PB:What insight and advice can you share with other photographers wishing to pursue a long-term photographic project?
TS:One thing I tell all the new photographers out there is……….” go shoot some pictures!!!!” The beauty of digital allows you to shoot millions of photos at a very little cost. Taking a lot of photos is how you will learn how to be a great image capturer and, also learn your camera. When I was shooting film, it was very expensive and I wasn’t wealthy then so, I had to shoot modestly and learn very
PB How important is it for a photographer to “connect” with his subjects to bring out their true self?
TS:For me as a photographer, “connecting” is extremely important. You have to have a mutually positive connection for things to work.
TS:You know, I get a lot of inquiries as to “how I work”. I don’t have a formula. I have what I call “ a bag of tricks” or my skill set that I’ve acquired over the years. You have to have the ability to walk in to any situation and be able to photograph the subject. When a client contacts me to book a session I go over what it is the client is looking for. Then I give them some clothing, hair, and make-up direction as well as what might be expected. The rest is all about the moment when it happens.
PB:Locations and weather conditions seem to be a crucial aspect to a successful picture. How do you handle these unpredictable factors?
TS:You gotta roll with it Charlie!!!
PB: Can you walk us through the actual process that you use to set up a portrait?
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quickly. I always say,” If I had one of these digital babies back then, oh man I’d have a 1000 page portfolio to show!!!”
PB)If you could travel in time, what year in the past or future would you travel to with your camera?
There is no time like the present because that is the time you live in:) I’m very happy right here and now.