Thursday, May 19, 2011

Pam Martin

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Pam Martin

fini by Pam_Martin
Fini
This was the first time I had that "wow" feeling when I saw it on my computer. The light was perfect and the details so interesting. Of course adding texture really made it special.

fleece as white as snow by Pam_Martin
Fleece as white as snow
This is so tactile I want to touch it. I especially like the bits of straw making it look so organic.

1 Tell us a little about yourself

My "real life" didn't start until I picked up a camera and discovered the magic of photography. Up to that time I had various careers in the medical field and interior design, but never felt I was being true to my artistic nature.
In March of 2010 I read an article in the New York Times about D. Sharon Pruit (Pink Sherbet Photography) uploading some photos taken with a $99 Kodak digital camera to Flickr.and receiving a contract with Getty Images. I immediately joined Flickr, uploaded some images and was determined to become a "Getty Artist". To my delight on January 6, 2011 Getty invited me to enroll with them and selected 6 of my images.

2: How long have you been involved in photography?

I've always loved to look at beautiful images, but didn't own a camera until 2003. One day I was channel surfing and landed on a documentary film called "The Roots of California Photography: The Monterey Legacy", and when I saw the work of Brett Weston I literally fell in love. I was given a used Canon G1 and just started pushing the buttons and reading the manual. It became clear I needed some hands-on training so I took a class at the local community college and learned how to develop film and make prints which gave me a good foundation.

3: Equipment you use?

Canon 60D camera
My walk-around lens is a Canon compact macro 50mm 2.5
Canon 50mm 1.4
Canon zoom 55-250mm 4-5.6 IS
Canon zoom 17-85mm 4-5.6 IS USM
Lensbaby 2.0

4 Who or what inspires you?

My father, who was what was call in the 1950's a commercial artist, but who's true passion was abstract expressionism. Our home was filled with his paintings, and I know I learned about composition and color just from being exposed to it daily.

Paul Grand and Jill Ferry who constantly inspire me with their stunning images. Their Flypaper Textures have helped transform my rather ordinary images into something quite unique.

Brett and Edward Weston
Georgia O'Keefe
Film Noir

5: Preferred subject matter?

Up close and personal portraits of people, animals, flowers.

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

Sand dunes in the early morning light.

7 If you weren't a photographer would you have another artistic pursuit? If so what?

Photography is my true passion and I can't think of anything else I'd rather do.

8: Do you have any advice for someone just starting their photography journey?

Know how to use your equipment. Understand composition and exposure. Even when you're uninspired, shoot something; magic happens all the time. Above all have fun!


9: Plans for the future?

My son and his wife are expecting twins in October so I think it will be great fun to photograph the two of them together. I also want to use my Lensbaby more. I love shallow depth of field for close-up shots and Lensbaby can give some very interesting blur for wider angle shots.

10: In one word, describe your photography

Soulful

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