Photographer Interview With Dean Farrell Of Phoenix, Arizona
March 27, 2009
The following artist interview is literally educational, it was sent in by photography teacher Dean Farrell of Phoenix, Arizona.
But the Q&A is anything but a dry classroom lecture, it is personal and funny: “What’s the difference between a photographer and a large pizza? A large pizza can feed a family of four.”
Q: Do you like to talk about yourself or your pictures? If yes, about what aspects of photography? If no, why?
A: Pictures – I actually teach photography and like sharing with others.
Q: How would you describe your attention span?
A: Did you ask something, very short …
Q: When did you decide to become a photographer?
A: It just sort of happened over time.
Q: What does photography mean to you?
A: It’s a creative outlet that I can actually do, unlike some others such as singing LOL.
Q: Can you recall the first photo you took that made you go WOW!?
A: Sure, it was a shot of a bear.
Q: Do you have any formal training regarding photography?
A: Yes – but also learned a lot through trial and error.
Q: How technical is your photography?
A: The technical stays in the background and has kind of become instinct now.
Q: How do you feel about cropping?
A: I believe cropping has its place. Especially since you can’t easily find cameras that are in the ratio you want for a given shot.
Q: Where is your favorite place to live and work as a photographer in the World and why?
A: It changes based upon my mood. Love Hawaii. Also Melbourne Aus. Hawaii for the wonderful nature. Melbourne – the people are just great.
Q: Define the word “beauty”!
A: Beauty is an emotional response. It’s like the judge said – “I can’t tell you what it is, but I know it when I see it.”
Q: What is your most favorite and least favorite word in photography or life? How do they make you feel?
A: Least favorite would be No. So often you get no without reason, the “we’ve never done it before, so no”. Favorite would be Thanks.
Q: How does your personality change when you look through the camera?
A: Yes, I become more people oriented.
Q: How do you feel about missed shots which cannot be recreated?
A: Only bother me for a minute, because the next great shot is waiting to be captured.
Q: Ever concerned about failure?
A: Not really, I do it because I love it.
Q: Who are your influences?
A: I am one of those who doesn’t track names. I can show you work that has inspired, but can’t remember who did it.
Q: What is your favorite image, either your own or someone else’s or both? Describe its creation or meaning to you?
A: My favorite image is constantly changing. Currently it is one I shot a few days ago of a wonderful model arching back while I shot into the light. I know it will be replaced when I hit that next magic shot.
Q: Describe a day in your personal or professional life.
A: Wake up just before dawn. Check email and to-do list. Plan out the day. Spend some time doing something fun. Work thru the days list and add items to the next day.
Q: What are the biggest personal or professional challenges you face on a daily basis?
A: Biggest challenge it seems to be lack of time. I always want to do more than time allows.
Q: What has been the single biggest obstacle against growing as a photographer in whole?
A: Ruts, it is so easy to get stuck in one. This is why I continue to take classes and work with other photographers to keep me looking at new things.
Q: What are your favorite subjects to photograph?
A: People, I just really enjoy working with people who want to be photographed.
Q: Tell your funniest, scariest, most bizarre, most touching story from a photo shoot!
A: I was shooting some lingerie in the desert. A very mature gentlemen and 2 ladies came to hike the trail in the opposite direction from where we were shooting. He stayed behind, got his camera and hid in the bushes sneaking pictures. I put a huge telephoto lens on my camera and pointed it right at him. He quickly left and caught up with his group.
Q: Have you ever thought about or actually stopped doing photography? What were the circumstances?
A: No. I’ve slowed downed before, but never stopped. Sometimes you just need to catch your creative breath.
Q: Do you ever have photographer’s block and if yes how do you deal with it?
A: Sometimes when I have a long run of the same type of shoot. So I just do something I know is wrong and it often leads me down a path of discovery.
Q: What types of assignments are you attracted most?
A: The ones that give me a chance to try something new and not be limited by someone else’s expectations.
Q: Describe what black and white photography means to you?
A: B&W to me is used to set a mood or feeling. The images are built on hi-lites and shadows, as opposed to color relationships. You have to think differently to get great B&W images.
Q: Do you think of yourself as an artist and what do you think of the word artist?
A: Of course, but sometimes I as also a technician. I like the word, but I don’t often use it.
Q: How do you describe your photographic style?
A: This is tough, as my style tends to vary depending on the subject matter. I’m all about shapes and lines, shadows vs. light, and expressions in the eyes.
Q: What has been the most surprising or most predictable reaction to your photographs?
A: Most predictable is “Wow, your amazing”, I get that a lot. Most surprising would be “That’s not real”, from people who don’t believe that you can create a look without Photoshop.
Q: Tell a little secret about yourself that no-one knows …
A: I’m not falling for this, it’s a secret.
Q: Who or what would you love to shoot that you haven’t already?
A: The earth from space.
Q: What would you have done differently during your photography career so far and could this be an advice to others?
A: Not listened to everyone’s opinions like they are the final word no matter how good they are. Just because someone doesn’t see what you see doesn’t mean you are wrong. Of course if everyone says the same thing, then maybe it might be worth considering.
Q: What are your thoughts on the paparazzi and their effects on photographers and photography?
A: Paparazzi are the same as the ambush news teams. I don’t want to be on the receiving side of either. Sure it’s photography by definition, but it is not the art of photography.
Q: How do you feel about digital manipulation and to what extent do you utilize it?
A: Digital manipulation is fine. Before digital, this work was done in the dark room all the time. I’ve read many books on the past masters, and great deal talks about how things were done in the darkroom. What I don’t like about it is when someone tries to pass of digital manipulation as a pure photograph. I retouch all the time, my clients expect it.
Q: What other thoughts would you like to share?
A: An old joke: What’s the difference between a photographer and a large pizza? A large pizza can feed a family of four.
Make sure to visit Dean’s photography homepage – MySpace page – Model Mayhem profile.
Participating in my photographer interview series is open to members and non-members of my FREE Fashion Industry Directory by way of this photographer self interview Q&A form.
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