Home - Photo Tips - Photographer Interviews - Photographer Interview: CWDAVIS
|
Photographer Interview: CWDAVIS
CWDAVIS, the winner of several contests, is answering our questions.
1. Who are you? Please give brief background information.
Originally born in Scotland, I moved to the US in 1993 after
marrying my Air Force husband. His job has moved us about every 3 years
or so, and up til now I have been a designer/art director just about
continuously.
However, this tour I decided to take a break from the rat race and
as hubby bought me a Cannon Rebel for my birthday, I thought I would
return to something that I had enjoyed as a student and, get behind the
camera rather than art directing others for a change.
2. How long have you been doing photography?
Behind the camera? Since December 2008, prior to that I have art directed others since 1984.
3. Do you earn living from photography or you do photography as your hobby/ your half time job?
Only a hobby, but I did post some images at "imagekind.com" and
"zazzle.com" (look for CWDAVIS at both), where the images can be
purchased. But, it is strictly a hobby so far.
4. What’s your day job?
Lady of leisure! After all the moving about I decided to take a break.
5. Do you have special education? Did you take courses or go to a school learn photography?
I have a BA Hons in Graphic Communication from the University of
Wolverhampton, England. Part of the initial stage of that course was
exposure (excuse the pun) to photography (as well as printmaking,
illustration, typography and studio technique - this was back in the
days of drawing boards - pre-computer revolution!). While there a tutor
once said "We can't decide if you will be a photographer or not..."
6. Are you specializing in a particular area of photography? What are your favorite places/objects to shoot?
Seems as if I am leaning more towards the natural world - I do not have any studio equipment, but everything else is fair game.
7. Who are your big photographic influences?
Well, on a purely photographic front that would have to be Ansel
Adams, but to be honest everything I see can influence how I approach a
subject, it is early days and only a hobby not a passion - yet.
8. How do you educate yourself? Do you read special literature,
visit photography galleries? What photo books/magazines do you have on
your bookshelf?
Art history and books on graphics and I do like looking over the
internet at other photographers web sites. The angles and
post-production treatments can draw my eye.
9. What equipment and software do you use (camera(s), lenses, film, etc.)?
Cannon Rebel Xti digital, 18-24mm lens, Adobe CS3 software on a
MacBook Pro 17" laptop. I also have used a Sony Cybershot - the shot of
the Biosphere was taken with that. But now I have the Cannon, I will be
using it exclusively.
10. What is your opinion on post-processing, especially enhancing pictures?
There has always been post enhancement...but now you do not need
huge equipment and smelly chemicals to achieve the end result. The
skill is still to see the end result from the raw materials. From
selection of a portion of the image to color enhancing, to montage.
Like carving a piece of wood, sometimes the final image appears
quickly, other times it needs some help. But if the final piece gives
pleasure, or educates or informs - that is what really matters.
11. What advice would you give someone who is interested in photography and wants to improve their photography skills?
Use the tripod when ever possible - nothing is more crushing than
to find the perfect shot ruined when it is enlarged to size and ends up
fuzzy - there is only so much the software can do at that point.
12. What’s the most challenging aspect of photography for you? What’s the best part of it?
At the moment I am staying in my comfort zone, and just waiting
until the desire hits to spend some moolah on more sophisticated
equipment. I would hate to spend a small fortune then find the
equipment gathering dust the next time we move and I get a full time
art directing job.
The best part? The moment when you reveal the beauty in the mundane. You cannot beat that.
Read more:
Photographer Interview: Nehaseth28
10 Tips How To Shoot Architecture
Photographer Interview: skittle11
Now You Can Forget About Flame Effects In Photoshop
Tips You Are Looking For Studio Lighting Techniques
|
|
|
|
|
