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Claire Rosen is a fine art photographer, book artist, and educator. She loves big dresses, vintage taxidermy, and adventures. Much of her inspiration comes from fairy tales nursery rhymes, fables, and other children’s stories. She is drawn both to beauty and darkness as it exists in life, and her images explore this duality.
Claire is currently represented by Verve Gallery (Santa Fe, NM), Gallery 51 (Montclair, NJ) and Asymmetrick Arts (Rockland, ME); her work has been exhibited widely and is included in many public and private collections. Claire recently received an award from the prestigious “Prix de la Photographie, Paris 2009″ (Px3). She has been featured multiple times in The Creative Quarterly Journal and The Montclair Times. Her client list includes Prevention Magazine, Random House Publishing, The London Sunday Times, Bangz Spa & Salon, Ryan Wilde Millinery, Alex Randall Bespoke Lighting Design, and Cora Pearl Underpinnings.
In addition, Claire teaches courses in ‘Portrait & Fashion Retouching’ and ‘Portrait & Fashion Photography’ at the New Jersey Visual Arts Center in Summit and through NORDphotography in Oslo, Norway. She is hard at work on two monographs, entitled “Dolls in the Attic” and “Fairy Tales and Other Stories.”
Website: www.clairerosenphoto.com
When and how did you become interested in Photography?
It’s a funny story, I actually took my first first photography class in college because I had a crush on a boy, we were camera partners but he wound up being gay and I became a photographer.
What gear do you mainly shoot with?
I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark II
What is your #1 source of inspiration?
I have so many sources of inspiration, I love stories anything from classic fairy tales and fables to novels to movies – I draw quite a bit from history (I love the Victorian Period, 20s and 50s), mythology, fashion, many other amazing photographers and artists, and generally things that are bizarre and unusual.
Many times photographers find themselves with a full schedule of paying gigs, and end up with little time for doing the work they truly love. Do you struggle with finding time for your personal work?
I have been really fortunate in that respect, I began my photographic career thinking I would solely be a fine art photographer (silly, I know) but I began shooting commercially because I was hired to make images that emulated my personal fine art images. Since then I have been lucky enough to collaborate commercially with some amazing artists and we have shared such a similar aesthetic that it still feels like my personal work.
What is your all time favorite genre to shoot (portraiture, conceptual, commercial, etc..)?
I really enjoy making self portraits, I basically get to play dress up and run around in ridiculous locations, it is so much fun and therapeutic!
I also really love collaborating on narrative conceptual shoots with other artists and I have just begun playing with video and I am really excited about the possibilities of that medium.
What is one thing that makes your work unique>?
I think my work is influenced by so many other styles it becomes a collage of that and a new style in and of itself.
if you could photograph anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I would have loved to work on a collaborative photo project with Alexander McQueen because I think he is amazing…
what’s your dream photo field trip?
Either the Museum of Natural History in NYC (I want to get in those dioramas!) or Hunedoara Castle in Transylvania (the place where Prince Dracula was imprisoned 7 years by Matei Corvin)
what’s your post production photo process?
I use Bridge’s Camera Raw and then do most of my post production in Photoshop, some images just need minimal adjustments and others are complicated composites so the process varies but I love being able to create exactly what was in my mind.
if you had unlimited resources to purchase any type of camera, what would it be and why?
I don’t really think your camera makes the picture, it’s more about the concept for me, I would rather have an unlimited prop, location, talent budget…
who are your favorite shooters and why
There are so many photographers that I respect, admire and are a constant source of inspiration – some of my very favorites are Tim Walker, Paulo Ventura, Joel Peter Witkin, Robert and Shana Parke Harrison and Erwin Olaf.
what has been the shining moment of your career thus far?
My career is just starting…
samples of Claire’s work:
Based (very) occasionally out of Melbourne, Ying Ang is a photographer of stories, journeys and contemporary quirks. She has lived and worked in Singapore, New York, Melbourne and Sydney, although spent most of her life growing up in a small town by the sea.
Ying is a voracious consumer of pop culture, subculture, radiohead songs, short stories, long stories, true stories, false stories and bedtime stories. She is currently enrolled in the 1 year Documentary and Photojournalism Certificate course at the International Centre of Photography in New York.
She also keeps very good company. www.wearemjr.com and yingangphoto.com/doctordoctor/
When and how did you become interested in Photography?
I began taking photographs when I was 22. My dad gave me a camera and made me read the instruction manual. I took off to Europe for a few months and haven’t stopped taking photos since.
What gear do you mainly shoot with?
I don’t really shoot on a single format. It depends on how I visualise a situation and then use the equipment that is going to deliver those results. I have to confess that collecting cameras is a serious personal vice…
What is your #1 source of inspiration?
Oddities.
Many times photographers find themselves with a full schedule of paying gigs, and end up with little time for doing the work they truly love. Do you struggle with finding time for your personal work?
I basically devote the majority of my time to personal work. I was told once that there are 2 kinds of photographers in this world. One being the kind that takes photographs to make money and the other being the kind that makes money to take photographs. I’m hoping to find some sort of middle ground.
What is your all time favorite genre to shoot (portraiture, conceptual, commercial, etc..)?
Documentary and holiday snaps – mainly because it means I get to be on the road.
What is one thing that makes your work unique>?
I’m not sure that it is particularly unique, but I’ve been told that there is a sense of freedom about the way that I shoot. Ultimately, the only thing that separates one photographer from the next is a point-of-view… so the way I see strangeness, beauty and humour in certain situations hopefully comes across in the images I am making.
if you could photograph anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Che Guevera and his journey through the Americas and revolution. Who wouldn’t?
what’s your dream photo field trip?
Kim Jong Il’s private domain and a long-term survey of North Korea
what’s your post production photo process?
Step 1: Drop off film to be processed.
Step 2: Wait impatiently for 5 hours to pick it up
Step 3: Carefully cut the roll into strips
Step 4: Burrow into the darkroom and not come out until I absolutely have to.
if you had unlimited resources to purchase any type of camera, what would it be and why?
Probably some big, beautiful mahogany large format view camera, because I’m a sucker for the romanticism of glass plates and bellows.
who are your favorite shooters and why
Of my peers, the other members of the MJR photo collective: Mustafah Abdulaziz, Gareth Phillips, Brandon Thibodeaux, Matthew Craig and Julius Metoyer – my photo family, support, inspiration, idea board and home away from home. Of my contemporaries: Josef Koudelka, Luc Delahaye, Malick Sidibe, Sally Mann, Antoine D’Agata, Alessandra Sanguinetti, Daido Moriyama – for their individual visions and the mastery of their craft.
what has been the shining moment of your career thus far?
It’s a continual and upward curve 
samples of Ying’s work:
Brandon Burns is a photographer whose work accompanies him as a professional in the architecture field and the two heavily inspire each other. Based out of Fort Worth, he and his wife Kelly are surrounded by world renowned architecture that provides an abundance of subject matter. His photography documents a collection of memories of his surroundings and of the architectural treasures he has encountered abroad.
When and how did you become interested in Photography?
I have been involved with photography since I was a child. I still have boxes of pictures of buildings taken with my 110 film camera. My photography has been a natural progression through the years that has coincided with my architectural work and training.
What gear do you mainly shoot with?
For digital work, I use an antiquated Canon 300d that either has a Canon 50mm 1.4 or a 20mm 2.8 prime lens attached. For film, I use a Yashica-A, handed down to me by my grandfather, and a Holga. The organic process of loading film, snapping and developing negatives by hand is truly addicting.
What is your #1 source of inspiration?
The holy Architectural Trinity – Steel, Glass and Concrete and what happens when light moves across each.
Many times photographers find themselves with a full schedule of paying gigs, and end up with little time for doing the work they truly love. Do you struggle with finding time for your personal work?
My life revolves around architecture, design and art and there is not a point where one ends and the other begins. All of these art forms experiment with how light interacts with objects and each medium provides different lessons that I can incorporate in the other work. If anything, the assignments I get from my clients challenge me in ways that I may not challenge myself. Recently, I was given an assignment from a designer who had a great idea of photographing a clients two black and white standard poodle on contrasting backgrounds. I never would have dreamed I would one day be photographing two poodles but the series ended up being one of my favorite series that I have produced.
What is your all time favorite genre to shoot (portraiture, conceptual, commercial, etc..)?
Architecture – It doesn’t move, but it is no less finicky about having it’s picture taken.
Do you have any upcoming shows or events you want our readers to know about?
I’m showing at the Fort Worth Main Street Arts Festival for the first time April 8-11. It is such a great event and I’m thrilled to be a part of it this year rather than a spectator. As an added bonus, there is rumor one of my favorite bands Husker Du will be playing this year. Where else can someone find Husker Du, Kelly Willis and 400,000 people taking a stroll?
What is one thing that makes your work unique>?
I have been told several times that my images help people see a familiar building/object in a new way, which to me, is a huge compliment.
if you could photograph anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Wynton Marsalis. He is a genius in music, a great writer and philanthropist . The guy won a Pulitzer Prize for crying out loud! I spent a lot of time growing up in New Orleans and his family is legendary. I have tickets to his show in March at the Meyerson and I can’t wait. (wink, wink nudge nudge, Wynton if you are reading this, how about letting me backstage to snap some pictures?)
what’s your dream photo field trip?
Traveling around Turkey, Greece and Italy with my wife.
what’s your post production photo process?
Usually, it is very little. For digital work, I’ll adjust levels and sharpen a little. Most of my images are taken with a tripod in lower light with long exposures which results in a very nice saturation of colors. For film, I usually do the same as a little is lost in the scanning process with a little bump of warmth to the overall image. I use a V500 for scanning and my images seem a little blue when scanned. If you’ve noticed that I’ve performed some post production, I’m not doing my job of capturing an image.
if you had unlimited resources to purchase any type of camera, what would it be and why?
I would really like to get the equipment and knowledge to start making ambrotypes. The end product of the image on glass gives such a sense of depth and originality to the piece that is unlike any paper print that is easily reproducible. If anyone hasn’t seen one in person the Amon Carter Museum has a great collection.
who are your favorite shooters and why
In reference to the ambrotypes, above there are some great artists on flickr such as Heyoka and Cynan Jones. Polly Chandler produces images on Polaroid 665 that are so incredibly simple and beautiful that they constantly remind me to stop making everything so complicated. Atget and Shulman. I would like to have seen these two critique one another.
what has been the shining moment of your career thus far?
Being invited by the great Photopolusians to be the Art Star this week! Also, I’m new to selling my work and I was honored to have a long time photographer enamored with a few of my images. He ended up buying one of my prints which was his first print to buy from another photographer. It also happened to be my first print to be sold.
samples of Brandon’s work:
photo credit: Elliott Munoz
Andrea loves photography from the bottom of her heart, and decided to team up with Ange and create photopol.us. Her day job is managing events at SMU, and in her spare time she hangs out with her cute family, organizes events, plays bass in the Happy Bullets and rides her bike. All the while snapping her way through the lens.
When and how did you become interested in Photography?
The sad truth is, I was inspired to study photography by Photographer Ace Evans on the show, The Love Boat when I was a kid. Yes, I do realize that I just dated myself, AND exposed my dorkiness.
What gear do you mainly shoot with?
Nikon D90, Holga, Lomo Fisheye, and Polaroid
What is your #1 source of inspiration?
as silly as it sounds, I think birds and old buildings inspire me the most. When I see a large flock of birds on a streetlight or roof line, it catapults me right into photographer mode. I suddenly see potential for a great shot all around me. Abandoned buildings (as my dear friend Cari Weinberg likes to call “ultimate fixer uppers”) have the same effect on me.
Many times photographers find themselves with a full schedule of paying gigs, and end up with little time for doing the work they truly love. Do you struggle with finding time for your personal work?
Photography has always been “part time” for me. I realized in college that I didn’t want to pursue it full time for the fear of not loving it as much. Publishing the blog helps me stay plugged in, and I can usually be seen with my camera every weekend. But it is true that I don’t give myself very many “photo excursions.” When those happen, it’s special.
What is your all time favorite genre to shoot (portraiture, conceptual, commercial, etc..)?
journalistic. I love to capture the unexpected moments. Architecture and landscapes are tied for a close 2nd.
Do you have any upcoming shows or events you want our readers to know about?
YES! Photopolus’ FIRST BIRTHDAY is coming up on this Tuesday, February 16th and we’re celebrating with a Party at Lemon Bar from 8-10pm. Then on March 13th, we’re having a group show at the awesome Kettle Art Gallery in Deep Ellum, and on April 11th, we’re presenting CRAVE – a juried outdoor exhibition.
if you could photograph anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Patti Smith, because I recently finished her book “Just Kids” about photographer Robert Maplethorpe, and would love to compare his shots of her “then” with my shots of her “now.” I think I would also dig shooting David Bowie. Those cheekbones would go nicely with my lens.
what’s your dream photo field trip?
Eastern Europe. That’s only because it’s next on my travel radar. I can honestly enjoy any kind of photo field trip. Rare are the times that I get to go out somewhere and only think about the perfect shot.
what’s your post production photo process?
Lately for the benefit of my time management, I use Picasa for editing the photos that I upload to flickr and facebook.
If I use a photo for a show, or some other special something, I take it into Photoshop for one on one attention.
if you had unlimited resources to purchase any type of camera, what would it be and why?
I would invest in some great lighting, and a gazillion more lenses. I think a Hasselblad would make me feel spoiled.
who are your favorite shooters and why
Diane Arbus for her inhibitions with capturing moments from the underground, and pulling it off tastefully. And local lady, Allison V. Smith for her way of taking simplicity and making it beautiful. Those two styles are what I’m drawn to the most, and aspire to achieve.
what has been the shining moment of your career thus far?
Getting to be Publisher of photopol.us, and randomly submitting a cell pic to the New York Times Blog, LENS and seeing it published (along with hundreds of others.. but still). I was smiling all day that day.
samples of Andrea’s work:
In the fifteenth century if you called yourself an explorer you got three ships, a chest full of gold and a kiss on the cheek from a hot queen named Isabella. It is a profession I’ve always wanted to pursue. Sadly, none of the queens in contemporary times are as financially daring, and the University of Southern California failed to see the merits of explorer as an academic program. So I pursued an English degree to bolster my photography career. My parents have been scratching their heads too. Now I get to travel, shoot pictures and write for a living.
Behind every person who makes a living being creative, is a sane, patient partner and a savvy bartender. My partner is Danielle Mercury, the stunning girl next to me. Our savvy bartender is Maurice. He’s the one in the background opening another bottle of champagne. Bless his heart.
I am a regular contributor to the following fabulous publications:
National Geographic Assignment Blog
PhotoCine News
Digital Photo Pro Magazine
Resolve Blog
Insight Blog
Journalistic ethics:
It’s become de rigueur to state your code of ethics if you have one. Because I write for the National Geographic Society I adhere to their editorial code of ethics.
When and how did you become interested in photography?
When I was eighteen years old, a friend of mine had some modeling test pictures done and I took her to the photography studio to pick them up. I thought what he did looked like fun so I picked up my dad’s old Nikon F2 and some vintage flood lights and shot a few pictures. They were dreadful, but I didn’t know that. I back taped two enlargements into a school folder and traipsed into the Grimme agency in San Francisco. The assistant at the front desk took my images back to the booking room and I heard an explosion of laughter. The assistant came back out and very diplomatically told me I wasn’t right for the agency. When I got into the elevator to leave, the only thing I was thinking was; they laughed, they must like me. I started shooting girls from a modeling school on the floor below the agency until one day, six months later, the elevator was broken and I had to walk up the steps.
Micheal DeMartini, one of the agents, was in the stairwell and asked me who I was and what I was doing. I showed him my now proper portfolio and he exclaimed that the photography wasn’t tragic, but the girls in the photographs were. When I told him they were from the agencies’ modeling school he said, “puh leeze, that place exists for our party fund. Come with me.” He took me up to the agency on the sixth floor and started me shooting proper models. I’d bring back film to show him and he would roll it up, throw it at me and say, “if I want good I’ll talk to 90% of the photographers out there. If you shoot for me you shoot brilliantly, or you don’t shoot at all.” That’s how my education started.
What gear do you mainly use?
I never think in terms of gear, I think in terms of image and then rent the gear that matches the vision I’m trying to execute. That said, my favorite assignment camera was my Nikon.
What inspires you?
Oh boy. Inspiration is everywhere. But it is easy to get into a daily routine which can rob you of inspiration. When I notice that I’m in creative funk, I get on a plane some place. Any place that I’m not used to, or that I’ve never been before. Southwest and other airlines have these super special weekend fares that they’ll alert you to where you can pay less than a hundred bucks for travel and sleep on a couch or at a cheap hotel at your destination. Or, you can get in a car and drive 200 miles in any direction, the mere adventure of motion can shake the funk and inspire ideas, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. In fact, if you think about, a cheap travel weekend can be the same price as dinner and a movie.
What is your favorite genre?
I love telling stories visually. Whether I’m capturing a story on assignment or fabricating one for a fashion or commercial client, I am an ardent fan of subtlety. In this regard, I’m influenced heavily by the tradition of storytelling throughout the history of humanity. Joseph Campbell was an author I relied on a great deal to form my perspective.
Many times photographers find themselves with a full schedule of paying gigs, and end up with little time for doing the work they truly love. Do you struggle with finding time for your personal work?
Sometimes I do, but for the most part there are always lulls in work and that’s when you do your own work. Also, this month marks the 20 year anniversary of my first photojournalism assignment which was in the former Soviet Union. I’m releasing an e-book about my first week in the USSR. Writing that was definitely my own project and I’ve been taking Saturdays off of my schedule to write that. It will be released on valentines day along with the never before released photos from that period of my life.
What’s new these days? Any upcoming shows or projects?
I’m excited about my e-book. The working title is 1989: from fashion to photojournalism – but I think that title might get changed after the copy edit. I’m also excited about my new venture with Michael Britt and Tom Stratton – PhotoCine News at photocinenews.com
What is one thing you feel makes your style or your work unique?
Hah. Tough question. That’s like asking your current lover if you’re better in bed than the previous lover. The answer is always the same; not better, not worse, just different. My friend Andrea has always said my work is lonely. I guess I’ll go with that. And, I love shooting in natural light.
If you could photograph anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Probably no one dead darling, a bit frightening on the set and you’d have to call a mortician in to do makeup. Alive, two people come to mind; Anna Wintour, the editor of Vogue magazine, because I admire her uncompromising vision. Kate Winslet, because she is an extraordinary actor and singularly unique beauty.
What is your post production process?
I like Photo Mechanic, it’s fast and nimble and the definitive tool for editing a shoot. My friend Josh Anon over at Pixar is riding me hard to adopt Aperture, but I like to choose my images quickly and then bring them into Photoshop for the tweaks. If I’m not involved in the post process, then I like to let the images go to the client and let them have at it after first glancing if there is anything I want for myself. Also, I’m a horrible photo editor, so after I do my initial run through of deleting the crap, I mark what I like and then ask someone who is better at editing than me for their opinion.
What’s your dream photo field trip?
The obvious answer is to go back to Russia and revisit my steps from twenty years ago. But if I were to choose a place I’ve never been, I would say an essay that contrasts the extremely rural Japan with Tokyo. Also, I have a huge affinity for the American South, that will be something I shoot soon.
If you had unlimited resources to purchase any type of camera, what would it be and why?
This is kind of related to the gear question. I’m gear agnostic, I choose the gear that I feel will best execute my vision, so I guess I would rather have an unlimited rental budget.
Who are your favorite shooters and why?
On the fashion side, I have been heavily influenced by Peter Lindbergh, on the journalism side I love Mike Yamashita who I get to work with at the National Geographic Assignment blog.
Tell us about a shining moment in your career thus far
Oh man. I feel very fortunate and lucky to have had a pretty good string of epic moments over the years, but I think I’m most excited that I’ve been able to broaden the scope of what I do to pay the bills to include writing and new media while keeping everything in the creative area.
Samples of Lou Lesko’s Work
I was born in Champagne, in France.
It sounds glamorous but I was in fact born in a poor area. We played in the street and in the nearby tip, in an old chalk quarry.
This is probably why I am so fond of street photography.
After finishing my formal education I went to ‘Ecole des Beaux-Arts’ but with jobs in France being scarce at the time I found myself doing a lot of different jobs to support myself.
I finally went back to University and ended up with a Master in IT.
I worked in the IT industry until I moved to New Zealand 10 years ago. After a few years here I decided to go back to my passion – professional photography.
In a way I started at 43 what many people start at 23 years old.
I began by specializing in plant photography, especially roses.
My rose photography has been published in a number of books.
www.gotya.co.nzand www.rosarosam.com [rose photography website].
When and how did you become interested in photography?
I started to be curious about photography when I was around 14 years old. And I started to be serious about it when I went to Art school.
I had a Zenit, a Russian camera. It was so inaccurate that you had to shoot with ‘your nose’ rather than your eyes. I got addicted to black and white film photography and lab work.
From that time I never stopped.
It really took off with my rose photography after I moved to New Zealand.
What gear do you mainly use?
I try to keep it as minimal as possible.
A Nikon D700 for the general work and I now use a Panasonic GF1 in the street.
I attach more importance to my lenses. I like to mix new cameras and ‘old’ lenses like Carl Zeiss Jena, Helios, Yashica etc.
I have not used film for a long time.
What inspires you?
Human and small non-important things. Objects and people photographers tend to ignore.
The light, always the light.
Which is probably why I would shoot anything from Landscape to Food through Cars: because I am only interested in the light.
What is your favorite genre?
Basically, I always love landscape photography, and sometimes architecture.
Many times photographers find themselves with a full schedule of paying gigs, and end up with little time for doing the work they truly love. Do you struggle with finding time for your personal work?
I always try to turn my customers paying work into a personal work. Otherwise they may as well use someone else…
But I always carry a camera with me and can always shoot something more personal.
What is one thing you feel makes your style or your work unique?
My perception of light and how it moves in space and hits the subject I am shooting.
If you could photograph anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Jesus Christ.
Just for the market opportunity.
Or Nicephore Niepce, just to beat him at it.
What is your post production process?
Light room for the quick and simple adjustments, Photoshop for the more precise work.
What’s your dream photo field trip?
Crossing Africa following the bottom end of the Sahara.
If you had unlimited resources to purchase any type of camera, what would it be and why?
A Leica M9 to go in the street, a Hasselblad H3D for the rest. Obviously with a large choice of lenses.
But by the time I can afford these two brands, they will be up to Leica M12 and H8D…
Who are your favorite shooters and why?
At the moment Juliana Beasley. I am really impressed by her work in Rockaway Park and by her Lapdancer series [I must get her book]. I like the sweet violence of her pictures and the commitment. She takes pictures like her life depended on it.
Jessica Dimmock’s work ‘The ninth floor’ is, for me, in the same area of interest.
Just because I am jealous there are also Chuck Close’s portraits in ‘A couple of ways of doing something’…
And there is always Lee Friedlander.
Tell us about a shining moment in your career thus far
When I saw my rose photography as part of an exhibition at the Auckland Museum [New Zealand]
Samples of Jocelen Janon’s Work
we’re turning one!
come toast & be happy with us.
we’re celebrating our first year
and it’s gonna be a total photographer nerd fest.
I’m a photographer for The Nature Conservancy, in Indonesia Terrestrial program, and also an owner of Wihardandi Photo Factory (my own company). I started my passion in photography since 1999, and until now when working for TNC. I’m lucky enough, I have many good trips with my job, and the chances to see the inner beauty of Borneo Island, Indonesia. But, that’s mostly for official purpose. For myself, I prefer to have my pleasure in photography in waterscape photography. It’s always fun to see something different with the water around us…
When and how did you become interested in photography?
Photography has been part of my life since 1999. It was when my office, Gramedia Group Magazine sent me to cover the final match of Champions League between Valencia CF and Bayern Muenchen in San Siro (Giuseppe Meazza) Stadium in Milan, Italy. That was my first time using an SLR camera, hahaha. I still remember I was using the Nikon F5.
Two weeks before I depart to Italy, my boss said that I have to take a basic photography lesson in Nikon School. He just wanted to make sure that I don’t ruin my first final match trip. Bla, bla, bla and then I got to go on my first big match trip. But sure, I can’t hide my worries during that trip, that my photos will be ruined. But, thanks God. everything is fine, my pictures are all good, lucky me.
Amazingly, I can’t stay away from that F5 after that trip. And I fell in love with photography after that. And start learning more techniques, and buy more and more books. The first five years (until 2004) were my discovering years. I was just learning and learning things in my pleasure time and on the weekend. Until 2004, it was just for fun. No serious intention to be a serious photographer. And my hobby stopped when I entered TV business until 2008. Because I have no time to spend with my SLR.
Everything changed when I joined The Nature Conservancy. As a Communication Specialist, I have many chances to take pictures. And Balikpapan City, gave me the chances to shoot the shore and waterscape. Since one and half years ago, I’m getting more serious in waterscape photography. And it is fun of course, because some local newspaper, Digital Camera Magazine and national newspapers started to recognize my photos.
What gear do you mainly use?
I’m still using Canon entry level, EOS 1000D and standard kit lens and sometimes 50mm 1.8. And the tripod of course. For some strong effects of the dawn, I’m using Gradual Tobacco and Gradual Blue filter. That’s all..
Many times photographers find themselves with a full schedule of paying gigs, and end up with little time for doing the work they truly love. Do you struggle with finding time for your personal work?
Now, yes. I find it difficult to stop the commercial job, because it can come anytime. And sure, they’re really consuming my time to do my personal needs as a photographer. So now, I’m just limiting my commercial photography and spending more times with friends to discuss or doing photo hunting out of town. Money is not the main issue here, I just don’t want to get trapped in regularity. And I still need more time to learn new things in photography. This field is so very dynamic, I don’t want to left behind technically and knowledge-wise.
What inspires you?
Loneliness. This word always comes to my mind when I come to the new spot. I think, this is the way I’m balancing my life. Because I have a daughter (4 years) and a son (2 years) and my house is always full of noise and happiness. And I also am the kind of person who always loves to meet many people. So, my photos are balancing my life through the feeling of loneliness and being stranded. Something that I rarely feel in my life.
What is your favorite genre?
Basically, I always love landscape photography, and sometimes architecture.
What is one thing you feel makes your style or your work unique?
I like to stand between the real and unreal. Unreality sometimes get uniqueness if I can explore it. Sometimes, I like to cross the border, and push other people to enjoy something in different way, like collage photography.
If you could photograph anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Dave Mustaine, Megadeth’s guitarist and vocalist. I really want to see him freeze for 30 seconds or more in the pier of the lake, in front of sunset, in yoga position with his guitar. That would be crazy…!
What is your post production process?
I usually use Adobe Photoshop to get the contrast, and saturation only. And some burn and dodge techniques for Black and White photo. But, basically we can’t fix the bad photos, we can only refine the good photos. The light, always the main thing.
What’s your dream photo field trip?
I’m dreaming of crossing the North America area from the early of spring to the end of summer, from East to West Coast by land, and stop wherever I want to take the gorgeous landscape
If you had unlimited resources to purchase any type of camera, what would it be and why?
For a landscape photographer like me, I think I’m going to buy many types of Hasselblad with P45 digital back, and many wide angle lenses. That’s enough I think..
Who are your favorite shooters and why?
Ansel Adams. He’s my idol at the international level. And my first teacher, Makarios Soekojo for national level talent as well. Their shots arealways stunning, and they still believe that the man behind the gun is more important than the gear. The power of techniques and composition mean everything. And sure, passion always brings the best results, not the gear.
Tell us about a shining moment in your career thus far
I don’t think I have had my shining moment until now. I got best photos on some web, national magazine, national newspaper, international contests and some exhibitions. But that’s not the point, I want to present the art from myself, and for it to be enjoyed by many people. I want enrich myself with the reaction of the people who look at my photos. If that happened, that would be the greatest achievement for my career.
Samples of Aji Wihardandi’s Work
I began my journey photographing in the rural areas of East Texas, documenting my youth which revolved around BMX culture. At 18 I pursued my studies in preparation for the art industry at Kilgore Community College. After graduation I headed to Dallas, TX to cultivate a career as an entertainment photographer. Shortly after arriving to Dallas, I was introduced to Envy magazine this is where I met and received my first assignments for a publication. During this time I gained a loyal trust with the editors and art directors. I’ve had the opportunity to photograph names such as Drew Barrymore, Mark Wahlberg, Bill Murray, Sean William Scott and even new rising stars that are heart throbs in today’s pop culture such as Robert Pattinson. I am genuinely interested in the various types of people I photograph, whether it be a rock star, athlete, film director or CEO. At the ripe age of 25 I feel that I am in the prime of my life, I look forward to what will come in the future.
When and how did you become interested in photography?
As I previously mentioned above, BMX riding was a huge part of my youth. My friends were really talented at riding and I wanted to capture these moments. I am very grateful for this community of individuals. I recently had the opportunity to teach photography at the largest action sports camp in the world, Camp Woodward. I found a significant reward in that opportunity. I’ve established relationships in my early lively hood that I think will last a life time. All because we shared this common interest in riding a bicycle.
What gear do you mainly use?
I shoot with a Nikon 35mm professional digital camera.
Not much gear at all, maybe a few lights and simple light modifiers.
Editorial work is typically under short time restraints so a truck load of equipment would not benefit me.
The less things to complicate a shoot the better.
Many times photographers find themselves with a full schedule of paying gigs, and end up with little time for doing the work they truly love. Do you struggle with finding time for your personal work?
I always find time for personal work. It keeps the stress away
What inspires you?
All things in life. I’m very inspired by the law of attraction, I firmly believe that whatever you hold on your mind you will eventually receive. I have achieved many things by staying motivated and practicing this belief. With that being said, take a look at all the great minds that have ever achieved great success. Find the common thread.
What is your favorite genre?
My favorite thing to shoot is portraits. I’ll shoot anything that moves or moves me.
What is one thing you feel makes your style or your work unique?
My point of view, not everyone looks at one subject matter the same. I’d also like to think that I pay close attention to detail and composition. I always go with my first instinct.
If you could photograph anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I’m not sure…Osama Bin Laden would be interesting. He’s got a 25 million dollar reward out for him and not only would I make a better photograph than his wanted picture. I’d also become an American hero because I’d certainly turn him in for the cash. Sounds like a plan right !?
What is your post production process?
After the capture I come back to the computer, back up the originals and then upload right into light room. In light room I make simple adjustments and then open in photoshop if extensive retouching is required.
Sometimes I shoot straight into the computer it just depends on the job, client and environment etc.
What’s your dream photo field trip?
One that would allow me to see more of the world. I’m interested to see all things, places and cultures I’ve never been to. I believe we were put on this earth to take a journey… not sit around in one little area of the earth..
If you had unlimited resources to purchase any type of camera, what would it be and why?
I’d like to work with a Hassleblad H3, something that’s intuitive to use and produces superior quality over the 35mm format. It’s gotta have a Richard Avedon button on it somewhere though because a $30,000 price tag is a bit ridiculous.
Who are your favorite shooters and why?
My favorite at the moment is Peter Yang. He’s very clever and often includes a great humorous punch line in his images.
Arnold Newman was great also.
Tell us about a shining moment in your career thus far
Not having to have a nine to five job to pay my bills. As long as the phone keeps ringing, I’m still blinging.
I don’t like to think of shining moments though, yesterday is the past and you must make progress for each new day in some new way. Evolution is infinite and your time is not.
Samples of Jonathan Zizzo’s Work
My first camera was a Polaroid One Step I received at the age of eight. My family was living in California and we frequently toured the state’s wilderness: Yosemite, Death Valley, and the Sierra Mountains. My camera always came along with me, recording the time spent and the places seen. I was less interested in photographing expansive vistas as I was in examining the small details; micro fascinated me more than the macro. I was intrigued by the fine structure that underlay a greater order to the landscape, a curiosity that has always remained. After graduating college I worked in the education field for ten years, only recently choosing to leave the profession in order to dedicate more time to my photography.
www.stevehinkley.com
When and how did you become interested in photography?
I think a lot of my influence came from my dad; he always had a camera with him when I was young, and my choice to begin shooting probably started as a result of wanting to be just like him in some ways.
What gear do you mainly use?
I use an Ebony SV45TE, a 4×5 wooden field camera and an array of lenses.
Many times photographers find themselves with a full schedule of paying gigs, and end up with little time for doing the work they truly love. Do you struggle with finding time for your personal work?
I work full-time at the Museum of Nature and Science, so I absolutely have to make time to photograph, especially as my photography usually involves a lot of travel. Fortunately, I get good vacation – plus, I took two years off between teaching and the Museum gig, so I got to travel quite a lot then, and to some really beautiful places. I can’t complain.
What inspires you?
Good light on just about any subject.
What is your favorite genre?
I only shoot landscapes. For now…
What current projects or shows do you have coming up?
A digital version of my work is on display at the Museum, under the exhibit title “Reflections on Nature”. Other than that, my home is about the only place my work can be seen. My promotion and marketing skills are just a peg below my ballroom dancing skills. And those aren’t good.
What is one thing you feel makes your style or your work unique?
In the age of digital, I’ve kept things pretty simple. I shoot with a very traditional camera, using film, and don’t use computers or filters to alter the images in any way. There are some great photographers working with Photoshop, but I’m pleased with the route I’ve taken.
If you could photograph anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Georgia O’Keeffe. She was such a compelling figure of southwest contemporary art, which is my favorite genre.
What is your post production process?
I send my film to a lab in LA, and they generate the prints to me; I don’t have the machines they have to create the prints I need. Plus, they have the time.
What’s your dream photo field trip?
Hard question. I’d have to say Patagonia in the fall – April or May.
If you had unlimited resources to purchase any type of camera, what would it be and why?
I’d upgrade to a 5×7 version of my current camera so I could use more lenses with a panoramic 6×17 adapter.
Who are your favorite shooters and why?
Eliot Porter is at the top of the list; his prints register on a very emotional level with me, it’s hard to explain. He saw beauty in things that most people took for granted or walked past, and his prints have a strong courage in that statement: forcing the viewer to accept the beauty in the commonplace. I also appreciate the work of Galen Rowell, Christopher Burkett, and Peter Dombrovskis.
Tell us about a shining moment in your career thus far
My traveling companions who accompany me on trips, and the people I meet. If that answer is too corny, I’ll say the two weeks I spent in Iceland. That place is unbelievable.
Samples of Steve Hinkley’s Work
Autumn Light, Lower Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Moving Rock, Death Valley National Park, California
Toroweap Overlook, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
www.photopolus.etsy.com
