July 2012 Featured Photographer

Kenji Gunderson
Flickr Member Since June 2006


1. What's the most important thing you've learned about photography? 


I'm still learning, I really haven't studied formally. I started out by shooting a lot of photos. I thought it was a numbers game with maybe 2 percent of my photos coming out. I thought if I shot 100 photos maybe 2 may come out to be "Nice photos" that were worthy of sharing with other people. I think if I had more time to study, ( work gets in the way of my photography) I would have learned earlier about lighting and composition. I find that it is great to meet up and socialize with other photographers. It really helps to have a community to learn from and inspire each other.






2. Which of your own photos is your favorite and why?


 I really like this photo that I took in Amsterdam. 

I was practicing my panning shots on people riding their bicycles. When this Gem came across my path. At first I was like what is this guy wearing. I shot about 8 shots of him and he was gone. Later on when I looked at my photos, I got really excited. You just never know when the "Shot' will come along.

3. What's the most "cringe worthy" photo you've uploaded?


I uploaded a photo along time ago it was titled Detroit Hoops. It was selected for FLICKR EXPLORE. I was shocked!! But I did a really bad quickie photoshop job on it. Then It got a bunch of hits, I then became embarrassed by the shabby photoshop job I did. The photo was a buried in my archives for a couple of years. It was taken with a point and shoot before I got my first DSLR. I dusted it off, cropped it, took out some telephone poles then posted it. I can't believe it got so much exposure. I didn't know what Explore was at that time.







4. Who inspires you? 

There is an AMAZING portrait photographer from the U.K. that I found via flickr Lee Jefferies. He does portraits of homeless people, I think that he finds the "Typically not so beautiful" and makes them really appealing, in the sense that when we see the Pretty people in all of the magazines and T.V. they don't appear to be special anymore. The portraits he captures are so full of character. He is truly inspiring, with his choice of subjects.














I am consistently blown away by his work.
leejeffries.500px.com/
www.flickr.com/photos/16536699@N07/
www.flickr.com/photos/16536699@N07/sets/72157622905229717/




5. What mode do you shoot in?
 I usually start in aperture priority then into manual. I just recently started to really understand and experiment with the other modes.


6. What hobbies or interests do you have outside of photography?

I play in a Blues/ Classic Rock/ Old R N B band. It's a nice release from my day job.

7. What is your favorite thing to photograph?
 I recently started to get into portrait photography.


8. Is there anything you don't like about photography? 

I don't like getting sucked into the.....ooh I gotta have this or need that but I have definitely have fallen into that trap.

9. Why does photography appeal to you?

 I really like being able to capture the times in our life. A few years from now I can look back and pull out memories and remember things that would have otherwise been long forgotten. It also helps to have somebody around who can take great photos, I look back at the change and difference in the style of my photography from my point and shoot days. 




10. If you could photograph anything you wanted, what would it be?


 I think I would like to photograph some Big live bands. I do on occasion photograph my band and some of my friends bands. 


Thanks for checking out my work.

June 2012 Featured Photographer

Pkhyperfocal Flickr member since August 2010 1. How did you "find" photography? My first exposure (pun intended) to photography was from my father, he used to shoot with a Rollei he picked up in Germany when he was stationed there. But, my interest was really piqued in High School. My best friend, Ziggy, took a class in photography (B&W) and I spent as much time in the darkroom after school as he did! I was hooked. With the first paycheck I received from a "real" job, I bought a SLR (a Fujica AZ-1). 2. What inspires you to stop and take a picture? Tough question. For me, it's more instinctual than inspirational, I think. I have an artistic background; my Mother was a commercial artist and I studied art, metal smithing and illustration in college. I'm attracted to certain forms, colors and spaces unconsciously. I've also had a great interest in science and nature since I was a kid, so I enjoy photographing animals, plants and natural scenes ... and of course, bugs (I love Macro work). 3. How do you grow, as a photographer? I think the best way to grow in any artistic medium is to study other artists work. Not to duplicate it (although that can be a great teacher too) , but to see the breadth of what is possible. You also need to really understand your tools. Study your camera and all its "fiddly bits". Try everything! Digital is really great for that; take all the pictures you want! 4. Is any part of the photographic process a "chore" for you? Cataloging. Hate it. Nuff said. 5. Do you make money off of your work? Here and there, but it's not been my focus (more photo puns, sorry). I've shot a few events, sold a few prints and even had one of my pictures turned into a Christmas Ornament. I usually just shoot for my personal edification, but I'm certainly not opposed to making money. Make me an offer, I'll cut you a deal ... ;-) 6. How did you learn about photography? Like I said, it was all around me from early on. Besides my Father and Ziggy, I had another good friend who's father had a full color darkroom in his basement. He was an excellent amateur photographer and I used to page through his albums for hours. 7. Which of your own images is your favorite? That's like trying to pick your favorite child! "The Beauty of My Nemesis", "Science To Do", "Dancing at the DIA" and "Ready for Prom", are probably my favorites ... this week. 8. Do you have any photographs that YOU dont particularly like, but they seem to be fan favorites? Heck, I don't have many that are fan favorites! 9. What's the toughest thing to photograph? Right now, its a barn swallow in flight! They are all over the place where I work and I've been trying to get an in-focus shot for a couple of weeks. Those little guys are faster than blue blazes! As a general class, I'd have to say people. Especially flash photography of people. I'm not great with a flash, but I'm learning. 10. What camera do you use, and why? Hard to say, I'm using a couple right now! For the last few years, I've been shooting a Canon 40D. Great camera; a real work horse. Recently, however, I purchased a lightly used Canon 7D at a great price ... and then, almost immediately, fell into a Canon 5DmkII for a really, REALLY great price. I've sold the 40D, so I'm down to two (plus my Canon G11) and I'm learning them both. The 5DmkII shoots a lot like the 40D, but the 7D is a different beast altogether. Fortunately all Canons have a very similar control layout. Obvioulsy, I shoot Canon, but its not a religion. I think both Canon and Nikon have great cameras and great lenses. When I got into digital, I started out with a Canon XT probably because my brother had one of the original Digital Rebel's that I borrowed all the time. Once you start acquiring glass, its pretty hard to switch, not that I've had a desire to. I've had great luck with my Canons.

March 2012 Featured Photographer

Tom

Flickr Member since December 2010


Visit Tom's photostream: Tfinn123442





1. How long have you been taking pictues?


When I was a boy of 8 or 9 I had a Kodak Hawkeye camera that
used 127 size film (whatever that was) and flashbulbs. I loved 
that camera. I would shoot a roll and then mail it in to a company 
for development. Then I would wait a week or so to see the result.
There was many a day I raced out to the mailbox hoping to see 
that yellow envelope with my pictures in it. 

In my early 20s I had a Minolta 35 mm film camera and enjoyed
getting out with it often. Then "other" stuff took over and it wasn't 
until last year when I bought a digital camera that I really got back 
to photography.

2. Do you have hobbies besides photography? Bicycling. History.
Things with a history to be found interest me a lot and lead me to 
many of my photographs. I have really enjoyed stopping at farms
and asking if I can photograph a particular building. People like to
talk about the history of the farm....even those with the oldest
buildings that may be a bit weathered. 

3. Is there a style of photography that appeals to you more than others?
Not really. I take a lot of landscapes and shots of old buildings, 
particularly farm buildings. Weathered wood & weathere structures 
appeal to me. There is a history to them that you can feel while you
line up your shot and hopefully can see when the shot is done.

4. Do you primarily shoot alone, or with other people? 


Mostly alone, sometimes with my wife. 

5. Which of your own photographs is your favorite, and why?


Recently I was out on a morning there was a thick hoarfrost. It was the 
perfect day. I wandered about in awe of the beauty and took a lot of
pictures....a few captured the essence of the morning. I can still see 
the landscape of that day in my mind's eye. Also, photos of an 
abandoned schoolhouse on a bright day with giant white cottonballs 
of clouds overhead. I love that building. 

6. What's your biggest insecurity with your work? 


I learned by doing as opposed to being taught. I'm drawn to the subject more than 
anything else. I know there is a world of technical skills and training
that I haven't pursued that would improve my shots. But, even 
though I am aware of that I just like to be out doing it. 

7. If you could choose one type of photography to specialize in for profit, what would you pick (portraiture, architecture, nature, abstract, etc)? 


Landscapes and nature because they take me outdoors and on 
what I like to think of as mini-adventures. 

8. What makes a good photographer? 


A passion for the shot and an 
interest in the subject. I love old barns, they come in every 
age, condition and shape. They have a history that is right there 
in front of you. I find I take better pictures when I am excited about 
the subject.



9. So far, what has been the most significant technique, trick or piece
of equipment that has impacted your work? 


Digital revolutionized photography for me by freeing me of the expense of
 film and developing. Using a tripod improved my pictures significantly.
Lately I have been shooting without a filter, not even a neutral or
UV filter. Doing so changes the colors in interesting ways. I also
shoot a lot with a polarizing filter. I like what it does to colors.

10. Who is your favorite photographer, and why? 


Ansel Adams. Perfection in the shots I like. He found such wonderful detail in 
everything he shot. There are so many on Flickr whose work I 
love, I hate to mention just a couple names.

A note from the interviewer:

Tom was also awarded the Members Choice Photographer award from his peers at SEMIDP.   The detail he captures in his subjects is amazing.  Congrats, Tom!

February 2012 Featured Photographer

Sally

Flickr Member since October 2006


Visit Sally's photostream: Wessysmom




Do you remember buying your first camera? What did you get, and why?

I bought a Pentax 35mm in college, for my photography courses. That was my only SLR for many years. Many years of point-and-shoot in between!

My first DSLR was a Canon Rebel Xti, per the suggestion of my sister. At the time, I needed it only for taking reference photos of artwork I was doing for a previous business. I used it only on auto for several months.



Has photography changed you?
Learning about light, and composition, and how to apply the various elements of design in the photographic medium, has helped me to appreciate what is around me and see beauty almost anywhere. Colors seem more vibrant after the rain, cloudy days reveal a soft, soothing light I never appreciated before. Snow is a wonderful reflector and can produce stunning images. Photography has also strengthened my ability to establish and recognize human connection, especially with children.



What was the most challenging thing for you to learn, when you were just starting out?

Learning how to master post-processing has been a major undertaking and will continue to pose new (good, but difficult) challenges. In the beginning, especially, it was especially difficult to keep a running mental checklist in my head when out shooting human subjects - check background, check composition, don’t chop joints, where is the light?, check your exposure, eye contact, pose, is there any distortion, etc, etc. It seemed overwhelming to have to think of so many things before taking an intentional portrait, as opposed to a snapshot.


Has anyone ever said anything that helped you take better pictures? 

All the time! I belong to multiple critique groups and rely on their input to help me grow. The most consistent criticism I’ve received is that I too often neglect the details of a picture. I like “real” and “lifestyle” portraiture, but just because the posing is relaxed, doesn’t mean that that unnecessary element in the background is not distracting to the viewer, for instance. I am becoming more conscious of the “big picture” before I start snapping now, and do my best to avoid adding things in the frame which do not add to the story or the strength of the image.


Why do you think portraiture appeals to you, over other forms of photography? 

I am a people person, and have always been drawn to faces, to emotions and connections, and I am addicted to the rush I get when I feel like I got a sneak peek into the essence of the families I’m with. I feel honored to be welcomed into those lives. I’m kind of addicted to seeking out the core of a person. 




Do you have any photographs that you feel lucky to have captured a fleeting moment? 




I have a couple. 


I love how the teenage siblings in the first picture are genuinely enjoying and connecting to one other through their music. 

In the second, I felt honored to be a part of this shoot, because this young family’s life had been scarred with a lot of pain and struggle, and yet they loved their pictures because when they saw them, they forgot their sorrow and saw only a happy, loving threesome without a care in the world, just as it should be.












Have you ever shot film?


I shot and developed black and white film with my Pentax in college, and I really liked it, 
but there were so many years in between when I wasn’t focused on photography. I jumped back in after digital was well established, so it made sense to stick with digital.




Do you have any "tricks" or tips for people just starting out?

It’s a lot of information. Take it slowly. But the first things you should learn are: 1- exposure. Know how to expose properly in all sorts of different scenarios. 2 - learn how to read light. Read books, take webinars, workshops, anything. The better you understand light, the easier it will be to rock an image and the less time you will spend in the editing process. Proper exposure and good light makes the post-processing of an image surprisingly easy.

If you had to pick one of your own images that you are most proud of, which would it be, and why?

Probably this one, because it was one of the rare moments when I actually planned a shot beforehand and executed it exactly as I saw it in my head. I wanted glitter, and didn’t have any, so I used wheat bran to pull it off, which makes me feel more proud, ha ha.

If you had the opportunity to go anywhere and photograph anything, what would you choose?

Somewhere like Greece would be awesome. I love the architecture there. Tuscany would work, too, but I would love to do seaside work. Of course, any location would involve human subjects in some spectacular setting.

A note from the interviewer:

Sally was also awarded the Members Choice Photographer award from her peers at SEMIDP.  It was well deserved; her portraits capture essential emotion, and her use of natural light is outstanding.  Congratulations, Sally!

Be sure to check back for news regarding the Southeast Michigan Digital Photography Group and their monthly featured photographers.

January 2012 Featured Photographer

Angela

Flickr member since June 2007

Visit Angelas photostream: Wattyz

1. What do you like better, pictures or food?

*looks down at stomach* I'll have to go with food?

2. When did you first realize that you were pretty good at taking pictures?

I'm still working on it. I have had a camera since about 5th grade on. My first camera was a purple le clic disc camera. My how times have changed.

3. What inspired you to become a photographer?

I guess seeing shots that I don't see other people normally don't take is what inspires me. I can watch 20 people take the same scenic shots of something, and find more interest taking a photo of the person taking the shots rather than the scene they're shooting. I'm a bit of an oddball I suppose.

4. What's your toughest challenge in photography?

My toughest challenge is to capture an image the way that I see it in my head. I am definitely my toughest critic.

5. Which picture (of your own) is your favorite, and why?

I don't really have one. Quoting Imogen Cunningham, "Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.”

6. Are you more of a "keep trying until you figure it out" type, or "look it up and see how it's done" type?

A bit of both. I will look to see how it's done and then keep trying until I get it right; then try to do it better.

7. Why do you think photography appeals to you, instead of another form of art?

Because I suck at drawing. Haha! I don't know. It's so much easier for me to see something as a photograph than having to think of how it could be interpreted into any other art form.

 

8. Are there any photography/processing techniques that you really don't like?

None that I can think of.

9. The switch from film to digital changed a lot of things. What is the best thing to come of the transition, in your opinion?

That you have instant gratification. You can review your images and see if it needs to be taken again or not.

10. .... and the worst?

Businesses losing money on photo processing. Everyone has become a photographer with their camera phones now.

December '11 Featured Photographer

Tim

Flickr member since September 2008

Visit Tims photostream: friday1970

1. Why do you take pictures?

Actually, I think it comes from my childhood. My parents had a subscription to National Geographic around the time I was 6 or 7 years old. From those magazines, I used to dream of becoming a photographer for NatGeo, with all the traveling and exploration that came with the job. Like many of my childhood dream careers, photography was nearly forgotten as life took me on far different paths.

Fast forward 30 years, I started to hike up many of the Appalachian hills as a motivator to keep in shape. I wanted to start capturing some of the gorgeous views I was taking in. Around the same time, I started to notice the incredible HDR pictures that were appearing on many of the computer tech news sites I was reading.

So really, it was a period in my life where my my technical background and love for the outdoors had crossed paths, and photography was the product of that. It's also fulfilling that little childhood dream of mine.

2. Who inspires you?

I get inspired by many of the incredible local area photographers, such as Richard Thompson, Art Photon, Brian Callihan, Corinne Schwarz, and so many others. Not only do they inspire me to keep shooting, they also inspire me to travel to the many beautiful areas shown in their pictures. Other more well known photographers, such as Art Wolfe, Galen Rowell, and Chris Morrison keep this fire stoked. It's a joy to look at their photos and learn their techniques of light and composition.

3. What is your favorite thing to photograph?

My favorite things to photograph are landscape based subjects, mostly lakes and mountains. I also like to shoot architecture that is immersed with the nature around it.

4. What's your strength, in photography?

I think my best strength is that I am my worst own critic. I always look at my shots and think “If I had just shot this with an earlier light, or from this angle, or moved the camera to hide this background object....”.

I think it helps me to become a better photographer as I always strive to improve myself

5. Which picture (of your own) do you like most?

Picking my favorite photo is like choosing my favorite child. It's the stories behind the photos that I remember the most.

In “Below the Treeline, in the Fog, at Mt Fuji”, it was the cold fog, and the long wait for for a clear shot with no one in the picture.

In “Beauty Under the Water Grates”, it was having to walk under the intimidating, loud, slippery tunnel.

And in what I would call my favorite picture “Fishing into the Morning Fog”, it was driving to Detroit to shoot the river, getting trapped on I-96, and taking the next off ramp to shoot anything, only to come into this beautiful morning fog with sunlight behind it

6. What is your biggest challenge in photography?

Finding that special area no one else had yet to photograph and capturing it in the best possible way. And, of course, waking up early to get there.

7. What do you use for post processing, and why?

GIMP. It's free and easy to use. Most of my base colors are pulled from my film/slide scan software, and GIMP helps me to add contrast, saturation, and correct any noticeable hues.

8. What would be the ideal place to travel?

The Altiplano of South America. A very large expanse of barren, mountainous land, beautiful sunsets, the largest salt flat in the world, and areas which look like no other on Earth.

9. If you could give aspiring photographers one piece of advice, what would it be?

Just one? Just keep shooting. You will get better with time and with each photograph.

10. What do you think the most difficult concept in photography is?

For me, it would be portrait photography. I have always been a little shy to ask someone to let me take their picture. And even more, I would be worried about getting their shot perfect.

Interviewers Note:

Friday1970 is a member of Southeast Michigan Digital Photography. Take a minute to check out his photostream on flickr.  Also, he was not strong armed (too badly) to include me as one of his "inspirations"! ;)

November '11 Featured Photographer

Mary Jo Boughton

Flickr Member since 2008

Visit MJ's photostream.

1. Who inspires you?

I like photographers that tell a story with their images. .brianday and lolaluvsme on Flickr are two photographers that always inspire me.

2. What's your favorite subject?

Currently I am shooting a lot of photos of people.

3. What would you like to be able to do better?

Understand my speedlite well enough so that when I use my flash I can think artistically first instead of technically.

4. Are there any photography or processing techniques that you don't like?

I really do not like to do old school film developing.

5. What kind of camera do you have, and why?

I have a Canon DSLR 7D. I started with a canon P&S and just stuck with the brand mostly because of price. I recently upgrade from an XSI to the 7D because I wanted a camera that could shoot at higher ISO without noise issues. I prefer to handhold my camera.

6. What is your favorite photograph of your own, and why?

I really like the photo “Dream Horse.” It shows exactly the moment of emotion I saw through the lens when I clicked the shutter.

7. Do you ever make money with your photography? Do you want to?

I have had people buy a few photos from me that have seen them on Flickr. Hey more money means more lenses and equipment I can buy so yes, it would be great to make money from my photos.

8. What's the best compliment you've received on your photography?

Doopleganger left a compliment on this photo which was probably the best and one of the most sincere ones I have ever gotten.

"amazing stuff here. I browsed your entire stream. what an evolution in your photos since the start back in 2008. for me what sets your work apart and makes it so much better than 99.99% of what is out there is that every shot has so much feeling. you definitely put your own style on it and I love that it is something different in a world where everything looks the same and everybody just copies everybody else. your pics stand alone. I'm a big fan and looking forward to your show at the B&L"

(www.flickr.com/photos/pointshotz/5943681908/in/faves-49623343@N07/)

9. Do you do any other art?

I have done painting, drawing and sculpture when I was younger but currently only do photography.

10. What one thing did you learn that changed your photography the most?

I learned how to use LightRoom3. It is very intuitive software.

11. Photography is rare in the sense that it requires both an artistic mindset and technical understanding. Do you think there are character/personality traits more commonly found in photographers?

I think we are all a bit obsessive and driven to get that next great photo.

Interviewers Note:

Mary Jo Boughton is a member of Southeast Michigan Digital Photography.  Take a minute to check out her photostream on flickr.  You will be amazed by her ability to photograph a wide range of subjects, from people to architecture.  You can also find her on Southeast Michigan Digital Photography's Facebook page.

September Feature Postponed

Due to time limitations there will not be a September featured photographer, to make it up to you all October will feature 2 photographers in a new format. Sorry. J

August '11 Featured Photographer

July '11 Photographer: Corinne Schwarz	Flickr Screen Name: corinne.schwarz
Age: 33	Flickr Member Since: June 2007

The Corinne.Schwarz interview...

Eyes of Gold, a photo by corinne.schwarz on Flickr.

1: How would you describe your skill level in photography?

A: I know "always learning" isn't technically a skill level, but that's what I'm going to answer with. Every time I get to the point where I feel that I'm on top of everything, I find myself learning about something else. I'm constantly being made aware of new ways to do things and think about things.

2: In the last 6 months what aspect of your art do you feel has improved the greatest?

A:  In the last 6 months I started using Adobe Lightroom instead of Photoshop, started focusing on keeping my ISO down, and started shooting RAW. Those three things have made a world of difference. (all of these were done per the suggestion of people in the SEMIDP group)

3: Have you attended schooling/training for photography or are you self taught?

A: One day I found myself without work. I had a friend who worked in a photo lab, and he got me a job developing film. After a month or two of that, I weaseled my way into a small studio inside of Target, as a manager #based on previous retail management experience#. I did much better at the photography part of that job, so I asked to be put into one of the large portrait studios as a photographer. I quit that job to work as a photographers assistant for a local lady, because I figured I'd learn more about how to use a camera, but it was horrible. I spent my time driving her son around town #soccer practice, band, etc#... After she fired me by telling me she hated me, I got the out of her studio and I got out of photography, all together.

So, basically, I've learned the details of film processing. I've learned studio lighting, posing, and portraiture. I've learned how to be very quiet and not disturb a bratty photographer. I never learned about f. stops and shutter speeds through any of this. All the studio work was so structured #cameras had fixed focal lengths and locks on them to keep them set at f16#, that all you had to do was know how to pose and focus.

Sparkling in the Sun, a photo by corinne.schwarz on Flickr.

4: When did your hobby/career in photography start?

A: I started loving photography when I was a kid. I remember watching my dad use his camera, turn the dials and adjust the tripod, and thinking that he was the most amazing person on earth. Photography, for me, is full of contrasts; it is both the tough engineer and the enlightened lover.

5: Who or what influenced you to become a photographer

A: My dad and my love of the moment.

6: Do you believe in the expression “A picture is worth 1,000 words?"

A: Yes, I do believe it to be true. When you look at a picture, you get to exactly see the moment. You have every detail before you. Could 1,000 words leave you with that same level of understanding?

7: Do you have a favorite photograph?

A: Afghan Girl by Steve McCurry.

8: Do you have a favorite photographer

A: I have a lot on Flickr... Ansonredford, Mjo, Ipsy, yyellowbird, andrew evans., mskimmaree, vincent ribbers.

9: Do you think that society would be different if photography was never invented?

A: Maybe not a lot. Information would be harder to convey accurately. I mean, look how hard it is for them to do it WITH photography!... but I digress.

10: Do you think that a person must possess talent to capture emotion and expression in a picture?

A: Yes. Or considerable luck.

Church of God, a photo by corinne.schwarz on Flickr.

11: Do you have a special style in your photographs that can single you out like strokes in a painting?

A: Well, I have always wondered this... and a few times over the past few months people have told me that they always recognize my pictures, and how I have a "style". Well, let me say- that is the BEST COMPLIMENT one can give.

12: What makes a good photographer in your opinion?

A: Someone who can see beneath the top layer of life. Observant.

13: What do you enjoy most photographing?

A: I love photographing people. I love catching them at their best moment and being able to show their beauty. However, I hate how "aware" people are of a camera, and I stress myself out by trying to be inconspicuous.

14: In your opinion, what makes photography an art?

A: Not everyone can "see" like a photographer. They see light, texture, shapes. Not everyone can arrange these elements into something that invokes emotions in others.

15: What motivates you to do what you do?

A: Getting better.

Work Flag, a photo by corinne.schwarz on Flickr.

16: What weak points, if any, do you feel you poses in photography?

A: I'm too shy with people, and it limits me. I'd love to do more portraits, but I feel intrusive. When I did it professionally, it didn't feel like this. Because that was my job and this is my art.

17: What do you shoot with?

A: Just got a Canon XS to replace my 10D. The 10D was 8 years old, and less than 7 megapixels, so it was time to go. I can't say that the XS is significantly better, though.

18: Favorite lens?

A: I like my Sigma 18-50 F/3.5-5.6. Mainly because I do a lot of landscapes, but it's also cool because I can get more in the frame.

19: Do you prefer color photographs or black and white?

A: Color, typically.

20: What do you feel influences your photography?

A: The weather and the light.

21: What are your thoughts on Flickr’s explore?

A: I think it's nice to get on Explore because it opens you up for more views, which is always cool. I don't think it says much about the photograph, though. It just means you got the right hits from the right people who said the right kinds of things in the comments section.

22: Have you had any photographs achieve explore status?
A: Yes, My first Explore, I didn't even realize it had been explored until probably a year after the fact.

tiny toes, a photo by corinne.schwarz on Flickr.

Second:

Center of the Universe, a photo by corinne.schwarz on Flickr.

And third:

Long Cloud, a photo by corinne.schwarz on Flickr.

23: Why do you feel these photos made Explore over your other photos?

A: I really have no idea why these particular photographs made it to Explore. I like them all, particularly the mountains and moon shot, but there are other pictures that I've uploaded that got largely ignored, so... it's beyond me. I know there's a algorithym for how pictures make it on Explore, but I'll be damned if I can figure out to how manipulate it in my favor!

24: Do you feel that your photos achieving Explore has done anything for your art?

A: No.

25: Coke or Pepsi?

I don't drink much pop, it burns my mouth! (whatever, its true. Stupid carbonation.)

26: Have you always lived in Michigan?

A: Yes, I have. I've travelled a lot (Egypt twice, Rome, Mexico, all over the US, including Hawaii), but that was before I really had this photography stuff figured out, so I don't have many great pictures from it.

27: Do you feel that Michigan offers anything special to photography?

A: The seasons, obviously. There is constant change when you look around outside. By the time I was tired of snow/ice/white photographs, it started to get green, etc...

Centered Tree, a photo by corinne.schwarz on Flickr.

A note from the interviewer:

<> <>

I hope you've enjoyed the interview with Southeast Michigan Digital Photography photographer Corinne Schwarz. Make sure you take in the full sampling of Corinne's work by viewing her photo stream on Flickr. Special thanks to Corinne for all she does and brings to the Southeast Michigan Digital Photography group.

Be sure to check back for news regarding the Southeast Michigan Digital Photography Group and their monthly featured photographers.

July '11 Featured Photographer

July '11 Photographer: Donald Anson	Flickr Screen Name: ansonredford
Age: 44	Flickr Member Since: Oct 2008

The Ansonredford interview...

DSC01951, a photo by ansonredford on Flickr.

1: How would you describe your skill level in photography?
A: Still learning, an amateur, 1 through 10, a 5.
2: Have you attended schooling/training for photography or are you self taught?
A: Self taught.
3: Being a self taught photographer, what advice do you have for other self taught photography enthusiasts?
A: Learn the controls on the camera and use them, take lots of shots.
4: When did your hobby in photography start?

A: Start as a hobby at 9 years old.
5: Who or what influenced you to become a photographer

A: A 5th grade art teacher, sorry can't remember his name.
6: Do you believe in the expression “A picture is worth 1,000 words”?

A: No. I believe a 1000 is a little of a exaggeration.
7: Do you have a favorite photograph

A: No, to many photograph.

8: Do you have a favorite photographer

A: No to many photographer.

9: Do you think that society would be different if photography was never invented?

A: Yes, I could not imagine society without photography.

10: Do you think that a person must possess talent to capture emotion and expression in a picture?

A: Not sure, but I think so.

Panorama Kent Lake, a photo by ansonredford on Flickr.

11: Do you have a special style in your photographs that can single you out like strokes in a painting?A: I don't think I have a special style.

12: What makes a good photographer in your opinion?

A: Have a good eye to find something interesting.

13: What do you enjoy most photographing?

A: Just getting out and try do find something to capture.

14: In your opinion, what makes photography an art?

A: To me all photographs are art, you either like photography or don't.

15: What motivates you to do what you do?

A: The challenge of going somewhere and trying to capture a good image.

DSC00515, a photo by ansonredford on Flickr.

16: What weak points, if any, do you feel you poses in photography?

A: Equipment and taking pictures of people.

17: What do you shoot with?

A: Currently DSLR Sony A-350 and Point & Shoot Sony H-5. In the past Mavica MVC-CD500 and SLR Canon T-70 .

18: Favorite lens?

A: Sony AF DT 16-105mm F3.5-5.6.

19: What, if any, software do you use for post processing?

A: Corel Paint Shop Pro.

DSC02546, a photo by ansonredford on Flickr.

20: Which of your photographs is your favorite?

A: ------------------------------------------->

21: Do you prefer color photographs or black and white?

A: Color. I like to capture fall color, sunsets and flowers and those photos look better in color.

22: What do you feel influences your photography?

A: Flickr, weather,The price of gas.

23: What are your thoughts on Flickr’s explore?

A: Seems tough to be explore.

24: Have you had any photographs achieve explore status?

A: Yes, only two made it but were dropped.

25: Coke or Pepsi?

A: Coke

26: Have you always lived in Michigan?

A: Yes

27: Do you feel that Michigan offers anything special to photography?

A: Michigan has lots to offers. The Great Lakes, rivers, waterfalls. National Lakeshores and park.Detroit, light houses, bridges.Four seasons,etc.

DSC09073, a photo by ansonredford on Flickr.

A note from the interviewer:

Special thanks to Don, ansonredford, in accepting the role of being the first ever featured Michigan photographer from Southeast Michigan Digital Photography group. Don's colorful and sharp nature photographs are something to inspire even the most seasoned photographer. Be sure to check out Don's work on Flickr!

Be sure to check back for news regarding the Southeast Michigan Digital Photography Group and their monthly featured photographers.