Interview With Photographer Marty Mendoza Of Arizona Thunder Photography

Enjoy another segment of my successful artist interview series with Marty Mendoza of Arizona Thunder Photography.

Q: When did you decide to become a photographer?
A: I started when I couldn’t find the right band photographer. I couldn’t explain to them what I saw. So I started shooting bands my self. It was a huge marketing philosophy for me.

Q: Do you like to talk about yourself or your pictures? If yes, about what aspects of photography? If no, why?
A: Yes, I do. I’m a suckers for photographs.

Q: How would you describe your attention span?
A: I’m a multi-tasker. I do get side tracked sometimes but eventually I get to it…what every it may be.

Q: What does photography mean to you?
A: Capturing the moment by never blinking.

Q: Can you recall the first photo you took that made you go WOW!?
A: Rock & Roll bands!

Q: Do you have any formal training regarding photography?
A: None what so ever.

Q: How technical is your photography?
A: The past few years I have incorporated many new technical ideas along with upgraded equipment. But at the same time, keeping it real and simple…..and fun!

Q: How do you feel about cropping?
A: I only crop if needed for marketing. But normally I know how to photograph correctly the first time.

Q: Where is your favorite place to live and work as a photographer in the World and why?
A: Well I love Paris, France, but I live in Tucson, Arizona, and originally from Los Angeles, California.

Q: Define the word “beauty”!
A: An image that you makes you do a double take. An image that makes you day dream. And image makes you feel good all over.

Q: What is your most favorite and least favorite word in photography or life? How do they make you feel?
A: I have no favorite word. Maybe “ice cream”.

Q: How does your personality change when you look through the camera?
A: I try to feel.

Q: How do you feel about missed shots which cannot be recreated?
A: It can be disappointing for that moment but then I get re-focused because there could another chance or better shot.

Q: Ever concerned about failure?
A: Naw, Never.

Q: Who are your influences?
A: Captain America, Charlie Chaplin, 3 Stooges.

Q: What is your favorite image, either your own or someone else’s or both? Describe its creation or meaning to you?
A: Geronimo and his men sitting on horses. It represents truth for me.

Q: Describe a day in your personal or professional life.
A: Each day is so different. Lots of time with the kids, work, band, photography, watching sports, etc.

Q: What are the biggest personal or professional challenges you face on a daily basis?
A: Not having enough time each day.

Q: What has been the single biggest obstacle against growing as a photographer in whole?
A: At one point, not having the right equipment. Now I own everything….just about.

Q: What are your favorite subjects to photograph?
A: I love music. Celebrities are fun, family portraits are also my favorites.

Q: Tell your funniest, scariest, most bizarre, most touching story from a photo shoot!
A: Boudoir photography! Enough said.

Q: Have you ever thought about or actually stopped doing photography? What were the circumstances?
A: never had a thought about stopping.

Q: Do you ever have photographer’s block and if yes how do you deal with it?
A: I have photographers time. I usually run out of it.

Q: What types of assignments are you attracted most?
A: Spur of the moment. Celebrity chasing and boudoir photography.

Q: Describe what black and white photography means to you?
A: It means there’s no color.

Q: Do you think of yourself as an artist and what do you think of the word artist?
A: I am an artist. Artist go against the grain of life. I am a musician, a producer, a photographer, and actor.

Q: How do you describe your photographic style?
A: Oh…Is there a style?

Q: What has been the most surprising or most predictable reaction to your photographs?
A: “hey, you’re pretty damm good.”

Q: Tell a little secret about yourself that no-one knows …
A: Shhh……I have no secrets. Everyone knows about already.

Q: Who or what would you love to shoot that you haven’t already?
A: I’m just on my toes all the time. I’m the one that brings his camera everywhere including to the bathroom.

Q: What would you have done differently during your photography career so far and could this be an advice to others?
A: Nothing different. I’m still having fun. Number one rule. Stop having fun then it becomes work. Yuck!

Q: What are your thoughts on the paparazzi and their effects on photographers and photography?
A: My brother is a professional paparazzi. So I keep my comments to myself.

Q: How do you feel about digital manipulation and to what extent do you utilize it?
A: I am “screaming in digital”.

Q: What other thoughts would you like to share?
A: I have no more thoughts. I am tired from editing photos. Good night.

You can visit Marty’s SmugMug photo album and MySpace profile here.

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