What did you do before photography ?
US Navy... I'm still serving in the US Navy as an Aviation Electronics Tech. I have 5 more years left before I retire.
Did you start off doing photography, then gave up and why ?
No, I can't see myself ever giving up on photography!
Why did you want to be a photographer ?
At first, I just wanted to do something to pass my time while I was at sea on my last deployment. It became a great stress reliever and now it's something that I constantly study.
How have you progressed over the years ?
I have only been a photographer for a year now.
Is being a photographer your dream job ?
I am a photographer and yes it is my dream...
Have you been successful ?
I've just started. The few clients I have had were a success. I have five more years to get better because then it will be my main source of income...
What photography do you specialize in (Or your favourite thing to shoot) ?
I specialize in photojournalism. My favorite thing to shoot is people...
Who is/are other photographers you admire ?
I admire quite a few photographers. Joe McNally, Brian Peterson, Scott Kelby, Ansel Adams, and Algernon Parker...
What were you charging when you first started ?
Very little. I had no idea what photography can be worth and how pricing can effect all of photography.
What are you charging now ?
I'm not really charging anything right now. I'm currently deployed. What I will be charging when I return? Example price for a wedding would be and estimated $1500.
What do you find is the hardest technical thing about photography ?
Lighting is pretty hard.
What do you find is the easiest ?
Inspiration!
What's your least/most favourite thing about photography ?
Most favorite thing is that it is relaxing and rewarding. It a creation by me.
Least favorite thing would be it's expensive!
Are you Nikon/Canon/Etc.. and why, and, if you've switched brands in the past, why so ?
Nikon... because it is what I started out with and it's what I feel comfortable with.
Where did you learn about photography ?
DPS, reading a lot, and listening to other photographers.
Do you think you have your own style of photography, if so, what is it about your photos that stand out ?
Yes, I do think that I have my own style of photography. I don't really know what my style would be called. I do like a lot of angles and lines in my photos. AEparker style photos have character.
What do you think makes a good photographer ?
I good communicater makes a good photographer.
What was your worst client experience ?
My worst was doing a family portrait in not so good weather. It was kind of cold and the sky didn't make for a good background. The client liked the photographs but I can say that it wasn't among my best work.
What was your best client experience ?
Shooting a little league football team was my best. The loved the photos and I was flawless...
What goes through your head right before you snap a picture ?
Deep breath and 'is this compostion good enough?'...
How do you handle family/friends asking for discounts (If applicable) ?
Family and friends photos are used to promote me. Occasionally they will get free prints. I haven't done a big job for family or friends yet.
How do you think that you can improve ?
I can improve my business skills by going to school. And my photography skill will improve the more I shoot.
Do you think you'll be doing photography for the rest of your working life (if applicable) ?
Yes!
If you had to pick one photo to look at for the rest of your life, what would it be ?
The beach photo on my
photoblog...
What is your best photo ?
I can't really choose one that I think is the best but my favorite is on my
blog... Yep, the beach photo...
What do you think you need help with ?
I could probably use help with lighting or I could just read like I did with everything else.
I could also use help with the business side. I need to get my foot in the door!