***UPDATED on 5/6/2012***
I get a lot of messages asking me on what equipment do I have, what lights do I use, with what programs am I editing my photos, where do I find my models, makeup artists etc...
So here I decided to gather your questions and give you the answers. This way when I get a "question" message I'll reply with a link to this blogpost. In case you don't find the answer you are looking for don't hesitate to contact me again and I will add my reply here as well.
Q. How long have you been involved with photography and which school did you attend?
A. I'm into photography since my 15 and I'm 44 now. I never went to photography classes. I'm totally self taught. Read a LOT of books, expreriment a LOT with light, composition etc., internet has helped me a lot the past 5 years where I read hundreds of tutorials, seen a lot of videos on how to, read a lot of reviews on equipment.
In few words, I read and practice. Nobody can teach you photography except from the basics.
You've got to want to learn by yourself.
Q. What is your equipment [camera and lenses etc.]?
A. I use the Canon 5D markII. My most trusted and fav lense is my Canon 85m, I can say I mostly nowdays shoot with it. I also have a Canon 28-105mm which I don't use often.
Unfortunately photography equipment cost a lot [you should know that by now] and I'm not rich, well I try to become, but I'm not yet at least. So I'm trying to visualize my imagination with the stuff I can afford and I'm saving money for the stuff I want to have.
I also have my Lastolite Reflector which I always use in my photo shoots, it is extremely useful.
Q. What editing program do you use?
A. Photoshop CS5. Nothing else! No external plugins, only the tools photoshop offers. I'm self taught in this also. And I still have a lot to learn on it, never ceases to amaze me :)
Q. What light and accessories do you use?
A. I love natural light, I just adore it. There is nothing better under my humble opinion. When there is no sun around me though I use my Sola4 MkII studio light, which you are not going to find anywhere, it is TOO old lol, but good and serves me well. I also use my Canon 580EX Shoe Mount Flash mostly on location shootings.
I always bounce the light whether it is natural or not. An umbrella is really cheap to afford but if you can't, white surfaces are always near you to be found :)
Q. Do you have any good books to recommend?
A. All these years I have bought many books and magazines also. Some of them were really good, but they all helped. What I'm trying to say here is that every book will have something to offer, but my advise is to search tutorials on the internet. They are really helpful, do not cost, and you get to read exactly what you are looking for. Just google your question and you'll get millions of answers :)
Q. Where do you find your models and collaborators?
A. That was a problem at the beginning. I was chasing my daughter around to pose for me :) Then I called some modelling agencies and I begun test shooting their models. They liked my work and one thing lead to another...
As for my team nowdays I was lucky enough to find and work with high talented people in the field. Makeup artists, stylists, designers, hair stylists. It took me sometime but as always internet helped a lot. Brings people closer when used well.
Q. Where do you find your inspiration?
A. Everywhere!!! And I mean it! Movies, music, the world around me, painters, photographers, theater, nature, my own dreams, people and incidents on my flights, the internet, magazines. Everything inspires me when I'm open to get inspired, because there are days in my life that I keep my eyes and mind shut off. There is always a need of a break. Small maybe but powerfull!!!
Q. Do you do T.F.P. / T.F.CD?
A. I used to but not anymore (unless there is a very special reason to do it) as I really need the money to live and pay for my bills.
On the other hand I'm working too much on this and I'm trying my best to produce good images so I think it is fair enough to get paid for my efforts.
Is there anything else you want to find out? Send me a little message and I will add your question and my answer to it, here.
Thanks for your interest in my work. I really appreciate it and it DOES give me a lot of inspiration [oh yes! this too].
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