
So here’s a collection of questions I’ve collected over the course of some time. All of these questions were accumulated through Facebook, Formspring, email, and in person (yes I know it’s surprising, but some people still communicate in real life).
What are you studying in school?
I’m currently majoring in secondary education with a focus in mathematics. To keep it short, I usually just tell people I’m a math major. The added bonus of this is that most people get shocked and suddenly think of me as some sort minor genius. Telling someone I major in secondary education doesn’t really reproduce the same “wow” factor, now does it?
How come you’re not studying photography in school?
I believe all the technical aspects of photography can be self taught by anyone enthusiastic enough to learn it. As for everything else, it’s a matter of experience, experimentation, and discussing trade and techniques with other professionals and knowledgeable people. Sure you can get all of this in a classroom from a knowledgeable professor, but you can also get it for free, and I for one enjoy getting things for free.
What is the 365 Project?
One picture, every day, for an entire year. The pictures are all shot at 50mm without flash in order to help add authenticity to each picture. For those wondering – 50mm is considered the standard field of view in a camera because it reproduces the field of view of a human eye. I post pictures from the 365 Project on my blog once a week every Thursday.
Why is your camera so heavy?!
My camera doubles as a theft prevention device. On the off chance someone tries to steal it from me, I can chuck my 5lbs lens at their head and make a run for it.
Why do you carry your camera with you every day?
My new years resolution for 2010 is to carry my camera with me everywhere and take at least one picture a day. I’m assembling the pictures into the 365 Project.
What are your typical rates? How much do you charge for headshots, and how many photos will I receive?
I don’t have special prices for select services. I offer one hour sessions for $100. If you want to do self portraits for an hour, be my guest. Interested in splitting the hour with a friend? Go right ahead. The one hour session is pretty much an anything goes session. I’m not anal enough to care about specifics that other professionals worry about. You’ll receive as many photos as I take. I don’t put a limit on it. It’s really a matter of the chemistry between me and the client that determines how many photos will get done in a single session.
What equipment did you start off with when you first started shooting?
My first camera was a Canon EOS 350D (Rebel XT). I started off with a Canon 50mm f/1.8 and later expanded my lens collection to include a Canon 35mm f/2, Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5, and a Canon 24-105mm f/4. This was my set up for pretty much my first year of shooting.
What equipment do you use now?
I’m currently shooting with a Canon EOS 5D (this was always my dream camera) with a Canon 50mm f/1.4, Canon 24-70 f/2.8, and Canon 17-40mm f/4. I pretty much consider my equipment collection complete at this point. I may upgrade to the 5D Mark II sometime during the summer if anything.
What advice would you give to someone interested in photography?
Go out and do it. A lot of people seem intimidated by the cost of equipment, don’t let that hold you back. You don’t need a fancy camera with five million different lenses and flashes (I know I’m being ridiculous with this number, but bear with me here) to take pictures. Take what you have, and just have fun.
Any shopping advice for someone on a low budget looking for a DSLR?
The best advice I can give to someone interested in purchasing a DSLR with a low budget is to shop used. The prices of camera bodies fluctuate so frequently that It’s a waste to purchase a camera brand new. The biggest factor for determining the image quality of a photo is the lens. You shouldn’t underestimate a used, low-budget DSLR combined with a high quality lens. Also, take a look at prime (non zoom) lenses. Prime lenses are easier to manufacture then zoom lenses so they typically produce higher image quality at a cheaper price. If you don’t have the money to invest in a professional level zoom lens, then definitely consider a consumer level prime lens.