Manual. It really helped me understand how my camera controls light.

10 ) Where do you see your photography in 10 years?

In 10 years I will be able to retire from the "real job". I hope to attend Rocky Mountain School of Photography's proffessional course prior to that and then I really want to get my photography going. I don't worry about making a fortune with it but I want to be a respected photographer in my area. I see it as a way to do some things I love, meet new people and enjoy the next phase of my life.

11 ) Do you have a tip for our readers?

I hear alot of people complain about how "outdated" NYIP is because they still cover alot of material on film photography. I would say relax and learn all you can from this course. I think that understanding film photography and techniques makes you a better photographer. It gives a better understanding of what is needed to get a particular shot. The photographers of the past couldn't immediately view their work and make adjustments and re-shoot. They had to know their craft and be able to think and adjust according to the conditions. That was my goal when starting this NYIP course. I wanted to be able to create great photo's not just accidentally get one from time to time. I think that NYIP has helped me realize this goal and I think a big part of that was learning the basics.

12 )Do you have a favorite photo of yours that you would like to share with us?

I have lots of favorites!!!! I think that currently this is my favorite:

I love it because we just sold our house and property and bought a new house in a subdivision. I have been looking forward to living in town now that my kids are grown and boarding my horses but when we were looking at the new house I realized that I couldn't easily see the sunset. I also knew that while I would enjoy having someone else clean stalls and do all the other dirty work for my horses, I would miss just being able to walk out the front door and see them. So our last week at the old place I wandered outside to capture the esscence of the lovely golden evening light and the horses and the dogs. I saw my filly running and knew she would be between me and the setting sun and so I quickly got ready and took the shot! I couldn't have asked for a better photo to remember our home by! I had this shot enlarged and printed as a 24x36, framed it and it now hangs on my bedroom wall. Every morning when I wake up I am greeted by my horse and that beautiful golden light that I didn't want to forget.

Wow, that's a great photo for sure. Great information here Andrea. Thank you very much.

I recommend that everyone have a look at Adrea's photostream. She has some really nice work there.

Chris.

Budding Photographer Interview - Corey Teeple

I've known Corey for a while now and I'm always impressed with the quality of his work. He has a vision that I envy. He can see the end result before he takes the photo and sticks to that vision no matter what. I admire that conviction.

Photographer name: Corey Teeple (digitaldad07)

1 ) How long have you been interested in photography?

Since 2004, 5 years. I took a vacation through the rockies with a point and shoot digital and went absolutely bananas.

2 ) What got you started in photography?

A long time passed since that vacation and I felt that I was stifling my creative urges. I was coming up to significant birthday and I asked my wife for a dslr so I could finally get serious about it.

3 ) Do you have any photographers who's work you admire? I tend to look at local people as inspiration. I really like the works of Carey Nash and Curtis Comeau.

4 ) What inspires you to make photographs?

I am not sure its narcissism or truth. I pay attention to details or angles that the world seems to pass by unnoticed.

5 ) Do you have a specific style that you like to shoot? Such as portraits, fine art, photojournalism etc.

It would seem I have a knack for lifestyle portraiture. Candid work. Definitely outdoor work.

6 ) What is your favorite photographic subject?

It’s a toss up, child photography or still life.

7 ) What gear do you shoot with?

I have a modest collection of gear. I use a Canon T1i, a Canon 18 – 55mm IS f/3.5-f/5.6 lens, a Canon 70-300mm IS USM f/4.0-5.6 telephoto, and finally a Canon 50mm f/1.8 II prime lens for low light and portraiture. I house all this is in a Tamrac notebook/camera backpack. Its probably 30 lbs loaded.

8 ) What is your favorite lens?

I have to say at this point the 50mm prime. I think there are more possibilities with the zoom lenses, but the prime really grabs the subject and has provided me a number of very high impact photos.

9 ) Do you shoot in Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual?

I typically shoot Av mode. I will be migrating to full manual by spring.

10 ) Where do you see your photography in 10 years?

I see myself with an impressive portfolio with a continual improvement in my out-of-camera and post production skills. I hope to be photographing full time from Spring to late fall.

11 ) Do you have a tip for our readers?

If people comment that your zeal for your work borders on obsessive, your effort level is almost there.

12 )Do you have a favorite photo of yours that you would like to share with us?

I recently took a silhouette shot on the bank of the North Saskatchewan just after sunset. Every time I close my I eyes I see the clouds open to allow the remaining sunlight to backlight the cityscape.

Thank you very much Corey. Great stuff. So nice to see someone as obsessed, I mean focused ( no pun intended ) on photography. I recommend that everyone check out Corey's Flickr stream and check out his blog at CSquared Imaging.  Some really nice work there.

Chris.

Budding Photographer Interview - Val K (Tacogal on Flickr)

When I look through the photos Val shares on Flickr, I see such vivid color and fun shots. I'd call her style photojournalistic in nature but that just scratches the surface. Her floral photos are stunning.

Photographer name: Val K aka Tacogal

1 ) How long have you been interested in photography?

Three years ago I got my first DSLR and was hooked. Prior to that I used a Pentax SLR starting back in the 70’s mostly slides. At that time we were living in Northern Manitoba and all our film was sent to Winnipeg for developing and that usually took 2 weeks. Wow how life has changed.

2 ) What got you started in photography?

As a child my family hardly ever took photos, so when I married and started my own family I vowed that there would be lots of photos. Of course living in Northern Manitoba for 5 yrs we took a lot of photos of nature as the country was just so beautiful. From those early days we have 1000’s of slides which we have begun to scan and transfer to cd’s.When we started our family the camera was always at hand. To this day I am always the person at every function that is busy clicking photos.

3 ) Do you have any photographers who's work you admire?

No one person in particular however since joining Flickr I certainly have enjoyed several members work especially in our FOTD group. I have read almost every Scott Kelby book and have learned so much about post processing from his books.

4 ) What inspires you to make photographs?

As the seasons change I find my inspiration also changes. Fortunately living on the west coast I can usually be outdoors comfortably in all four season. However I do find in the winter months my photography does move indoors more.

5 ) Do you have a specific style that you like to shoot? Such as portraits, fine art, photojournalism etc.

I am not sure that I have a specific style yet if I had to pick one it would probably be photojournalism.

6 ) What is your favorite photographic subject?

I love the outdoors and nature photography. My garden and flowers give me an endless source of photo opportunities which I really enjoy.

7 ) What gear do you shoot with?

Three years ago I was given my Canon Rebel XTi for Christmas. The two kit lens that came with the camera have been used very little as I purchased the Sigma DC 18-200 and primarily use that. My “Purse” camera that goes absolutely everywhere with me is the Canon G10 which I absolutely love!!

8 ) What is your favorite lens?

Sigma DC 18-200 and am dreaming of a macro lens!!

9 ) Do you shoot in Apeture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual?

Primarily I shoot in Apeture however I am trying to become more comfortable with my Manual settings.

10 ) Where do you see your photography in 10 years?

I am a total hobbyist and have no aspiration to go pro. However I aspire to achieve more professional results to share with my friends and family. I would like to take some photography classes to further challenge my skills.

11 ) Do you have a tip for our readers?

Always have a camera with you, even it is a basic point and shoot. Take lots and lots of photos! Also read as much as you can about taking better photos. There is so much free information on the internet and all we have to do is read, listen and watch.

12 )Do you have a favorite photo of yours that you would like to share with us?

This photo of the marina in Sidney, BC from the deck of wonderful restaurant that we often dine at.

Thank you very much Val for sharing your story with us. I encourage everyone to check out Val's photo stream. I'm sure you will find inspiration there.

Chris.

Interview

Sorry folks.

No interview this week.

Life went and caught up to me. September is such a busy month around my house. I'm surprised it took to the end of it to catch up to me.

Chris.

Budding Photographer Interview – Mary Phelps.

I've been following Mary's Flickr stream for quite some time now. I find her photos to be fun and full of emotion. Her photos always make me think 'wow that was fun'. I'm also blown away by her turtle photos and monument photos. Have a look at her stream and you will see what I mean.

Photographer name: Mary Phelps aka - Mary (StarMagic).

1 )  How long have you been interested in photography?

I started with photography about 5 years ago.

2 ) What got you started in photography?

Video - I had been interested in video for a while and had finally gotten a nice video camera. I started trying to make a decent video. I wasn’t really happy with the results I was getting. Somehow I got the idea that if I learned photography, I would make better videos. So I started trying out a couple of my photography ideas with my husband’s Sony Cybershot Pro. I was talking about this with a couple of friends at work and the boss overheard me and said - “we need someone to take pictures for a while ‘till we hire a new guy and since you like taking pictures....I’m sure you won’t mind.” I tried to tell him I did video, but he said - oh you can do it. They handed me this really nice Canon camera (I think it was a 20D) with a couple of different lenses and sent me off to take some pictures. I have to admit that I took some really poor shots at first. My friends encouraged me and would do critique sessions to help me learn. The office eventually hired the new photographer, but I really had the bug by then. Next, my buddies kept telling me I was taking some pretty good shots with that Cybershot, but I needed to get a “real camera”. Eventually, I decided to get the Canon Rebel XTi. A little over two years ago one of them mentioned he was signing up for the New York Institute of Photography (NYIP) and I joined with him. Now I am totally hooked!

3 ) Do you have any photographers who's work you admire?

Absolutely - Even before I learned anything about photography, I knew Ansel Adams and his work. I always loved his stuff. Today, I admire those two guys who encouraged me to work on my photography - Craig Thoburn ( www.craigthoburn.com and on flickr - www.flickr.com/photos/craigthoburn ) and Doug Miller  ( www.fdphotovideo.com flickr - www.flickr.com/photos/fdphotovideo )

4 ) What inspires you to make photographs?

I never considered myself to have any artistic qualities, my drawings look like something a 2 year old would do - but I have discovered an outlet that allows me to express myself artistically through photography.

5 ) Do you have a specific style that you like to shoot? Such as portraits, fine art, photojournalism etc.

Right now I enjoy fine art shots, but this seems to change a lot as I learn more about each type of photography.

6 ) What is your favorite photographic subject?

I really like taking historic shots of people in period costumes and, of course, my grandkids.

7 ) What gear do you shoot with?

My kit contains:
Canon Rebel XTi
Canon 70-300
Canon 17-40
Canon 100MM Macro
Canon 100-400 
Canon 50mm
Canon 580 Speedlite
Monopod
Tripod
a reflectors
2 strobes

8 ) What is your favorite lens?

I love the 70-300 for it’s versatility and the great bokeh I get from it

9 ) Do you shoot in Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual?

I have finally started to move from the "p" mode and I am just learning to use manual mode, although my most frequent choice would be Aperture Priority.

10 ) Where do you see your photography in 10 years?

I would like to have my own small studio with an occasional gallery show.

11 ) Do you have a tip for our readers?

Whatever you shoot - enjoy it

12 ) Do you have a favorite photo of yours that you would like to share with us?

Wow - I have so many “favorites”, but here is the choice for today is Buffalo Soldier

Ya, I like that one too. Thank you very much Mary. Great stuff here. I recommend everyone check out Mary's photos and see how fun they are.

Chris.

Budding Photographer Interview - Douglas Bethune.

Looking through Doug's photo stream, you notice right away that Doug likes food. LOL. Doug has a talent for making food look so good you start to drool. Such attention to detail in his photos make them winners every time. But it's not just food in his stream, there are so many great examples of still life, sports and product shots too. Doug's photos always inspire me to try new angles and perspectives in my photography.

Photographer Name: Douglas Bethune

1 ) How long have you been interested in photography?

I’ve been interested in photography seriously for the last 3-4 years. I had a camera when I was a kid and took a few pictures of things around my house growing up but got away from taking pictures during my teenage years.

2 ) What got you started in photography?

When my wife was pregnant in 2001 with our first child, I used some xmas present money from my mother in law and got a camera. I went to Costco and bought a Minolta SLR. From that point on, my interest in photography was rekindled. When our first daughter was born, I shot 2 rolls of film in about 90 minutes. It was crazy.

3 ) Do you have any photographers who's work you admire?

Edward Burtynsky. His work is amazing.

I've also been tracking Ethan Meleg's adventures around North America on his blog. His shots are incredible.

4 ) What inspires you to make photographs?

Anything that essentially catches my eye. I never really started noticing things from a photography viewpoint until I started carrying my camera around every day. Now when I pick up a magazine or newspaper, I start looking a lot more critically at photos that I see and try to glean ideas from there.

5 ) Do you have a specific style that you like to shoot?
Such as portraits, fine art, photojournalism etc.

Not really, I like shooting sports, stills and nature. I like shooting nature a lot and enjoy getting up early and taking photos when I can. On a couple of occasions, I been lucky enough to come across a sporting event and that’s been very fun to shoot.

6 ) What is your favorite photographic subject?

It’s a toss up between food and nature, but since you’ve asked…I’d have to say food. When I was younger, I briefly trained as a chef but quickly found it not to my liking but I’ve always liked cooking. The challenge for me when shooting food is to have the shot planned in my head far enough in advance before the food gets cold because there are usually hungry mouths to feed.

7 ) What gear do you shoot with?

This is ironic, because I just swithced over most of my lenses this week. I had mostly Sony lenses for the longest while, but I now carry the following:

Sony A700
Sigma 24-70 f2.8
Sigma 70-200 f2-8
Sony 50mm f1.4
Sigma 105mm macro f2.8
Cable Release
Manfrotto 190xprob Tripod (with ball head)
Umbrella
Reflector
Gorilla Pod
Sony HVL42AM Flash

8 ) What is your favorite lens?

I’d have to say the 50mm. It’s very versatile.

9 ) Do you shoot in Apeture Priority, Shutter Priority or
Manual?

I shot in Manual for the longest time but after reading The Hot Shoe Diaries, I’ve experimented with shooting in Aperture Priority recently.

10 ) Where do you see your photography in 10 years?

Hopefully to a point where I make a decent 2nd income from my photography, if I become good enough to make it my sole source of income, that would be cool.

11 ) Do you have a tip for our readers?

Get to know your camera. It's a very powerful device and when the photographer and camera are in sync, wonderful photos are created.

12 )Do you have a favorite photo of yours that you would
like to share with us?

Sure. I took this shot a few weeks ago at High Park in Toronto. I really liked how it turned out.

Thank you Doug for the insite into your photography. You photos always inspire. Keep up the great work. I recommend that every one have a look at Doug's Flickr Stream for some great photography.

Please leave a comment on this post and let me know what you think.

Chris.

Budding Photographer Interview - Bruce A Tracy.

After strolling through the photos on Bruce's Flickr stream, I'm awestruck by the amazing nature photographs he takes. From mountain tops to lake shores, I feel like I am there experiencing the beauty with him as he takes the photo.

Photographer name: Bruce A. Tracy - Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/batracy/ Website: http://www.bruceatracy.com

1 ) How long have you been interested in photography?

Pretty much as long as I can remember; one of my early childhood memories is
of thumbing through the pages of the picture books because I really liked
looking at the pictures. This irritated my dad because he thought I would
never learn to read if all I ever did was look at the pictures! It's only
been recently that I really started to pursue photography and found that I
like it even more than looking at the pretty pictures!

2 ) What got you started in photography?

My wife! About three years or so ago, she said to me "you need a hobby". So
I responded by saying I thought I would like to do photography, and she said
go for it.  I think there are times when she has regretted saying that to
me. Like those times when I try to get her in front of the camera, or when I
want to visit the local camera store. I've invested a lot of money in books,
training, and equipment over these last few years and I think what she
really regrets is not fully understanding just how expensive this hobby can
be!

3 ) Do you have any photographers who's work you admire?

Ansel Adams, Don Gale, Rick Sammon, Scott Kelby (for his post processing
skills), and lots of others. I spend a lot of time analyzing their work and
learning from them. In fact, I have found that one of the best ways for me
to learn is to analyze or critique the work of others. Now if only I were
good enough to have others admire and be inspired by my work - to me, that
would define success as a photographer.

4 ) What inspires you to make photographs?

A feeling or connection to the scene or subject; I have to see it in my mind
before I can frame it and press the shutter. I just don't go out and fire
away. I have tried to just go out and shoot, but almost every time I do, it
turns out to be a miserable failure. So many of my shots are thought out and
planned well in advance, and yes some of these don't turn out at all, but
more often than not they do. I say many because there are times when I will
just go out unplanned and walk around looking at anything and everything to
see if anything connects. Some times I get lucky.

As for inspiration, I draw inspiration from all the images I look at and
enjoy. I find inspiration in the work of those photographers that I admire
(which includes many of my fellow photographers on flickr, and classmates in
NYIP). I also find inspiration in nature - and wow - what an unending supply
of inspiration we can get from Mother Nature! I also find inspiration in
feelings, family, weather, basically anything that I can connect with and
that has meaning to me personally - that I can photograph.

5 ) Do you have a specific style that you like to shoot? Such as portraits,
fine art, photojournalism etc.

As for style - hmm - I'll let you know when I figure it out! Everyone has a
specific style when they shoot. As for specific subjects that I like to
shoot - mostly landscapes although I don't know why. I'm not a morning
person. They say the best time is dawn and dusk and I don't get up early and
am usually too tired in the evening. Oh well, change is good, change is
inevitable. As Rick Sammon says "you can sleep when you're dead!" I also
like to do portraits and will some times shoot architecture. Haven't really
tried anything else and this is where the NYIP course is helping me most -
it's getting me out of the comfort zone to experience new things.

6 ) What is your favorite photographic subject?

Landscapes, nature - not wildlife as I don't have the patience to wait them
out, but I do love the beauty and peace to be found in nature. Plus it gets
me out of the house! ;-)

7 ) What gear do you shoot with?

I'm a Nikon person. Years ago I used to own a Canon, but my ex got it in the
divorce and ever since then the Canon just doesn't feel right. It's mostly a
psychological thing and has nothing to do with the actual equipment as both
Canon and Nikon are excellent cameras. Anyway here's what I currently have:

Nikon D700 (I started with a D50, then a D200, and now the D700)
Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8 - 4 Di AF
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di AF
Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di AF
Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5 - 6.3 Di VC AF
Tamron 200-500mm f/5 - 6.3 Di AF
SB-800 Flash
MB-10 Battery pack
2x Teleconverter
Extension Tubes
Variety of filters and polarizer's
Studio lighting (2 600W strobes w/modeling lights) softboxes, etc...

Yes, I like the Tamron lenses. I feel the quality is every bit as good as
all but the highest end Nikkor's and the price is far less.

8 ) What is your favorite lens?

All of them! Although I do find the 28-75 is on the camera more often than
any of the others. Maybe this is because the 28-300 VC lens is currently in
for repair (a minor focusing issue).

9 ) Do you shoot in Apeture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual?

I mostly shoot in manual mode, although recently I have been experimenting
with aperture priority when doing landscape shots. I'm finding it useful for
some shots and problematic for others. I do like to have control over what
I'm doing, so manual mode just seems to fit my style. Style? Did I say that?
Hmm, ... maybe I do have a style ;-)

10 ) Where do you see your photography in 10 years?

Hmm, 10 years? Well in 15 years I hope to retire and do photography full
time. So I guess in 10 years I would like to be selling a lot of prints,
seeing my photography in books and magazines, and well, ... I guess the
bottom line is I would like to be significantly better at it than I am now.
This will only happen if I follow my own advice...

11 ) Do you have a tip for our readers?

Study the work of those you admire. Figure out what it is that you admire
about their work and why you enjoy it - then set your goal to be better and
work every day to improve yourself. Lofty I know, but if you don't aim for
the stars you'll never succeed. You always need to be improving yourself -
so aim high and work at it.

12 )Do you have a favorite photo of yours that you would like to share with
us?

I really like the peaceful feeling I get from this image,
and like the way it draws you into the image. This was taken on my birthday
last year in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is absolutely stunning when
the Aspens are changing.

Thank you very much Bruce. Very inspiring. I reccomend that everyone have a look at Bruce's Flickr stream and website. Really good work.

Chris.

Budding Photographer Interview - Jennifer Frezza.

Photographer name: Jennifer Frezza. Flickr and Website.

Jenn is one of the first contacts I gained on flickr. I've been watching her flickr stream for quite some time now. Her floral photography is amazing and makes me want to buy my wife more flowers so I can photograph them. LOL. Her close ups and macro work are always interesting and well composed. Her portrait work is really well lit and posed. She has an eye for the pose.

1 ) How long have you been interested in photography?

I've been into taking pics ever since I was a child. I remember always wanting to be behind my mom's polaroid camera and sitting for hours in the library looking at book after book of portraits.

2 ) What got you started in photography?

I guess I became more serious about it when I was about 14...I was an Air Cadet and was offered a summer photography camp where we were trained in the basics and taught how to develop our work in the dark room. I was able to continue building on my skills by volunteering to work on my high school's yearbook, and then taking a few more courses in College.

3 ) Do you have any photographers who's work you admire?

There are so many photographers who take my breath away on a regular basis but I have to say my absolute favorite is Annie Leibovitz. I love the way she is able to engage her subjects and truly reflect who they are in her portraits.

4 ) What inspires you to make photographs?

Hmm... I have to say it's my children. I think it comes from a strong desire to keep them young, to suspend them in time as my babies ... LOL...I've been called their personal paparazzi!

5 ) Do you have a specific style that you like to shoot? Such as portraits, fine art, photojournalism etc.

Wow....I actually believe that all photographers are works in progress. We all evolve at differing rates, and the style/techniques I employ now are sure to change as time goes on. That said, I adore shooting portraits of people of all ages. At the moment, I try to employ a more photojournalistic approach to it and capture pieces of them that people easily relate to.

6 ) What is your favorite photographic subject?

The obvious answer would be my children! Again.... mom = personal papazzi :-)
I also am drawn to floral photography. I enjoy being able to express both the strengh and fragility which encompass all blooms.

7 ) What gear do you shoot with?

I am a Canon girl! I've had everyone from retailers to fellow photogs try to convert me to the Nikon lifestlye....but nothing feels better in my hands than my Canon! <blush>

My kit is not the largest....but I've been told that it's not size that matters, it's being able to use what ya got ;-)

My kit contains:

Canon 50D
Canon 70-300
Canon 55-70
Canon 100MM Macro
Canon 550 Speedlite
Monopod
Tripod
a series of reflectors

8 ) What is your favorite lens?

oh...hands down my 100mm Macro. I think I've almost been converted to using only prime lens! This is a FANTASTIC lens for macro photography and nice close head shots.

9 ) Do you shoot in Apeture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual?

I am almost always in Manual. I have used AP a few times, but it's not for me.

10 ) Where do you see your photography in 10 years?

Ok....time to think big right? I've started my own environmental portrait studio a few months ago and things are going well. I'd like to eventually have my own studio space where I can also sell my art prints.

11 ) Do you have a tip for our readers?

Well now, this is an easy one..... SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT!!!! You really have to get out there keep shooting! I know it's easy for life to take over...between work, families and the daily chores of living, it can become overwheming and frustrating when things don't turn out the way you wanted them to. Don't sweat it....we've all been there!! Just keep SHOOTING....carry your camera EVERYWHERE! :-)

12 )Do you have a favorite photo of yours that you would like to share with us?

This is one of my more recent favs. It is a picture of my kids (of course!) with their grandfather. I love the timeless feel to it.

Thank you Jenn for the insite into your photography. I recommend everyone check our her Flickr stream and her website. Some really great photography there.

Chris.

Budding Photographer Interview - Dawn Bourget.

I've been watching Dawn's photo stream on flickr for quite a while now. I'm always struck by her ability to take the everyday and make it art. Everything from a scraped knee to a field of hay bales are thought out and photographed just right. She has a keen eye composition, color and well everything that always inspires me.

Photographer name: Dawn Bourget, Flickr Stream, Website.

1 ) How long have you been interested in photography?

Ever since I was little, I was interested in photography. I remember getting my first camera at about 12 years old. I took that camera everywhere.

2 ) What got you started in photography?

When my daughter was born, my passion for photography was reborn too. I was in awe of her and wanted to capture every moment and milestone. It was about 3 years later, when all my friends and family had me photographing there kids and families. So, with the support of my husband Dawn Bourget Photography became a reality. www.dawnbourgetphotography.ca

3 ) Do you have any photographers who's work you admire?

Wow so many photographers inspire me.

4 ) What inspires you to make photographs?

Life… It’s a cliché but life is so short and goes by so fast, photographs help to make our memories last a lifetime. That’s what drew me to “the 365” capturing those everyday fleeting moments.

5 ) Do you have a specific style that you like to shoot? Such as portraits, fine art, photojournalism etc.

I prefer lifestyle/photojournalism. I don’t think photography has to always be about the perfect shot.

6 ) What is your favorite photographic subject?

Well, if you’ve seen my 365 you know it’s my daughter. She has always been my inspiration.

7 ) What gear do you shoot with?

I’m a Canon girl =) The EOS 5D Mark II with various lens.

8 ) What is your favorite lens?

Currently it’s the 50 mm 1.4 lens.

9 ) Do you shoot in Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual?

I shoot manual.

10 ) Where do you see your photography in 10 years?

Let’s see – photographing ads for GAP would be nice.

11 ) Do you have a tip for our readers?

Light is your friend in photography, learn to use it to your benefit.

12 ) Do you have a favorite photo of yours that you would like to share with us?

That’s hard; my favorite photographs change almost daily. Here’s one from my last session before leaving Ontario to move to Alberta. The connection between this mother and her newborn was so overwhelming; it brought tears to my eyes. Moments like this are priceless, and memories for a lifetime to come.

Thank you very much Dawn.

I recommend that everyone check out Dawn's photos. Especially her Emelie set which really shows the thought that goes into her photography. Then head to her website and check out her work. Fantastic photos there.

Chris.

Budding Photographer Interview - Lani Barbitta.

Lani Barbitta- www.flickr.com/photos/lanibarbitta/

I first met Lani through Flickr back in 2008. We are taking the same course through NYIP.

Lani has a style that brings shallow depth of field and interesting subjects together that leaves you thinking "Wow, that is just so cool". I always find myself waiting to see what Lani will post next.

Enough of my rambling, here is the interview.

1 ) How long have you been interested in photography?

I’ve always been a little curious about photography, but it was only recently that I developed a strong desire to create ‘more than a snapshot’. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with snapping a generic snap shot. I do this on a consistent basis! However, I wanted to raise the bar a little bit for myself.

2 ) What got you started in photography?

My dang co-worker Hawk! He convinced me to open a flickr account at the tail end of 2006. Ever since then it’s been the battle of the dueling cameras, each trying to out do the other! Hahaha!! No really, it was the viewing of all the amazing images, taken by photographers whom I found on flickr, and realizing that I, too, could try to create the same caliber of images.

3 ) Do you have any photographers who's work you admire?

Good question. I’ve recently found Henri Cartier-Bresson to be an inspiration. I love how he captures that definitive moment in his images. His quote, “Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst” speaks volumes to me. I’m there. I don’t quite ‘like’ my images yet. I've been shooting for three years steady, so in a few more years, I'll discover that I will actually like the images I produce! I also admire Robert Mapplethorpe for his edginess and strength for photographing and publishing images he feels so strongly about.

4 ) What inspires you to make photographs?

When I started flickr, I partook in a ‘project 365’, which entailed taking and posting one image a day for a year, all in the attempts of honing one’s photography skills. It proved to be a challenging endeavor and I dropped out of the project. I like the less demanding, non structured way of doing my own thing, so I continue in the vein of project 365, but instead of the emphasis of taking one image a day to post, I’ve built up a little repository of images that I ‘perfect’ using Photoshop, posting one of those each day. I found that I really do enjoy the post processing part. It can be quite addictive.

5 ) Do you have a specific style that you like to shoot? Such as portraits, fine art, photojournalism etc.

Jeez, my photography style right now seems so eclectic and vast…I think my style is still evolving. Nonetheless, I try to challenge myself to visualize the ‘essence’ of what I’m photographing. Such as, what makes it unique, what gives it purpose, trying all the while to convey this into an image.

6 ) What is your favorite photographic subject?

Lately, that subject would be anything I can shoot close-up using the 50mm 1.8 lens. I love getting that creamy, shallow depth of field effect. In fact, that sometimes is my subject!

7 ) What gear do you shoot with?

Now Chris, you’re getting kinda personal here! But since I like ya, I’ll tell ya. I shoot with a Nikon body with various lenses. My kit at the moment contains:

Nikon D80

AF-S Zoom-Nikkor ED 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF DX VR
Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8D AF
Nikkor 60mm 1:2.8D AF Micro
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM
Sigma 30mm 1:1.4 DC HSM
Sigma 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 APO DG (macro/telephoto)
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Autofocus Lens SB-800 AF Speedlight from Nikon
FinePix F50 SE
and one el cheapo tripod!

I like to shoot in raw format and post process using Photoshop CS4. I post process everything in Photoshop. That’s the Maybelline for my photos.

8 ) What is your favorite lens?

My favorite lens of the moment would be my Nikkor 50mm 1.8 lens. Not only is it affordable, it looks cute on the end of my D80. Cuteness is what it’s all about, right? ;-)

9 ) Do you shoot in Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual?

I do shoot in Manual, but I get really lazy sometimes and end up keeping the camera in Aperture Priority mode. Since I really admire images of the shallow depth of field variety created by using a wider aperture, by shooting in Aperture Priority, this ensures that the images are shot with the aperture I desire. However, if I run into an extremely hard lighting situation I’ll pop that puppy in Priority mode, making the camera choose my aperture and shutter speed.

10 ) Where do you see your photography in 10 years?

Hopefully not stuck in my hard drive located on my computer! Har har. Hmmm…I’d like to have a show room one day where I would showcase more fine art images. I’d also like to venture out and be a wedding photographer with a photojournalistic edge, as well as creating on location natural light portraits for clients.

11 ) Do you have a tip for our readers?

Don’t give up on your photography. It’s so easy to get frustrated with your growth level or lack of growth. Just keep on going, keep on pushing that shutter button. (I’m in love with that shutter sound. It’s music to my ears!) Get/Borrow/Buy Bryan Peterson’s book entitled “Understanding Exposure”. It will change your life! Erm, it will give you a clear understanding of how to meter your camera for those hard to get exposures. Of course, I had to read it five times before it all started to sink in. Now, that’s not Mr. Peterson’s fault. It’s the fault of my extremely thick non-information absorbing skull.

12 )Do you have a favorite photo of yours that you would like to share with us?

I shot this image with the Sigma 30mm 1.4. I adore the shallow dof and how the wrought iron fence just leads the eye. I think the beauty of the shot comes from the golden hues caught on that clear, crisp, fall day.

Thank you very much Lani.

I highly recommend everyone take some time to look at Lani's photos. Especailly her Bokeh and dof (Shallow) sets. I'm sure you will enjoy them as much as I.

Chris.

Budding Photographer Interview - Let's start with me. Chris Lemmen.

I've been getting some greif from the 10 people who follow my blog. I guess my content is very ho-hum ( my words ). I thought I'd shake it up a bit with some interviews of some of the budding photographers that I know. Just 10 simple questions. Kind of a get to know session.

Let's start with me.

Chris Lemmen - PILPhoto on flickr.

1 ) How long have you been interested in photography?

All my life really.  But only seriously in the last 5 years. The last 2 have been very intense. That's when I got my first DSLR. 2 years ago.

2 ) What got you started in photography?

My dad had a very slr nice set up when I was a kid and I was always fascinated by how our moments and memories could be captured and we could look back on them. We would have slide shows when people would come to visit and it was always a good time. In the 80's my dad bought a fully automatic Minolta system and gave me his old one. I still have that camera.

3 ) Do you have any photographers who's work you admire the most?

That's a tough question. Art Wolf, Rick Sammon,  Scott Kelby Just to name a few. There are so many. I have lots of flickr friends that I admire as well.

4 ) What inspires you to make photographs?

Everything. I very much live a photographic life. I take my camera everywhere. I see photo opportunities in everything. But if I had to pick just one thing it would be my kids. I feel compelled to document their lives in the best possible quality I can. That drives me to improve my photography everyday.

5 ) Do you have a specific style that you like to shoot? Such as portraits, fine art, photojournalism etc.

I'm still so new to this that I'm still not sure what style I like best. I love doing portraits, especially kids. They are so pure in their expression. I think I will specialize in not specializing but will more than likely do mostly family portraits. It's very rewarding to see the smiles on their faces when they see the images we have created together.

6 ) What is your favorite photographic subject?

Light. How's that for a broad subject. Haha. But seriously my kids. Especially my son. He loves having his photo taken and is quite a photographer himself for a four year old. Haha. I hope he will share my addictive hobby. Both my kids are very photogenic but my daughter is only 2 and moves very quickly still. I have trouble getting her to sit still long enough.

7 ) What gear do you shoot with?

Right now I have a Canon 50D with a Rebel XTI as a back up. I have a Canon 17-85mm, Canon 55-250mm and a Canon 50mm f/1.8 that is amazing. I also have a Canon 430ex flash.

8 ) What is your favorite lens?

My favorite right now would be the 50mm f/1.8 that I just don't get to use as much as I'd like. I love the control over the depth of field and after being in Canon's line up for so long it really has been perfected. It's a great lens.

9 ) Do you shoot in Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual?

Mostly aperture priority. I like to be in control of the depth of field. I'd say 99% of my photos are there.

10 ) Where do you see your photography in 10 years?

I'd really like to have a family and pet environmental portrait business going strongly. I have plans to start it in 2010.

11 ) Do you have a tip for our readers?

Watch your back ground! This is one that I constantly struggle with myself. Be aware of what is going on in the back ground. Trees growing out of someones head look bad. Lines coming out of peoples heads look bad. A shallow depth of field will help to simplify an overly busy back ground.

12 )Do you have a favorite photo of yours that you would like to share with us?

My favorite today would be one that I took of my son while we were taking a break from a quad trail ride that we were on together. I was taking some photos of the forest and asked him to sit down on a fallen tree and pose for me. This is the result.

This one though is a very, very close second. Mostly for the emotion.

This concludes the first of my interviews. Even though it was me I hope I have given you some insight into me and my photography.

Chris.