ViewBug community member Ethos is a dentist and a self-taught photographer. His photography style evolved over the years into close up portraits primarily. He likes to add fantasy elements in some of my shots.
In one sentence what has photography done for you in your life?
Photography has given me a way to portray my inner artist.
When did you start taking photos and what inspired you to get started?
I started taking photos in 2012 when I purchased a camera for my parents. I decided I should learn how to use it so I can teach my parents and in the act of learning I fell in love with photography. I began taking photos of my dog, then got into macrophotography and finally into portraits.
What has been your favorite shoot and why?
My most loved photo is the first street portrait I took of an old man. It was very spontaneous but almost perfect. The light was soft and the facial expression of the old man gave the photo a lot of depth. That photo got a lot of good feedback on social media and won as a cover for an online photography magazine. It encouraged me to focus more on this type of photography.
Do you remember a difficult photo shoot session? What happened?
The most difficult photo session I’ve had yet is when I took my fiancée in the middle of a snow storm to take a glamour photo. She was wearing a ball gown, holding a violin and I couldn’t wear gloves because I needed to feel the camera. The shoot lasted about an hour and then the snow storm turned into a blizzard and we barely made it back to my car. My hands were frost bitten.
What do you carry in your camera bag?
It depends on what I am going to shoot. But I have to bring my beloved reflector and an extra lens/ battery. I currently use the Canon 5D MKIII body with multiple pro lenses. I use a Canon 16-35mm 2.8 for street photography, Canon 85mm 1.2 ISII for beauty shots, the Canon 70-200mm 2.8 as an all purpose lens and the specialized Canon MP-E 65mm 2.8 for micro photography. I also use the Sigma 35mm 1.4 ART lens for street photography and environmental portraits.
Do you have a favorite location and time of the day to shoot?
It also depends on what I am going to shoot. If I am doing street photography It’s early morning or in the afternoon. Generally my favorite time to shoot portraits is during the golden hour. Location I prefer outside in any natural environment.
Can you share three tips with your fellow photographers?
1. Travel the world
2. Spend time getting to know your subjects
3. Study color theory
Please share one of your favorite photos with a short tutorial:
“One Ring to rule them all”
Inspired by J.R.R Tokien’s Lord Of The Rings. This is a friendly homeless man named Kent that I’ve photographer before. It was taken on a windy day in a busy street in Denver, Colorado. The challenge was to find a dark background and eliminate distractions from curious pedestrians. Kent’s majestic hair and beard blowing in the wind add the right mood. I used Canon 5D MKIII body and a Canon 16-35mm 2.8 Lens with natural light.
Post processing involved converting the photo to Black & White. I spent good amount of time dodging and burning small details in the face and hand. I eliminated distractions in the photo by darkening the background and the body keeping only the face and hand.
Please share some thoughts on your ViewBug experience as a photographer.
My ViewBug experience has been rewarding and unexpected. I have had so much love from your team and the viewers. I am very humbled and pleased.
