Josh Sommers

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Josh Sommers


I don't usually take pictures of monuments, but this photo of the Golden Gate Bridge is one of my personal favorites. This photo truly represents a snapshot of the world through my eyes. :)


Many of my images involve a great deal of post production; compositing, masking, tweaking, warping, etc. But this image didn't require any of that. I like it for its simplicity. I also love when nothing goes right in a shoot, but you wind up with something better than what you were trying to achieve on accident, and this shot is a prime example of that. The flash misfired resulting in just my silhouette being captured, but in the end, this shot was better than any of the shots where the flash had fired.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I got my first digital camera in 2003. It was a simple point and shoot and I only used it casually. I had a more advanced P&S after that, but again, I really only used it casually and not really in an artistic manner. But I really got involved in photography in November when I purchased my first (and so far only) DSLR, the Canon Rebel XTi. Photography has been my primary focus since then, well outside of work that is.

2: Equipment you use?

I shoot exclusively with my Digital Rebel XTi (although I'm patiently waiting for the 5D Mark II to come in on special order at my local camera shop!)

Lenses:
Canon 10-22mm lens
Canon 24-70mm f2.8 L
Canon 70-200 f4 L IS
Canon 50mm f2.8 Macro

Other Gear:
Manfrotto Carbon Fiber Tripod with Pistol Grip Ballhead
Nodal Ninja 3 Panoramic Tripod Head
Cokin Z Filter System
Cactus Wireless Radio Trigger
Canon Speedlight 430ex
2x Sunpak 383 flash
2x 150ws Studio Strobes
2x White Umbrellas
2x Silver Umbrellas
2x Gold Umbrellas
2x Softboxes

3: Mac or PC?
I began as a Mac user when I was 13, but at age 19 I had to make the conversion to PC because I was completing my bachelor's degree in CIS and it wasn't exactly a Mac friendly environment. So I made the switch to PC and I never looked back. Photoshop was the same on both so it didn't really matter to me. Now I prefer PC, but I'll always have a special place in my heart for Mac. :)

4: What inspires you?
Geeze, I don't know. What doesn't inspire me? Actually to tell the truth, one of my main sources for inspiration is the flickr community. I am inspired by the wonderful work I see from my fellow photographers and artists here on flickr, and the kind words, meaningful comments and positive energy that come from flickr are what keep me up late at night trying to finish my latest piece in time to post it before bed. I am also inspired by nature, and extreme weather. Also puppies. And sunsets.

5: Preferred subject matter?
A sunset at the beach after a storm.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that
you REALLY want to capture.
A puppy playing at the beach, at sunset, after a storm. Also, bigfoot.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
My parents. Both of my parents are artists, and I'm very close to them, so when I'm feeling doubtful about my art, I confide in them, and they always help me snap out of it.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
No official training in Photoshop or Photography. Most of what I know about Photography I learned on flickr. I learned Photoshop the easy way: I got my hands on it when I was 13 and never let go. :)

9: Plans for the future?
Keep shooting, keep Photoshopping, keep expressing and most importantly, keep learning.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Unusual.

MikonT

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: MikonT






1: How long have you been involved in photography?
Behind the camera for 2 years. Along side of the camera as an art director, longer than I care to admit.

2: Equipment you use?
I use Nikon. Here's the list:
Nikon D300
Nikon D200
10-20mm 4.5 - 5.6 Sigma zoom
17-55mm, f2.8 Nikon zoom
80-200mm, f2.8 Nikon zoom
50mm, f1.8 Nikon prime
Lensbaby 2.0
#4 ND filter
Circular Polarizer
Manfroto Tripod (pan head)

3: Mac or PC?
MAC G5 Tower, Duel 1.8 GHz processors, PowerPC
(yeah, it's an older one but it moves along ok for now).
Photoshop CS3
Photomatix Pro

What inspires you?
Looking at, what I consider to be exceptional art, in whatever form it takes (photography, painting, etc). There is quite enough talent here on Flickr, so I need not go too far to find inspiration.

5: Preferred subject matter?
Well if you look at my stream it's kind of all over the place, but I'd have to say the majority is Valley Forge, its living history and landscape.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
Gee there are so many (I don't get away much). How about wildlife in some remote portion of the planet, on an early misty morning, with columns of light streaming through the trees. Yeah, like that will happen.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
My wife and children. They give me honest answers. Sometimes it's their silence that helps the most.

Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
I have no training in any software at all. I have always learned by looking, listening, asking questions and experimenting. I've been doing it for a good while. I started on a 512K MAC Plus. State of the art!!

9: Plans for the future?
No real plans -- just put one foot in front of the other, walk down life's path, enjoy the view and be happy in the process. I know, borrrr-ing! Snore.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Personal

Totomai

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Totomai

Fantasy

This is my favorite candid shot. Taken during a street parade in Kawasaki, Japan. I thought I captured the mood, the colors and the composition the way I imagined it.

Vocation

Aside from the fact that I am fascinated with monks, my favorite photography subject is “From Behind” shots. I find it more intriguing and dramatic to visualize what’s on the other side. This was taken in Bangkok, Thailand.

1) How long have you been involved in photography?

I think I got interested in photography around 2006, if my memory is correct.

2) Equipment you use?

I started with Casey, my Casio EX-Z40 point and shoot camera.
A year after I had Nikki, my Nikon D80. My lenses are 18-200mm VR, 50mm 1.8f and 105mm 2.8f

3) Mac or PC?

Its PC for me.

4) What inspires you?

Anything. Anyone. Anywhere. I always believe that there are uniqueness in each particular subject waiting to be discovered and captured.

5) Preferred subject matter?

From Behind Shots. I’m a coward, lol. But seriously, I really like taking shots from behind. For me, it tells a lot and could spark off the imagination of the viewer.

Candid and Portrait Shots. I am trying different approaches on these two subjects. Its only recently I got interested on these. I hope I can improve with regards to these.

6) Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

This is a tricky one. But since I am in Japan now, I think, the Diamond Fuji phenomenon. It’s a rare phenomenon that’s happening twice a year only.

7) When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?

My friends give an advice or two if I ask for some. And I appreciate every suggested idea. But at the end of the day, I am still the one who will assess and finalize my work of art.

8) Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

Zero training when it comes to photography. Though I am trying to learn via trial and error processes.

9) Plans for the future?

I will never stop clicking my camera as long as I can see subjects worth capturing. I won’t be trading this hobby of mine to anything as this is my only solace when stress and other work-related anxieties come my way, lol.

10) In one word, describe your photography.

Poetic

i.anton

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER:i.anton

Do you believe in fairies?....


recapturing time


1: How long have you been involved in photography?
since July 2006

2: Equipment you use?
Canon 350

3: Mac or PC?
PC

4: What inspires you?
The work of other photographers. Also what i don't see around me.

5: Preferred subject matter?
central-European cities, bokeh, anything under window light, snow, airplanes
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
real falling snow

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
no one

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
self -taught

9: Plans for the future?
none that i can think of.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
unruly, undisciplined.

Nightphotographer

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER:Nightphotographer


-- from NightPhotographer - (?)


-- from NightPhotographer - (?)

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
Since four years.

2: Equipment you use?
Nikon D300 and Nikkor 24-70mm.

3: Mac or PC?
PC

4: What inspires you?
Pictures of other photographers.

5: Preferred subject matter?
Colorful urban abstracts.
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
People in desert landscapes.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
My friends.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
No, I am an overall amateur…

9: Plans for the future?
More street shots and shots of people.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
A different kind of view on everyday objects

Jaime M

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Jaime M


-- from jaime m - (?)
An old one. I was very happy because it was included in the book "24 hours of Flickr". I think it was the first time I saw a picture from me published in a book.


-- from jaime m - (?)
A new one. Squared format, strong processing, movement, blur ... constants in my last images.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

Compulsively, trying to learn and to get good images, since January of 2006. More or less since my entry in Flickr.

2: Equipment you use?

A Canon 400D with two lenses, a canon 50mm f/1.8 and a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, and a Canon 430 EX flash. As a complement, a Ricoh Caplio GX100 wich is always in my bag or my pocket. I use the Canon at home and in special events but I usually take my pictures with the Ricoh.

3: Mac or PC?

I've always been a PC user. I'm a computer engineer and I like to configure my computer by myself. But I bought recently a new computer and I was seriously tempted to buy a Mac because lately I only use the computer at home to process my pictures and Internet. Maybe my next computer will be a Mac

4: What inspires you?

Mainly the work of other photographers. I use to leaf through photography magazines and books trying to find sources of inspiration, and of course talented photographers in Flickr or other internet sites.

5: Preferred subject matter?

Portraits. People. Children are my preferred subjects. My daughters and occasionally their friends. They feel quite comfortable in front of a camera and I love to capture their expressions, their movement... sometimes spontaneously, and sometimes they agree to pose to me.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that
you REALLY want to capture.

Usually, when a picture really impress me, I analyse the reason and I try to put it into practise in the future. Obviously it is difficult to get something similar, but sometimes I get interesting results.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?

My wife is the person I usually ask for advice if I doubt about a picture. Time is also a good adviser. Sometimes after working for a while on a picture I'm not sure about the result. The best is forget about it and watch it with different eyes sometime later.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

Nothing related to photography. Just self-learning.

9: Plans for the future?

My plan is to pass from the virtual exhibition in Flickr to the real exhibitions in public places. Now I have some pictures been exhibited in a restaurant at the place where I live as a first experience, and I made a commitment for a new exhibition in a different place at a the beginning of 2009.

10: In one word, describe your photography.

Simplicity

Moggierocket

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER:moggierocket

Down we go together, dear.


-- from moggierocket - (?)
This is one of those challenging light situations, it was dark there, I think I took it leaning with the camera on one tripod leg. This was taken in Berlin.

Redrum

-- from moggierocket - (?)
This one is taken in an abandoned castle. I took three exposures of this (because otherwise either the shadows would be too dark or the light would be overexposed) and used them in photoshop to make one.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
Hard to say. I always liked taking photographs since I was a child, because my mother used to take a lot of pics with her SLR and so a camera was always around. I bought an old Brownie when I was 14, but it didn’t work very well. A couple of years later, my mom gave me her SLR and I used that for years and years. Almost 2 years ago i decided to post my catphotos on flickr but I was still not serious about it at all. That soon changed though, thanks to flickr.

2: Equipment you use?
Nikon D200, a 50 mm 1.8, a 18-70mm 3.5, a 70-300mm VR and a Tamron 90 mm 2.8 macro 1:1. I sometimes use a Canon G7 when I can’t take my Nikon along and I have a Zeiss Super Ikonta 6x6 that I am still trying to figure out (something wrong with the winder) but is not very user friendly. I also have a 1936/37 Rolleicord 1a.

3: Mac or PC?
I have PC because I am used to that system not because I prefer one above the other.

4: What inspires you?
A lot. Movies, viewing other people’s artworks, nature, human behaviour, my cats, old things. I have always been a very visual person and I use my eyes to the fullest. It sometimes drives me a bit crazy.

5: Preferred subject matter?
That can change with time. I do like to capture the play of natural light on things. I think I feel most content taking photos indoors, because of the light coming from certain sources then. It’s a very challenging situation. But I do like taking photos out in the streets too, of humans or animals. In the end it doesn’t matter as long as the image is worth it to shoot.
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
Had to think a long time about this one. There’s many things, most of them I have captured but didn’t turn out the way I wanted them to. I really would like to manage taking a good and sharp shot of a cat or dog running towards me.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
My boyfriend. He’s illustrator/designer and he’s got great taste. He’s usually right (even if I have to find out for myself one year later) and he will tell me when he doesn’t like what i made.


8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
I attended and graduated an art academy for drawing and painting. I have done trainings on Photoshop (by means of a DVD) but mostly I learnt it just doing it or from my boyfriend.



9: Plans for the future?
I don’t like making plans for the far away future. For the near future, I just want to develop my skills, broaden my horizon, buy another 6x6 camera and hopefully do more exhibitions.



10: In one word, describe your photography.
Atmospheric.

Daruma

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Daruma*

Choosing just two pictures is a terrible task! I've chosen the first one because it represents the work in my ministract series and, more than that, because it's a vent! Some of my contacts will smile at that because it's become a bit of a joke that I like to find a good vent once in a while! (And in case any one is interested the two very best vents in the UK without a shadow of a doubt are (i) at the short stay car park at London Heathrow Airport's Terminal Five and (ii) near Paternoster Square in the City of London).

-- from daruma* - (?)

The second shot is one of my most recent. It doesn't represent anything, like the vent shot does, it's just one that i enjoy looking at. maybe it's the 'nothingness' of it. I don't know. But I do like it.

-- from daruma* - (?)

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

For me, Flickr and photography have gone hand in hand. I signed up for a free Flickr account in 2005 just as a place to store back ups of the family holiday snaps. Then last October I decided to take it more seriously and got myself a Pro account but it wasn't until this January that I actually started taking my hobby seriously, bought a good lens and went out 'to do photography'.

2: Equipment you use?

A Canon 40d plus the Canon 24-105 f4 L IS, 70-200 f4 L IS, 135 f2 L, 100 f2.8 macro, 35 f1.4 L and a Sigma 10-20. (All of my money and more goes on lenses...). And then I carry a G9 with me Monday-Friday when I'm at work.

3: Mac or PC?

Mac

4: What inspires you?

Lots of things! I'm on a journey of discovery and loving every minute of it. The biggest inspiration comes from the world around me. I've been quite surprised to discover that, since taking up photography, I've developed a new sense of vision - I've started to see things that I didn't even know were there before. And that's a wonderful thing because now I'm always on the lookout and I'm forever surprised by my surroundings.

The other great source of inspiration are my Flickr contacts - people like tanakawho, Barbera, esanatha, gracie's ephemera, Freelancevirtuoso, Opus104, Anne*º and me*voila. All of them are wonderful photographers and also provide me with really helpful advice. (By the way, these are just examples of lots and lots of really great Flickr friends).

5: Preferred subject matter?

At the moment (I'm on a journey, remember!) it's architectural ministracts. Ministract is my term for stuff that might be minimal or might be abstract...
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

That's so difficult to answer!! How about a shot of my kids tidying their bedrooms without me having to tell them 100 times first :) Joking aside (well, only partly joking), I really don't know.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?

My youngest son because he will always have an opinion; my wife because she will tell it straight; and my mum because she will always say that I'm the best :) To be honest, though, I've only really been doing this for nine months so I would never ever say that what I'm doing is 'art'. And doubts for me are just opportunities to learn more. My favourite quote is from Robert Browning: "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp or what's a heaven for?"

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

I'm brilliant with the vibrance and saturation sliders on Adobe Lightroom but that's about it!! :) I did try to use Photoshop once but it was far too complicated. I've had no formal training - everything I have learned - absolutely everything - has been from Flickr and (if I can plug another group) most especially from The Jurors Group.

9: Plans for the future?

To grow in confidence about my work and also to break free of the interest in whether my pictures make it in to Explore. Oh, and I also want to be "less tame" in my comments - that's for you, Losy :) Someone bought a photograph of mine a couple of weeks ago and that was a lovely feeling! So I wouldn't mind selling a couple more; not least because it will help me save up for the lens of my dreams...

10: In one word, describe your photography.

Compositional

Risquillo

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER:Risquillo

-- from risquillo - (?)


-- from risquillo - (?)

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
As I said in my profile, I started to be a photographer by accident 22 years ago. My wife asked me to purchase an instant pocket camera to take pictures of our newborn daughter. Instead I bought a SLR camera that was difficult for her to use. I kept the camera for myself a began to take pictures, I loved to do it and this became my new hobby.

2: Equipment you use?
Currently I have a Nikon d2x SLR camera. And the following AF lenses: Nikkor 80-200 f2.8, Micro Nikkor 60 f2.8, Micro Nikkor 105 f2.8, Nikkor 17-55 f2.8, Zigma 10-20 f4-5.6
For digital processing , I am using Photoshop CS2 and some plug ins like Flood.

3: Mac or PC?
Definitively a powerful PC!

4: What inspires you?
I consider myself like a painter, I like to plot “paint” the beauty that I see in my mind. Sometimes by just capturing a scene or a detail of a scene as it. Sometimes by placing several objects together in Photoshop, therefore creating my art.

5: Preferred subject matter?
People, landscape, animals, details, always details in daily scenes

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
I have lots of ideas that are still in the oven. I have to learn how to transmit them.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
I try to be sure that I´m fully satisfied with my creations. When something bothers me, I try to learn more, either by studying, reading, imitating, asking peers and friends, etc. I am convinced that talent has to be developed by acquiring knowledge and skills. Flickr is a very useful tool to learn. It allows you to show your work, you can get advice and critic from many people around the world, you get to know or have contact with very talented people that share their knowledge, you are exposed to the notorious work of lots of artists, in a summary it is an excellent platform for developing your skills.

8: Qualifications/training in anything?
I am a self trained person. I try to learn about all the tools that I have access to. Such as the functioning of the camera, and the tools that technology is constantly providing us. It is difficult that somebody can think further that what he knows.

9: Plans for the future?
Continue to keep learning how to develop my talent to create better images. …. Continuous Development ……. Breaking paradigms.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Creative

Fesign

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Fesign


-- from fesign - (?)

This one is my favorite landscape. I shot it in the mountains of Vietnam near Sa Pa.
I love how the human element and the natural world work together in this picture.
The rice cultivation on terraces follows the natural contours of the escarpment.
To me it looks like enormous yellow stairs leading to heaven.
The coming storm helps make it more dramatic.


-- from fesign - (?)
My second choice is the Chihuahua shot I titled "Weltschmertz".
That day I was dog-sitting my friend's dog and I took her to Toronto Island to make her happier.
She really missed her mummy.
I like how the drama of her mood came through in this photo, the sad eyes, the little airplane,
the storm, and the faraway city can let anyone's imagination make their own story.
I guess the storm was a good friend of mine that day. It helped me out with this shot as well. :)

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I was always a visual person. As a child I used to draw and paint. Photography was a natural outgrowth of this love of visual art.
I bought a digital camera in 2003 and I fell in love with this kind of image making. This was about five years ago and I'm never bored when my camera is with me.

2: Equipment you use?

Mostly my Nikon D80 with an 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR Nikkor lens. I love them both!
I also use my first digital camera which is a Canon G5, I really loved working with it, it truly gave me the first steps to make art with a digital camera.
For digital processing I am using Photoshop SC3.

3: Mac or PC?

I've never had a PC, I'm truly loyal to Mac.

4: What inspires you?

Everything I see inspires me and everything I feel, be it a dream, a nightmare, a daydream, or a walk with my dog.
I am a daydreamer and I love to find inspiration from other artists on flickr as well.

5: Preferred subject matter?

Animals, nature, architecture and of course sometimes people too. And I like to put all this in an out of word atmosphere.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

A very good rain shot.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?

I ask help from my closest friends who I feel I can confide in, but I have to say that when I shoot or when I work on a piece in photoshop I like to remain private.
After the work is done I'm open to all comments and feedback.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

I am a graphic and web designer. I learned photoshop back in the 90's at college. Now I learn by doing.

9: Plans for the future?

Too many, I am afraid life is not long enough for all I want to do...
More traveling of course, make friends with other wonderful artists,
work work work, but mostly the work I love to do.
I would enjoy having an exhibition of large prints and perhaps teaching one day.

10: In one word, describe your photography.

Passionate

Fatmanwalking

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER:fatmanwalking
"I can't quit you Baby"

-- from fatmanwalking - (?)
One of the very few photos I've clicked recently due to other priorities inflicting my life. I do a bit of stuff against smoking. I've got an entire set called Industrial Disease for anti smoking shots. Atleast they're supposed to be anti-smoking shots, though I do keep getting the feedback that I'm making smokers look cool. :P

"Post Psychedelic Withdrawal"

-- from fatmanwalking - (?)
The day I discovered spot metering. And I finally started loving my Fuji.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
Just about 3-4 years.

2: Equipment you use?
A Fujifilm Finepix S9600. That’s about it. Hopefully, I’ll be able to upgrade to a DSLR in the near future.

3: Mac or PC?
PC

4: What inspires you?
The amount of diversity you can bring into a photo with the use of emerging technology (inside the camera, not on the PC mind you. I do a lot of post processing at times, but I’m a fan of untouched photographs).

5: Preferred subject matter?
Portraits

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
The Himalayas

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
I’m an amateur photographer. So, whenever I’m in doubt, I’ve got the internet to help me out.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
Nopes

9: Plans for the future?
Complete my MBA, earn a little money, and get myself a DSLR.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Different

*Karo*

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: *Karo*


-- from *Karo* - (?)
This spring when a neighbor's pear tree blossomed it was absolutely swarming with bees, so I spent quite a bit of time underneath it happily snapping away. I lucked out with a few good shots.


-- from *Karo* - (?)
I took my son to a local lake to feed the ducks and was lucky enough to witness a mid-air egret fight almost directly overhead. I love the simplicity of this photo and the lines the birds' bodies make.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

Not very long at all. In anticipation of the birth of my son I bought my first DSLR -- a Nikon D70 -- in early 2005, but I was guilty of using it like a glorified point-and-shoot. It wasn't until I upgraded to a D80 in May 2007 that I made the decision to start educating myself about photography (it's amazing how much my photography improved once I learned how exposure actually works -- go figure). The purchase of my first macro later that year helped me take things up another notch, and once I started using Photoshop regularly things really took off.

I did own a Konica Tomato as kid. So really, I owe it all to the Tomato.

2: Equipment you use?

My Nikon D300 frequently has the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM mounted on it, but I also use a slew of Nikon lenses: the 85mm f/1.4D, 60mm f/2.8D Micro, the 105mm f/2.8G VR Micro, the 17-55mm f/2.8G, and the 50mm f/1.8D. I process using Aperture and CS3.

3: Mac or PC?

I am an unabashed Mac fangirl. I use a Macbook Pro. I also love checking out my and my contacts' photos on my high-definition TV using my AppleTV.

4: What inspires you?

People. Nature. Beauty. Detail. Line. Color. Light.

5: Preferred subject matter?

Naturey crap and people, with a special shout-out to my son, my photography catalyst.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that
you REALLY want to capture.

Just one? Jeez. I have like a million. So I guess I'll say "the world," since that includes the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt, Venice's canals ... You see where I'm going with this.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?

Truth be told, I don't really take myself or my photography seriously enough yet to call it art or to have had any crises regarding said art. At this point I'm still just a slob with a camera.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

Nada, tostada. No classes, no nothin'.

9: Plans for the future?

I've noodled around the idea of making a stab at going pro, but at this point it's still an idea. I feel like I still have so much to learn! Although I suspect I'll always feel that way.

Also, see my answer to question #6 once the kid's a little older.

10: In one word, describe your photography.

Clear.

_Neverletmego_

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: _Neverletmego_


-- from _Neverletmego_ - (?)
My all time favorite photograph "Through". I'd always wanted to do a shoot in a rape seed field, but didn't want it to be like all the others I'd seen before. I just snapped this in between "proper shots" and upon editing through the shoot I saw the potential with the interesting depth of field, and stormy looking clouds above. Also the viewpoint was so much better than other photographs I took as here I was crouched dow


-- from _Neverletmego_ - (?)
My second favorite self portrait "For Reasons Unknown".
This surprisingly wasn't taken with a DSLR, but with a compact Sony DSC-W17, set to self timer at the end of my bed (where I have taken allot of my pictures for my photostream). I had to set it, then jump into position. It's just such a tonal piece, so I thought it would benefit from sepia tones, giving it stronger contrasts. Taken with natural lighting, from the window to the side

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I started experimenting with photography at the age of 16 using black and white 35mm film, and developing it myself at college. I have been using digital more seriously for the past two years (since I was 17), in this time I have slowly taught myself composition etc and photoshop skills.
So to sum it up, I usually say to people that I have been doing it for just over two years.

2: Equipment you use?

Mainly my Nikon D80 with the following lenses;
- 50mm f/1.8
- 35mm f/2 << My fave lens! as its film and all sharp and manual.
- 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5
- 20mm f/4
and I had a 18-135mm but it kind of broke...
I have recently bought a Nikon speedlight SB-800, and was given a Nikon speedlight SB-24 but I don't really know how to use them to their full potencial yet..
A 20+ year old tripod, a wireless remote, wireless trigger for studio lighting, an abundance of filters that I was given, not sure what they all do yet...
For my home studio shoots I use my dad's 25 year old studio lights, old and reliable! :)
I have 6 cameras in total, three of which are film, and three of which are digital. Two are recent addictions, a pink holga and a Zenith 80 medium format camera.

3: Mac or PC?

Mac! I made the change just over a year ago, they are so much easier to edit on I find with their handy little screen short cuts etc.

4: What inspires you?

All types of Photographers. Adverts. Props. Clothes. Fields. Magazines. A blank wall, it can be a nice blank background, same with bed/dust sheets. Random locations I find. If I see something I like, it's like a spark which sets off ideas.

5: Preferred subject matter?

People, mainly women. Getting them in something pretty in an interesting location. Adding makeup, styling their hair.
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

The sun setting above the sea, it being the most perfect sunset I'd ever seen.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?

My boyfriend, he's really supportive, was talking to him about it last night. He's encouraging me to get out there with my own fancy adverts and approaching companies etc.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

An A in A - Level photography does that count? I've done a foundation diploma in art and design also, achieved a merit in that. I'm completely self taught with Photoshop CS3 extended.

9: Plans for the future?

To make a career in Commercial Photography, I am so passionate about photography, it really would be my dream job. Getting paid for something you already love doing.
But for now, to get more work to build up on my achievements, so far I've been on an album, magazine and book cover. (Book is yet to be published, Jan 09)

10: In one word, describe your photography.

Mine.

Aremac

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Aremac


-- from aremac - (?)
Taken in England on a cold and sunny afternoon - I like the contarst between the cold and warm colours.


-- from aremac - (?)
One example for the right place and time - fantastic morning light on a training site in Ilvesheim in Germany

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I've returned to photography three years ago - after a break of 5 years and 20 years with analog cameras.

2: Equipment you use?

Nikon D50 and Sigma 28 - 200 mm

3: Mac or PC?

PC

4: What inspires you?

Every good picture I see - a lot of work by others on Flickr .

5: Preferred subject matter?

I have limited time - so the subject matter is more depending on the time and weather. I love to take landscape pictures, abstracts and details.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

Nothing special, I only would like to have the opportunity to be at the right time in the right place more often.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?

Run a test on Flickr

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

Self-trained - Picasa and Photoshop

9: Plans for the future?

Earn some money on microstocks to buy new equipment.

10: In one word, describe your photography.

Colorful

DanielKHC

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER:DanielKHC

Pulau Ubin Sunrise

-- from DanielKHC - (?)
This is a Vertorama (Vertical Panorama) which consists of two shots in landscape mode, then stitched horizontally. The other technique used is call 'Digital Blending', which is a combination of mutliple bracketed exposures.

KLCC 7:36am

-- from DanielKHC - (?)
7 exposures were used to create that HDR (High Dynamic Range) imagery, using a specialized HDR imagery software.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
As an occasional holiday photographer, since I was a kid.
As a 'serious' photographer, since I bought my first DSLR and joined flickr 2 years ago.

2: Equipment you use?
I started with a Sony Alpha A100 two years ago, and upgraded to a Nikon D300 five months ago.

Lenses:
- Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8
- Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6
- Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8
- Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR

3: Mac or PC?
PC

4: What inspires you?
My only source of photographic images is flickr, therefore it still remains my main source of inspiration. But now when I watch movies, I also watch them with a 'photographic eye', and try to understand how the director has composed the scene.

5: Preferred subject matter?
Landscapes, architecture, night photography and urban decay.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
Sunset on planet Mars!...Seriously, I would love to shoot in "lençois maranhenses", a fascinating desert near Maranhão, north of Brazil, pristine white sand with ponds of turquoise water.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
I am always in doubt about my photography!

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
All self learning from books, internet and of course flickr.

9: Plans for the future?
More travel in countries with stunning landscapes, upgrade my camera to a full frame...

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Enthusiastic

Aswirly

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Aswirly
Mountain road

-- from aswirly - (?)
I am always drawn to road shots, especially in beautiful places. To me they just feel like an adventure!! This picture is special to me becuase I took it while on a photo trip to the mountains with my Dad this Summer.

Read My Lips

-- from aswirly - (?)
Photography and photoshop is an outlet for me to express myself. This image is a little bit of self-expression that I'm rather pleased with :)

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

Well for the last 8 years I've been hooked on my point and shoot camera. I took it everywhere. But about a year ago, when I joined Flickr, I started to get serious. Now I am able to do more since finally purchasing my DSLR last March.

2: Equipment you use?

Nikon D50 with Nikkor 18-55 lens and Nikkor 55-200VR lens. For post processing I use Photoshop and Photomatix.

3: Mac or PC?

Definitely a PC. lol.

4: What inspires you?

A day full of clouds, interesting light and shadows, anything pretty, and my mood ;) Everything churns my imagination.

5: Preferred subject matter?

Ooh I don't know. It really depends on my mood. I love city, land, and seascapes. Flowers are always wonderful...HDR is quite fun and addictive. How can I choose? Everyday I see something that triggers an idea. Then I work and work on that idea until I make something I like. Sometimes it is nothing like the original idea that came to me.
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

Lightening!!! That might not happen for awhile though since we rarely get good storms here. But another thing I'd like to get is a really nice night shot of San Francisco.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?

My friend Brian, aka Funky Slug, has been a great help. We both love trying new things in our work and he always tells me honestly if a piece I'm working on is any good.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

I haven’t had any formal training but I’ve been playing with photoshop for about 6 years. For about a minute I even had my own little business doing photo-retouching. lol.

9: Plans for the future?

Well, recently I've acquired some work doing portraiture and commercial photography. It has been a blast and very rewarding too. My hope and plan is to make a little living doing what I love.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Diverse

*Melissa*

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: *Melissa*


-- from ...*melissa*... - (?)
I took this on one of my lunchtime photo strolls, just before noon. I love it for two reasons: 1. the light cutting in at the corner and illuminating the texture on the wall; 2. the plant busting out of the open window as if looking for life outside


-- from ...*melissa*... - (?)
While this shot doesn't necessarily represent my usual "style" (if I have a usual style), it does represent Tucson, and Tucson is where I take virtually all of my shots. It's a city bursting with life, color, and texture, and I am constantly inspired by what I find simply walking out and about.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
When I was eight, my grandma gave me a point and shoot camera for Christmas. I took it with me everywhere. My bedroom walls were covered with cut-out photos of my friends from elementary through high school. I bought a second-hand Canon T70 and took a black + white photography class my senior year of high school to learn how to process and print my own shots. I was so hooked that I took more black + white classes in college (the only two available), and found myself lost in the darkroom on more than one occasion. I took only black and white for a few years, but when I moved to Tucson in ’01, I started getting inspired by the color around me. I didn’t do much about it until the winter of ’07, though, when I finally picked up a DSLR, discovered Flickr, and the rest is history.

2: Equipment you use?
I resisted digital for some time, but am now lucky enough to own a Canon 5D, a Canon 30D, and a few pretty decent lenses. I owned the very first digital Rebel Canon put out, but sold it to a friend so I could upgrade. I am in love with the 5D.

3: Mac or PC?
PC, and a pretty crappy one at that, though I’ve always wanted to transition. I think Mac’s are much “cooler,” though maybe I’m just easily influenced by advertising. 

4: What inspires you?
I can find inspiration almost anywhere – it’s all in how you look at things. Walls, windows, doors…the light hitting a saguaro just right…some rust on a dumpster…peeling paint…

5: Preferred subject matter?
Anything with color and texture for the most part. Urban abstracts are really appealing to me, and I’m particularly drawn to clean lines and bold colors. It also makes me really happy to photograph children.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
My future husband and kids? Is that not edgy enough?  Okay, how about – landscapes, in general. I have a lot of respect for people who can shoot landscapes well because, truthfully, I just don’t have the patience. I own a tripod, and a pretty good one at that, but I NEVER use it. And I can’t stand still long enough to really capture the sense of a place, especially a place that is, in itself, extremely beautiful.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
God. I am always wondering if my photography is purely selfish (because I enjoy is so much) or if there is the possibility of a larger purpose to my work – if there is the possibility of good coming from it. When I’m in doubt, I pray about it. Cheesy, but true.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
Though I was able to learn about film processing and working in a darkroom, I’ve never had any formal photography training – not with the camera itself, photography in general, or other technologies (Photoshop). I use Photoshop, but I’m pretty bad at it and kind of learning as I go. I only recently discovered how to use actions, and am hoping to soon start shooting RAW.

9: Plans for the future?
Though most of my photostream is “object” focused, I’ve been offered several jobs recently shooting people (weddings, engagement photos, and family sessions) and even done some commercial work. It’s been a kick, and I feel privileged to have had the opportunities I’ve had. Human subjects (in natural settings) were my first photography love, and I’d like to get back to it if possible – I’m just not sure I can make a living doing it. 

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Me.

Buddha's Ghost

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Buddha's Ghost

1- I don't like to completely explain an image to others, as it disallows their own imagination to define what they're seeing. However, I'll make an exception here. This was a shot taken in heavy rain at twilight. There was a girl who couldn't have been more than 19 or 20 hunched over the steering wheel while gripping it to the point of white knuckles. She maintained a steady 50 miles per hour with her eyes glued to the four lanes of freeway ahead as cars and big rigs roared by her throwing up plumes of blinding water.
She had Alaska license plates and was headed north towards Seattle, WA. Looking in the fogged back window as I passed her, it appeared as if she had all her worldly belongings wedged into the back seat. I've often thought about what her story might have been. I still remember the dim fading light of her headlamps as they dwindled in my rearview mirror.

-- from Buddha's Ghost - (?)

2- This is an image I made in an old veterans' cemetery near Orting, Washington. There's such a strange feeling I get from this place. I've always been interested in cemeteries and the obvious statements they bring to mind about our own mortality, but this one throws off an unusual vibe. It's quite sad and touching. Like some strange garden from a faerie tale. Where instead of poppies and roses, so many unselfish souls lie like tulip bulbs. With the stone markers informing the casual gardener of their types and how much to water them.

-- from Buddha's Ghost - (?)

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I've had a fascination with photography since probably the age of seven or eight. I would take photos with my mother's Brownie Hawkeye. As an adult, I grew away from the camera, but eventually came back to it in the early nineties. With the advent of affordable digital cameras my full love of photography sprang to life.

2: Equipment you use?

At the moment I use a Canon 40D and Canon 30D as my digital bodies. For film I have two aged Canon TLb's from the 70's and a Minolta X-370 from the 80's.

3: Mac or PC?

I do my photo editing on a home built PC.

4: What inspires you?

The eternal dance of shadow and light.
A beautiful curve
A bold line
A mood, a feeling
A sense of despair.
Anything that makes my hands reach for the camera.



5: Preferred subject matter?

Looking at my photo stream, you might be inclined to conclude it's nature ( in particular: birds/crows) . And while nature photography is very fulfilling, it's not my preferred subject matter. I love shooting candid shots of "out of the ordinary" people; especially with interesting surroundings. This includes my Native American series.
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

The face of God. Don't really think that one's going to happen though. :^D



7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?

I leave it to speak for itself. Art is, after all, quite subjective and completely at the whim of personal preference. What works as a pleasing image to one individual may look like so much rubbish to another. The photos I take are a type of self-therapy. If others enjoy what I've produced from my mind's eye, then that's an added bonus.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

I actually spent much of the first half of my life immersed in traditional arts (e.g. , painting, pencil, pen and ink, et al.) I went to college for a degree in graphic design, but lost my focus somewhere along the way.


9: Plans for the future?

I'm always looking to get more exposure for my work and wish to continue honing my camera skills.


10: In one word, describe your photography.

Epiphanous

Joojo

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Joojo

Here are two of my favorite images that I've done this year:
This is my lovely granddaughter sitting on her pregnant mother's lap, touching her belly. My son's hand is caressing her chin. I love it because it is such a tender moment between them all. She is the first born, as as a 2 1/2 year old, really has no idea what it means to share her parents with another sibling. The other thing I like is that it resembles the silverpoint drawing technique used in ages past, which an astute Flickr member and artist noted in the comment section.

-- from joojo - (?)

This is an image that just happened to come together in a very magical way. When shooting two people underwater, there is a very small probability that the image of both models will work out and I often make composite images. I also needed to rebuild the upper models right arm, which I did using her left arm. I really had no idea how to do it, and I started experimenting with lassoing pieces and parts, and transforming them, and I was able to make it! The image was then pasted on some clouds that I shot outside my house during a spring storm. It reflects the mood I was feeling at the time I made it. I was reaching out to a friend who was in distress and very confused.

-- from joojo - (?)


1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I've used film for years for documentary purposes with my family until 1998 when I bought my first digital camera, an Olympus 2020z. Digital made it easier to learn the mechanics of photography, although I only used automatic functions. I began getting serious about the artistic aspect of photography and photoshop in 2005 when I started the underwater project.

2: Equipment you use?
I currently use a Canon 40D and 20D I have Ikelite underwater housings for both cameras. I am going to make the 20D a dedicated infrared camera soon. Can't wait to see infrared underwater photography! Might not work tho... come to think of it, since water clips off so much of the red spectrum, but I'll have fun playing.

3: Mac or PC?
Mac

4: What inspires you?
Everything = Life Light! Other artists, many of whom I've come to admire, respect and learn from on Flickr, literature, my animals, my garden, music, dancing, painting.... clouds, water... on and on!

5: Preferred subject matter?
I love portraiture, but I also love landscapes and still life's.
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
Too many to number! I am currently trying to do the alphabet exercise, which I've failed at miserably so far. In the span of an hour or two, walking around a park, or where ever you want, but restrict it to a couple acres, only using a 50 mm lens, one tries to find all the shapes of the letters of the alphabet (you can't photograph any actual letters!) in your viewfinder. It's an amazing exercise! It really strengthens the discernment ability of the eye.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
My creativity has always gone in cycles, and if I'm in a latent mode, I don't worry about it too much, there will be a groundswell soon!

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
I learned photoshop using the tutorials John Arnold has at www.photowalkthrough.com Lately I've been taking several tutorials by different Photoshop, Lightroom and Painter whizzes on www.kelbytraining.com/ It's a fantastic investment and bargain. I seem to learn best via tutorials vs. books.


9: Plans for the future?
Just to keep growing, learning, and being open to new ways of expressing what's alive inside.


10: In one word, describe your photography.
Archetypal

Arnold Pouteau's

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Arnold Pouteau's


-- from Arnold Pouteau's - (?)
A picture I named "Dark City..." I took this one on my way from Brooklyn to Manhattan when low clouds invaded the City. The overall atmosphere was surreal. Somewhere between Blade Runner and Gotham. In a word an atmosphere, an energy, I have only experienced in NYC.


-- from Arnold Pouteau's - (?)
My 2nd favorite photo features Human Silhouettes (I really Love this subject). It was taken on top of the rockfeller center. When I was up there, it was quite packed. Amongst the people that were up there, 2 Persons were contemplating the Empire State Building, seated, steady, inspired and inspiring. This picture conveys what I feel for this city: Respect and Inspiration.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I've always been into photography. But It has become an essential part of my life from the time I moved from Europe to NYC 4 years ago.

2: Equipment you use?
Canon EOS 5D and Digital EOS 400D
7 lenses (Canon mount)

3: Mac or PC?
PC

4: What inspires you?
I am inspired by the permanent complementary and conflict between light and dark. The result can be a Human Silhouette outlining with simplicity an Emotion; Vivid colors reflected in a stormy sky painting a glorious landscape...

5: Preferred subject matter?
NYC by night when low clouds invade the city and reveal the true personality of the City
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
The Northern Lights

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
My Family.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
No Training / Pretty Much Basic Photoshop skills

9: Plans for the future?
A Photography Book about NYC

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Contrasted

Mjmourik

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER:Mjmourik
My most faved shot on flickr:

-- from mjmourik - (?)

And this is my own favourite shot:

-- from mjmourik - (?)

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I'm busy with (digital) photography at about 6 years now and a few years ago I was lucky to win a nice point and shoot camera from Konica Minolta. Their was a 'special action' from a cat food supplier in the supermarket where I usually do my shopping.
All I had to do to win this camera, was to pick of the phone, call the compoany and type in the number printed at the bottom of the package.
I already use an Olympus C-750UZ and this was a welcome addition at the time.

2: Equipment you use?
Konica Minolta- Olympus C750 & Olympus SLR (E-500)

3: Mac or PC?
PC

4: What inspires you?
The Dutch old masters and their fabulous use of skimming light effects.

5: Preferred subject matter?
The typical flat, empty, but very inviting Dutch landscapes.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
I would love to do some portrait shooting, but lack the (right) people who can serve as a model for these desired pictures.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
As an artist I have no doubts about the way I express my view to the world and do not need any confidence, feedback or whatsoever. I just do it.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
Graphic school of art in Rotterdam, 2 German courses for PS and try everything I can find on the internet about PS:)

9: Plans for the future?
I don't like to organize (I'm an artist;), but in spite of this, want to plan exhibitions throughout the country to promote my digital translation of the former Dutch school.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Luminous.

Maureen F

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Maureen F

-- from Maureen F. - (?)

This photograph was taken when I just gotten my first DSLR camera and was just learning to use it. I like it because it was one of the first shots taken with this camera in which I played with it in Photoshop, which I was also just learning to use. It was a fun capture to play with and I was pleased with how it turned out.


-- from Maureen F. - (?)

To me this represents the beauty of nature. When I look at this photo of the Bee and Pansy.. I can remember clearly, taking it and really enjoying the moment. What the eye sees..and to capture it as well as possible is so wonderful.. I hope that I did so in a small way here.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I have always enjoyed photography as a creative medium but did not seriously get into photography until I was given a point and shoot digital. Ironically, Photography was what I wanted to study in College but my Parents told me that no one makes money taking pictures ..so they told me to choose something else!!
About 2 years ago, I discovered Flickr through a wonderful Icelandic photographer named Helga otherwise known as HKVAM.. I fell in love with her photography...so I signed up with Flickr and about 4 months later decided to go public with a simple photo of one of my birds and the rest is history!


2: Equipment you use?

Canon Rebel XTi
Lenses: Canon EF 100 mm F/2.8 macro USM
Canon EF 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 USM
Canon EF 75-300mm F4-5.6 III USM

3: Mac or PC?

PC

4: What inspires you?

The world around me, music and of course, many wonderful and amazing Flickr Photographers !! I learn so much from the many talented photographers here on Flickr !


5: Preferred subject matter?

None but I seem to shoot a lot of flowers !! I guess its because they are a handy medium in which to learn the technical aspects of photography..


6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

Landscapes. I have not really captured a good landscape to my satisfaction yet.....


7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?

No one really, I tend to internalize but I do ask questions from other photographers when in doubt and make an effort to read more about photography ..plus there are so many wonderful photographers on Flickr in which to gain inspiration!



8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

none, self taught and still learning.....and I have a lot to learn!

9: Plans for the future?

No plans really..though it would be wonderful to do this for a living....For now I am just looking forward to where all this will take me.



10: In one word, describe your photography.

an exploration

Jenny Huang

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER:Jenny Huang

Sweetlip fish cruising over coral garden--
The high diversity of the fish communities in the coral reefs is maintained mainly by the complexity of these places, that provide different ways for fishes to feed, live and reproduce. As many as the species numbers are the different ways of hunting, feeding, hiding, reproducing and living.

-- from JennyHuang - (?)


Imperial partner shrimp riding on a Nudibranch--
The brilliant coloring of the imperial shrimp matches the coloring of the nudibranch, on which it lives. The shrimp feeds on plankton and detritus that get caught in the mucous covering of the host’s skin.The Shrimp's legs and claws of this shrimp are purple and the eyes are orange. Maximum length of approximately 2cm.

-- from JennyHuang - (?)

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I began taking photos three years ago when i started to contact with underwater world. my first camera is d200 from until now. first purpose was to record what i see underwater. Then I found it is a fantastic world to explore.... I want to share the beauty of ocean to everyone and wish we can protect it forever...

2: Equipment you use?
Camera: Nikon D200 with underwater housing.

flash: SB800,INON underwater strobes

Lens: Nikkor 105mmvr, Nikkor 10.5mm fisheye,Tokina 10-17mm fisheye


3: Mac or PC?
Mac

4: What inspires you?
Flickr's photographers.
I learn a lot of skills especially how to compose my photos from flickr.

5: Preferred subject matter?
underwater critters,mother nature, travel landscape...etc.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
swimming with whales/sea lion and catch their behaviour.


7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
Original beauty is the most important for an natural photographer.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
I worked with RAW files in Nikon Capture NX.


9: Plans for the future?
keep shooting,keep diving.


10: In one word, describe your photography.
simply Mother Nature.

Tanakawho

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER:Tanakawho


-- from tanakawho - (?)
This is one of the first photos from the time I began shooting super macro photos. I'm a point-and-shooter but have learned how to do shots like this with loupe thanks for one of my contacts, sakura*aya. Plants seeds always fascinate me & I'm quite pleased with this somewhat unique capture.


-- from tanakawho - (?)

The 2nd choice was really difficult. I love my sakura cat series, shots of some architectures...there are just too many（＞＜）.
So I've chosen the one with a rare subject for me. I'm so poor at taking a photo with people in it even if it's not a portrait. This was shot when I was going out of the Coneyisland station. When the view came into the sight, I almost reflectively took out my camera & clicked. I was rather surprised it came out this good(^_^;).

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I began taking photos a little more than 2 years ago. I have been all digital from the start. First purpose was to record some of my flower arrangements(my hobby). Then I found an article about Flickr in a newspaper and...the rest you may be able to guess. I got totally addicted.

2: Equipment you use?
Olympus X100→Olympus SP320→Olympus FE250
I use loupes to take super macro photos. Please read my profile about that.

3: Mac or PC?
PC

4: What inspires you?
Anything I feel interesting.

5: Preferred subject matter?
Animals, modern architecture, waterdrops...etc.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
Spectacular lightenings. I don't think my camera allows that but some day I'll get a DSLR and...

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
No one special. All the great photographers & their photos in Flickr will inspire me.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
Nothing. I'm self-taught or I'm a student of Flickr.


9: Plans for the future?
Well...I'm a publishing translator(mainly American mystery, horror, SF novels into Japanese) and hope to do the covers of the books I translate. Actually I have already realized it once(^_^;) but I want more.


10: In one word, describe your photography.
Variety?

Extra Medium

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER:Extra Medium


-- from Extra Medium - (?)
I've always been a fan of fashion even though my talents lie more in landscape photography. While on travel earlier this year, I decided to try to blend the two worlds and hire a model to test some shots out in this beautiful valley surrounded by buttes. She was excellent at posing and we got a bunch of cool shots as the sun was setting.


-- from Extra Medium - (?)
I've always had a fascination with barns. Growing up in the LA suburbs we didn't have many around, so when I was in the middle of California and saw this barn at sunrise, I quickly backed onto the property, setup my tripod, got a few shots, and with a little HDR processing, got this shot. Sure trespassing is wrong, but my philosophy has always been, "Great shots don't come from following the rules"

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I remember taking my first photo the last day of high school (1992) and since then tried to always photograph the world around me. But only in the last 3 years have I really taken it seriously. Really unfortunate too because I've visited 25 countries, and really had no idea what I was doing.

2: Equipment you use?
I'm very fortunate to be able to use my father-in-law somewheretropical's Nikon equipment. He's been more than generous. He lets me use his D3, 300 2.8, 400 2.8 and just about everything else. Just recently I picked up the 85 1.4D and... oh.... the possibilities. I also have my eye on the new Tokina 11-16 to help further my landscape shots.

3: Mac or PC?
I've been using PC computers since 1986. I don't see myself changing anytime soon. I'm a unix systems engineer by trade, so I'm used to old school technology that brakes a lot.

4: What inspires you?
You know the photographers on Flickr inspire me the most. Coming on here every day and seeing the creative and beautiful images my peers create is more than enough inspiration for me to go out and try new things. I mean, where else would I have learned about tilt-shift miniature fakes and HDR?

5: Preferred subject matter?
I don't like babies. They don't listen well. That's the only thing I've had difficulty with. I honestly love shooting weddings because there is nothing more beautiful than a bride on her wedding day. I also really enjoy landscapes because it's just as difficult to shoot something popular (think Grand Canyon) when you have a dozen people taking the same shot, makes me think "what do I need to do in order to get something original here". I'm also getting into car photography and have really enjoyed the maternity shoots I've done recently too.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
I'd really like to get a media pass for a Laker game and sit behind the basket and shoot back there.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
I don't really know. I just keep looking and do more research. I do talk with a lot of people on here, and most of the time they're very generous with their thoughts and how to do things.

8: Qualifications/training in anything?
I am completely self-taught, with a lot of help from the people on here and my peers. Again, lots of research and practice.

9: Plans for the future?
I have a day job which I do pretty well at. I'd love to do photography full time, but not until it pays more than my day job. That might not happen for a while, so until then, I'm redesigning my website and always trying to shoot more, and shoot different things. I'm always up for a challenge.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Strategy