Meet ViewBug member kateluber, she is anĀ Oklahoma City based dance, fashion, wedding and portrait photographer who likes to use dramatic lights and bold colors in her images. Read our conversation and enjoy the tips Kate has to offer.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself, how do you describe your photography style?āØ
I describe my photography style as rich and dramatic. Iām a very black and white, all or nothing person. I like bold colors and dramatic light. Go big or go home. For most of my life, Iāve been a ballet dancer. I love the balance of technique and art and believe thatās one reason Iām drawn to photography; it has that same balance.
2. In one sentence what has photography done for you in your life?
Since taking a step back from ballet, photography has filled the creative void in my life. I thrive on structure and routine, but thereās another side of me that loves to explore and createā¦within the safe confines of technique of course.
3. When did you start taking photos and what inspired you to get started?
I started photography when my first daughter was born. I knew I couldnāt afford to have a weekly professional photo shoot, so I figured it would be cheaper to buy a DSLR and learn to do it myself; Iām still not sure if it has actually been cheaper or not.
4. What has been your favorite shoot and why?
My favorite shoot was a dancer shoot where we began with her in typical warmup attire and progressed all the way through full performance costume. Most people are used to seeing dancers in gorgeous costumes and a perfect smile, but few people see the real dancer behind that, the face of a dancer backstage.
5. Do you remember a difficult photo shoot session?I was shooting a promotion shot for a local production of The Sleeping Beauty ballet. I had my dancer in costume and makeup and had paid to use the location. We got there and a storm was rolling in, complete with lightning. We had about 10 minutes to get the shot and get out. I hastily arranged everything and then my flash triggers failed. I had an assistant hold a reflector and put my flash on my camera and bounced the flash off the reflector to light the scene.
6. What do you carry in your camera bag?
I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark III. The lenses I carry with me most often are a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART, Canon 85mm f/1.8, and Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L. I also have a few Canon and Yongnuo flashes and Phottix triggers.
7. Do you have a favorite location and time of the day to shoot?
My favorite location is this small strip of grass next to the parking lot of an ice skating rink. Itās behind a few dumpsters. Nobody would ever think it was a good location for photographs, but itās perfect and versatile. Itās best used during sunset golden hour. I have another empty lot down the road that I use around sunrise, but I prefer my parking lot location.
8. Can you share three tips with your fellow photographers?
The one thing that has helped me improve the most is open myself to critique. Put yourself out there and ask for honest reviews and be open to the advice you receive. You may or may not agree with it. Take the bits that are helpful and brush off the ones that donāt align with your vision, but consider all of it. I also think giving critique to others is a great way to progress. When you take the time to objectively look at photography from anyone, it helps you train your eye to see and therefore allow you to better evaluate your own work. Another thing that has helped is accepting who I am. I see so many photographers creating work that I admire that so different than what I create. I often wish I could create similar work, but I create my best work when I ignore all of that and shoot what comes to me. Take inspiration from everyone, but be yourself.
9. Please share one of your favorite photos with us with a short tutorial:
This was taken in a studio, specifically a dance studio.Ā We met in the evening, but it was inside, so the time of day isnāt terribly pertinent. I had one flash setup in a softbox. Thereās also a wall of mirrors opposite the light, so I probably had a small amount of reflected light as well.Ā This was shot with a Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 85mm f/1.8, Yongnuo 560.Ā The photo was inspired by Richard Avedon. I had been studying his work and I came across a photo of his and wanted to recreate it.Ā There is very little post-processing done to this image. I cropped the image, cloned a piece of hair over a gap, and then applied a bit of dodging and burning to accentuate facial features and then converted the image to black and white.
10. Whats your favorite photo you have shot and why?
This is such a hard decision. I honestly change my mind constantly. Today, Iām going with āMaleficent.ā I donāt know that itās my best work, but it was one of my earliest experiments in over the top cosplay type photos. I really learned a lot about post-processing working on this image. I also have a bit of a crush on the character of Maleficent, so Iām drawn to it for that reason.
