Panda & Panda

Yup, I have learned how to apply makeup... what of it!

Snuggie & Puppy

Chico and the Man relaxing at the studio.

I had an interesting proposition come my way a couple of days ago and I’d love to share this with you guys because I feel it may give everyone a little insight into who I am and what I do.

Chico and the Man relaxing at the studio.

While sitting back in my pink snuggie and watching movies at the studio, also known as work, I received a text from Brittany Ray asking if I would be willing to be interviewed by her so she can use this info for her class. I was happy to oblige and we set up a time and date to get this all coordinated. Sadly the time fell through but the with magic of the interwebs we were able to get the questions to me so I could answer them. I decided it would be best to write all the answers out just so I could go over exactly why I said and to omit any embarrassing moments that may have creeped up in my writing. If you haven’t guessed I prefer to write as if I’m talking to someone so I tend to babble and switch my train of thought right on the fly.

This isn’t the first time I’ve been interviewed since being featured on about 6 new websites this year but this was the first time I actually cared so let’s see how I answered her questions and hopefully this will be a fun little expose´ for everyone!

How did you first get started in photography?

When I was about 7 or 8 my dad handed me his camera and I ran quite a few rolls of film through it, but never really began my journey till much later since I had no idea what I was doing just knew that I liked it. February 9th 2007 was the day I purchased my very first camera, a Pentax K10D which is still my favorite camera, that was meant to help me explore photography and I did just that and much more. So in other words 2007 would be when I truly got started in photography. If we are speaking of professional photography then in 2009 I began my journey as a professional photographer doing weddings, families and model work.

What do you love about your job?

It may seem strange but what I love about my job is the creativity and constant strive for further achievement. I see all of the great photographers in the world creating some of the most breathtaking works of art and I want to absorb enough knowledge and experience to create my own work in my own way and leave some sort of visual impact on to the people who look at it. The ability to snap a picture and watch people come up with multiple interpretations of what is going on or what the photographer was thinking is fuel for my creativity and a constant reminder on how awesomely amazing this field truly is.

What and who inspires you?

For the what it would have to be the combination of the passion to create and the learning involved in growing as a photographer. I’m a very logical person and love to know lots of useless information as well as some useful information. Photography is definitely a journey of learning and self accomplishment. The one person who inspires me the most would be Benjamin Kanarek. He is by far one of the greatest fashion photographers of our generation, plus a really nice guy that is hilarious to listen to in conversation. If you’ve never seen his work then get out from your under your rock and check out his site and his blog now!

How do you feel photography relates to the fashion industry?

Photography is the tool to bring the style and idea behind the fashion to the masses. Without the creativity and understanding of a gifted photographer fashion would be snapshots of pretty clothes. When you look into a fashion book all you’ll see in page after page of stories these people are telling and at times you can’t help but be inspired by their ability to create a scene, a mood, a varying density of art that sells.

Do you ever have doubts about this career path?

Everyone has doubts the difference is whether or not you accept them, listen to them or completely ignore them. I have them I just prefer to set them aside, get focused on my goal and continue moving forward.

Is your family supportive of your art career?

To be honest, they are not. They are of strong European heritage and believe in hard work as the best route to financial security and wish that same financial security for myself. Photography to them is a hobby, while a factory job or being a doctor would considered a real job, but they do think I’m talented and are happy with my work and commend me on certain aspects of it.

Whats the most accomplished thing you have done with your work?

I’ve been published quite a bit and it’s awesome, but my biggest accomplishment so far has to be being one of the team members of our photography company FotoEnvy and having the best crew around. Not too long ago we had a little party with all the members and they crew chipped in and bought me an iPod Nano watch and it literally put everything in to perspective. Must be doing something right if your crew loves you as a boss and a friend.

What upcoming goals do you have for yourself?

My next goal is getting agency approved. Would love for more agencies to send me models and become an integral part of creation process of large budget shoots.

When do you know you did “a good job”?

When I know everyone had a great time in the creation process. I’m all about fun and enjoyment as this isn’t only a job but a true passion. You got to laugh!

What motivates you?

The constant journey of improvement and progress.

Describe your photography:

I get asked this a bit and I can never find an exact way to interpret it but here goes. The style of work I create is very organic and natural; I use photoshop sparingly in my work to keep it rough and realistic and love to show emotion and unintentional/intentional hidden meanings. I want people to ask, “why?” I want people to get angry and I definitely want people who think I’ve gone too far, but I always keep it classy San Diego.

Whats your favorite type of fashion photography?

Anything that makes me think.

Whats the hardest part of your job?

Oh man this job is definitely harder than it looks. Creativity isn’t a giant endless pot of goodness thank you can drink from constantly. For me it’s a well, a deep well, but a well nonetheless. Sometimes that well dries up and I can’t get a drop of it it even if did a little rain dance. When I get burnt out I sort of lock myself away from the world cause I honestly feel like I’m sick. My own friends don’t even get my attention. It’s been happening more often now since for some reason I’ve become more popular so I take frequent long breaks away, but it definitely helps keep me going.

What was the first professional shoot that you have done?

Fashion-wise the first shoot I had was for Privileges Inc. a local fashion boutique. Was an awesome experience even though it was way over my head.

Where do you see your work in another five years?

I have no idea, but I hope to continue getting better and never hitting a point where I’m no longer in love with capturing imagery.

Is there anyone that has helped you out with this career choice?

Yes indeed. When I first decided I wanted to pursue this I was following a fellow Pentax camera user Benjamin Kanarek. He was and still is a no nonsense kind of guy that friggin’ rocks with a camera. I fell in love with his brain, his style and his abilities, but knew I had to do more than just copy him. I use him as a reference, chatted with him and continue to follow his progress and of course purchase the mags he is published in so I can pretend I was there when he shot it in hopes to scoop up a bit of awesomeness.

Any advice for someone wanting this career path?

I tell everyone the exact same thing and it works if you they are willing to listen. Have fun!!! You have to enjoy this because if you don’t, then get out and go do something you love. Regardless of what my family believes I want this for myself and could care less about a factory job. I want to grow as a photographer and create works of art that not only shock people but brings a level of enticement to the onlooker. If you have fun while doing this it’s that much more amazing. This isn’t a job where people flock to you, fame doesn’t come knocking on your door, sure there may be woman, but this is no dating service. Enjoy what you do or enjoy doing something else.

That is all! Thank you Brittany for using me as your Guinea pig. Can’t wait to see what you get out of all the nonsense I just wrote. Back to editing and brainstorming my next project! Buhahahaha!

Yup, I have learned how to apply makeup... what of it!