So, my style has a very heavy emphasis within this interest
Hi Carl, It is so great to make a come back on your great new site. I grew up in a very rural ranch setting in NorthernCalifornia. I had a long career as a Physical Therapist prior to becoming a photographer. In my training and practice as an orthopedic specialist in physical therapy I had many courses in human anatomy, dissection and physical evaluation ofmusculoskeletal systems. Much like the great painters studied anatomy, this experience creates a template in your mind to look for balance, tone and symmetry in your work. Upon seeing balance, it is possible to move in the opposite direction as well to create asymmetry as an expression of art. After leaving the field of Physical Therapy and teaching, it felt like a natural progression to apply my studies to creating beautiful photography. Anatomy is the most beautiful subject to my senses so my style has a very heavy emphasis within this interest. As a continuing student in photography I embrace the digital advancements with great excitement and enjoyment. The advanced and powerful new cameras and software available to create incredible images still requires a photographer with vision, training and understanding of the properties of light to create great work consistently. Without a properly exposed raw image, the post production work will be limited in size and quality. Regardless of the great advancements in digital technology, there is no substitute for practice and the ability to produce good work on a consistent basis under anyconditions.
Crisis in fashion photography?
Despite the shrinking budgets for fashion editorials and collapse of so many magazines, the demand for good photography is still strong. As in any business, forecasting trends and being aware of budget restraints just means using good sense whenbidding a project. A new designer may not be able to pay your going rate but they can give you beautiful clothes to work with as well as their styling expertise which can and does lead to bigger projects. Not only do you build a loyal relationship with a new designer but you also meet the people who approve work for magazine print and internet sites who request your work ongoing as well. I tell all new photography students to never underestimate the importance of doing the small jobs very well, it may be the gateway to an unbelievable offer. The future for fashion photography lies in the photographers ability to produce great work within budgets, understand post production print demands and comply with the designer and editors vision. Understanding that you are part of a team has worked well for me and insures support and referrals for future projec
ts.
Special moments working with the models: collaboration comes back with great rewards
The special moment when you feel like you have taken the perfect picture happens to me at every shoot regardless of the model or location. It is funny that when I think I am having the worst shoot possible in the history of my life that the magic moment can happen. When it does, it was all worth it. The magic moment is when the set, the clothes, the model, the light, the emotion are all in alignment for just that second. The moment is unmistakeable and could possibly be a reason why some photographers might shoot for hours waiting for that experience to happen. I have had the pleasure to help many new and established models along with their career through sharing my network contacts. Again, this collaboration comes back with great rewards. Some models are able to go on with managers and agents who handle TV and movie celebrities or quality modeling agencies depending on their skills. In turn, I have access to their established clients for their TV or movie promotional work. Staying focused on moving forward and in the now creates a positive environment that benefits both the photographer and the model to work hard and follow through with all of your goals. If you are lacking anything that stands in the way of that goal, identify the steps to resolve the issue and expect progress. New models can help a photographer just as much as a photographer can help a new model.
The Playboy playmate
You love the funny backstage moment stories in your interviews. One of my favorite funny moments was a shoot with a Playboy Playmate who was wearing a comic book action hero costume as the Pink Avenger. We are talking corset, vinyl hip high boots,push up bra and elbow high vinyl gloves. Lets just say it was adult hot. At the point we were lighting the first shot her cell phone rings and she is told that she must pick up her daughter from daycare. She flies off set, jumps into her car and heads off in rush hour traffic to retrieve her daughter. We just sat on the set for 30 minutes trying to imagine what the teachers and parents must have thought seeing her get out of the car to pick up her daughter. The whole impact of her leaving took us by such surprise and as our imagination of what must be happening on the freeway in her convertible became a mental image. We could hardly stop laughing as the shock of it all wore off. We were thankful that she left during the super hero segment and not the playmate topless segment.
The top 5!
My top 5 places to shoot depends on who I am shooting and the content of the shoot. I can find adventure in a dark alley,abandoned building, farm at sunset, studio set, etc. I am the happiest in the dark with water. Because of the multiple lights used in most of my shoots I am limited with my water shots to areas with safe containment of all water to prevent electrocuting everyone on the set. This is always a joke in school but sadly there have been instances with other photographers where a light has tipped into the water with disastrous consequences. I can't emphasize the importance of distancing all electrical from the models when students or myself play in this creative mode.
Image worth a THOUSAND WORDS?
My tireless favorite closure quote is that an image is worth a thousand words. In evaluating my own work I do ask myself if I I can hear them in my head as I review them.
The Projects
My current projects are a series of editorials combining my personal cache of favorite models in a collection that will tell a story with a fashion theme. I have had the opportunity to work with several great European models such as Hugh Feist, ThorKnai as well as some great photographers like Gaz in London and Pedro Virgil in Australia. Their vision and approach is different from many of the American photographers which is inspirational. My work out partner of many years, James Loy who teaches college level photography has been a great mentor in keeping me grounded in good lighting, continuing education and the vision to look at one more angle before you take that shot.
Edward, thank you again for the opportunity to re visit your new site and be a part of your world of models. Best Wishes,
