Questions you'd ask a photographer you admire?

[andrewr]

If you could interview a photographer you admire, what questions would you ask? I'm going to be starting an interview series on CanPhoto soon, and I'd love to know what kind of questions you'd like answers to. If there are any Canadian photographers that you'd like to see interviewed, please let me know as well. I can't make any promises, but it can't hurt to ask... right?

You can post replies here or on our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/CanPhoto.Net...56559257709527

[henryp]

I had the opportunity to attend a workshop lead by noted portraitist Yousef Karsh at ICP once. During the Q&A I asked, "People like me look to people like you for artistic inspiration. Who do you look to for the same?" His reply was a bit indistinct but in general he said he didn't since he wanted his vision to be his own and not influenced by others.

I think his work's remarkable but I disagreed then and disagree now. I look at W. Eugene Smith or Sebastião Salgado among a batch of others for inspiration all the time. Maybe when I was a 'newbie' my style had a lot of Smith in it but that's part of how any artist (or craftsman) evolves IMO.

I wouldn't be the photographer I am today if I'd never seen Smith's 'Tomoko in Her Bath,' or his Schweitzer portrait.

YMMV.

[Peter Wm. Richardson]

Hi Andrew:
I'd have to agree with Henry about seeking inspiration from the works of one's peers, though with one note of caution, that being not to put same on a pedestal and assume that one could not equal their endeavours. There are many photographers to whom I owe a debt of gratitude for their inspiring works, but I think for all of them, I would have the same question. " If you could have any successful career, in the world, would you still want to be a photographer and why?" I have often felt, that some people choose photography,but that for a few,there is no choice and from that few, greatness may emerge.
Cheers,
Peter
Peter Wm. Richardson
Photojournalist
peterw@journalist.com

[andrewr]

That's a great question Peter. Thanks for the suggestion.

[andrewr]

I got side tracked for awhile, but I'm hoping to move forward with a regular series of CanPhoto Profiles.

I'd appreciate any feedback, but I kind of like the idea of asking the each photographer the same 10 questions. It would certainly make things a bit easier for me, but I also think it would be interesting to see how different people respond to the same questions. It also doesn't mean we won't do more personalized, long-form interviews from time to time either.

So here's the 10 questions I'm thinking of going with. Any thoughts? Is 10 too many for a busy photographer? Would you change any?

1. When did you know you wanted to be a photographer, and what inspired you to pick up a camera?

2. How long have you been shooting professionally?

3. Did you go to school for photography or have you had any other formal photography training?

4. Did you assist other photographers before going out on your own? If so, can you tell us who you worked for, how long you assisted, and how you found the experience?

5. What forms of marketing do you use (direct mail, email, social media, traditional portfolio reviews, word of mouth, etc).

6. Other than your craft, is there a key ingredient to your success as a photographer?

7. If you could have a successful career in any other field, would you still want to be a photographer and why?

8. Who or what inspires you creatively?

9. Of all the shoots you've done, does one stand out as a favourite?

10. Have you got any hints or tips to share with aspiring photographers?

Thanks,

Andrew

[andrewr]

No feedback on the questions? That's cool.

How about this... Can anyone suggest a Canadian photographer who you would like to see interviewed?

I want to start running these profiles on a monthly, if not weekly basis, and want to make sure we feature working photographers from all regions of Canada.

So if you know someone whose work should be showcased, or if you want to volunteer yourself, please let me know. You can post here or reply offline via Personal Message.

[Peter Wm. Richardson]

Andrew:
How about Ed Burtynsky ? I know he is well known, but his back story is not.
Cheers,
Peter
Peter Wm. Richardson
Photojournalist
peterw@journalist.com

[andrewr]

I just posted our first Q&A featuring ten questions with Whitehorse photographer Cathie Archbould. Check it out!

http://www.canphoto.net/canphoto-pro...hie-archbould/

Thanks for the suggestion Peter. Ed Burtynsky would be great!

[andrewr]

Cathie's profile has received 62 "Likes" so far! I think that may be a new record for this site, and I'm so glad people enjoyed the interview and her great photos!

[Stephen_Caissie]

I have another suggestion for someone to interview (and I've got a head shot all ready to go if you want it): Peter Bregg. I had the chance to work alongside him during the 2011 edition of Help Portrait in Toronto (hence the head shot). I'd be interested to know his thoughts on the changes he's seen in the industry.