Self Portrait

Luminous Photography

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

 

Right now, my main camera is a Nikon D600. I worked with the D300s until May 2013, and then I felt the need to move on to a full-frame camera, and the D600 is wonderful. When it comes to lenses, I work mostly with a 50mm f/1.4 for self-portraiture and a 24-70mm f/2.8 for weddings and photoshoots. I also own a 50mm f/1.8 — which was pretty much set aside when I bought the 1.4, and a 35mm f/1.8 (all of them Nikkor) that I still keep on the body of my D300s, so that I have it at hand whenever I need it.

As for other equipment: I have a Manfrotto tripod that I swear on, since it’s incredibly sturdy, and a set of studio lights (with soft boxes) that offer both flash and continuous light, which I’m working with more, recently.

 

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

 

I adore the D600. I read a lot of reviews before I bought it and even though a few photographers thought it would be pointed at a more amateur-ish kind of buyer, I have to say that it works wonders for weddings and photo shoots, so I don’t see the problem at all. It’s not too chunky, it’s light and portable and wonderfully comfortable to shoot with. I keep recommending it to people, because I think it’s truly amazing. Other than that, I would probably like to invest in a better quality set of studio lights, but it’s not urgent, since mine still work pretty well.

 

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What is your favourite lens, and why?

 

I have a favorite lens for each function. I love my 50mm f/1.4 for day-to-day work and for self-portraiture. For weddings, I definitely like the 24-70mm — it’s very versatile and sharp.

 

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

 

I’m mostly a light traveler when it comes to gear, so I only take my camera (and all it requires, such as batteries, charger, etc), a couple of memory cards and the 50mm f/1.4 lens. I could take the 24-70mm with me as well, but it’s a very expensive and heavy lens, and I would probably be constantly worrying about losing it or having it stolen. I also like to travel with an analogue camera, so I normally bring my Pentax Spotmatic with a couple rolls — and the photo meter app it requires, on my phone. Oh, talking about my phone, I am completely dependent on it when I’m traveling, for photos. It’s not uncommon to see me taking a photo with the camera and right away taking the same photo with my iPhone. It’s a strange addiction, but I just like having both perspectives.

 

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

 

I use Lightroom 5 for the first processing and then export in JPEG to Photoshop CC, where I do heavier work (manipulations, expansions, skin correction, deep color correction, etc). On my phone, I use VSCO Cam and Afterlight.

 

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

 

These are big questions on their own, so I’ll address them separately.

 

I started taking photos as a kid. I got my first camera when I was 10, my own thing, that no one else could touch — it was a Canon Ixus that worked with APS film and which I took with me everywhere. It was quite an expensive habit for my parents to endure! And my first instant was a Polaroid Spice Cam with Spice Girls stickers on the side, when I was 11 — which I still have. I’ve been pretty addicted since then. Amongst my friends, I was almost always the one with the camera. I got my first digital camera when I was 16 and my first DSLR (a Nikon D40) when I was 21, and it completely changed my life.

My inspiration can come from books, from day-to-day experiences, from dreams or from art. I used to be a lot more prolific with my production (and with my inspiration) when I based a lot of my aesthetic sense in Mannerist and Baroque artists. At some point, however, I decided I was going to start building my own aesthetic notion, and to be honest I’m still working at that. I don’t think I’ll ever stop, it’s something that grows with me. But the inspiration itself can come from just about anything. Sometimes it’s just looking at a prop and the idea will jump at me. The ‘Orange, or the Return of Lady with the Butterflies’ picture, which is probably my most widely known piece, came to me when I was putting away the butterflies and realized that they were the same color of my shirt. That’s how simple it can be.

My method is rather simple. I don’t like photographing concept pieces with other people, unless it’s my significant other, in front of whom I’m completely comfortable. I work better alone than I do with company, even of other photographers — but to be honest, the latter is not an experience that I’ve had regularly enough to be able to evaluate properly. But my photographing moments are basic — if I have a specific idea, I’ll take ten or twenty shots and it will be done. If not, if I’m just wanting to express something and not exactly knowing how (which is the most common mood for me, recently), I get the props that I relate with the subject and start trying things out. The story sort of comes as I go. I enjoy the process of creating different versions of myself immensely, so I also enjoy the time it takes me to get to a story, through props and images.

 

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

 

I’m very partial to self-portraiture. Not just because it’s my main theme, but because it’s where I can sort of glimpse into the life of the artists, into their minds and how their themes relate to me, at the same time. I’m terribly voyeuristic, in that sense. I like knowing what people are feeling, and self-portraiture, whether intended or not, can give me a peek at what’s inside that artist.

 

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

 

I think my goals are always changing. There was a time, when I was starting out, when I worked for Explores, on Flickr. I worked for the recognition and I reveled on that. And then I grew a bit, and that stopped mattering. I started to enjoy more quality than quantity in my feedback, started to pay more attention to who looks at my work, instead of how many of them. Right now, my goal is to have a solo exhibit somewhere. And most of all, to have enough material that I’m proud enough to want to exhibit. My constant goal is to always be better than the previous photo — which isn’t always possible; my relative goal changes according to where I am in life and in my craft.

 

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

 

I have to be cheesy and to say it’s the Lady with the Butterflies. It’s a very emotional piece for me, and I think that’s why it touched so many people. It came out of a horrible period of my life, the first time I put down the camera for a month, after having done a 365 project, a 52 weeks project, and being halfway through my second 365. I had a bit of a breakdown and needed to stop — this shot was the first thing that came out of my brain after that pause, and it’s still the piece I like the most.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/luminous-lu/7302600034/in/set-72157623852571132

 

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Does your work fit into any one or more distinct genres (nature, landscape, long-exposure, black-and-white, infra-red, urban, artistic, macro, vintage, vernacular, social, street)? If other, please specify.

 

Most definitely ‘Artistic’. Maybe artistic self-portraiture?

 

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Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?

 

This one! Quite a few of my friends have been featured here, and I started to look at this site whenever I wanted to find new photographers to look at. It’s wonderful.

I also visit the recently created but hugely successful “The Portfolio” (http://tpgconversations.tumblr.com/), on tumblr. It has some great work and the interviews are very interesting. Other than that, it’s mostly Flickr and 500px.

 

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

 

That I can create my own world. That’s the greatest power my photography has given me — to imagine whatever I want and to make it happen on my computer. And that gave me the will I needed to never stop dreaming, never stop imagining silly and inconceivable scenarios. They can come true, even if it’s simply as a photograph. Oh, and don’t try to make yourself fit into small suitcases. You’ll end up bruised and limping for a week.

 

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

 

Elle Moss, who was my biggest inspiration when I first started to photograph. To this day, I think my style sort of branches out from hers, and I hope to one day achieve her level of quality.

 

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Luminous Photography

 


 

Marko Nadj Photography

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

 

I’m using Canon EOS 550d with 50mm f/1.4 and classic 18-55 kit lenses and hama travelling mini pro tripod which was a gift, and that’s all I use, I guess.  . I used to take photos with small compact camera Samsung ES75.

 

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

 

The thing that really drives me  crazy is that I don’t have remote controller so I have to use 10 seconds  timer, and  since I like to do selfportraits in water sometimes it gets quite exhausting to run to my camera and than get back in water. Another thing that really bothers me are my lenses , my focus ring stucked some time ago and i can’t shoot anything closer than 1,5 meters. My ”dream” equipment is canon 5dmark II but I am still going to high school and I don’t have a job so for now that’s only a dream hopefully it will come true one day. I’d also like to have polaroid and underwater camera bag and I’m looking forward buying them! 😀

 

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What is your favourite lens, and why?

 

Although I like my lenses, i think any other wider lenses with low f stop will suit my photo style more.I like canon 50 mm f/1.4 because it creates wonderful bokeh.

 

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

 

When I travel i carry my tripod and my camera only, and since I take all of my photos in my village i don’t travel to further locations that much.

 

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

 

I use edit my photos a lot,and I’m just starting with learning new tehniques so it’s really entertaining 🙂  I’m using photoshop cs5 and I’m really happy with this version.

 

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

 

I’ve been taking hotographs for a few years now, but with long pauses because I was very young and had issues with equipment , I struggled with ideas etc,. I am inspired by almost everything, mostly with idea of dying, because I don’t find dying that scary  like others do, there’s something beautifull in it.There are many ways I take picture, sometimes I first think of story I want to tell,sometimes I first choose a model to work with and than I think of other things such as wardrobe,location..

 

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

 

I mostly like fine-art photography because it has something to do with surreal,but I enjoy fashion and conceptual photography too, so i would like to combine this three genres of photography in future.

 

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

 

I’d like to create timeless stories.

My goal is to make timeless images which will inspire other people to see that beauty in darkness, to share my passion about art , and to show the world that one can do a lot to . Art is underrated in the world, specially when we talk about young people so I’d like to show young people that art is beautiful and even fun!

 

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

 

Favourite photo I took is millenium(http://www.flickr.com/photos/kidfromtheozz/7557582960/) because in that one you can clearly see beauty in darkness, picture  of boy in the water sourrended by dark water , with that red color of the roses popping out creates the timeless feeling.

That one is special to me because it was the first time i did selfportraitthe water and also first one of my photos  to be choosen  as a photo of the day on photovogue.

 

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Does your work fit into any one or more distinct genres (nature, landscape, long-exposure, black-and-white, infra-red, urban, artistic, macro, vintage, vernacular, social, street)? If other, please specify.  

 

I’d say my artistic and fine art category suits my photos best  because they are heavilly edited , surreal , with a lot of textures.

 

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Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?

 

I visit flickr sometimes,photovogue on daily basis etc. I also have facebook page on which I am active (I made a break of facebook for some time)

 

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

 

The most imortant lesson I learned is that imperfection makes picture perfect. Also the one regarding lesson I learned is that failure is ok and that everyting pays off sooner or later. And last but not least that beauty is everything.

 

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

 

I’d like to see Marina Refur,Dolores Juhas,Jessica Schroer…

 

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Marko Nadj Photography

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marko-Nadj-photography/114638898611263


Nadia Wicker Photography

Nadia Wicker Photography

 

 

 

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

 

I have a Canon 5d Mk2, a 50mm 1,8 lens, a 100 mm 2,8 lens, a Manfrotto tripod and a remote control.

 

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

 

I’m really not technically inclined ! But well, I would like my tripod to be able to walk 😀

 

What is your favourite lens, and why?

 

My 100mm 20,8 lens, without hesitation !

 

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

 

I’m always taking my 5d and my lenses but I finally always shoot with my phone !

 

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

 

Photoshop cs4 and I’m discovering Lightroom since a few weeks. And of course a wacom tablet ! Didn’t touch a computer mouse since years, I’m using my tablet for everything.

 

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

 

I started taking photographs in 2005. I find my inspiration everywhere : movies, life, street, people, paintings, shops…

 

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

 

I like classic, trying to capture the beauty I see from people, real things, and I like colored and surreal pictures, to create something only exists in my mind.

 

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

 

My goal is to continue creating and living with this, hope to earn a little bit more money to be freer.

 

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

 

I’m in love with the colors and the details on the high resolution.

 

 

 

Does your work fit into any one or more distinct genres (nature, landscape, long-exposure, black-and-white, infra-red, urban, artistic, macro, vintage, vernacular, social, street)? If other, please specify.

 

Selfportrait, artistic, surreal, fine arts…

 

Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?

 

Behance.

 

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

 

Patience and perseverance !

 

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

 

Ruben Brulat

 




Pia Prezelj Photography

 Pia Prezelj Photography

http://piaprezelj.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pia-Prezelj-Photography/179973735425353

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

 

My old camera has sadly been dead for months now and I’m saving up for a new full-frame one. So lately I’ve been using a number of different cameras and lenses (well, borrowing it from my wonderful fellow photographers), all the way from Nikon D800 to Canon 6D with a wide range of lenses (17-200mm, 35mm, 50mm 1.4,…). As far as flashes and filters go regarding my personal work, I prefer to stay as far as possible – a tripod and a remote control trigger, however, are two things essential to my photographic survival.

 

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

 

Well right now the biggest problem is my camera being dead, so I’m guessing that’s one thing to dislike. But on a serious note, I don’t put much emphasis on the equipment itself – it can be wonderful but it’s useless if you don’t know how to use it properly, if you don’t possess the talent to master it. Imagine giving a camera to Rothko – I’m almost certain he wouldn’t be able to do what he achieved as a painter. 

 

What is your favorite lens, and why?

 

I don’t really have a favorite lens; they are all tools, each of them wonderful in its own way. There is an immense difference between the lenses I use for commercial work and the ones I use during creating my personal work and comparing the two would be silly since their purpose is completely different.

 


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

 

A film camera and countless rolls of color film. I strongly believe that travelling should be about capturing memories with your mind and not through a cage of glass and mirrors and film cameras are (in my opinion) a way to avoid this at least a tiny bit. There is a great essay on this issue written by Susan Sontag in her book On Photography – a book that every photographer should read.

 


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

 

Photoshop CS6 with Lightroom plug-ins.

 


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

 

I’ve been photographing for about 5 years now, although I did have some I-have-no-idea-what-I’m-doing months in between. My inspiration often comes from intense emotions felt throughout my lifespan, from observing human relationships and being a part of some strange forms of those relationships, from the depths of human mind and the pits of human soul. The workflow of photographing depends on the series I’m creating. Limbo, for example, is a series creates with a specific process of photographing while Delirium is a series of self portraits and is thus created like every other such series – with a remote control trigger. Oblivion, the upcoming series, is a huge staged mise-en-scene one and will thus require weeks of preparation and a team of lovely people all prepared to help in the process.

 

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

 

I would go for fine art/conceptual photography although abstract photography and surrealism sometimes strikes pretty close to home as well. However, I can’t quite connect with landscape/portrait/…photography, mostly because often these are just clear representations of the world around us. And even though I do appreciate realists (such as Chuck Close) I still feel like photography can and should reach beyond the realm of reality.

 


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

 

There is a difference between the goals I have for my photography and between what people take out of it. And even though these are sometimes two completely different things, I think that’s alright. People should find their own meaning in my work and if those meanings differ, so be it. My goal, however, is to show people how art is something that can unravel the unimaginable – regarding the human soul, mind and human relationships. 

 

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

 

It would probably have to be Delirium II. (http://piaprezelj.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/2.jpg) since it conveys the essence of the whole series very well. 

 


Does your work fit into any one or more distinct genres (nature, landscape, long-exposure, black-and-white, infra-red, urban, artistic, macro, vintage, vernacular, social, street)? If other, please specify.

 

I’m guessing people would categorize it under fine art / conceptual photography; I, on the other hand, never bother with labeling it. If a photograph successfully conveys a certain idea or emotion, then it doesn’t really matter whether it is documentary, abstract, landscape or conceptual.

 

Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?

 

There are quite a couple of “art” blogs that are on my list of daily musts, whereas for photography I adore 500 photographers, a website which works as a database for 500 contemporary photographers of all areas and genres (http://500photographers.blogspot.com/p/photographers-by-alphabet.html). 

 


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

 

I can’t really point out one single thing solely because there are a lot of realizations that can be applied to many areas of living. I found out that people still believe in art and that a lot of individuals will help you as long as they can feel what you feel, see what you see – as long as they are touched and intrigued by your work. I realized how powerful art really is and how you should never give up just because things get hard – it’s not easy to be a photographer but it’s surely worth it. Finally, I realized that pain and suffering can be transformed into beauty and grace – it’s hard to get there but once you do, it’s more than one could ever wish for.

 

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

 

It would be lovely to see some photographers who don’t follow the usual trends – who stand out, not only through their work but also in their way of thinking.

 



Ajay Koli Photography

Ajay Koli Photography

https://www.facebook.com/AjayKoliPhotography?fref=ts

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajaykoli/

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

 

I use a Canon 550D with a 50mm f/1.8 & kit lens, a remote, sun, basic tripod and a GorillaPod GP-3. In addition to that, I shoot with a 35mm film camera on whichever I can get my hands on.

 

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

 

I like the fact that equipment is never a barrier in creating. I would love to upgrade to a full frame camera though. Also, the bulkiness of DSLRs sometimes make it difficult to carry it everywhere. A small & cheap film camera is a good substitute for it or an expensive phone.

 

What is your favourite lens, and why?

 

It has to be the 50mm f/1.8 lens for the quality of images it provides compared to its price. The prime lens factor demands you to move around a bit and explore the same spaces from new angles.

 


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

 

There is only one bag which I carry while travelling. It has all the stuff I mentioned previously, plus few film rolls minus the tripod.

 

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

 

I use Photoshop CS6 for processing my digital images. I give my rolls for developing to the local photo studios wherever I go.

 

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

 

I have been taking pictures regularly (with the camera I have) since 2 years now.

 

I am continuously inspired by music & films. Surely, there are artists in history who are my friends. But the most often thing which inspires me is the places I go and the people I meet. There’s something in the combination of both of them which drives me.

 

Depends on what I am shooting. I can categorize them into two types. One, dream over an image, have a rough sketch, find a location & model, shoot. Second, discover the spaces around with a model+camera and shoot on spontaneously with whatever is present. I use digital for the former & a film camera for the latter. I enjoy shooting both of them.

 

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

 

I like shooting portraiture majorly because the faces have so much to tell without actually saying it. It connects instantly with a story build around. Its nice to have a person in front I know that knows me best. I like surrealism in photography the most.

 

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

 

My only goal is to keep on shooting continuously & just create. Find a balance between art & commerce side of photography maybe.

 

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

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajaykoli/7165338624/lightbox/ ) This was my 100th photo of my 365 project. I had no a clue on that day what to shoot. Every evening I used to wander around the beautiful lakeside of my college. I always wanted a picture inside that Powai lake. The water was cold and dirty. When I fell for the first time I wasn’t happy with the image because the angle was off, the second time everything came out of focus. With the sun going down fast, the third time came just about right.

 

Does your work fit into any one or more distinct genres (nature, landscape, long-exposure, black-and-white, infra-red, urban, artistic, macro, vintage, vernacular, social, street)? If other, please specify.

 

I don’t know maybe fine-art, portraiture, conceptual photography. It’s difficult to categorize.

 

Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?

 

Yes, I constantly visit flickr, facebook, tumblr along with http://www.phasesmag.com/

 

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

 

With every art form, the basic process remains the same. You dream over it & you execute it. Both of them are important.

 

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

 

Lukasz Wierzbowski from Poland who goes by the name neon.tambourine on flickr. He’s the man!

Oleg Oprisco, Eylul Aslan, Li Hui, Heiner Luepke, Alison Scarpulla, Hana Haley, Mariam Sitchinava, Luke Sharratt, Syddharth Mate.



Noukka Signe Photography

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

 

Digital:

A Canon EOS60D with
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 lens
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 lens 
Canon EF 35mm f/2.0 lens
Sigma 17-80mm f/2.8-f/4 lens
Hama tripod 
remote RC-1 

Flash: Canon 430ex II (rarely in use)
And a 4-in-1 reflector (gold, silver, white, black)

 

Analog:
My uncle’s old Pentax camera with a 50mm f/1.4 lens and a 17mm fisheye lens.
A second-hand Kodak Retina 1a (which has a 50mm f1.4 lens attached)

I use Hama UV filters to protect the glass of my lenses
And have a couple of filter sets, of which I most regularly use the polarizing filter (Hama)
Cleaning equipment was one of the cheaper brands on Amazon, but it does the job.

 

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

 

I chose the 60D because of the vari-angular screen, which I still love very much, and it’s a great camera. A big step up from my old 400D/RebelXTi.
I do sometimes wish I had a full-frame camera as the crop sensor can be quite limiting from time to time, but I mostly overcome this by expanding photos in post-processing.
I’ve learnt quickly that your equipment is just a toolkit, and it’s mostly about how you use it.

 

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What is your favourite lens, and why?

 

The 50mm f/1.4 because it’s a great all-round length, and it’s crisp and sharp, this is the lens I use 90% of the time.
I also love the quality of the 85mm, but it’s a bit too close-up most of the time.

 

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

 

The 60D, 50mm, 35mm and remote. Tripod if I have a spot for it.
2 SD cards: two Sandisk 16GB Extreme Pro and my charger.
I usually take one of the analog cameras too, with an extra roll of film.

 

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

 

I use Adobe Lightroom 5 and Adobe Photoshop CS6 Extended
I also like to work with a Wacom tablet because it allows me to be precise.

 

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How long have you been taking photographs?

 

I’ve been taking photographs for 8 years now, since I was thirteen and bought my first point & shoot camera.

 

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How do you find inspiration?

 

I’ve learnt that inspiration is not something that just comes to you, but you can actively seek for it.
I listen to music, read books, browse the web and look at other art to be inspired. But daydreaming is also an excellent way of getting inspired. Just let your mind run free, think of stories in your head and make sure that you write down the ideas or collect the sentences/images that inspire you because you will forget, even if you think you won’t. I carry a little notebook with me at all times for this, but I also like to record it with my voice recorder on my phone.
People are also incredibly inspiring, just by watching them in daily life I get inspired to take certain photos, or someone’s face is just interesting enough to inspire me.
So I guess it’s not so much about finding inspiration, more about keeping the ideas.

 

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How do you take your pictures?

 

This differs a lot. I’m not a huge fan of planning shoots, although I would like to try that more.
It’s usually a pretty spontaneous process, I do have some images in my head, but I also like playing around to see what works, and to get inspired by the shoot itself. It’s not uncommon for me to suddenly cry out “oh!” and excitedly change something about the setup (whether it’s a self portrait, or not).
I mostly go by feelings/vibe or colors and light. My camera is almost always set to manual, which allows me to play with the settings.
My self-portraits are usually taken with a tripod and a remote, and me running up and down between the camera and the posing position.
I’ve definitely had shoots where I knew exactly what I wanted, and I would go out and do that before trying other things.

 

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

 

I find it very hard to choose just one genre. I like working with people most, even if I’m actually a very shy person. When I hold my camera I’m a lot more open and confident, and do what’s needed to make the person in front of the camera to feel comfortable. Most of my work consists of portraits.
But I can definitely appreciate landscape photography as well when they’re well-executed. There’s something magical about them. And one thing I’m always more attracted to are photographs with natural lighting.

 

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

 

I’m not working to one specific goal. I started photography because I wanted to express myself, and that’s still my motivation so I guess a goal is to always make work I believe in. And to always keep improving.

 

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

 

It changes every day, but if I had to choose now it would be this photo: http://500px.com/photo/4970954
It’s one of shoots where I knew exactly what I wanted, and it was so incredibly cold. It’s partly one of my favorites because it was crazy to do. My skin hurt from lying in the snow, and I only had a couple of shots to do it before I couldn’t take the cold anymore. And I like that it doesn’t tell a straight-forward story, and everyone can have their own interpretation of it.

 

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Does your work fit into any one or more distinct genres (nature, landscape, long-exposure, black-and-white, infra-red, urban, artistic, macro, vintage, vernacular, social, street)? If other, please specify.

 

Artistic portraiture probably describes it best.

 

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Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?

 

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

 

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

 

Anything is possible. And I mean this in a very broad sense, that anything is possible within creating photographs,
but also that anything is possible in life. When I started I had no idea where it would take me, I didn’t necessarily wanted to be taken anywhere, but it did. I’ve gained a lot of friends through photography, and it’s still a pretty surreal thing to me that my photos are on book covers now. I’m still not sure where I want to go with photography, but I do know I’d always like to keep doing it, even if it’s just on the side.

 

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

 

Lara Jade, whose work was one of the reasons I ever started photography.

 

 Noukka Signe Photography

http://www.noukkasigne.com/

https://www.facebook.com/noukkasigne


Anna Marcell Photography

Anna Marcell Photography

www.annamarcell.com

www.annamarcell.tumblr.com

www.flickr.com/photos/annamarcell

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

 Tripod and a light meter to measure the light for my 35mm and 120 cameras.

 

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

I honestly have nothing to dislike about it. Of course, there are times where the flash will go off when it isn’t supposed to but, to fix that you shut the camera and switch the flash on and off and then open the camera, again to refresh it that helps a lot.

 

What is your favourite lens, and why? 

My polaroid spectra has a glass lens, the images have more clarity to them and punch. Also, it’s harder to scratch and it’s more durable, too.

 

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

My cameras (polaroid spectra, 35mm and 120 camera), tripod, film, cleaning cloth and light meter.

 

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

None, I only use photoshop to remove dust marks if need be.

 

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

 I have been taking photographs at a young age with disposable camera. When I was in high school, I took a Photography class to learn dark room developing and how to use a 35mm camera. In addition, I picked up my first Polaroid camera in 2011, which is my main medium to use. I absolutely love the instant film, it’s very special and magical.

 

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

Self-portraiture is really my favorite style of photographing because, I consider myself a good subject to work with and also I have control of everything I do on camera and how I capture that moment by conveying emotion and feeling.

 

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

 My goal really with my photography is sharing it to everyone out there. It’s really a diary of my life in a visual sense of how I perceive things from a day to day basis or expression how I feel.

 

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

My favorite photo that really touched me the most is the photo of my cat and I. The title of the photo is “Yes Yum Yum,” it was at that moment she was comfortably on my bed when I had the thought of capturing a photo of her next to me. In addition, I accomplished and it was a moment where I had an interaction with her through the eyes which emphasizes in the photo very much.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/annamarcell/8735685260/

 

Does your work fit into any one or more distinct genres (nature, landscape, long-exposure, black-and-white, infra-red, urban, artistic, macro, vintage, vernacular, social, street)? If other, please specify.

Artistic, Dreamy, Ephemeral, Expressive, and Nostalgia.

 

Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?

No.

 

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

Keep capturing. creating, and inspire.

 

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

There are so many that come to mind that it would be a long list. Flickr is an excellent place to come across other wonderful photographers. Many of them are quite great and each have their own unique way of photographing.


Zev Hoover Photography

 Zev Hoover Photography

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fiddleoak

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

 

I shoot a nikon d7000, nikon 50mm 1.4 ai, and a samyang 85mm 1.4. I use a nice compact manfrotto tripod of model number I can’t remember.

 

 

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

 

Bigger sensor. If it was full frame it would be the ultimate camera (for me). I love the build quality.

 

 

What is your favourite lens, and why?

 

Samyang 85mm f1.4. It always makes a mondain scene into a bokehlicious wonderland.

 

 

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

 

Camera, lenses stated above, deck of cards, charger, lens cloth, tripod mount, and a remote. Oh, and a toothbrush. You never know.

 

 

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

 

Photoshop. That’s pretty much it. With adobe switching to subscription only, I would love an alternative but none really exists.

 

 

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

 

I have been shooting since I was 8, so six years. I find inspiration often right before falling asleep. I take picture by pushing the shutter button and standing in front of the camera.

 

 

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

 

Environmental portraits, at the moment. They combine landscape and portrait seamlessly.

 

 

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

 

I have none, other than to become a better photographer but that will take the rest of my life.
Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why? Please provide a link to the picture.

 

At the moment, this one (www.flickr.com/photos/fiddleoak/7770751130/) but it changes daily.
Does your work fit into any one or more distinct genres (nature, landscape, long-exposure, black-and-white, infra-red, urban, artistic, macro, vintage, vernacular, social, street)? If other, please specify.

 

All of the above. I haven’t done much street shooting or infrared, but I am willing to try anything.
Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?

 

Flickr. Daily. If not three of four times a day.

 

 

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

 

Forget the rules! Shoot what feels right and it will look right.
And finally, what other interesting photographers would you like to see in this blog?

 

I love tungusta’s photography (www.flickr.com/photos/tunguska_rdm/) always something lovely and new to see.

 


Maryanne Gobble Photography

Maryanne Gobble Photography

http://www.neweyedea.com/

https://www.facebook.com/neweyedea

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14527832@N06/

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

 

Most of my recent work was created on a Canon Xsi with a Tamron 17-55mm lens.  I often use a remote shutter and a basic tripod I picked up from around $30 online.  My camera body broke last week so I’m passing time with a Nikon D200 and Canon Xs.  If it works, work it.

 

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

 

I certainly feel the limitations with my equipment.  It’s almost laughable to be making art with this stuff.  So when I make something I’m proud of I feel part super ninja and part fraud.  My strongest desires in equipment at the moment are a higher ISO and overall dependability.

 

What is your favourite lens, and why?

 

I love my wide angle zoom usually left at around 17mm.  It’s how I see the world.

 

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

 

Body, wide angle, backpack, and iPad.  Rubber boots, plastic bags and umbrella if it’s a notoriously wet location.

 

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

 

Adobe CS3.

 

How long have you been taking photographs?

 

I’ve been taking photographs for about a decade.  Yet it’s only the last two years I’ve felt like I’m doing it the way I want.

 

 How do you find inspiration?

 

I have a very busy mind so inspiration tends to come easy.    Most recently I’ve been inspired by writers, creation myths, being a mother, and sound.

 

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

 

This is a hard one for me.  I love so many aspects of portrait, travel, documentary, and fine art.  I slap a generic fine art label on it and call it good.  There is such a focus on keeping one style but I’m rethinking that route.  I want to grow.

 

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

 

I aim to be alive and free.  I want to be a contributor to society.  I’m willing to bleed for it.

 

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

 

My current favourite is this image.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/14527832@N06/7876006872/in/photostream  There had just been a wildfire in this forest.  In the photo the morning sun is lighting the soft ash against his chest.  The regrowth process after a fire is amazing.  Vibrant life bursts forth after the scorching heat.  I think that’s how life is.  This image is just such a clear photo of how I see reality.  I love to share it.

 

Does your work fit into any one or more distinct genres (nature, landscape, long-exposure, black-and-white, infra-red, urban, artistic, macro, vintage, vernacular, social, street)? If other, please specify.

My human series is male nude and I also have a self portrait series.

 

Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?

 

Lensscratch, Creative Live.

 

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

 

Money and fame are poor motivators. Haters gonna hate.

 

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

Susan Burnstine Photography
Bertil Nilsson
http://www.nielsbruchmann.com/



Jon Jacobsen Photography

Jon Jacobsen Photography

http://jon-jacobsen.com/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/loganart/

https://www.facebook.com/JonJacobsenPhotography

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http://jon-jacobsen.com

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

Canon 60D, 28mm 1.8, and my eye.

 

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

Maybe the quality of the lenses isn’t the greatest one.

 

What is your favourite lens, and why?

I don’t have any specific favourite lens, but I like those which are between 28 and 35mm. Just because I like space a lot, and I use to work in small rooms.

 

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

Camera and reflector.

 

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

Photoshop.

 

How long have you been taking photographs? How do you find inspiration?

It’s been 9 years already. Inspiration is everywhere, I find it in my daily life.

 

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

Portraits are my favourites, especially those taken when the person just woke up or are laying down in the bed.

 

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

I don’t have any specific goal more than creating and pay my bills with this. You never know when you reach your goals until you live it.

 

Looking at your own work, which piece is your favourite? Why?

Today, this one: http://jon-jacobsen.com/post/41024898661/reformula-selfportrait

 

Does your work fit into any one or more distinct genres  (nature, landscape, long-exposure, black-and-white,  infra-red, urban, artistic, macro, vintage, vernacular, social, street)? If other, please specify.

Fine Arts, Surreal Photography, Self portraits.

 

Are there any photography websites that you visit regularly?

Tumblr.

 

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

Have guts.

 

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

Benoit Paille and Yann Faucher.