Ben Heine

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Ben Heine!!



I took this photo near Hannut in Belgium. I also made the rough sketch. I wanted to oppose imagination and reality, drawing and photography. I only drew things that came to my mind, sort of an improvisation.


This is a photo I took during my trip in Kenya, Africa. I wanted to express the strong connection between family members (Father, Mother and Child...). When we all look in the same direction, everything seems possible...

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I started photography quite recently. I’m initially a painter and drawer
But photography is really my passion now. So much can be expressed with nice photos.


2: Equipment you use?

I used to take photos with a Nikon D70, a nice camera, but I’m now sponsored by Samsung Imaging, which sent me several new and powerful devices, cameras and lenses. Everywhere I go, I always have a camera with me. I take picture all the time, day and night, I’m still experimenting new techniques.


3: Mac or PC?

Mac, I had a PC before but Mac is really more appropriate for visual creators…


4: What inspires you?

Every single thing around me is an inspiration. I never lack of ideas and stimulation. I like challenges and always strive to find new ways to visually express feelings.


5: Preferred subject matter?

Landscapes and portraits


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

I’d like to try a shooting with ink in the water; there is so much texture and unexpected effects, like watercolors on paper…

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

Usually my father.


8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

I briefly studied Art (sculpture and painting) some time ago. I also have a degree in Journalism. I’m mainly a self taught artist and a pseudo journalist. I’ve attended several workshops as well.


9: Plans for the future?

I’m still developing “Digital Circlism” and “Pencil Vs Camera”. When I’ll be bored doing this, I might come back to fully traditional arts and make a huge series of abstract paintings on large canvas.
Many public events are planned in the coming weeks/months: I’ll be exhibiting several Pencil Vs Camera creations and digital circlist portraits this coming weekend at the Law Courts of Braives near Liege (Belgium). 2 other exhibitions are planned in popular places in Brussels. We also sent a few weeks ago a selection of my printed creations that will be shown in an art gallery in Miami, Florida.


10: In one word, describe your photography.

Indescribable

Bunny Spice

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Bunny Spice


I love my "Just a Girl and Her Bunny" series because I adore my bunnies. I love capturing the amazing bond I have with my rabbits.


I really love color and the beach. This is one of my favorites because I was shooting blindly, chasing this guy all around the beach, and I wound up with this amazing shot. Serendipity. I love it.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I started taking photos as a toddler. I have always had a camera and even at a young age I was serious about creating art while documenting a moment. I continued to invest in better cameras and push myself creatively over the years, and somewhere along the way I started making a little money at it. I like it like that.

2: Equipment you use?

I have a Canon EOS 30D and Canon FTb, but I have neglected my poor film camera of late. I have a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens that I use for shooting nature and sports. I want more lenses, but I make do with what I have. I prefer natural light, so I really don’t play with lights and umbrellas.

3: Mac or PC?

I go both ways.

4: What inspires you?

I love natural light. If the lighting is perfect, everything else falls into place for me. I love the unexpected, the moments when stars align and magic happens.

5: Preferred subject matter?

My adorable rabbits, of course. I love light and nature. I love my great state of Florida and its varied landscapes. Interesting architecture makes me happy, so does beautiful food. I reluctantly take posed photos of people other than myself; I prefer taking candid shots of others. I try to challenge myself often.

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

The elusive Yeti? I guess I would say the perfect bunny binky – which is a rabbit leap of joy. Timing is everything.

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

I have a wonderful boyfriend and a dear friend who are always supportive and encouraging. I never really doubt my art, though. I believe art is therapy; as long as I am taking photos, I am creating art and I am happy.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

I took one photo class in college years ago. We shot film and played in the darkroom. I learned a lot of useful technical stuff in that class, but I am mostly self-taught. Same goes for Photoshop. I just spend time playing around and figuring things out along the way. I have to continue to challenge myself in order to stay fresh.

9: Plans for the future?

I am starting a new librarian job that comes with a lot of traveling and interesting photo opportunities. I have some photo projects that I am working on, in addition to showing work at a few galleries. Thinking about MFA programs, too. Just dreaming big and working hard to make it happen.

10: In one word, describe your photography.

Serendipitous.

Moaan

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Moaan

Autumn is the best time of all. I love the momiji trees in my town.


This is my pet dog,welsh corgi "Pochiko".And she is my good model.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I begun to shoot for real since October,2003.

2: Equipment you use?
Cameras
Leica Leica Ⅲf
Leica M3
Leica M7
Leica MP
Leica M8
Leica M9
Lenses
Voigtlander Super Wide-Heliar 16mm f/4.5 Aspherical
Super Angulon 21mm f/3.4
MINOLTA G-ROKKOR 28mm f/3.5
Summaron 35mm f/2.8
Summicron 35mm f/2.0
Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2 Aspherical
Rollei Sonnar 40mm f/2.8 HFT
Elmar 50mm f/2.8
Summicron 50mm f/2.0
Summicron 50mm f/2.0 NF
Summilux 50mm f/1.4
Noctilux 50mm f/1.0
Canon 50mm f/0.95
Konica M-Hexanon 50mm f/1.2

3: Mac or PC?
I have a windows PC and a MacBook Pro.

4: What inspires you?
Light. I am always looking for light.

5: Preferred subject matter?
My pet dog and flowers,trees,people in daily life.

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


7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
My wife and my friend "megu" who keeps photo studio.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
I have no qualifications. Just a Leica maniac.I am taught myself about Photography and Photoshop.

9: Plans for the future?
I want to keep taking photographs until becoming sightless.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Bokeh

.Malcolm

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Malcolm


I visit this place often - sometimes there is complete silence, not even the sound of birds,
the atmosphere is surreal


This picture reminds of of summer - Where I live the weather has been miserable for the last 3-4 weeks - Summers are short in Scotland.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I became interested in photography about 3 years ago probably the end of 2007.
My work sometimes requires me to do on-site surveys and I used a pocket digital camera, once I saw what possibilities there were for creating pictures & art I was hooked.

2: Equipment you use?

Canon EOS 400d (which is due to be replaced)
Canon 50mm f1.8 II (excellent colour reproduction & sharpness)
Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 (standard kit lens)
Tamron 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 (a handy lens for long walks when you do not want to carry loads of equipment)
Tamron 70-300mm F4-5.6 (great for shooting birds & wildlife)
Sigma 70mm F2.8 Macro
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6
UV & Polarizing Filters
Various strength HQ diopters (close-up filters/lenses)
Various Cokin ND & grauated Filters
Manfrotto Tripod & a beanbag camera support!!

3: Mac or PC?

I have a laptop (windows) also a desktop PC. I back all my pictures up to external hard drives!
Top of my 'wish list' is a 27" iMac :-)

4: What inspires you?

I am inspired by the power & beauty of the nature that surrounds us!

5: Preferred subject matter?

Trees, lone trees, bare trees, forests, woodlands.
I have places and locations bookmarked in my mind which I return to depending on the light.

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

A bear in a river catching fish in it’s mouth!!

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

I always show my pictures first to my friends & family (especially my son) - they let me know honestly if the picture is no good.


8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

I am a qualified engineer and I design equipment used on sub-sea oil & gas wells.
For my work I use 3d graphics software every day, which probably helped me learn to use Photoshop.
I am self taught in terms of photography & Photoshop.
I have read countless books on photography and have learned all I could about composition & light, and with lots of practice I have learned to get the camera to do what I want it to.

I also learn from some fantastic photograhpers that I have became friends with on Flickr
I am still learning & I wish to continually improve.

9: Plans for the future?

I get lots of requests from people wanting me to take pictures like family portraits etc. and I have always refused.
This is probably down to laziness on my part - so this is the next area of photography that I plan to get to grips with.

I have just set up a New Website to show my images:
If you have a look - leave a comment - feedback is appreciated.
Hope you enjoy:

Malcolm Glennie ~ Art Photography

10: In one word, describe your photography.

Dreamy

Gumby*

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER:

I love this one for the comments from the DeleteMe group on Flickr. They are so delightfully snarky, they feel just like family...


And this, because there is something initially creepy about it, but its sense of calm has grown on me...

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I have had a camera since I was about 6, and can still remember the smell of the spent flash cubes.

2: Equipment you use?
I currently have a Nikon D700, and my most frequently used lenses are the 60mm 2.8, the 80-200mm 2.8, and the 24-70mm 2.8.
I have tried numerous times to use the SB600 flash I have, but the results are always horrible.

3: Mac or PC?
I use a Mac, but I used a PC until last year.
I am equally inept on both, which is saying something.

4: What inspires you?
I am inspired by Flickr, plain and simple. Many photographers here are better than the professionals, and there is always something fresh and uncommon here. It hardly takes any time at all to find a photographer that you have never seen, and a photostream that is a revelation. I have been hooked from the first day. Even better than this, I consider many of these people lifelong friends.

5: Preferred subject matter?
My preferred subject manner changes, but I am fascinated by the elk in the autumn in Banff National Park. I also seem to shoot a lot of flowers, but I have no idea why.
It could be the fault of my macro lens.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
I went to Death Valley this year and never caught on camera what I wanted, some elusive quality of light and land that would represent the place. I am terrible at landscapes.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
I think there is always a low-grade dissatisfaction with what I shoot, but when it becomes acute, I turn to Flickr, and although the comments are usually generous, I can tell by the quality of enthusiasm from my good contacts exactly what is wrong by the things left unsaid. That strangely convoluted honesty is wonderful....it inspires me to improve.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
I took a landscape course at night school last year and failed miserably, apparently by refusing to put a person/clump of flowers in the foreground to demonstrate scale. I have CS4, but rarely open it. I am no purist...I just have no idea how to use it.

9: Plans for the future?
I have no specific plans. I love the luxury of photography as a hobby, and am deeply grateful that there is no pressure to shoot anything in particular, in any specific manner.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
One?!

11. I just wanted to personally thank Jill (borealnz) for her energy and enthusiasm on Flickr, and her outstanding photography, which has always been an inspiration.
There are many people who seem to guide the tone and level of creativity here, and Jill has always been one of those individuals who show untiring leadership.
And her photography is amazing...

mj.foto

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: mjfoto
Flaming Drop

The photo above is perhaps the most challenging of all macro shots I've taken to date. Not that it's super technical, but because it was super windy when I composed it. I had to create a makeshift barrier made of foam boards to accomplish this shot.

Star Trails -- Chasing Perseid

This photo was taken at Lake Ann, near Mt. Shuksan and Mt. Baker in the Cascades. It took a lot of effort to be able to take this photo -- all the effort certainly gives this more meaning (to me).

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I bought my first point-and-shoot camera roughly 5 years ago and have slowly progressed since. I've always been interested in photography, but I haven't had much time to devote to it until very recently.


2: Equipment you use?

I have a few in my arsenal. For those of you who have checked my stream and looked through the EXIF info, you should already know. I have two Nikon DSLR bodies (D700 and D300s) and a few decent Nikkor lenses including a telephoto zoom (70-200mm f/2.8G VR), macro (105mm f/2.8G VR), standard (50mm f/1.4G), and a standard zoom lens (24-85mm f/2.8-4). Looking to get a wide angle zoom lens and a film camera in the very near future.

3: Mac or PC?

Mac and PC (Windows and Linux/Unix). I run Linux for my file server/RAID array. I first tried OSX on a PC hardware and learned the ins-and-outs of the OS and its file system before I bought my first Mac. I also run Windows and a few Windows centric application.

There is no point on being a (Mac) fan boy! Every OS has its strengths and weaknesses.


4: What inspires you?

There are plenty of things that inspire me and I can't possibly write all of them, but I can list a few:

Life
Colors
People
Family and Friends
Art
Science
Flickr -- I take a lot of inspiration from other people's work. They certainly help me grow.


5: Preferred subject matter?

Anything under the sun. I love to travel and photography came along handy. I prefer to take photos that are technically challenging. For example: bees in flight, tiny droplets, landscape with dynamic lighting. Shooting photos that are technically hard engages me and helps me focus. I also like to shoot candid moments.


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

The Northern Lights, a bullet in flight (I've already caught spent shells in flight), and a bald eagle swooping in to catch a salmon. I've plenty of ideas and just haven't executed them yet.


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

I check with my kid brother who is also into photography.


8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

I don't have any technical training related to photography -- I'm self taught. Books and online articles have helped me a lot. Flickr has been an instrumental tool. EXIF info -- I love checking EXIF info -- on photos I've looked through has given me a good guideline for shooting different scenarios.

9: Plans for the future?

I plan to do more hikes to take landscape photos. I also plan to delve into high-speed photography and studio-type portraits including lighting.

10: In one word, describe your photography.

Dynamic.

Eric Vondy

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Eric Vondy

This is my son Seth wandering around San Pedro Riparian Preserve in Southern Arizona. This was shot with my Lensbaby. This is one of my favorite photos. It appears there's a story here but the story is up to the interpretation of the viewer.


This is my older son Griffin. The real photo is him standing in front of a pond looking at some ducks. I blurred him and placed a texture layer on top and added sunset colors. Once again, there appears to be more going on than what is revealed in the photo. One again, its up to the viewer to interpret.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
Since 2003. I grew up in Arizona but had been away for some years. When I moved back I saw the state in a new way. It didn’t seem like I would be here for very long & I wanted to document it. After while, when it was clear I was going to be here for while I moved to a more artistic approach – I have Flickr to thank for that.

2: Equipment you use?
I have a Nikon D70s and a brand new D90. I’ve got a 55-200mm Nikor lens, a battered 19-35mm Quantaray, a 500mm ProOptic mirror lens, Nikor 50mm and a Lensbaby.

I also have an iPhone 4 which I’m starting to use. I’ve started a series of iPhone portraits using a photo effects app called Lo-Mob that emulates stuff like old slide film and TTV.

I use Photoshop, Photomatix, and Tiffen DFX, as well.

3: Mac or PC?
I was a PC user for years but 2 years ago I moved to Mac. I have not regretted it.


4: What inspires you?
Being in new places. Flickr. The work of other photographers and artists. History. I try to find inspiration everywhere. In January I started a project to document Phoenix – mentally it was to be similar to W. Eugene Smith’s Pittsburgh project but it devolved into me taking photos on my commute to and from work. I took a couple of thousand photos and only a couple of hundred were worth downloading. Of those only a handful were any good. What it taught me was that even though I was shooting on the same route I had taken for the past 5 years there was a lot that I didn’t see until I started looking for it.

5: Preferred subject matter?
Landscapes. The world. Cities. Collapsing buildings. I’m not fond of forests though. I was born in the desert. I understand it. Trees baffle me. You have 1 in a landscape and it makes for an awesome shot. You have a thousand and the shot goes all pear shaped for lack of a subject.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
There’s a lot: Europe, real cities. I’d like to move into more story telling photography; cinematic shots. I’m a big film noir fan. I’d love to do some noirish images.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
No one really. Usually I just need to go shoot something and then I’ll start feeling better.


8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
98% of what I’ve learned has been through experimenting. The rest is either through tips friends have given me or stuff I’ve found on-line.


9: Plans for the future?
Galleries? More on-line sales?


10: In one word, describe your photography.
Dreamish

Swiv

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Swiv


I trained as an Ancient Historian, and the forum Romanum has got to be one of my favourite places on the planet - I could sit there for hours and just be. This was taken when I was at a conference in Rome, and I had an hour free, so I fled down there with my camera (fortunately it was National Heritage week in Rome and everything was free). I was lucky enough to catch it just as storm clouds came rolling in across the sunny spring afternoon, and this was the result. One of my nerdier friends described it as "The Roman sky that Philip saw at Pydna."


This is a photo I'm particularly proud of because I feel like it managed to capture the atmosphere I was going for. I thought quite a bit about the kind of photographs I wanted to take when I visited Auschwitz, because I really didn't want to just take a bunch of snapshots. I wanted to capture something of the bleakness of the place - and with this one (taken from the guard tower above the entrance arch to Birkenau), the scale.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I got my first camera when I was seven, inheriting my mother’s old one for a family holiday to South Africa (it took 110 film... those were the days! ) I’ve been taking photos ever since. I had a few classes as a teenager, but it only really started being a proper hobby about eight years ago - and then I discovered flickr and it got serious.

2: Equipment you use?
Primarily a Canon 400D, with acollection of lenses – a 10-20mm, 17-70mm, 70-300mm, and 50mm 1.4f – that covers all the major bases, and a few filters – my ND-grad is one of my best friends. I also have a compact Canon Ixy , plus a Lomo Diana F+ and a Vivitar Ultra Wide for fun.

3: Mac or PC?
PC. I keep thinking I’d like to try a Mac, but I don’t have that kind of money – and if I did I’d probably spend it on a plane ticket first! But I'm quite happy with my PC.

4: What inspires you?
The beauty of the world around me – I grew up in Cornwall, near the sea, and if I’m stuck in a rut all I have to do is go to the beach to watch the sunset and then I’m ready to go again.

5: Preferred subject matter?
Travel sights generally – so landscape, architecture, people all feature. My favourite has to be beaches, though.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
The Galapagos Islands. One day I’ll get there.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
I’m more likely to try and work out what’s wrong, what I don’t like and how to improve it – so I’ll browse flickr looking at shots I like and try and work out why I like them and how I could use some of those things. Occasionally I’ll ask a friend of mine who’s a portrait photographer for some advice – if I’m feeling strong enough for his honesty!

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
I had a little bit of Photoshop teaching when I was doing a writing course, but that was mostly learning to edit photos for publication, rather than post-processing editing. I’ve taught myself to use Lightroom and Photoshop for that.

9: Plans for the future?
More travel! I’m currently in the limbo that is job-hunting, though, so I want to start taking more photos around Cornwall and trying a little experimentation to get some new perspectives on things I’ve been seeing (and shooting) for years.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Hmmm, possibly ‘gadabout’.

Eric Lafforgue

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Eric Lafforgue


Those warriors are Hulis from Mout Hagen. I was not pro when i took this picture 4 years ago, but this serie allowed me to become pro, thanks to the exposition i had with Flickr.



This woman is called Kim I Sim. I met her on my first trip in North Korea 3 years ago as she is working in the “Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum” in Pyongyang. She speaks a perfect french, my language. It's one of my fav picture cos in NK, you are not supposed to take picture of the people and not supposed to be a photographer!

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
i have started 4 years ago now. Before i was in the mobile industry, something totally different, and i changed my life by going into photography.

2: Equipment you use?
I do not like to make promotion for the cameras i use, as i'm not happy at all with them, as i have many problems and it costs me lot of money, but as the exiff is on flickr: Hasselblad H3D39 and Canon eos1 ds mark3


3: Mac or PC?
Mac, ipad, iphone !

4: What inspires you?
the beauty of the people first and the so different cultures i can meet in my trips.
I'm also keen on the tribal life all around the world. They disapear so quickly... During my last trip in south Ethiopia, in Surma tribe, i could see them starting to use mobile phone!

5: Preferred subject matter?
portraits, potraits, portraits! So much to show in the eyes of a human being!

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
i like to take picture with a 1,2 aperture, so when people move, it's just impossible to get a good focus, but when you get it, there's something magic in the mood of the picture, so there are so many thing i want to capture that i've missed!
I think the picture of Kim Jong Il leaving North Korea like Caucescu would be a good subject!

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
everytime i come bacl from travelling, i have doubt about what i've done. Flickr is the best tool and help to be confident, as people, friends and contacts are so helpful. Even if i have became pro, i keep on posting on Flickr as it's the best tool to keep a close relation with the audience.


8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
no, i have learned alone, without book, or master classes... I use mainly Lightroom, and photoshop very little.
Photogrpahy is so simple: you see, you press on the button, and if it is not your taste you do it again!


9: Plans for the future?
i want to go on travelling in the remote tribes of the planet, i hope to visit the Zoes in Brazil...
i try to go in some countries very closed to tourism, but hard to get the visas ..
I also want to make things on Ipad, for me it is a revolutionnary tool for photography, thanks to the size, the quality, and the interactivity.
I work on it.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
I hate speaking about me, and my photogrpahy! As i say, a good photogtpahy is at 99% because of the subject you shoot, so speaking about the 1 % left would be so pretentious!
I just can say that i hope my work reflects the world i have the chance to visit, and the positive side of every country and people, even in the worst!

Barbera*

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Barbera*

An example of my love for colour and clean lines. Taken in the ever inspiring city of Berlin.


A completely different shot... imagery, pictures with narrative value... the other side of me. From a trip to London with best friends.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
About three years.

2: Equipment you use?
I started with a Canon 400D and then upgraded to a Canon 50D. I own several lenses, but my baby is my 70-200. You won't find any filters, flashes or other gadgets in my bag. Pretty much all my photography is handheld as I find it way to cumbersome to set up and lug around my tripod.

3: Mac or PC?
Love my iMac and my MacBook Pro.

4: What inspires you?
I feel most inspired when I travel. Discovering without any kind of concrete plans works best for me. Often I get lost for hours playing with my photos in Lightroom or Photoshop.

5: Preferred subject matter?
Modern architecture, industrial stuff, shop windows, shadows, reflections.... anything where I can find lines, shapes, colours or imagery.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
Nothing specific comes to mind. I am hoping to continue to learn and grow by keeping an open mind.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
Only occasionally do I annoy my friend j with my agonizing over millimeters :)

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
No formal training in either photography or editing. I wish I had more technical knowledge and would love to take courses, but there is such a thing called laziness :)

9: Plans for the future?
Not really... I am a drifter.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
One word!... hm... maybe abstraction?

Buckaroo Kid

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Buckaroo Kid


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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


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


10: In one word, describe your photography.
Intuitive

Pdxsafariguy

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: pdxsafariguy


I don't think I can leave out this shot of baobab trees in our safari camp in Tarangire National Park. It was quite an adventure to shoot: a group effort that required running around in the brush with a flash, backlighting those massive old trees. Little did we know that lions would wander into the camp soon after.


I had a difficult time selecting an overall second favorite so I have selected one of several favorites from a recent trip to Japan, a blue hour shot of Japan's Himeji Castle. We visited Himeji Castle to discover that the grounds, normally closed at 4pm, would be open after dark for a special display of lit-up cherry blossoms. To wander about and photograph a real Japanese garden and castle during the cherry blossom season (a BIG deal in Japan), all while listening to a live concert of traditional Japanese music - that was hard to beat!

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I started playing with photography back in high school, but then college, work, and life got in the way. I started picking it up again about 4 years ago when I decided to get a D70. Within the past year I have gotten some work published and made a conscious effort to devote more time to my photography.

2: Equipment you use?

Nikon D300 and an assortment of lenses from 12mm to 400mm, my favorite being the 24-70mm f2.8. It is heavy but the sharpness is hard to beat! I've become a faithful user of my carbon fiber tripod in the past year and it goes pretty much everywhere I intend to do any serious shooting. And I have a collection of filters – a must for landscapes – that I am slowly learning to use properly.

3: Mac or PC?

An old old PC. I really need to get something better.

4: What inspires you?

Travel. The outdoors. Different places, different cultures, the diversity of the natural and man-made world we live in. Anywhere away from the daily pressures and "daily grind" where I can capture something I do not normally see. Seeing the amazing stuff folks post on flickr gives me lots of ideas.

5: Preferred subject matter?

Landscapes, travel, wildlife, anything taken during blue hour or after dark, sunrises and sunsets. I've been slowly appreciating how difficult some of this subject matter is to capture well - often most of the elements of the scene are completely out of your control - so there is an element of patience and luck. But, when you do get lucky and happen to be in the right place at the right time, it can't be beat!

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

There are so many! How can I name just one? A few that interest me: penguins in Antarctica, the Aurora Borealis or Aurora Australis, lightning during a thunderstorm...

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

Being a bit of a perfectionist, I am always seeking to improve and always in doubt about my art. Rarely, if ever, do I take a shot I am completely satisfied with. Maybe I am just my own harshest critic but I believe that photography is a continual learning process. Flickr has so many talented folks with amazing photostreams to draw inspiration from, and I love it when someone provides me with honest constructive feedback. Sometimes I feel like folks are afraid to do that because it might not be taken so well. Of course when something sells, that's a good feeling and erases a bit of doubt.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

Mostly self taught from experimentation, making lots of mistakes, and observing others. I've taken a few informal workshops and seminars, and have a few more on tap for this summer. In school, long ago, I took a few darkroom classes with a fully manual film SLR. I've been meaning to take a class on photoshop or photo processing but never seem to find the time.

9: Plans for the future?

Travel, travel, travel! I've still got two continents left to visit and am hoping to cross them off soon. Along the way, I hope to dedicate some serious time to capturing some amazing places with my camera. If I could make a living at it and quit my day job I would, but for now the 9-5 desk job will have to stay.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Evolving. Hopefully for the better!

Biancavanderwerf

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Biancavanderwerf




1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I hold my first (borrowed) camera in 2005. Before that time I made just like everybody snapshots on vacation. I always draw and painted but now I started a new medium for my ideas..

2: Equipment you use?
A Canon 5D with a Sigma 17-35mm, Canon 24-105mm, Sigma 12-24mm, Canon 50mm, Canon 15mm, Sigma 105mm, a lensbaby and a Holga camera and a Canon G9

3: Mac or PC?
Still PC, but I am saving for a Mac..... almost there :-)

4: What inspires you?
It can be anything: dreams, music, films, news and everyday life

5: Preferred subject matter?
My work can be devided in two streams. The more experimental, these ones I draw out before I make them, I think them through and I know what I want to shoot and create in Photoshop.
The second stream is what I come across on my travels, on trips or abandoned places and use them to make my own, this is more traditional photography :-)

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
There are many landscapes or cultures that I want to capture in different countries, like New-Zealand, Japan, Iceland, Bhutan and many more..... And maybe Bono of U2 if that's a possibility haha.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
Nobody. I am not so uncertain when it comes to my work. I make what I want to make. Off course I have some favourites, but I never post something I am unsure about, then I have to work on it harder..


8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
I went to Artschool in the 90's, I studied Architectural Design. Therefore I've learnt to watch and step out of the box perhaps. But with photography I am totally autodidact. I really really have to read some books now to enhance myself, but I don't like it :-)


9: Plans for the future?
To make better Art and to learn more about different ways of photography. And I want to combine different mediums together... But this is still a mystery, I have to figure it out!


10: In one word, describe your photography.
Surrealistic

Maloephoto

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Maloephoto


Taken at home and is of my oldest daughter. I have some smiley ones of the kids but love getting the more emotional shots that seem to have more to say, it’s always important to have a camera on hand for me.


This tree is like a fossil and must have some amazing stories to tell from growing to being washed up. The picture was taken on Auckland’s West Coast and is a real “soul” place for me. It’s a more raw and unpredictable coast than most and a place I easily connect with.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
Most of my life, my father is an amateur and my brother an accomplished Pro - no escape for me and really as a creative outlet photography was a simple choice. To be honest though, apart from a short stint years ago, I have probably have only fully concentrated on it for the past 2 years since I joined flickr.


2: Equipment you use?
Canon 5DmkII, 4 Lenses that cover 17mm to 200mm, Lee filters, rusty tripod and some good smelly seascape shoes that are always wet. I really like to immerse myself into my scenes and probably a bit to literally at times - fast legs are definitely a plus!
Really gear is secondary, my own creativity and knowledge is normally the limiting factor or the factor that helps me improve my images.

3: Mac or PC?
PC. I am swaying toward buying a Mac though but my bank says stop swaying and stay where you are.

4: What inspires you?
Lots…..
I have some great flickr contacts, some I which I have even shot with and they all certainly motivate and inspire me.
Having a go at anything at anytime, I find you are rewarded by effort and dedication.
Simply having fun, nature and my kids energy would be also count a lot.


5: Preferred subject matter?
Even though I take a lot of landscapes due to my passion for the outdoors my preference is colour abstract, minimalism and mixed emotion shots of the kids (and eventually other people). I still have so much to explore in those realms and I find these challenging. I really enjoy trying out all facets of photography though and I do get frustrated with my lack of ability in certain areas but that’s life. I don’t want me or my photostream to be a view of one form of photography so I like to try and mix it up at least a bit.


6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
A 22 kilogram blue cod, I love eating fish !
Seriously though, a moment that evokes pure positive emotion would be the one for me. Something that makes the viewer laugh out loud or feel very happy. I think often at a greater level we focus on the negative because that makes the news where the positive often struggles too and yet is equally if not more powerful,
Even a self portrait of me holding the National Lottery winning ticket, I am really looking forward to that…
Oops that’s 3 things!!!


7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
A glass of wine is good start but I find my family so valuable in this respect.
My kids - even at 5 and 6 they tell me what they think, I love their honesty.
My wife-she gives me a straight view of what she thinks is good or not, then I go ahead anyway :-) but generally she’s right, uuuurgh!, she’s always a source of good healthy debate.


8: Qualifications/training in anything? i.e.: Photoshop
I did a colour photography course in London back in the 90’s and graduated with a distinction. It was only a 3 month course after work but I spent about 30 hours a week doing it in middle of winter and most shots were long cold exposures at night or abstract. I didn’t really do much with it though after that apart from some basic stuff. Now I feel I have gone backwards, forwards and sideways!! All the rest is self taught, asking my family, or advice from flickr contacts- never be afraid to ask!


9: Plans for the future?
Keep taking pictures and continue to learn, make far more of the opportunities that come my way.


10: In one word, describe your photography.
Immersion

Tartalom

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Tartalom


This was taken in Trafalgar Square in London - a great place for street photography. I like the fact that the pigeon is the only face in this as well as the slightly sinister feel to it.


This is a more recent shot, taken with a vintage yashica. I like the softened light and tones you get with analogue photography. Also, I'm quite fond of the person in the picture, which helps.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
For about four years. I got a job with a local authority archive in London and part of my work was to photograph historic/endangered buildings. I discovered I really enjoyed taking pictures and have been at it ever since. I discovered Flickr round about the same time.

2: Equipment you use?
I have a Leica V-Lux 1 which I use for most things. As well as a couple of old film cameras - a Zorki 4 and a Yashica FX-3 which I am using more and more these days. I may invest in a tripod eventually.

3: Mac or PC?
Mac. My pix never look quite right on a PC.

4: What inspires you?
Other peoples’ pictures, on Flickr and elsewhere. My sister has been taking photographs for years and her work has always inspired me.

5: Preferred subject matter?
Humans, cats, dogs – anything with a pulse.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion - c-beams glittering in the dark near the Tanhauser Gate.

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

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
None whatsoever – it is all trial and error


9: Plans for the future?
To keep taking pictures and hopefully to get better at it.


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

Ana.gr

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Ana gr


This cold and long winter has been very special and inspiring. The trees were naked and enduring, and so beautiful.


While I find the lack of color fascinating to reveal textures and shapes, the world of color exuberance is so appealing! I was thinking in Almodóvar films when I took this theatrical selfportrait.

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
I started rather late, when I had enough money to buy a camera. I wish I had started earlier. Anyway my father was an enthusiast of photography. He had a lab at home, so I have sweet memories of photographs hanging from a rail.

2: Equipment you use?
My wonderful new Nikon D90 (still learning about it) + AF Nikkor 18-200 + Sigma50mm

3: Mac or PC?
PC

4: What inspires you?
Everything! From the moment I open my eye in the morning, inspiration is everywhere: colors, nature, my family, movement, atmospheres, shapes and textures, happiness, spring... And my Flickr friends: I spend lots of time enjoying my contacts’ galleries; they are fascinating.

5: Preferred subject matter?
Whatever inspires me, so very varied.
Lately I have been engaged in trees. I find them fascinating to convey a mood.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
Only one? There are so many things I still have issues with! But to name but one, feelings.

7: When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?
My husband is my hardest critic. Anyway, I’m always in doubt about what I do.


8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
Self taught, bad reader of instructions books, but always experimenting.So, no training or qualifications.

9: Plans for the future?
Learn tons of technical issues about my camera, and photography in general.


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

Aha42

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: aha42!!


Be a place where there is nothing interesting to shoot, stay there 5s, 15s, 15m or 30m and that is likely to change! Above photograph taken in Prague last year waiting for my friends finishing looking at space photos so we could go and get beers. I was bored, nothing here to shoot, then I took this. Even standing still we travel in time to a new place, having a camera with me makes me very aware of that...


And then there are pictures that you know will happen days in advance! Co-worker told me bring camera when inviting me to dinner at his house so I could photograph his son playing with his favorite new soap bubble generating toy. I knew I would get an interesting picture given the sun would shine. Sun shined and him and me played together and had fun, my toy was the camera his the bubble gun. Nothing to it but fun!

1: How long have you been involved in photography?
Around one and a half year now.

2: Equipment you use?
Lenses & body: Sigma 10-20 f/4-5.6, Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D AF,
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G AF-S VR, Nikon D60.

Software: Nikon Capture NX2, Color Efex Pro 3.0 and Gimp. Gimp mostly to apply perspective adjustment to some of my building shots.

3: Mac or PC?
PC.

4: What inspires you?
Flickr has been kind to me. Provides a huge stream of images for sure but also found new friends locally and far away here. The movie Sans Soleil. The world itself the way you notice it when bringing a camera.

5: Preferred subject matter?
People more and more but not like what I think about as modelling;
capturing emotions or placed in context. For example I love to photograph buldings but prefer if there is someone there with it.

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?
Ah, but I am an amateur, no pressure, just my expectation of continuing to have fun. Nothing to be in doubt about then.. Well, that is how I feel about it for now at least!

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop
None.

9: Plans for the future?
Sometime get a fisheye and explore that. Become more systematic about my post processing, thinking a way to do that may be to do a blog. Explore an environment or culture strange to me but with a camera. I hope there will be more people in my photographs. Expand inspiration beyond Flickr (but not replace!).

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Playful

UnregisteredMinds

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Unregisteredminds!!
I chose these two photographs as they represent me. One shows my love for street photography and the other brings out the sensitivity I have as an artist.




1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I got hooked on photography just in the last couple of years, right about the time I stumbled upon Flickr.
Photography as an art form came into my life as another way to channel my inner need for creative expression.

2: Equipment you use?

My hardware consists of a Canon 450D with Tamron 18-270mm lenses. My software varies depending on the final look I want to achieve.My favorite applications are Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter and Adobe Lightroom.

3: Mac or PC?

I have been a microsoft fan, but that is coming to an end. I'm jumping
ship! Mac here I come.

4: What inspires you?

Beauty of all forms, and creation.

5: Preferred subject matter?

Moments in Life.

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

Chaotic harmony. Creation itself is chaotic harmony.

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

Who ever crosses my path! I consider all opinions part of my creative process.

8: Qualifications/training in anything?

Since I have previously worked in broadcast design, my
qualifications/training varies from high end applications such as
Quantel, all the way down to your basic Windows paint app.

9: Plans for the future?

To continue to live life searching for inspiration.

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Creative

...Marta

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: ...Marta!!



alejka- There is one of my favorite places in Harrogate.
The image was built from various pictures, the main background
though (bent trees) was the main place where I
wanted to create the story with a wandering woman
with an umbrella and cat. I like the picture because
of its mood mostly, and because, Whenever I drive pass this alley,
I always have this image in my mind.

>
I like to go back to this portrait now and again,I see r e a l myself in it:)

1 & 2: How long have you been involved in photography? and what equipment do you use
I bought my camera nikon d60 year ago, this is the time I started
my adventure with photography

3: Mac or PC?
I use Pc, work with photoshop to create my images

4: What inspires you?
I love reading, walking in meadows and fields,- that's what inspires me in my everyday life.And also I find some people here on flickr whose art knock me out and give me power every time when I lack of vena.

5: Preferred subject matter?
Love to shoot landscapes (there's such a great variety of them here in N. Yorkshire), that moody english weather makes them absolutely exceptional! Also old and small atmospheric towns
"with soul".Love to create story-images based on them.

6: Name one thing you haven't caught with the camera that you REALLY want to capture.
.I'd love to spend some time in a tribe somwhere in Africa,take shots of their everyday life.

7 When in doubt about your art, who do you confide in?Everything I'm doing comes straight from my heart, If I feel like doing something I do it,if I have serious doubts about it-I just stop. It's the wayI am. Just listen to myself.

9: Plans for the future?
take some classes with a professional photographer, go back to making mosaics,find a second home somewhere warmer than England, and travel,travel....

10: In one word, describe your photography.
Story-telling (is that a one word?) ;)

Dogfaceboy

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Dogfaceboy!!

If you had asked me when I was pregnant what I wanted to have, I would have told you this: a confident, beautiful, intelligent, thoughtful, kick-ass guitar playing girl. I won the lottery.



I love birds. But I especially love crows. I collect crow things and even dress up as a crow for Halloween. One day, after back surgery, when I felt so immobile, I decided to depict myself as a crow who couldn’t fly because of damaged wings, and I knew that only I could fix them, just as only I could make myself fly again. I have run about ten miles this week. Amazing what you can do if you put your mind to work on your body

1: How long have you been involved in photography?

I got my first 35mm camera for a high-school photography class. I bought it from my cousin for $50—a Pentax Spotmatic, which is an amazing camera. I have not put the camera down since 10th grade, and I’m now forty-[inaudible mumbling].


2: Equipment you use?

I just replaced my Nikon D200 with a D90, and I’m in love with the 35mm 1.8 lens. (If I had a 1.4, I’d never be able to take a picture in the daytime! This D90 lets in lots of light; I’m not used to that!)

3: Mac or PC?

There’s not a chance in the world that I would ever own a PC. Macs are intuitive and a joy to use.


4: What inspires you?

Beauty. And I find beauty in everything, even if it’s a sad beauty or an ugly beauty—road kill, the dilapidation of poverty, an orange crane poking a hole in the skyline.

5: Preferred subject matter?

It’s cliché to love shooting my daughter, but she’s so gorgeous. I’m also intensely fascinated with bug and flower macros. Cliché, but that’s too bad! And I love costumes, especially masks. It's amazing how much you can tell from a body and the eyes when the face is covered.

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

I would like to capture that thunder and hugeness of when a thousand crows take off at the same time. It's never quite as grand as real life.

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

I have been through periods of guilt over loving what I do and feelings that I am a fraud. A happy, paying client erases all that. And when my husband, who is the toughest customer, loves what I'm doing, it helps. But I decided on January 1 to stop giving myself negative messages. If you tell yourself you suck often enough, you will start to believe it, and you will start to suck. So why not remind yourself every day that you're getting better by the minute? No more messages from the Suck Voice. I'm done with that.

8: Qualifications/training in anything? ie: Photoshop

I have a Master’s degree in graphic design, but I’m a writer before I am anything. I have an MFA from Goucher College, and Simon & Schuster published my first book last year—Let Me Eat Cake: A Celebration of Flour, Sugar, Butter, Eggs, Vanilla, Baking Powder, and a Pinch of Salt.

9: Plans for the future?

I’d like to write another book, probably about music or birds. I'd love to do a coffee-table book, too, and I have an idea I can't disclose. But I think my photography future sees me reading the manual of my D90 and learning how to use a Speedlite!

10: In one word, describe your photography.

lush