Selvin

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Selvin


-- from s e l v i n - (?)
Captured my brother in an ecstatic mood on one of the beaches in Bombay,
the timing and composition was just perfect as I had expected
no editing done here, this one's the actual picture captured..
(F/6.4 ISO 50 Exp time - 1/729 secs)


-- from s e l v i n - (?)
Nature has been my biggest inspirations and blooming flowers brings a smile on my face
this one was captured in Kerala, India...my fav. macro shot with the perfect light and the dew drops enhanced the overall beauty

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
Got interested in photography from my diaper days! seriously involved from last one year.

2: Equipment you use?
I used to dabble around with my dad's Agfa Click II film camera,
now I use a basic P&S Nikon's L2 DSLR, planning to get a professional one soon..

3: Mac or PC?
Unfortunately I'm still using a PC, I'd worked on a Mac long back...still miss those good ol' days

4: What inspires you?
Almost everything, I get inspired almost every moment of my life..
in general life, nature and the world around me.

5: Preferred subject matter?
Landscapes, macro, portraits,motion,etc...it all depends if the intended subject is interesting

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that
you REALLY want to capture.
I'm in search of a beautiful muse, hope I find one soon...

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
Close friends and definitely my flickr buddies who are honest and sincere..

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
I'm a student of life and learn through my experiences...
still an 'illiterate' when it comes to photography with no proper qualifications/training
I use Adobe Lightroom for basic crops and tones, prefer keeping my pictures real and natural

9: Plans for the future?
Upgrade my equipment, travel the whole world and capture God's creations through my lens

10: In one word, describe your photography.
eternal

Gary Isaacs

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Gary Isaacs


-- from gary isaacs' photos - (?)
this one just because it's new - "sofia by the plaza" i shot this a couple of days ago with a ricoh grd - i'm not a big equipment freak but i've always wanted a little pocket camera and after hitting up everybody on flickr for information decided on this one. it's small and fun to work with. i've spent years "street shooting" with speed graphics and don't really subscribe to the "you have to be discreet" thing completely - just depends on what you're up to and how you like to work. that said i'm really enjoying this little camera - it makes things seem so intimate to me


-- from gary isaacs' photos - (?)
"the last leg of a bar room bet" - it's a polaroid (667) - when we got to the edge of the desert she balked and offered to go double or nothing - she lost that one too and had to marry me .

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

about 20 years - different concerns and different stages but about 20 years

2: Equipment you use?

35mm and medium format for film - nothing special digital and more importantly to me modified large format rangefinders that i use almost exclusively with polaroid

3: Mac or PC?

mac

4 what inspires you?

well i'm just pretty curious - i'm curious about the experience of making photographs - i like stepping into the moment with my camera and seeing what will happen - i guess i'm inspired by my own curiosity - doesn't really take much to get me going

5 preferred subject matter?

people - i mostly like to photograph people - people and old things and old places - i like to photograph in situations where my imagination and memory are pricked at - in a way i'm less interested in what things are as i am in what they remind me of


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

something that i remain truly humble in the presence of - something that makes my mind stop yaking for longer than a moment - something that would make it ok to stop photographing



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

the I Ching



8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

i'm not qualified i've just done this for awhile

9: Plans for the future?

not exactly - i've been stock piling polaroid and i want to use it up before it goes bad - there's this gothic hillbilly band that wants me to travel with them through eastern Europe but i'm not sure that's a plan

10: In one word, describe your photography.

memory

Soffia Gisladóttir

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Soffia Gisladóttir


-- from Soffia Gisladóttir - (?)
Nina. This is a photo from one of the most fun photoshoot I did last summer. The girls were such a brilliant models.


-- from Soffia Gisladóttir - (?)
Island. This is an Icelandic landscape. I got so many emails from people asking me about how I processed my photos, so I did my first tutorial on this photo.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I graduated from Iceland Academy of the Arts in 2001, specialized in printmaking, there I worked a lot with photographs when creating my art, and that has led to that for 3 or 4 years now, my media has been mostly photography.


2: Equipment you use?

I have a canon 400d and 18-55 mm kit lens, and a sigma 28-300 mm lens. I also have a powershot A540 that I use a lot.


3: Mac or PC?

I´ve always had a PC, maybe I´ll get a Mac one day.


4: What inspires you?

Halli my muse, cinema, music, people, travelling, life in general and redwine.



5: Preferred subject matter?

I really like taking pictures of people, lately my clients have mainly been musicians and kids, and I have enjoyed those photoshoots, lots of creativity.
I also like landscapes, good subjects here in Iceland, as well as in B.C, Canada were I used to live. I´ve travelled quite a bit, and there are so many beautiful places on this earth.



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

A good picture of me :) I don´t have many photos of myself, like arty and cool ones, and I really wanna capture few cool photos of myself that I could use as a press photos.


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

Redwine and my muse, Halli


8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

I have a B.A in Fine Arts, but I´m self-taught in Photoshop.


9: Plans for the future?

work hard and live life to the fullest.


10: In one word, describe your photography.

cinematic

Idg

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: idg


-- from idg - (?)
" Puffins are 1 of my favourite subjects - and others seem to agree as I have sold a good few of my puffin images. I am lucky enough to live close to an Island that contains tens of thousands of these birds and I really like this shot because of the pose, the dof and the fact that there are three of them in position"


-- from idg - (?)
"I like this landscape scene and try to return to it often to capture the effect that the seasons and the elements have on the view. In this shot (for which I used HDR) I particularly like the mood at work - the darkness and the sense of space"

1: How long have you been involved in photography?.
Two and a half years

2: Equipment you use?.
Nikon D50, Nikon D200 – and recently I have been experimenting with a Canon 5d, I use a Manfrotto Tripod and am currently looking at investing in more “glass”.

3: Mac or PC?.
PC

4: What inspires you?.
I try to capture images every day -the simple beauty that can be all around us (whether in the city or the countryside)

5: Preferred subject matter?.
I have had great fun with landscapes, puffins, HDR, images of Dundee City and the beautiful Scottish countryside. However I feel that with so much still to experiment with – I can’t give a definitive preferred subject matter.

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

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?.
The trees in the forest! Only joking – I am a member of the local Photographic Society and have found a couple of informal mentors there whose constructive feedback is great. In addition to this I am encouraged by the many Flickr contacts who offer guidance, advice and support.


8: Qualifications/training in anything? i.e.: Photoshop.
No formal qualifications – I am an avid reader of articles / books and online forums. Last November I attended 2 weekend training courses run by the local Photographic Society – 1 featured Photoshop techniques and the other was a thorough outline of digital photography and how to use your camera more effectively. The courses were pitched at the right level for me and perhaps more importantly – introduced me to a group of likeminded people who I continue to learn and share with.

9: Plans for the future?.
Earlier this year a friend and I set up a photography / web design company – I aim to continue to develop and build that business – but believe that it is always important to enjoy my photography.


10: In one word, describe your photography.
Progressive

Moody Fingers

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Moody Fingers


These are both older pieces and I probably have more recent images that are technically better but.. these are 'my' personal favourites!

-- from Moody_fingers - (?)
>
"Come to me..." Was pretty much my first signature piece that said portrait photography with a creative twist!! So this one has a special place in my heart :)


-- from Moody_fingers - (?)1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I have been properly involved in photography since mid 2006 when I bought my Canon 20D.

2: Equipment you use?

I use a Canon 20D, Canon 18-55 kit lens, Canon 50mm 1.8, recently purchased Canon 70-200mm f4 L, Canon 580ex Flash with Gary Fong lightsphere and a manfroto tripod. Along with a couple of filters.

3: Mac or PC?

I have a PC but I'm not fussed..

4: What inspires you?

What doesn't inspire me?? :D Everything inspires me!! From doing the dishes to fellow flickrites! Anything that's a little quirky and fun..


5: Preferred subject matter?

I prefer people! I love capturing the very essence of people....
Giving them an image of themselves that is timeless, beautiful and unique to thier personality...

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

Something I really want to capture... that's a tough one..
I guess I want to capture a moment that really mesmerizes the audience on an intimate level.. one of those "I shouldn't be looking at this, but I can't look away.."

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

Sometimes my husband but usually Flickr... I have some wonderful contacts on here that usually tell me what's good or bad..!
I have been getting some extra landscape advice from Jonnyfez recently too!

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

I'm meant to be studying for a certificate in photography as we speak.. However the practical has overtaken the study... :S As for photoshop.. all self taught! Trial and error.. best form of learning!

9: Plans for the future?

To become Famous!!! Jokes! ;-)
I have recently set up for a photography business and hope to make my passion my way of a living..

10: In one word, describe your photography.

Quirky

Ecstaticist

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Ecstaticist


-- from ecstaticist - (?)
This photo was taken on a bright morning close to dawn. The light was really bright, but coming from a side angle and still had some of that magic quality about it. This is shot handheld with my Casio. No significant post-processing on this. Just a bit of a crop


-- from ecstaticist - (?)
This is shot from a float plane. I chose it as an example of my post processing. The original was dark and noisy with little contrast. This looks more like what we saw from the plane. Again, shot with my Casio.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

Since I was 10 years old, so 33 years. I bought old 120 cameras in my early teens and did things like star trails. The large format often produced really nice results. I still have some of those photos. In junior high school I learned the darkroom. I loved spending time with the equipment in the red light. Enlarging and printing was very fun, and that's where I learned SLR photography as well with a Pentax K-1000. I bought my first digital camera in 1995, an Apple QuickTake 150 with 640x480 resolution.

2: Equipment you use?

I use a 2 year-old 5MP Casio EX-P505 digital point and shoot for nearly all my photos. It is very small and I have it with me all the time. It has an exceptional macro function and a good lens. If you visit my profile you can see it with a link to more info about it. I would recommend it to anyone for macro photography. I also use a K-1000 SLR, a Canon Rebel XT and a Sony DSC-H9 (borrowed occasionaly).

3: Mac or PC?

I am a Mac user. I have been in the computing industry for 15 years. I was a PC user for a few years around 2000 out of work-related necessity, but came back to Mac with Titanium PowerBook. I now use a MacBook Pro. I do own two PCs and a Linux machine as well. Some of the comments I have posted on flickr photos have been posted using my BlackBerry, which I have with me all the time as well.

4: What inspires you?

Light and curvature. Great light is the thing that always catches me, and 95 percent of the photos in my stream are natural light. Curvature is fundamental to beauty, and it is nascent in even the most linear abstract image.

5: Preferred subject matter?

Again, anything that exhibits interesting lighting. I have 1200 droplet refractions in a set on my stream. A dew or rain drop catches light and concentrates it somehow, refracting it and changing it. They sparkle and I am drawn like a moth. I also love reflected light, especially on water, which you see in my aerial shots, sunsets, and my Flood creations. Also, light on curves...this is why I do so many flower macros.
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

I need a better, faster camera to do street photography. Anonymous people going about their lives...this fascinates me but I don't have what is required right now to do good photography of that nature i.e. a decent telephoto.


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

My wife. For example, the other evening I wasn't sure about two versions of Golden Lion I had produced. She picked the better one right away and it was on the Front Page of Explore a few hours later.


8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

I have no formal training in PhotoShop, but I am an avid user. Because my camera tops out at ISO 400, the images are quite often noisy...too noisy. I use a PS plugin called Neat Image that my friend Mosippy turned me on to. I works really well to take out noise without altering the image.

I use a lot of PS functions in general to treat my photos. Not always, but quite often. I want my photos to be the way I remember the scene, not the way my camera captured it through its inadequate CCD and arbitrary JPEG compression. I find the debate about post-processing to be overwrought. Film photogs have been post-processing in the darkroom since forever. For me, photography is art, and the opening and closing of the shutter is just the beginning of the process of realizing your artistic intent...no limits.

I also use Flaming Pear plugins for fun, like Flood, Aetherize and Kyoto Color. I use DxO Optics Pro 4 for improving dynamic range when needed. I use Apple's Aperture as my organizing tool, but I plan to switch to LightRoom when I upgrade to CS3.

9: Plans for the future?

I definitely hope to upgrade my equipment. I am waiting for the right time. I really want a swivel, live-view LCD on the camera I buy. The Sony DSC-H9 is incredible in this regard, and it will likely be my next camera. Ultimately I want to be able to shoot RAW so I can really work with the images properly. That will require a significant investment in a DSLR set-up. It is something I have planned to do for some time, but my two-year old is my priority right now and extra money goes to her needs.

Eventually I would like to set up an internet-based framed print business, but most of the works have right now are not high res enough. Luckily the world never runs out of subjects. Lots of time for that.

Mainly I love photography as a way to really see the world rather than just pass it by, so I will continue to carry my camera with me at all times.

10: In one word, describe your photography.

Improving.

Jody9

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Jody9

The first image was taken in the spring at Gorman, California while the wildflowers were in their glory. It's the cover image of my website,
www.jodymillerphoto.com

-- from jody9 - (?)

This second image was taken in the Lake District of England in Ullswater, Cumbria. It was selected last month by the Tate Gallery in London for their 40-image exhibit entitled "How We Are Now".

-- from jody9 - (?)

1. How long have you been involved in photography?
Since I was very young, and seriously, about 35 years. I got really interested in my late teens, and studied in workshops with Jerry Uelsmann at the University of Florida in 1973, and then at the Ansel Adams Friends of Photography workshop in 1982, while Ansel was still able to actively teach. It was the greatest period of growth in my photography. I then studied privately for a couple of years with one of my instructors at the workshop, Arthur Ollman. He continues to nudge me to this day.

2. Equipment you use?
Currently, a Nikon D40x with an 18-200 zoom and a 10-20mm zoom. I've only owned those for about 4 months now. A lot of the work you see here on flickr was done with a Canon point and shoot. I have used just about every type of camera and for my early landscape work (the Britain series in particular) I used a Pentax 6x7. I also use Diana, Holga, and Fujipet toy cameras, and a ZeroImage pinhole camera.

3. Mac or PC?
I use a PC at home, and at work I use a Mac. I love them both for different reasons.

4. What inspires you?
Beauty. I look for the beauty in everything, even the ugly. My desire is to connect with beauty and communicate it.

5 Preferred subject matter?
Landscape in general, though I shoot many "types" of landscape. I do some macro work too, though I'm not as satisfied with much of it. I especially enjoy night photography for its surprising results.

6.Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you really want to capture.
A truly evocative cinematic moment, with a human subject. I'm not that good at shooting people.

7. When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
I have my teacher, Arthur Ollman, who has been my muse and my best source of constructive criticism for over 25 years. He always finds a way to push me out of my comfort zone. My husband is also a wonderful photographer and gives me great feedback.

8. Qualifications / training:
I'm an art director and animator for television and have been in that field for 35 years now. It melds beautifully with my photography. I taught myself photoshop about a year and a half ago. I still don't know enough about it.

9. Plans for the future?
I've always wanted to own a gallery, though whether that's a brick and mortar storefront or an online gallery remains to be seen. I would love to showcase the work of those artists I admire and give them great representation. My current fantasy plan, though, is to sell everthing I own, buy a camper van and set off to tour the continent and shoot whatever and whenever I want!

10. In one word, describe your photography.
Appreciative.

Dew Wipe

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Dew_Wipe

-- from dew_wipe - (?)


-- from dew_wipe - (?)

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I've been involved in photography for about two years.

2: Equipment you use?
I use a Canon Digital IXUS 70. And of course always enhance the quality of the shots, or manipulate them in photoshop. I love photoshop :)

3: Mac or PC?
Both :)

4: What inspires you?
Flickr of course :P Other photographers, my friends, movies, faces... And boredom. Boredom is a big inspiration, then I sometimes just HAVE to do something creative ;)

5: Preferred subject matter?
People, faces, portraits. I love faces :)

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
Hmmm... Maybe a flying bird.. I dont know really!

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
Lars V! He's my best friend and a great photographer (Also on flickr :)

8: Qualifications/training in anything? e.g. Photoshop
Haven't had any education within photography. Just started for fun :)
Learned some photoshop in school though, and the rest I've learned on my own.

9: Plans for the future?
Right now, I have no plans... I just enjoy life and live in the now I guess. I work as a graphic designer at the moment and will keep doing that for a while. Thou it would be great to combine it with photography!

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Weird! :P

Fort Photo

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Fort Photo


-- from Fort Photo - (?)

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico is a dream location for combining two of my favorite activities: birding and photography. This image has had very little post-processing, I was thrilled the way the silhouettes and golds turned out. I also like how it's both an avian capture and a landscape at the same time. Bosque has to be one of the best spots on earth for doing nature photography in general.


-- from Fort Photo - (?)

I decided to feature this image as I do quite a bit of night photography, and this one while being one of my all-time favorites has not gotten as much attention as some of my other work.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

Over 25 years ago I got my first camera-- a pinhole camera kit. I've been shooting with SLRs for over 20 years.

2: Equipment you use?

Cameras: Nikon D70, Nikon N90s, Nikon Coolpix 4500, Polaroid Land Camera, Kodak Instamatic 124. Lenses: 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S Zoom-Nikkor, 300mm f/4 AF Nikkor, 50mm f/1.8 AF Nikkor, 105 f/2.8 Macro AF Nikkor (non-VR version), Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom Nikkor, Tokina 28-80 F2.8 AT-X, Kenko Pro telecoverters at 1.4x and 2x. Flash: Nikon SB-28 and SB-15, Sunpack AF 4500 or something heh. I have an external cable, slave and bracket for flash as well. Reflectors made from car sunshades, a mess of filters (most used: polarizer, ND, ND grad, warming, didymium) plus a bunch of stuff I'm sure I have forgot hah.

For my 4500 coolpix, I use it primarily for digiscoping distant birds these days and for that use either a Nikon TelesMicro ED6 x 18D monoscope (amazing optic, also doubles as a field lens/microscope) or my Nikon 60mm ED Fieldscope with various eye-pieces. My tripod is a non-exciting Bogen 3021 with a variety of heads, but I really need to upgrade here. I also use a monopod, bean bags and a window mount for my camera.

3: Mac or PC?

Work on a PC but like Macs too.

4: What inspires you?

I find inspiration everywhere I look. Whether it’s the incredible biodiversity on our planet that I love to study and photograph or if it’s an emotion I’m feeling-- there always seems to be something pushing me to go capture more images. Also being here on flickr has proved to really invigorate and inspire me all the more with the great photos one can find everyday and the encouraging comments my friends share.

5: Preferred subject matter?

Not really any, I like many genres ranging from street to studio. But in practice I tend to post landscapes, birds, and other nature images most often which makes sense as I am completely fascinated by the natural world.
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

A whole list of birds that are still eluding me such as Mountain Plover.

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

My wife has a BFA from Oregon College of Art and Craft and is a wonderful sounding board for ideas and critique.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? e.g. Photoshop

Photoshop, Gimp, Photomatix, LucisArt, Nikon Capture NX, DxO Optics Pro, and LucisArt among others. Back in film days I led a darkroom lab for a black and white photojournalism college level class but have not been in a darkroom in years since the advent of the digital darkroom.

9: Plans for the future?

I want to continue pushing myself to grow as a photographer. In a lot of ways I feel that digital cameras and the digital darkroom have opened a new frontier in photography and a number of us on flickr and elsewhere are on a journey of exploration in that frontier. It's getting to the point where it's literally quite exciting to log on flickr and see what the amazing artists here have come up with next. Also I am focusing on trying to get my work out there more via both for profit and not for profit channels. And I of course have a long list of equipment and workshops I would love to spoil myself with, but in the end I think just getting out and taking the best images I can manage is the most important goal.

10: In one word, describe your photography.

Passionate

*Elle*

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: *Elle*


-- from *Elle* - (?)
Myanmar 2007


-- from *Elle* - (?)
Deadvlei - Namib desert 1999

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
Since I’ve been 13.
I started travelling some years later, taking photographs has been a way to recall at home the emotions got around the world.

2: Equipment you use?
My equipment: I started with a Rolleiflex, than I passed to Nikon –cameras, the 1.st has been the FE2. My 1st digital-camera was the Sony DSC-F828, wich I bought 2004, I bought it very doubtfully. Since February I use the Nikon D200 whit
Nikon Lens Series E 28mm 1:2.8,
Nikon Lens Series E 50mm 1:1,
AF Nikkor 35-70 1:3.3-4.5,
AF Micro Nikkor 60mm 1:2.8,
AF Nikkor ED 80-200mm 1:2.8 D,
AF-S Nikkor 18-70mm 1:3.5-4.5 G ED
AF Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 G

3: Mac or PC?

4: What inspires you?
I’m fascinated and inspired by the light in all its appearances, and all that’s creating emotions. It could be the glance of a child or the petals, the landscape of a desert or architecture, the light in the sky through the clouds. I love details.

5: Preferred subject matter?
All the situations when light sculptors, touches or strokes a surfaces, persons, things, the landscape, the clouds. Only recently I also use the wide-angle lens which I did not like earlier. I preferred the tele-photo lens.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
I would like to “freeze” drops at the very moment they touch the water-surface. I did not manage till now, but to be sincere I did not try seriously.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
For technical issues I ask someone (also in Flickr) or I search in books or magazines. What concerns my photos I send to Flickr, those I like. Sometimes I’m surprised for pictures I consider success I expected; on the other hand pictures I judge average are appreciated more than meant. Someone gives very good advices, I appreciate them very much. I am convinced Flickr has also this mission: help to see with more eyes and from different angles of view.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
I did not attend courses and I read little about photographie. I ever followed my feeling, my istinct, my heart. I see for improvement (I feel the need of it) I must learn a lot and I’m moving. To say it with Henri Cartier Bresson, I will be able to use head & heart. Since I’ve joined Flickr (February 2006) I got to know Photoshop and I’m learning to use it with the support of books.

9: Plans for the future?
I will learn to use better Photoshop to improve my creativity. I feel I can express it also in the treatment of the pictures, but I will underline that the basis must be a good shot. Treatment I compare to a womans make-up wich must emphasizen her natural beauty and should not alter her or make her ugly.

10: In one word, describe your photography
For me taking photos is catch, keep and donate EMOTIONS. Without this “ingredient” every picture is flat, this adiction is basic. With photography I can give a shape to my emotions and one of my biggest pleasures is to share them.

Rod Monkey

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Rod Monkey



-- from Rod Monkey - (?)
Look Sharp
My most popular image with over 700 faves - he's a street performer taken at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. There are quite a few shots of this guy (Chris Green) on Flickr. He's very photogenic obviously, so it would have been difficult to take a bad shot of him, but I think I have the definitive image, for two reasons - the composition and the sepia conversion, which very surprisingly I don't think anybody else tried. As soon as I saw him on the street I knew exactly what the final image would look like. This was voted TWTME Photo Of the Year which was a huge compliment - thanks to all who voted for it and faved it.


-- from Rod Monkey - (?)
Luksfera Radiator
Very different to Look Sharp in that the subject matter on the face of it is so unlikely - if somebody had told me that a pic of an old radiator would end up with 300 faves I would have just laughed. I love the fact that such a 'boring' subject has done so well, and that it showcases the whole creative process - conceiving the image in my head, composing and taking the shot, and the post-processing which really adds something special.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

For about 30 years now (so I started aged 4...ahem :) Like many, my interest has been totally re-invigorated by the digital revolution. I know the purists will sneer, but there's no way I could go back to a darkroom now - I love the immediacy and endless possibilities that today's technology allows.

2: Equipment you use?

Canon EOS 5D with Canon EF IS USM 24-105 and 70-300 zoom lenses - a fabulous camera and two very versatile lenses. I also recently bought an Elinchrom D-Lite2 home studio kit which I'm having loads of fun with, never really having done any portrait work before.

3: Mac or PC?

Currently a PC, but have been seduced by a sleek, shiny, sexy 24 inch iMac which I hope to be drooling over on my desk within a few weeks.

4: What inspires you?

The vast range of hugely talented photographers on Flickr - the amazing shots they take and the wonderful feedback & encouragement they give you. Aaw shucks...group hug!

5: Preferred subject matter?

My stream has a fair range of subjects - landscapes, studio portraits, street shots etc, but my favourite subject would have to be architecture. I love buildings with strong lines, bold colours, repeating patterns and dramatic perspectives.

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

No particular subject matter, although a studio session with Scarlett Johansson wouldn't be too shabby :) I still haven't taken a photo that I'm completely happy with, so I guess what I really want is to finally get something that ticks all the boxes, if that's possible.


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

I've made a number of great contacts through Flickr and I often ask for opinions on cropping, processing etc. Two long-standing Flickr buddies whose work and opinions I really respect are Ohsoabnormal (Caroline) and Bukutgirl (Liz). I also introduced one of my best friends to Flickr and he's now very active (Kenny Maths), although his stuff is rubbish and I wouldn't listen to anything he says :)

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

Self-taught in Photoshop (I would highly recommend Scott Kelby's excellent PS books for very readable, practical advice). I also went on a photo holiday to the American South West with Nigel Turner, a pro landscape photographer, which was excellent. He really made me think about what I was trying to achieve with the image I was taking, and also totally changed my attitude to quality. I post very infrequently and would much rather have a small stream of (hopefully) quality images than one with loads of filler.


9: Plans for the future?

Travel more, photograph more, age less.


10: In one word, describe your photography

Improving.

Fotonstudio

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Fotonstudio

This is life......

-- from fotonstudio - (?)
My favorite subject matter is portraiture, and this image, for me, resumes what a good portrait must have... a real/natural expression, feelings, a life behind or/and ahead and a look from and to the subject's soul.

ManojoTextured, SpecialEdition.

-- from fotonstudio - (?)
This a special edition for The World Trough My Eyes, I just wanted to thank all the admins for chosing me as the featured photographer of the week. This image was originally taken for the cover of a book of the University of Huelva. It mainly represents what I want to express with my Photographs ..... Respect, Diversity, Originality and specially Freedom of Expression. It was my first success here in flickr and one of my favorite images ever, that's why I chose it to be here. Thank You Very Much.

P.S maybe you want to see the original image, here's the link...
www.flickr.com/photos/fotonstudio/307787745/

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

Since I was 6 years old. I got my first camera as a present and it was then when I discovered that what I wanted to do in my life was learning how to use that magic box. That means many, many, many years ago ;-)

2: Equipment you use?

My beautiful and powerful Mamiya 645, my old but still great Canon New F1, my wonderful Canon Eos1, my Konica/Minolta Dynax 5D and my little jewel, my Canon PowerShot A640, always with me.

3: Mac or PC?

I love Macs but I have to use both. Mac for graphics, images and creative activities, Pc's for internet and communications... but have a good antivirus!!

4: What inspires you?

The light, the moment, a face, a smile, a look, a backlight, a movement, a beach ...... all that and many more things.....

5: Preferred subject matter?

People, faces, backlights, beach shots... and actors.

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

An Earth view from the Moon.... but it may take a long time to do that, so I'd rather say that would love to photograph the yanomami indians in Amazonas or the Noubas in Sudan... if they're still alive :_____)

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

In some special friends, but usually I don't ask, it's my work and if I'm wrong it's just my fault, I assume that.


8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

I studied Fashion Photography and Portraiture, Cinematography, Photoshop, DreamWeaver, Macromedia Flash, etc... I love computers!


9: Plans for the future?

Actually I'm bulding my new web site with my works, hope it will be online very soon... and to keep on learning, everyday, here in flickr and everywhere.


10: In one word, describe your photography.

It's a word that many of my friends, contacts, visitors and customers use, ..... Colourful.

Mykl Mabalay

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Mykl Mabalay


-- from mykl mabalay - (?)
This was taken during the 'Cenakulo' in Cainta, Philippines. During the Lenten Season, devotees reenact the Passion of Christ and remember his ultimate sacrifice. Religion plays an important role in the Filipino culture and it is not uncommon to see this practice in different provinces.


-- from mykl mabalay - (?)
I have to say that this is one of my most intense images. The kid's stare, the leaves, the drop of water, all work together to grab the viewers' attention. I shot this image together with some close friends in Pagsanjan, Laguna, Philippines.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
The photography bug bit me last February 2006 only. I wanted to learn how to shoot portraits a few months before my son, Lorenzo, was born.

2: Equipment you use?
I use either a Canon Powershot S3 IS or a Canon 350D with a 24-70mm L lens for most of my photos.

3: Mac or PC?
I currently use a PC for post-processing my photos but I'm willing to try out a Mac one of these days.

4: What inspires you?
My family, friends, and the beautiful people of the Philippines.

5: Preferred subject matter?
People and emotions

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
It's my dream to shoot the different tribal groups in the Philippines, from Luzon to Mindanao.


7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
My wife is my biggest supporter and she is also my worst critic.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
I enrolled in a number of photography workshops when I was just starting out in photography. It was important for me to learn the fundamentals properly. However, the most important skills that led to my growth in this hobby were things that I learned from friends who share the same interest.

9: Plans for the future?
To continue to learn and enjoy photography as a hobby

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Emotive

ThePres6

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: thepres6


-- from thepres6 - (?)
When my imaging journey started so many years ago, in my wildest dreams I would have never thought I would capture something like this. From my backyard with my 15 year old Jack Russell we get to witness some of the creators magic every once in a while and sometimes I even catch a few with the camera!


-- from thepres6 - (?)
From a personal view the experience of this day I had shooting in Savannah, Georgia was truly an out of body one! It was so hot, so beautiful with powerful surges of torrential downpours in the middle of such a beautiful city – I feel this image conveys the sum of that feeling very well.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I picked up photography again in Nov 2006 after 26 years of only taking some family snapshots and digital photography has been a true revelation to me. I caught the imaging passion at the age of 13, taught myself how to process B&W, built my first enlarger and lovingly spent the next 8 years homemade darkrooms. After a couple of years working with hand processed 4x5 inch B&W films, shooting nature with an antique press camera, I put it down for several decades.

2: Equipment you use?
For support: A broken $18 tripod.

For challenge: My faithful Nikon Coolpix 7600

For inspiration: The magical Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50!!!! I did not have nay equipment when I upgraded. I wanted - 10MB, a flexible LCD and the best quality/range on fixed lens available. This machine does it all – the 35-420MM Leica super zoom is not of this world and the optical stabilization even allows you to shoot 420MM handhelds -;0)

3: Mac or PC?
PC. I would like to try a MAC sometime but I am consumed by PC’s even at work.


4: What inspires you?
Beautiful images! You have no idea what inspiration I get from the online photo communities I frequent; it has become such an amazing experience. This has truly been the catalyst for my growth as an amateur photographer.


5: Preferred subject matter?
Reflected southern clouds with a hint of blazing sun on still waters surrounded by nature are not only nirvana, but a large part of my rural world as I live in the rural south surrounded by hundreds of miles of muddy rivers and marshes. These moments are even more magical to shoot than to view!

In reality anything around me works fine!
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
The mighty Osprey!!!!!!!!

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
My Flickr visitors are my confidants add to that usually being too confused, busy and backed up with images to work to get to doubt much of anything -;0)

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
Trial and error.

9: Plans for the future?
Shoot 200 cloud filled sunrises in 2008.

Join the local Art Association and get some of this stuff printed and hanging in the galleries throughout the SE coast. We do have some great stuff floating around the area – I do have an invite to meet the local group this week -;0)

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Visions

KristinHayes

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: KristinHayes


-- from KristinHayes - (?)
This little guy is the son of a good friend (my maid of honor). I just love taking newborn photos. They are so new and tiny and scrunchy. This was the first official shoot I did with my 5D and it was a joy. This shoot really represented an advancement in my photography - my equipment, my skill set and most importantly my eye.



I went to see an exhibit of Chihuly glass at the Franklin Park Conservatory last November with JohnnyPearl and his mother, mommePearl. It was an amazing experience, both meeting these two for the first time, and being able to photograph all the wonderful glass and flowers. I came out with so many photos that one contact said it was "an embarrassment of riches." I've been working on my raw processing through ACR lately and revisited that old folder. I found a bunch of photos that I never processed and I decided to see what 9 more months of experience would lend to the photos, and I was very happy with the results. I just love the colors, the lines and that amazing light!

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
My father is a retired wedding photographer so photography has always been part of my life in one way or another. Those annual school pictures weren't going to cut it so I think we would have photo shoots ever 6 months, so I had plenty of experience in front of the camera. But I remember the first time Dad let me take his Pentax SLR somewhere. It was for a 6th grade field trip to Mystic Aquarium (Connecticut) and I loved it. Over the next several years the camera became more mine than his. :-) I got my first DSLR in the fall of 2002 and loved it, and really put it to work when my son was born in 2004. And of course, when I found Flickr, and the people on it, I took it to another level.

2: Equipment you use?
Canon 5D, 24-70mm f/2.8L, 50mm f/1.8

3: Mac or PC?
I'm a PC girl. I'm a programmer by day and my husband is also a computer geek, which comes in very handy. We have more computers in our house than we have people. :-)

4: What inspires you?
Well, my son is my biggest inspiration, but every day I come across things inspire me. When it comes to portraits I love to capture emotions. Capturing a pretty picture of someone is nice, but capturing an emotion (pretty or not) is so much more powerful. The desire to capture a peek into someone's heart and mind inspire me. I'm also inspired by finding beauty in everyday things and in unexpected places.

5: Preferred subject matter?
A lot of people know me for my portraits, and I love to take newborn portraits. But I really love to shoot everything. I love flowers and oftentimes will shoot them for their beauty or for a study (including my latest project creating abstracts). But when taking pictures of beautiful things, it's less of a challenge to find the beauty in them. Finding the beauty in things that don't have obvious beauty is a greater, and more satisfying challenge to me. I love turning something rusty and crusty or a dirty old building into a beautiful piece of art.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
I had a friend describe to me how he feels when he surfs. When he finished telling me, I said, "I want to capture that." I don't want to just take pictures of someone surfing. I want to capture those feelings and emotions he conveyed to me. It's been almost a year and I still get excited thinking about possibly capturing that. I hope that one day I will get the chance.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
I have some wonderful Flickr friends (ohsleepless1 and JWas) who I can always count on, but the person who I depend on the most is my friend John (JohnnyPearl). Other people in my life have been supportive and helped make me feel like a photographer. He was the first person who really made me feel like an artist.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
Last year I took a refresher course on my DSLR, when I was still shooting with my Canon Rebel (300D). Other than that (and a photography course in high school MANY years ago) I haven't taken any classes. It's trial & error, as well as some great information/advice from some great Flickr contacts.

9: Plans for the future?
I currently have a part time portrait photography business. I would love it if some day I could go full-time, specializing in black and white newborn sessions. I would also like to drum up some business selling prints of photos I take for pure enjoyment so maybe I could earn something to put in my 100mm macro lens fund. :-)

10: In one word, describe your photography.
emotional

Kentuckiana

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER:Kentuckiana


This shot was just a matter of being in the right place at the right time. I was on vacation with my sister last summer (Myrtle Beach). I woke her up one early morning, grabbed my Canon A70 and we walked to the beach and just stood there for about 2 hours and marveled at the beauty of sunrise. This image really speaks to me. It’s also my very first photo that was ranked No. 1 on Explore. So I’m pretty happy with how it turned out considering it was captured with a 3.2mp point and shoot camera with no editing done other than rotating the horizon level.


This has to be one of the photos that I’m quite proud of. That’s why I decided to use this as my buddy icon. I personally feel that I positioned myself perfectly right under the hot air balloon to get just the right angle. And I also love the color contrasts, red and blue always go together harmoniously.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

In some ways, all my life, simply because I've always been fascinated with images . My uncle was my first influence. I would go crazy looking at his photo albums, he took some really amazing photos that I found so stunning and I was quite envious. But I never really gave photography a serious thought until my sister and her husband gave me a 1.3mp digital camera. I can’t remember the brand, but it was a good stepping stone into what was ahead of me. When she purchased a Canon A70, I decided to do the same. Read the reviews and found that it was one of the best selling point and shoot cameras at the time. It occurred to me that I wanted to do more than just document my family and friends, places we went on vacation, stuff like that. So I began to learn all I could about photography. Then one bleak December day (2004) I stumbled across Flickr, found the competitive nature of the site very much to my liking and got hooked immediately.

2: Equipment you use?

My earlier photos were shot using my Canon A70. Now my equipment includes an Olympus FE-230 given to me by my husband for our wedding anniversary and recently I have acquired my very first DSLR, a Canon Rebel XT, thanks to a Godsent angel who has answered my prayer. I’ve just started using Photoshop CS3 a few months ago, it was excruciating in the beginning, to get the right effect was tough but I’m starting to understand the steps and different ways of editing photos better.

3: Mac or PC?

Being employed at some major Computer corporations in the past, Mac was never an option. I have to show my loyalty to them, so PC would be my choice. An HP laptop to be specific.

4: What inspires you?

Definitely God’s perfect creation. Nature is perfect unaltered. I enjoy communicating what I experience and see. And nature allows me to do that; the ability to express myself. Flickr is a great place to learn as well. I get my inspiration and motivation mostly from the work of my fellow Flickr friends. They have an abundance of talent and creativity and I am regularly impressed by them. Some of their images remain etched in my mind. They are unforgettable.

5: Preferred subject matter?

I try not to be limited to a single subject. I want to be loose. How I capture an image is an opportunity for self-expression, it’s my creative outlet, and it’s a challenge & a way of life. So I take photos of anything that catches my attention including people, nature, landscape and still life. I focus more on portrait shots lately, capturing emotions provoking thought or feeling. But if I have to choose, it would be flowers and rural scene. Flower textures fascinate me. The simplicity of country life (barns, silos and farm animals) amazes me as well.

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

I have always wanted to visit the holy and sacred Mecca and capture its beauty. I would also love to visit at least one of the Seven Wonders of the World and make a photo journal of the trip.

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

I always confide in my husband to get a second opinion. He calls a spade a spade, and he would tell me what looks good and what doesn’t.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

I'm entirely self-taught, both photography and Photoshop. When it comes to photography, I capture what my heart tells me. As for Photoshop, I just learn the different techniques online with a bit of help from friends.

9: Plans for the future?

I've never felt so passionate about any other venture in my life. My long-term goal is to be a free-lance photojournalist. Or possibly be able to exhibit my work in the near future. In the meantime, I will continue to practice and keep shooting. Photography is something that takes a day to learn and a lifetime to master. And I have a long way to go, that’s for sure

10: In one word, describe your photography.

Aesthetic



Thank you so much Jill and the TWTME team for this wonderful opportunity

MatildeB

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: MatildeB


I love the light and composition on this one. The low point of view adds to the scene. It portraits spring. It's really a cheer up shot!


-- from Matilde B. - (?)
This is a shot of a very secluded but absolutely amazing beach, in Portugal! The light is very dramatic, there is feeling of empty space and loneliness conveyed by all elements. The reflections are really nice and the scale works really well, IMHO. :)

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I have studied photography, for the first time, at Vista College, Berkeley, 1992. I have been in and out photography ever since. I have been really involved in the field for the last 2 years.

2: Equipment you use?
Nikon. My cameras are Nikon cameras so are my lenses. By the way, I am looking for a sponsor. Nikon? :-)

3: Mac or PC?
I used to be a MAC user although I have downgraded to a PC a couple years ago! :-)) ... Since I bought a MAC book for my daughter, last month, I am really considering going back!

4: What inspires you?
Light, nature, sounds and loooots of time. Of course many reference works by famous landscape photographers and others, not so famous but, very creative, also! Many of them have streams around Flickr.

5: Preferred subject matter?
I don’t think that I have a preferred subject matter. People often seem to connect me with landscapes, and I do enjoy those, but I also love to work on creative compositions made of light, color and shape.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
It’s impossible to name one thing…everyday I find lots of things that have a particular beautiness that I am not able to capture or reproduce using my lenses and camera, it’s really frustrating. Photography is your capability and art to see but also your own interpretation of what you saw.

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

Everyday I have doubts about what I do. I talk with my close friends and relatives about that, all the time.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

I am a senior webdesigner and photoshop is the only work tool that's opened 24 hours a day on my desktop!! :-))

9: Plans for the future?
I would love to be able to live from my photography but I guess you have to be outstanding to do so. I still have a long way to go!!

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Something where I spend lots of love and energy and I try to convey those feelings through my images.

Thanks all from the sunniest city in Europe (LISBON! :))

Shacky

Featured Photographer: Shacky


This is the shot that started me back into photography
I was just in the right place at the right time


this shot Ive been trying to get for 6 months and many visits for I have to stand in the water and hold my camera just above the water and when the waves come in I have to lift it quick to stop it getting wet

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I started with a Pentax super A about 20 years a go but I had a lot go wrong with my life and stop for nearly 20 years
I then started again about 2 years ago

2: Equipment you use?
I've been using a Canon30D for about a year

3: Mac or PC?
PC

4: What inspires you?
Flickr inspires me

5: Preferred subject matter?
I like taking seascape most of all at sunrise or sunset

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

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
I always doubt my art but Flickr and friends help me so much with there comments

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

9: Plans for the future?
I would like to turn pro

10: In one word, describe your photography.
My Life

*Louise**

Featured Photographer: Louise


This first one is special I guess because it represents what I like best that is street photography. Also being originally from Canada and having lived in France for the last 10 years I don’t get to see snow very often so it is always a happy time when I see a few snowflakes. This photo was also published in a British magazine, so that was a big thrill.


I know a lot of people can’t stand cat photos but I love cats and never get tired of trying to capture their essence. Everything is beautiful in the cat.


1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I’ve always loved photography, the image. When I was a child I use to pour over National Geographic magazines hoping to visit all the wonderful places and thought the best way to do this was to become a photographer for NG. Needless to say that didn’t happen… I’d say I started to shoot regularly about 2 years ago.

2: Equipment you use?
I have a Lumix DMC FZ5 and a little Lumix DMC LX2 I always carry with me. I must say I’m not much of an equipment buff.

3: Mac or PC?
PC but I’d love to get a Mac

4: What inspires you?
I guess pretty much anything can inspire me. Beauty can inspire me as well as ugliness, whatever catches my eye. Hard question to answer.

5: Preferred subject matter?
I’d have to say street photography. I like to try many things but I always come back to street photography. To be able to capture an instant, a moment. Although I am quite shy and reserved I love to watch people and try to capture an instant of their lives.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
Well I guess that perfect street moment. I don’t know what it is yet but I’ll know when I see it. (And I better have my camera with me)

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
None of my friends are really into photography like me so I guess I turn to Flickr for inspiration. Or when I doubt or feel I’m in a rut I stop shooting for a week or two.


8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
Nothing really, pretty much self-thought with books, magazines, tutorials and such.


9: Plans for the future?
In September I plan to join our local photo club which will permit me to exchange with other photographers and help me get more into the technical aspect of photography… People say I have a good eye but I lack greatly when it comes to technique (I barely understand F stops)
I sort of go by feeling but I know my photography would be greatly improved if I had better knowledge of how my camera works. (pretty embarrassed to admit this)



10: In one word, describe your photography.
Therapy

Ms. Ryan (Flawed Emmy)

Featured Photographer: Flawed Emmy


My "Peter Pan" image is probably the most favorite of my images because it reminds me of my own childhood and how much fun it was as a kid to play with simple things like shadows. I took this photo during one of my semesters at school and I entered it into my first ever competition and won 2nd place. So this image will always have a special place in my heart.


This image is all about texture and fun during childhood when we are able to get down and dirty only to go to bed and start again the next day

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I started taking photos when I became a mom, but mostly they were horrible snapshots... you know the kind, they are out of focus, red eyes, and parts cut off in weird ways. In September 2005 I decided to go back to college. I had been accepted at two colleges, one for photography and the other for physics and I decided that while my kids were young yet I would go with the one that wouldn't fry my brain. After my first semester I was hooked! I found conceptual photography and I was reborn.

2: Equipment you use?
Up until January of this year I was using a used Canon D60, unfortunately it was stolen. But I know of this special couple in England here on Flickr and they sent me a Canon 350, because they felt that I shouldn't be without one. Black_Wolf and Cookie_Lady1 rowk!! They made me feel as if I was on the right path with my work, and also that there are true human guardian angels on this earth! I don't have anything fancy, I don't even own a softbox, or and extra photography equipment, all i use is the camera, my f/2.0 35 fixed lens, and Adobe Lightroom most days!

3: Mac or PC?
I am a 200% Mac girl!

4: What inspires you?
Emotions, my children, my past, my everyday life!

5: Preferred subject matter?
Of course my kids, but mostly just people in general. I am very curious and I try to see into people's lives with my camera.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
I think for me it is different because I don't base my photos on specific things, but rather emotions. I'd have to say I'd like to capture rage, and I haven't yet.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
I call my best friend, Jason Briscoe (ManBlu), who I went to school with, is an awesome street photographer, and he gives me unfailing support.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
I have attended 3 semesters towards my digital photography degree, and I have a manager who is helping me get work.


9: Plans for the future?
I hope to be putting out a book this year of my work, and who knows after that!


10: In one word, describe your photography.
Emotive

Johny Day

I do tributes to other artist that inspire me on Flickr once in a while , so many inspire me to try to do better all the time and I'm grateful to so many of you.


I love the magic of Photoshop mixed with a good pic , I never apologize for using the program , the only limits are your imagination and the time you can put into it . I am retired so time is on my side ;o)

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I always loved photography , I used to have a Canon A1 & AE1 in the 80's when i moved to the USA but marriage and kids put a stop to it ( too expensive ) , two summers ago in July I bought my 1st Sony

2: Equipment you use?

Sony DSC-F828 is so easy to carry that it is my don't leave home with out a camera 1st choice , it fits like a gun under your arm pit , don't even know it's there ( red neck observation ) ,it has a 18-200mm lens that is just great plus it does a type of photography that is just harder to do with a DSLR ,
now that I live in Montreal I carry my Sony α100 with a 18-70mm & 70-300mm lens in a little pack sack , a must in the city

3: Mac or PC?

All PC , 2GB RAM with two NEC 17" monitors , it will be four years old in September , i do need a 21" monitor

4: What inspires you?

My biggest inspiration ? we are going to get personal here , I lived in the USA for 25 years and as a French Canadian I have an accent when I talk English so naturally it draws attention to myself , so I became a performer , I dint want the Americans to think that Canadians where second class citizens in North America , I loved living in the US so much that I became more American that the Americans themselves .

I was a PBX Telephone technician for the State of New Work office buildings , a volunteer Firefighter and Fire instructor and an advance emergency medical tech. intermediate , in other words a passionated dedicated maniac until the night I broke my back on a false alarm , so I spent the next seven months going down hill until i got operated on and start receiving NY State workman comp for volunteer Firefighter ( which is not much ).
Nine months later I went to college and met Photoshop , instant love affair , I was living in a tiny studio apartment , my living room was my bedroom kind of thing to save enough to buy my 1st digital camera .

What inspire me the most is having the satisfaction of being productive again and proud of what I do ,


5: Preferred subject matter?

That is an easy question to answer , my Standard Poodle Holly Wood , a dog I rescued that is an Angel to me , she is the one rescuing me , she became my #1 model and with her I became a better photographer and photoshopper .But to be honest I am still searching and trying all kinds of subjects , I'm easily amused and have a vivid imagination so I always make the best of my environment
Artistic animal photography is what I like for right now I always had a connections with animals but people , specially women that look like Princesses / Angels with that very intelligent kind look in their eyes is my next step .
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.

Wings of a white swan or another big white bird , so I can use them in creative composition with women

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

In my contacts most of the time , after all we live the same things with our ups and downs artistically , talk the same language and I don't have to explain what a pixel is ;o)

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

Photoshop for the web 1& 2 at my local college and advance Photoshop for photographer at College Marsan de Montreal also at college Marsan i took photography option pro 1 & 2 ( models etc )

9: Plans for the future?

I compare learning photoshop to learning a musical instrument , everything you see on Flickr is practice , every day ( or just about ) i photoshop two to six hours , my dream is to be a successful digital artist , successful enough to have my son work with me

10: In one word, describe your photography.

I cant in one word , i cover to many subjects , Passion , is the 1st one that comes to mind but Emotions is right there to ...

Thank you very much , I consider it an honor to participate in this

Johny day ;o)

Ohsleepless1

I love how macro can take us further than he human eye can see clearly and allow us to delve deep into mother natures little world of glory....


When taking macro photographs of flora, I tend to get lost in them in a good way!

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I started to get really interested in photography since the age of 13, when my father bought me my first 35mm slr camera, a Canon AE1 Program. I slowed on the subject for some years as marriage and children took over.... But I recently rekindled my love with photography again after I was accidentally introduced to digital with my very first camera phone.... Since then, my love for photography has grown deeper and deeper and my bank balance has got smaller and smaller!


2: Equipment you use?
I currently use a canon rebel/350D.
canon 430EX flashgun
60mm Macro Lens
50mm F1.8 prime lens
75-300mm canon zoom lens
18-55mm kit lens
cokin P series flters

3: Mac or PC?
I have always been a PC girl.... Mac will just get the better of me.... this I know!!

4: What inspires you?
I find great inspiration in Flickr, but my main inspiration comes from everyday natural beauty that a lot of us can simply overlook.

5: Preferred subject matter?
My preferred subject matter is nature in macro form as you ill see from my images above.... But I am always trying to diversify and try new things.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
LOL.....A pan shot, yes i know... very random.....But I have tried to capture my youngest son riding his bike whilst the rest of the world zooms by him..... but alas, up to now it has not happened! I will continue to persevere... so maybe one day!

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
I have some wonderful friends that I have me through flickr who are always there to help when I need them...KristinHayes, Andreinafrica, Jwas, plus many many more but should I ever feel the need to confide in somebody about my work [and it does happen quite often!], I will always turn to whom I consider to be one of my closest friends, Johnnypearl, he is the very best for giving me the advice and encouragement i need to get back on track again.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
I'm purely self taught with most things i do, along with a little help from friends and family.

9: Plans for the future?
I have no formal plans for the future, but I hope to carry on enjoying life to the full with my five boys [hubby included!] recording and documenting along the way with my ever faithful 350D!

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Goodness...That's not easy!!! I guess it would have to be 'Exploration'.... Because that's just what photography is to me...one huge exploration of life... in picture form!

LynchburgVirginia

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
1 I have been involved as young as I can remember. Usually, I got to take pictures at special happenings like Christmas as young as five.

2: Equipment you use?
2. I use a Sony H 5 camera, previously I had the Sony H 1. These are both excellent cameras. Someday I hope to be able to afford a DSLR. But in the meantime, I am very happy with the Sony H 5.

3: Mac or PC?
3. I use a PC based machine. I have never used a Mac, I think I would be lost if I did.

4: What inspires you?
4. I am inspired by all the wonderful pictures I see on Flickr. I can say that Flickr is the learning ground that improves my photography.

5: Preferred subject matter?
5. I really enjoy taking landscape images. And one thing I concentrate on is the seeing light. The two pictures I choose for this interview are examples of the light I look for when I photograph.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
6. The thing about photography, is there is always something new and different that you have not captured. One thing I try to capture with each picture is a feeling. It is something unseen, but can be felt.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
7. When in doubt about art I confide in Nature. Nature captivates me, and once captive, if I manage to click the shutter there is no worries about art.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
8. I have no qualifications whatsoever. Just an open mind, a willingness to experiment, and to gain instruction from all the great photographers that I see on Flickr.

9: Plans for the future?
9. Someday I hope to have a DSLR. Perhaps the only way I will be able to afford one is to sell more of photographs. But even if all I had was a shoe box with a pinhole. I think I would still be happy.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
10. One word lol, that is difficult. Perhaps sometimes: Colorful.

Mr Bones

One of the first images I consciously planned in terms of set up, aperture and shutter speed. What a great feeling when I saw that it worked out like I had imagined. This is still my most popular photo on flickr.


And here's one from the other side of the spectrum. Not set up, not planned - a pure chance encounter when I happened to be at the right place at the right time with my camera ready. One of my personal favs.



1: How long have you been involved in photography?
About two years now. It's really hard to tell because I always liked to take pictures but never saw the need to go past the point and shoot level. The discovery of Flickr changed that and Digital made it easy.

2: Equipment you use?
I'm a Nikon guy. My main camera is a Nikon D50 but I also like to shoot with my manual film SLR (FM). Favorite lenses are the 50mm f/1.8 and the 17-35 f/2.8. I can't seem to get much use out of long tele lenses.
A few weeks ago I sort of inherited a Rolleiflex TLR from the 1930s. It belonged to my great-grandfather. I can't tell you how excited I was. I gave it a good cleaning, bought a roll of film and it was ready to go. Amazing! I only need to buy a light-meter and learn how to use it before I can get consistent results. Hopefully soon...

3: Mac or PC?
PC

4: What inspires you?
You guys

5: Preferred subject matter?
I always prefer the subject that is in front of my lens to the one that isn't.
.
6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
Star trails

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
I'm never in doubt about my art because I don't take it as such. I can tell you that this is a very liberating approach. I believe it also saves my mind.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
Self taught. Trial and error approach. I've probably looked at thousands and thousands of photos over the past two years. That helps a lot.


9: Plans for the future?
I want to be rich and famous. No skip the famous part. Just rich. Thank you! :-)


10: In one word, describe your photography.
Eclectic

Thanks to all the members of "The World Through my Eyes". Thanks for your feedback, your support and kind comments. I enjoy this group a lot!
Axel aka Mr.Bones

Norma Desmond

My son has Aspergers Syndrome and I originally came on flickr to post his photos and artwork as a way of building his self esteem. Then I discovered that I could use photos of him to illustrate how life is for us living with, and embracing autism. I have a couple of sets which show the positives and negatives of having Aspergers syndrome mainly to increase awareness of the realities and not the myths surrounding the autistic spectrum. This is from one of them. I also chose this one because it is one of my Polaroid shots from my holga toy camera, which is one of my favourite cameras.



This photo is one of a series called ‘Metropolis’. I chose this one because it illustrates how inspirational flickr is. I created the set for a group called Das Kabinett which is a great collection of atmospheric photos, manipulations, collages, montages that are influenced by the German Expressionist movement in film. It is just one example of how being in a flickr group can stretch your skills and make you produce more interesting work, as do the TWTME challenges and competitions.

And the questions...
1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I had a brownie camera when I was 9 years old. Film was an expensive luxury though so it was for holiday use only. My Uncle Stan gave me his old pentax slr when I was 18 and I upgraded to a Nikon to go travelling in the early 1980s. I had a long break from photography and got myself a digital camera to record my son growing up. Since discovering flickr I have re-discovered photography, and more importantly the beauty of film. I never travel without at least two cameras now.

2: Equipment you use?
This is a bit embarrassing now considering a year ago I just had an Olympus point and shoot. I now have a Canon 350d for digital stuff. I have several toy cameras – holgas, Diana clones and my lovely lomo lc-a. I have a fabulous vintage graflex twin lens reflex, a few Polaroid cameras, a duaflex for ttv (through the viewfinder) shots and have just splashed out on ebay for a hasselblad 500 c/m. I have only put two rolls of film through it so haven’t seen the results yet.

(Yes it does seem excessive when you have to write it all down!)

One of my most important bits of equipment is the computer, film scanners and photoshop.

3: Mac or PC?
PC with huge hard drive and several back up drives.

4: What inspires you?
Well my wonderful son is my biggest inspiration but I do get inspired by a variety of things – particularly words and music. My problem is that I get inspired by so many things that I often have several different projects going on at the same time.

5: Preferred subject matter?
I could never restrict myself to only one style or type of photography. If pushed I’d have to highlight people, trees, buildings and plants.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
Minimalist shots – I just don’t seem to be able to do it.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
My son who always says ‘It’s OK’. My partner Tim who is a trained artist and always says ‘It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks’. He’s right of course. Doesn’t help the doubts though which happen often as I’m a perfectionist (or as Tim says obsessive and compulsive!).

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
All self taught. I often find tutorials on the web if I need to learn something new. I’m trying to learn flash now for a new website – bit of a challenge.

9: Plans for the future?
I’m working on a new website to show my photos in a different way. I’m currently making some themed movies using my photos and music, which seems like a good way to show several photos quickly. I’ve got loads of projects planned and not enough time because of my day job. One plan is to try not to stay up till 2.00am every morning catching up with all my contacts on flickr.

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