Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Buckaroo Kid

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Buckaroo Kid

pub refit by buckaroo kid
One of the things I really like about living in London is that it doesn't matter how much you think you've seen everything, you might always spot something new. I often take photos of things because I know they won't be there for long. This was a pub undergoing major renovation, and a small glimpse of how it once looked.

buskers by buckaroo kid
This is quite an early photo of mine that i was actually quite disappointed in to begin with, because I knew how I wanted it to look when I took it, and it just didn't.
It was quite a dull day, but with a bit of work I was able to get closer to the image I saw in my head when I came across this terrific pair in Portobello Road.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
Only a few years. In fact, I only joined Flickr originally to keep in touch with friends abroad, and always thought I was pretty rubbish at taking photos myself. But I'd never really used digital, and got a lot more interested knowing I no longer had to leave the processing to someone else.

2: Equipment you use?
I started with a small Nikon Coolpix, and eventually 'graduated' to a Panasonic Lumix TZ3, which I still use. Although its still basically a point and shoot, I don't have a lot of technical photographic knowledge and find this camera deals quite well with most light situations, is easy to carry around and still quite simple to use.
I also admire a lot of 'lo-fi' film photography, so now have a Diana and a couple of other 'toy' cameras. However, I still take most pics with my Panasonic.

I almost always use Photoshop, which I know is a bone of contention for some photographers who think it should all be done In Camera. But although I'm not really a fan of what I call the 'science fiction' look, we all know that photographers we admire have always used all kinds of darkroom techniques to get the image they wanted, and that's mostly my aim. Its just another tool, which can either be used badly or well.

3: Mac or PC?
Definitely Mac. I have to use a PC occasionally and find Macs just seem much more geared to visual work.

4: What inspires you?
Well music and books mostly. But I also enjoy living in a city where you never really know what you're going to come across. I will sometimes just set off and walk somewhere just to see what I find.

5: Preferred subject matter?
I suppose I veer towards a vintage look, whether that's people, buildings or objects. I like things that tseem to tell a story, and do try to bring that out in an image

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
I'd like to be able to photograph music gigs well, and also long exposure and low light shots. But also I know I've missed several great spontaneous moments by just a second or so while fiddling around trying to get my camera out in time - I'd like to get some of those!

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
Nobody really. I see it all as a process, and its inevitable that sometimes you'll feel unispired. You just have to hang in there, and maybe try something different.



8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
I have a degree in Painting.


9: Plans for the future?
To continue to learn...


10: In one word, describe your photography.
Intuitive

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