Photographer lukedimech shares the key to staying creative and inspired plus the story of how he almost drowned one day from being battered by wave after wave, read on!
Tell us a bit about yourself, how do you describe your photography style?
Luke: I like all things water and fashion. I spend most of my life photographing in the sea, I love being in nature and especially in the surf. If I was to say I had a style I would call it natural. Im not a big fan of overly photoshopping images, especially fashion wise which could be potentially shooting myself in the foot. I like natural skin texture and people should be happy with the way they look.
In regards to my water related work I try keep it real also very little is done to adjust the work. I want people to feel the moment that I did in every way.
In one sentence what has photography done for you in your life?
Luke: I always felt that I had a creative side but I was awful at art, painting, drawing etc. My father gave me a camera and that was that, I was in love. I instantly felt my creative flow beginning and haven't looked back since. In fact I left a very good office job to go back to school at 35 years old and work in photography. It is my passion it is my life.
When did you start taking photos and what inspired you to get started?
Luke: I tried a bit of photography growing up at school but only using analogue and getting it developed locally I got bored quick. My late 20's saw me picking up a camera again and I started taking it everywhere I went. It was seeing landscapes from National Geographic that made me really want to capture more images and emotion (as cliche as it sounds).
What has been your favorite shoot and why?
Luke: The hardest question to answer as I have so many different shoots in different places. The one that really sticks in my head is one morning at Praa Sands in Cornwall a friend of mine and I went for a surf at 7am sunrise on a very frosty but clear day. Putting our wetsuits on in -2 degrees but getting into (cold) perfect waves and photographing the sun coming up was one of the best I have had.
Do you remember a difficult photo shoot session? What happened?
Luke: On that day I quoted above, I almost drown from being battered by wave after wave at one point and then gave myself a nice scar on my head from my water housing (metal) hitting me. Lucky I have a 5mm wetsuit hood on or the scar would have been a lot bigger.
What do you carry in your camera bag?
Luke: Wont don't I carry! I normally take the following:
Nikon D7000
Nikon D200
Nikon F65 (analogue)
Sea to Sea water housing
50 mm Prime Lens
18-105 Lens
70 - 300 Lens
2 Tripods
GoPro Hero 4 Silver
A Few SD cards, spare batteries and lots of 35mm film.
Do you have a favorite location and time of the day to shoot?
Luke: I love the morning, there is something about a fresh start and a new day that makes me feel so positive.
Can you share three tips with your fellow photographers?
Luke: Take constructive feedback well. Understand that not everyone will like your work. Keep shooting what makes you happy.
Please share one of your favorite photos with us with a short tutorial:
Luke: I took this photo at Praa Sands, Cornwall at about 8am sunrise in December. I used a Nikon D7000 with 50mm Prime in my Sea to Sea water housing. Wetsuit and fins.
What is the inspiration behind this photo?
Luke: Clark Little is the master of these wave shots. He is one of the bravest surf photographers in the world and only people who have tried to take shots in big waves will understand how tough it is.
Any post-processing information?
Luke: A little bit on Lightroom just to give it a bit more colour that the camera couldn't capture.
Please share some thoughts on your ViewBug experience as a photographer!
Viewbug is a great way to get your work out there. You are being seen and looking at other amazing photographers who will not only improve your game but also keeps it competitive if you wish it too. Plus loads of inspiration!!
