Photographer Interview: Ratbert

Ratbert,

the winner of several contests, is answering our questions.

1. Who are you? Please give brief background information.
My name is Peter and I'm a 38 year old Engineer. That's not my passion, it's just what I'm good at. I love music, ancient history, my wife, and my beautiful baby boy. I was brought up to think for myself and not follow the masses.

2. How long have you been doing photography?
I've been doing photography on and off for probably 15 years, but much more seriously over the past 5.

3. Do you earn living from photography or you do photography as your hobby/ your half time job?
Photography is only for my pleasure. I'm putting together a book of my cemetery photos that I hope to publish.

4. What’s your day job?
I am the engineer at a natural gas power plant.

5. Do you have special education? Did you take courses or go to a school learn photography?
My theory is that you are more likely to push boundaries when you're not taught where they are. I know the basics thanks to the internet. To me, it is a matter of mindset to get the shot that moves you.

6. Are you specializing in a particular area of photography? What are your favorite places/objects to shoot?
I have spent years photographing cemeteries and learning the finer points of infrared filters and using my Holga lens. Long exposure night shots are always fun, too.

7. Who are your big photographic influences?
No big names. People on the internet mostly. Tread. http://gotreadgo.blogtog.com/ Lara Jade. just for 2 examples. When I see a picture that gives me the chills, I'm influenced.

8. How do you educate yourself? Do you read special literature, visit photography galleries? What photo books/magazines do you have on your bookshelf?
Internet. no books. no galleries. When I see an awesome photo, I dig into the technique. That s how I got into IR and how I got into Holga.

9. What equipment and software do you use (camera(s), lenses, film, etc.)?
whoa. Big question. I have a Nikon Coolpix 950 that is the granddaddy of infrared. I still use it. I have a Canon Digital Rebel that will be converted to infrared only now that it has been replaced by my Rebel XSi. I have 4 main lenses. Canon 50mm f/1.8, Canon 28-135 IS, Sigma 17-70, and a Holga from http://www.holgamods.com. For software, my primary tool is iPhoto (I'm a Mac guy). When I need more than basic adjustments I turn to trusty Photoshop with a number of plugins. Noise Ninja. Power Retouche. Nik.

10. What is your opinion on post-processing, especially enhancing pictures?
Even basic sharpening is "post-processing" and I think that nearly all digital cameras need at least that. I have no problem with basic adjustments. And as long as you don't try to present photomanipulations as originals, then I don't have a problem with that either.

11. What advice would you give someone who is interested in photography and wants to improve their photography skills?
shoot shoot shoot. Learn what you do wrong and don't do it again. I know too many people who make the same mistakes over and over. You don't need a Rebel XSi to start and once you start to hone your style, you'll learn which camera and lenses will be the best investment.

12. What’s the most challenging aspect of photography for you? What’s the best part of it?
Most challenging is taking pictures of people. The best part is reviewing your shots on the computer and seeing "the one" that makes your eyes water and gives you the chills. That's when you know you hit the sweet spot.

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