ViewBug community member FotoFly is representing a studio based out of Draper, Utah specializing in family and children portraits. Enjoy our conversation below and learn some interesting tips.
What inspired you to be a photographer?
My wife was really the one who pushed me to pursue my dreams of becoming a professional photographer. I was working as a night time security guard when a I saw a job listing for a photographer. I applied and was called to be interviewed but didn't plan on following through. My wife was the one who pushed me and told me I could do it.
What is it that you love about photography?
The freedom it gives. There are no rules in photography. I love to push my limits and always be trying new things. I love that there is always a new area of photography to explore, and there is always something new to learn.
What has photography done for you?
It's allowed me to have a career that I absolutely love. I get paid to do what I love, and I think thats pretty unique.
How do you describe your style?
I don't think I really have a set style. My style varies on my subject and the message I'm trying to convey.
What was your first camera and what do you shoot with today?
I received my first camera in 2009. It was a Canon xSi. Now I've upgraded and I shot with a Canon 5D Mark III.
When someone looks at your photos, what do you want them to take away from it, what are you trying to communicate?
My main subject of photography is usually children. I want to capture their essence if you will. I want to show who they are and what their personality is. To take a picture of a child is one thing, but to show who they are through an image is what I try to accomplish.
Do you try to be conceptual or do you prefer to show the feeling behind a photo?
It really depends on the image. I'm constantly changing my style and my view. I think I try to focus on the emotion of an image and really convey that through conceptual ideas.
Raw vs jpg and why?
Raw, always. Jpeg severely limits the capability of the editing you can do to an image.
What do you carry in your camera bag?
My camera plus a couple of lenses (24-105, 50mm, 85mm)
If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
Any 50mm prime. The ability to have a fast lens is invaluable. I like to work with as little gear as possible. Being able to shoot at 1.4 allows me to not have to drag off camera flashes with me every time I shoot.
What are your 3 tips for others who want to become better photographers?
1. Don't be afraid to fail. When you fail you are forced to take a step back and find out why you fail. Once you do that you've actually succeeded.
2. An imperfect image with perfect emotion is better than a perfect picture with no emotion.
3. Practice, practice, practice.
Have you received negative feedback from your work?
All the time! Art is subjective, you'll always find someone who doesn't like what you've done. Always try to take a step back and take peoples advice and see if it would have improved your image. Don't get defensive right off, most people are just trying to help.
Where did you learn to take photos?
The owner of FotoFly taught me pretty much everything I know. Anything else I've learned was done by looking at other photographers work, dissecting it, and trying to replicate it.
If you could have the gift of a great photographer who would it be and why?
Jerry Ghionis hands down! He sees light like no other human, and knows how to use it.
What is the most common mistake you see people making when shooting these days?
Being too afraid to take a picture because it's not perfect. If you wait for something to be perfect before you take a picture, you'll never take anything. Also, shooting in auto: Don't let your camera choose what your image will look like, you should be in control.
What is your dream location to shoot?
Oregon. The coastline, the trees, the clouds. Everything there is gorgeous.
How do you decide on where to shoot a photo?
Lighting. It always comes down to lighting. If everything in the image is great, but you have poor lighting, you'll have a poor image.
What is next for you? Any planned adventures with your camera?
Everyday is an adventure when you have a camera. You can take something that people see everyday, and show it in a way no one ever sees it.
What is your goal with your photography?
Like I said before, 90% of my photography is of children. My goal is to capture who they are at that stage in there life. Those types of images are priceless to parents.
Check out more awesome shots, visit FotoFly's profile.
