Say hello to ViewBug member JudiLiosatos, she received her first award at age 13 and now has close to 1000 Awards on ViewBug. Her images are creative and moving, read along and enjoy!
What inspired you to be a photographer?
From a young age I always enjoyed playing with a camera and won my first prizes at age 13. I was overjoyed to know that someone out there enjoyed my photos. Over the years I continued to experiment with photography and eventually going professional about 8 years ago.
What was your first camera and what do you shoot with today?
My first camera was a Polaroid, followed by a Ricoh. Many cameras later and I am a loyal Canon girl. With many bodies and lenses I get to experiment till my heart is content.
When someone looks at your photos, what do you want them to take away from it?
Everybody sees different things. They may see a different story in my image then what I have laid out. BUT, more importantly, if my image has an effect in some way then I am happy. I do not want my images to always leave a positive feeling. Often dragging up an uncomfortable or confronting emotion in the viewer can sometimes have a more profound effect on a viewer. Whatever the case...my images tell my story...how they are perceived is up to the viewer.
What is it that you love about photography?
I love the freedom to tell my story without been told that I can't do that or I can't do it that way. No one can tell me how I feel, therefore no one can tell me or anyone else how they should tell their story in their images.
What has photography done for you?
It has allowed me to express my inner thoughts and experiences in a way that feels right to me. Many will try to write a book, but that gets edited by others and never truly ends up their story. My work is purely my effort and any result is based on my choices...not another person editing them to suit their story. Be true to yourself and be confident in your own abilities to share your passion with the world.
Do you try to be conceptual or do you prefer to show the feeling behind a photo?
I always try to show the feeling behind the photo. It may be received differently but that is okay. If others see something else in the image than I believe the image is still a success because that image has spoken to someone and caused them to imagine and understand what they are seeing with their own eyes.
How do you describe your style?
I have often thought about this. I look at other photographers work and I can easily see their style. I look at my own work and it is so wide and varied. I think this is the same for many out there, no matter how obvious their style is to others. One can never see the forest for the trees. So it may be better to describe my style in a few words. Free..Moody..Thought Provoking.
If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
I only have one non-Canon lens. The Sigma 50-500. Coincidentally this is the only lens I have had to replace due to killing my original one in the floods. This lens is fantastic. The DOF is to die for, the range really gives you the freedom to change your composition instantly and, just for fun, I have proven that it can be used quite easily in a studio setup. Whilst I do love my other lenses...this one works for portrait, action as well as fine art.
What are your 3 tips for others who want to become better photographers?
1 - If something doesn't need to be in an image...get rid of it. Many times images become cluttered with irrelevant pieces of information and only confuses the viewer in trying to understand your story.
2 - Don't be afraid to break the rules. Only then will you find what you are looking for.
3 - Never try to find your style....let your style find you. By experimenting, having loads of disasters, stumbling onto things you didn't realize existed or areas of photography that you may have not thought of trying, will you then find yourself and your path with photography.
How did you achieve your social media following? any tips for photographers who are trying to get more reach?
I don't do Facebook, Twitter or any of the other social media sites. I do believe they suit some photographers but I just don't have the time to continue them at a level that would benefit my work. Instead I enter my images in challenges, photo comps and read lots. This pushes me to continue thinking outside the box and challenging my skills. This in turn improves my work and the ability to tell my story thorough my images.
Raw vs jpg and why?
Absolutely RAW all the way. Not only can you adjust any of your settings slightly by way of a RAW program without losing much of the detail but they are also your proof or your negative in comparison. This is your ultimate proof that the image belongs to you. Especially if you are like me and don't delete the other images so you have all the consecutive images from that shoot. That is the one thing that only one person in the world would have....YOU!
What do you carry in your camera bag?
I always carry a Canon 5D MkIII, 70-200mm, 17-40mm, flash, light-sphere, cards, batteries, remote, triggers and business cards. Depending on the job my second bag will follow with another body, fish eye, 50mm, 1100mm, battery pack, harness, reflector, another 2 flashes, tripods (for camera and/or flashes) and other light sources and backdrops.
If you could have the gift of a great photographer who would it be and why?
As a young girl I was in awe of Lord Snowden's work and dreamed of being of his ability. One image I remember and have never been able to find since was one that was featured in the Australian Women’s Weekly of a young woman standing near a castle window. As Lord Snowden was known also for his royal photography, I am not sure who this lady was. But that image stayed in my mind forever.Since then I have been a huge fan of Gregory Colbert from Ashes and Snow. His work is amazing and one day I would love to be able to follow his footsteps. I think if there is one thing I have learnt from these two men is that don’t' be afraid to do what you love and let others follow you if they choose. Never try to force others to like or understand your work.
What is the most common mistake you see people making when shooting these days?
Taking photos on their mobiles in the vertical format. Try turning the phone horizontally...you may be surprised. Also when photographing kids or pets...stop standing over them and making them look up. Their heads really aren't that big!!!! Get down to their level and enter their world...not only will they no longer have a big head, but they will perform for you willingly.
What is your dream location to shoot?
There are so many places I would love to have the opportunity to experiment with my work. Whilst I have visited many European and British areas, I would love to spend some time doing some fine art model shoots in England...mainly in their forests and castle relics.
What is next for you? Any planned adventures with your camera?
I have now cut back on a lot of my areas of photography to concentrate on my fine art area. I am absolutely loving that adventure and at the moment am enjoying letting it take me to new levels.
What is your goal with your photography?
My goal is for my work to be known for what it is. Many people want to famous. I do not...I want my work to be known...not me.
Thank you JudiLiosatos for the great input! If you enjoyed her feedback please head over to her profile to give some peer awards out!
