Photographer Interview With Larz Schwartz Of Chandler Arizona
Q: Define the word “beauty”!
A: Beauty is something that is inside of each one of us, it is also in objects, you just have to look for it. That is what I do!
Q: Do you like to talk about yourself or your pictures? If yes, about what aspects of photography? If no, why?
A: I love to discuss my photos.
Q: How would you describe your attention span?
A: I am sorry, what did you say? LOL.
Q: When did you decide to become a photographer?
A: I am not sure. I have been into photography since I was about 10.
Q: What does photography mean to you?
A: Photography is capturing the moment, a moment that will never be repeated.
Q: Can you recall the first photo you took that made you go WOW!?
A: No, there have been many throughout the years.
Q: Do you have any formal training regarding photography?
A: Yes, some.
Q: How technical is your photography?
A: Not very. I do not think you need to be technical to be good, though some does help.
Q: How do you feel about cropping?
A: I like to crop, though I try to do most of it in camera.
Q: Where is your favorite place to live and work as a photographer in the World and why?
A: Wherever I have a camera, that is my favorite place to be. I can find beauty anywhere.
Q: What is your most favorite and least favorite word in photography or life? How do they make you feel?
A: My favorite is when a client says I love it! Least favorite is I am not photogenic. To me that is crap! If they are not photogenic then they have not found the right photographer. I have not had anyone leave after a photoshoot saying that to me.
Q: How does your personality change when you look through the camera?
A: I love what I do and am very passionate about it, I think that comes out when I have a camera.
Q: How do you feel about missed shots which cannot be recreated?
A: It is disappointing, but there is nothing you can do once the moment is gone.
Q: Ever concerned about failure?
A: Sure, who isn’t, but you can’t let it run your life. Things happen, mistakes happen, that is part of what makes us all human.
Q: Who are your influences?
A: Gosh, there are many. I don’t really follow people by names, I do like their work though. Some of them have been famous and others are just regular working people that have created images that move me and inspire me.
Q: What is your favorite image, either your own or someone else’s or both? Describe its creation or meaning to you?
A: Wow, I do not think I have one image, though almost all of the ones I took of my first grandson have great meaning to me.
Q: Describe a day in your personal or professional life.
A: Most of my day is spent working. Weather I am editing, shooting, meeting clients, networking, or just reading and learning.
Q: What are the biggest personal or professional challenges you face on a daily basis?
A: The biggest challenge in today’s society is success. The economy is not in a good place right now and many businesses are struggling to stay open.
Q: What has been the single biggest obstacle against growing as a photographer in whole?
A: Blocks. What I mean is for a long time while I was doing photography as a side job, my regular jobs did not allow much creativity, they wanted it done a certain way and that was that, so my own creativity was squashed.
Once I got out of those endless jobs and went full time with my photography, I was able to open back up.
Q: What are your favorite subjects to photograph?
A: Anything! I love people and kids are awesome. Just to look into their eyes and see the innocence of their age is awesome! I also like to shoot sports.
Q: Tell your funniest, scariest, most bizarre, most touching story from a photo shoot!
A: I shoot a lot in the gay community and was shooting a drag queen show. When I showed one of the performers her photo after it had been edited, she called me on the phone crying saying nobody had captured her like that before. That is what makes it all worth it.
Q: Have you ever thought about or actually stopped doing photography? What were the circumstances?
A: As I was growing up I had an on again off again relationship with photography, but about 7 years ago I started a business part time and have been doing it since.
Q: Do you ever have photographer’s block and if yes how do you deal with it?
A: I think everyone does. I read a lot and look at other photographers work. I also take one camera and one lens and go out and shoot something. Being limited like that makes you think more.
Q: What types of assignments are you attracted most?
A: I really like any that I am able to have a camera in my hands. My tag line is “We Will Shoot Anything Legal” and I really mean that, I just like to create images.
Q: Describe what black and white photography means to you?
A: Black and white is different and not for everything. I do not do much in black and white, I love the way the colors pop in the style I shoot. It does have its place though and I use it in weddings and some portraits.
Q: Do you think of yourself as an artist and what do you think of the word artist?
A:Without a doubt I am an artist. There are many different types of photographers. Some are just GWC (guy with a camera) others are just trying to make a buck, yet others like myself truly love what we do and put so
much energy and passion into it that when you see the photos you can tell the difference.
Q: How do you describe your photographic style?
A: It depends on what I am shooting. Right now I am shooting a lot of sports, so with that and weddings it is more of a PJ style. I try not to do too many posed shots, I like the natural look so much better.
Q: What has been the most surprising or most predictable reaction to your photographs?
A: Many people smile when they see my photos, you can’t really help it. I capture people as they really are, when they let their guard down and actually let you into their space.
Q: Tell a little secret about yourself that no-one knows …
A:Hmmm. No. ;)
Q: Who or what would you love to shoot that you haven’t already?
A: I would like to shoot the Olympics. I think the excitement of the long days, the tough assignments, the poor conditions would be exciting.
Q: What would you have done differently during your photography career so far and could this be an advice to others?
A: Take business courses. 90% of businesses fail not because of the photographic end, but the business end.
Q: What are your thoughts on the paparazzi and their effects on photographers and photography?
A: Everyone has a job to do, some do it more reckless then others. To me it doesn’t matter until it puts people in danger, like Princess Di. That was tragic and that was wrong of them. Yes it is important to get the shot and get the paycheck, but the people you are shooting are human also and they deserve some respect also. I try to put myself in others shoes.
Q: How do you feel about digital manipulation and to what extent do you utilize it?
A: Well manipulation and editing are two different things. It also depends on what you are shooting. If it is editorial then there should be none. If it is for a wedding, then some would be OK. Every photo needs some editing weather in camera or on the computer.
Q: What other thoughts would you like to share?
A:If you are looking for a photographer, find someone who’s photos you like then go and speak to them. If you click and are comfortable with that person, don’t look too much at price. How do you but a price on forever?
After the event is over, what do you have besides a stack of bills? Photos! Do you have the photos you hoped you would and will look at all the time or do you have photos from someone who was cheaper, but the photos will sit in the closet. What is your family worth to you?
Connect with Larz via his homepage: LNL Photo.
