The Art of Creative Photography.
By Ivan Gomez
At what age did you become interested in photography?
I think the first time I became interested in photography was when I was a kid and I saw my uncle using his manual film camera, I was fascinated with all the dials. But when I got into high school I had a fantastic art teacher named Mr Koscis who really helped and taught me how to use a darkroom and how to compose images.
Was there anything specific that you can remember that made you want to become a photographer?
About 13 years ago I opened up a music store and spent every day selling, repairing and talking guitars. What was once a passion of mine had become a job with a lot of stress. So I needed some kind of creative outlet and I remembered how much I liked photography when I was younger. And since I could justify the expense of buying a camera as being for work, I took the plunge.
It’s a business or a hobby?
There is a business side to my photography but I try to keep it mostly as a hobby. As soon as money gets involved hobbies suddenly turn into work and I am very conscious of not letting that happen again.
Do you remember your very first photoshoot?
My first photoshoot I cancelled because I was too worried of not knowing how to direct someone. But I finally photographed a friend of mine and found that it wasn’t as hard as I had thought it would be. It did take me years to develop my dialogue though, with each shoot I found what worked and what didn’t work
Who are your favorite photographers?
Currently I am enjoying the works of Allen Henson, David Benoliel and David LaChapelle for their work with models. But for nature photography I can’t get enough of Nick Brandt whose pictures in africa are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen
What kind of DSLR do you shoot with?
Currently I am rebuilding my kit since I was robbed during the summer while photographing a model. I bought a Canon 80D and I have a 50mm lens to go with it and that is it right now. But as I save up I plan on getting a Nikon D850, brands don’t matter to me, just what the camera is capable of and the comfort in use
how important is your equipment as a photographer?
There is something to be said for better gear that is made to take abuse and provides you with high quality images, and also knowing that if you have great gear you can only blame yourself for bad pictures, not the camera. But, with that said, I paid very little for my current camera and lens and have taken great pictures with it. One bit of advice for photographers is to invest in great lenses. Lenses are probably the most important part of the camera system and they always hold their value.
How much photoshop you use?
It depends on the image, some images require very little retouching and others need extensive work. It mostly depends on my mood and where I want to take the picture, but I will always go in and fix any flaws that disturb me.
How do you get inspired? What are some of the things you do to get inspired to shoot?
I do look at other photographers work just about every day and it always makes me want to pick up my camera. And while i’m at the shoot most often it is a models shared enthusiasm that will help to get the best out of me. Energy brought to the shoot will transfer to the camera
How do you market yourself to your clients?
Most of my clients come from word of mouth. I use Instagram to display my work and have a place where people can keep up with what I am doing. Facebook is no longer an option since they have made it all but impossible for small artists like me to create a following
Who do you love shooting most, men or women?
Women.
Do you still find photography challenging even after all this time?
Its even harder now because I expect more out of myself. I don’t want to get stuck in a rut where I am taking the same picture over and over again, I need change
Are you working on anything at the moment, either for a client or for personal?
Right now I’m mostly doing personal work. Currently i’m working on headshots and trying to get them to be a little moodier and emotional, and i’m also feeling the need the bring much more color into my work
Thanks for time my friend!
