inspiring next generation photographers · contents featured photographers 10 the journey starts...

I N S P I R I NG N EXT G ENERAT ION PHOTOGRAPHERS

I S S U E 1

“Movie StillS” SerieS: JeSSie” by Frederic Frognier

fashion

portrait

lifestyle

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Cover Photo: Laura Riva

theMagazinefor Modernphotographers

Welcome to AvAntPhoto

Photo by Frederic Frognier

AvantPhoto is an entirely new photo magazine. We focus on inspiring you, the next generation of photographers, the creative art ists of years to come. We search high and low to f ind talents from all corners of the world. We deliver their remarkable visions, breathtaking photos, and amazing stories straight to you. This is your chance to soak in the experiences and wisdom they share, and let i t become a part of you. Let i t enrich you as a photographer and take your skil ls to the next level .

Thank you for taking this f irst s tep and joining us on this journey. As we grow, we hope you’l l grow with us. As we inspire you, we hope one day you’l l inspire us. Your story’s wait ing to be told and we’re ready to tel l i t .

Ready? See you inside!

-AvantPhoto Team

4 5avantphoto magazine issue 1 avantphoto magazine issue 1

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co n t e n tsFeatured PhotograPhers10 The journey starts here

Featured gear66 The Sigma 50mm 1.4 DG HSM Art

Next uP68 Sneak preview of Issue 2

10 euNICe BeCKeunicebeckphoto.com@eunicebeckphoto

40 FrederIC FrogNIerk-pture.com@frdfro

16 Laura rIVafacebook.com/LaurenPhotos@maleinpolvere_

52 haNNah dutthannahduttphoto.weebly.com@hannahduttphoto

28 NataLIe aLLeNnatalieallen.co @natalieallenco

58 NathaNIeL gerdesThankyouniverse.com @nathanielgerdes


http://www.eunicebeckphoto.com

http://www.instagram.com/eunicebeckphoto

http://k-pture.com

http://www.instagram.com/frdfro

https://www.facebook.com/LaurenPhotos

https://www.instagram.com/maleinpolvere_/

http://hannahduttphoto.weebly.com/

https://www.instagram.com/hannahduttphoto/

http://www.natalieallen.co/

https://www.instagram.com/natalieallenco/

http://www.thankyouniverse.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nathanielgerdes/

how long have you been doing photography?I’ve always loved taking pictures, even back in my glory days of rocking braces and Jonas Brothers t-shirts, but I really started to get serious with it about three years ago.

What is your photography genre?Portraits. I absolutely live for shooting people (with a camera, of course). What is in your camera bag?I keep it pretty simple - I always have my Canon 6D with my 35mm/1.4 lens on me, and every now and then I’ll bring my 24-105mm/4.0 lens.

Favorite lens?Definitely the Canon 35mm/1.4L.

tell us a little bit about yourself as a photographer.I like taking pictures of people. Usually somewhere in nature, usually wearing an outfit not suited for such environments. I’m strict on only using natural light, and I often tell a lot of lame jokes to get some real laughs out of people (works 1 out of 3 times).

EUNICE BECk IS AN ARIzONA- BASED PHOTOGRAPHER IN HER TWENTIES. SHE SPECIALIzES IN PORTRAITS AND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY AND SOMETIMES SHOOTS LIfESTYLE AND TRAvEL PHOTOS. HER STYLE HAS A fILM LOOk TO IT AND SHE’S A MASTER AT CREATING vINTAGE TONES.

eun icebeck

eunicebeckphoto.com

What cliches in photography do you try to steer away from?I absolutely hate pictures that are too posed. During my shoots, I really try to get to know my clients and create a comfortable environment, so that I am able to capture more candid, natural moments. I want people to not only see a pretty picture, but gain a sense of feeling from seeing my photos as well.

“i absolutely live for shooting people.”


featured photographers eunice beck

http://www.eunicebeckphoto.com

What is the most challenging part of being a photographer for you?Getting intimidated by other photographers. Sometimes it can be disheartening when you look through other photographers’ websites/Instagrams, and it’s easy to get discouraged and want to give up when you see them getting amazing opportunities, shooting with bigger brands, or even the fact that they might have more followers than you. But you always have to remember that they’re not competition, we’re a community - a community of creatives who can inspire each other, build each other up, and offer tips and advice to help push and improve one another.

What new thing would you like to try with photography that you haven’t?One of the photography professors at my school (Arizona State, go devils!) has done this amazing thing where he prints his photos on leaves. How he figured that out, I have no idea - but I think it’s so unique and inspiring. I’m absolutely fascinated by the idea of mixing different mediums/materials to create one,

extraordinary piece of art. I really want to try and take my photos and combine it with different mediums such as paint, ink, or other mediums to incorporate all of the other styles of art I love to do into one piece.

any place you’d love to travel to take pictures?Iceland. No explanation needed.

do you have any funny photoshoot stories to share?Once during a senior shoot at the Salt River, we got photobombed by a friendly pet goat!

If you weren’t doing photography, what would you be doing?Honestly, I’d be opening up a taco shop in Italy. Aside from photography, I have a passion for all things tacos. I’m not kidding when I say I haven’t missed a Taco Tuesday in five months... I studied abroad in Italy this last summer, and absolutely fell in love. However, the country has a serious lack of tacos, and someone needs to do something about that - the Italian people have no idea what they’re missing out on!!! So if photography doesn’t work out, you’ll know where to find me. What’s your one advice for photographers who are trying to get their work out there?Take advantage of social media. We live in a world where we are able to connect with people all over the world in a matter of seconds - show off your work through an online portfolio, spread your name through Instagram, everything. You never know who might stumble across your name.


featured photographers

WHAT’S IN EUNICE’S CAMERA BAG

CANON 6D

CANON 35 MM f1.4 CANON 24-105 MM f4.0

eunice beck

http://amzn.to/1IfENLV

http://amzn.to/1JjlPPF

http://amzn.to/1JjlOer

based in italy, laura riva

describes herself as a

“day-time art student/

photographer,

night-time creative mind,

and Full-tiMe dreaMer.”

l au r ar i va

facebook.com/LaurenPhotos

“everything that surrounds me can become a source of inspiration...”



14 aVaNtPHOTO MAGAzINE ISSUE 1

Featured photographerS

15aVaNtPHOTO MAGAzINE ISSUE 1

https://www.facebook.com/LaurenPhotos


featured photographers laura riva

how long have you been doing photography?I’ve started to take photos for fun since I was a child, but I’ve started to take it more seriously four years ago.

What is your photography genre? I love portraiture, self portraiture and fashion photography.

What is in your camera bag? A Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera, 24-70mm lens, 50mm lens, 70-200mm lens, 16-35mm lens and my tripod.

Favorite lens? I guess the 50mm one.

tell us a little bit about yourself as a photographer. When I shoot I try to find a meeting point between myself and who’s in front of me; I try to do my best to create a good atmosphere. In every photograph I take there’s something about me that I couldn’t express in any other way, each picture it’s a challenge that I like to win.

What first drew you into starting photography? I grew up surrounded by cameras and my curiosity brought me to discover photography. I immediately fell in love with it… I remember myself as a child shooting Barbie in my garden!

“it happens that i feel so excited about what i’ve just shot and a while after i feel unsatisfied about it… it’s a constant struggle but without it i couldn’t improve.”



Who are you favorite photographers and how have they influenced you? This is an hard question… first of all I love Annie Leibovitz: she’s really inspiring to me as a photographer but also as a person (I’ve got a tattoo that quotes her documentary film’s title “Life through a lens”), the way in which she sees everything behind her lens is great! But also Tim Walker and Paolo Roversi’s pictures have always a great impact on me, I’m never tired of their photos, they look like fairytales… I spend a lot of time looking at other photographer’s work, there’s always something inspirational! how has social media played a role in your photography? I haven’t got a real website yet but social media helped me to share my pics worldwide and to meet people from all around the globe… it’s stunning how photography can unite people so far from each other! Where do you get your inspiration from? Everything that surrounds me can become a source of inspiration… no matter if places, situations, people, emotions or themes: if it gives something to me it could be a good point to start to create something.



WHAT’S IN LAURA’S CAMERA BAG

CANON EOS 5D MArk II

24-70MM lENS

16-35MM lENS

70-200MM lENS

50MM lENS

http://amzn.to/1IfFtRu

http://amzn.to/1JjmyQK

http://amzn.to/1IfFRj7

http://amzn.to/1IfFPYh

http://amzn.to/1JjmLmQ

What is the most challenging part about being a photographer for you? I’m constantly looking for something new, something better. What I do it’s never enough to me, it’s always like if inside myself I know that I can do more than this. It happens that I feel so excited about what I’ve just shot and a while after I feel unsatisfied about it… it’s a constant struggle but without it I couldn’t improve. What’s your advice for those starting out? Stay hungry… fill up yourself with passion, look for beauty in everything, because it’s there: you just have to learn to see it! any places you’d love to travel to to take pictures? I’d like to shoot in Iceland, in Oregon or into the desert… I’ve never been there but it’s on my list! do you have any funny photoshoot stories to share? I was on holiday in the Dolomites two years ago, so I decided to take some self portraits into the snow. I found this pretty river surrounded by a beautiful landscape and I started to shoot on a rock: it was so wet that I slipped down into the water… no need to say that when I came out I was freezing! Ahahah how has photography changed your life? Photography has taught me what it’s like to have a dream in which believe. I had limits that I wouldn’t never exceeded without my camera and things that I wouldn’t normally do if I was just by myself.



in her own words,

natalie allen is “a 20-year

old photographer,

yoga teacher, strayed

exhibitionist, coffee/tea

extraordinaire, film buff,

and world conqueror.”

residing in arizona, she

has a degree in global

studies & anthropology

from asu.

natal ieallen

natalieallen.co


featured photographers natalie allen

http://www.natalieallen.co/

how long have you been doing photography?Having always been equipped with a disposable camera at a young age, I’ve been inherited with the desire to constantly capture life’s sweetest moments. During my senior year of high school, I began to start building a client base that has since escalated into bigger and brighter opportunities for the past 3 years. What has always been a passionate hobby has now blossomed into a potential life career -- which is both exhilarating and exciting.

What is your photography genre? I shoot just about anything - from fashion, to portraits, lifestyle, and travel. But regardless of what I’m capturing, I always aim to tell a story for the audience to relate to.

What is in your camera bag? In my camera bag, I have my Canon 6D DSLR body, a 35mm f/1.4 lens, a 50mm f/1.8 lens, and a 35mm SLR film camera, recently gifted by my best friend. Oh, and sometimes a disposable camera.

Favorite lens? My 35mm lens, hands down! All the images you see over the internet, my Tumblr blog, Instagram, and portfolio are all used with my 35mm. I’m sure I’ll receive more lens(es) soon, I just have to find the money first!

What first drew you into starting photography? Being able to capture life’s sweetest moments.

What do you think makes a memorable photograph? Anything that helps tell a story, something the audience can relate to. Anyone can pick up a camera and take a “pretty picture”, but photography is so much more than that. That’s important to remember.

“i like to think of my work as an eloquent representation of my love for life and people.”

What do you want your viewers to feel or take away from your work? To fall in love with life by the simplest of means.

What are some tips and advice you would give to yourself if you were to start photography all over again?To only shoot what I love. It’s as simple as that.

Where do you get your inspiration from?I find inspiration in most everything: the fabric on a blanket, the way the light shines through the window at sunset, my favorite song, or the pages inside a 1970’s issue of a National Geographic Magazine. However, much of my inspiration comes from different artists, such as Ansel Adams or Wes Anderson, for they both create work with a central theme or color palette that might evoke a certain feeling or memory.

What is the most challenging part about being a photographer for you?To take time off from shooting to soak in a new set of perspectives and creative pursuit. Sometimes I shoot and shoot and shoot and never catch a break. But it’s always necessary to catch your breath and rejuvenate.

describe your photographic style?I like to think of my work as an eloquent representation of my love for life and people. I aim to capture raw moments, candid laughs, and stories to look back on.

how did you develop it?Sticking to only shooting what I love and making the most of what I have around me.

What’s a typical day like for you?Each day is different for me, which I love. It’s keep me on my toes. Generally, however, I get up at 6:00am every morning to walk outside with my pup, drink coffee, read a book, scroll through Tumblr, or write in my journal. During the day, I either go to school, do some shoots, eat a nice lunch, hangout with my friends, or sit at a coffee shop to unwind. At night, I like to



host a movie night, sit on my boyfriend’s porch to watch the sunset, go for a drive, or find a local ice cream shop.

What’s your advice for those starting out?1) Start by trial and error. 2) Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. 3) Never compare your work to others – they don’t see what you see. 4) Don’t expect people/companies to come to you at first, you’re gonna need to work your ass off. 5) If you don’t love what you’re shooting, then shoot something different. 6) Photography is a lot more than just your equipment and editing software. If you see someone with more expensive “stuff”, trust me, that doesn’t mean anything. Let your work reflect your intention and style, not your equipment. 7) HAvE fUN WITH IT.

What’s some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned while being a photographer?As said before, it’s important to only shoot what you love. It’s okay to say “no” to something you’re not interested in!

Is there something you always ask yourself or think before hitting that shutter button?“Is the lighting right?”, “Do I actually like this shot?”, and “Will I actually want to spend time editing this?”.

What new thing would you like to try with your photography that you haven’t?I’d really like to start doing my own projects and create a photo book from those projects. This is will happen, it will just have to be after school!



how do you educate yourself to improve and take better pictures?Everything I have ever known about photography is self-taught. Creating art comes from within our own inspiration, so the trick is to always be inspired.

Which one of your photos is your favorite?My favorite photo(s) of mine would have to be those that were captured on my travels. Me standing in front of Havasu falls will always be a personal favorite, as well as an image I’ve captured in Belize with the children sitting in the sea water awaiting the thunderstorm to pass on by.

how did you find your photography style?My photography style has organically nurtured itself over the years; constantly creating work that I love has been watering the formation of what my work generally looks like today. It simply takes time.

What’s the fastest way a photographer can improve his or her skills?Create, create, create, and never stop.

do you have any tips for working with models and emotions? how do you capture just the right expressions?The best thing I can ever say for working with models or clients is to make them feel comfortable! Get to know them a little bit before you start shooting! Allowing a person to adjust to you is key. I’ve made some really close friends with my clients and models because of this.

Can you take us through your creative workflow? how do you plan out your shoot?Much of my creative/travel/lifestyle shoots have stemmed from tapping into sources of

inspiration: books, music, films, the weather patterns, ripped tears of magazines, and even personal experiences. When I am inspired, an idea naturally comes into my head and my creative mind has no other choice but to implement it as fast as I can! Either I go on a mini trip with some friends, I contact a model of my choice, or I photograph the concept myself in my backyard.

“create,

create,

create,

and never stop.”What’s your one advice for photographers who are trying to get their work out there?To always kick your butt in working outside of your comfort zone, continuously sharing, and ONLY create work that speaks to you.

do you have any funny photoshoot stories to share?Not so much funny, but I do remember blacking out and passing out in a grass patch while shooting on a hot summer day in Arizona (110+ degrees). Moral of the story: always hydrate and NEvER shoot during summer here. Now, I drink 1-2 gallons of water a day.

how has photography changed your life?It has allowed me to see the world differently from my peers. I see beauty everywhere.

What characteristics or abilities do you think it takes to be a great photographer?A photographer needs a character full of humbleness, kindness, and love... and the ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. Anyone can take a “pretty” picture with the right lighting and composition, but it takes the photographer to offer a new form of imagination alongside each image.



WHAT’S IN NATALIE’S CAMERA BAG

CANON 6D

CANON 35MM f1.4 CANON 50MM f1.8

natalie allen

http://amzn.to/1Jjnncm

http://amzn.to/1T8qLwb

http://amzn.to/1T8qzwV

http://amzn.to/1IfENLV

“Lazy Afternoon” series: Sandrine

based in namur, belgium, frederic frognier

is the co-founder of K-pture with dorian,

his photographer-friend. he is a portrait,

events and wedding photographer.

his philosophy can be summed up in three

words: quality, Spontaneity, SiMplicity.

fredericfrogn i er

k-pture.com

“the subject, the camera and i. that’s the way i see photography today.”


http://k-pture.com

“APT. 8” series: Day 6, Jessie


Frederic Frognier

how long have you been doing photography?I’ve been a photographer for 7 years, but I’ve been doing photography since I was 12.

What is your photography genre?Portrait and wedding. What is in your camera bag?2x Nikon D750Sigma 35mm 1.4 ARTNikkor 50mm 1.4GNikkor 85mm 1.4G12x 16GB Sandisk Extreme Pro SD cardsONA prince street cognac leather bag Favorite lens?Nikkor 85mm 1.4G for his sharpness and bokeh. Amazing piece of glass. tell us a little bit about yourself as a photographer.I like simple things in life and in my work as well. I don’t see photography the same way as before - (involving) many people, a lot of lighting equipment, etc. I really like to be with my subject. Just the subject, the camera and I.

“Raw” series: Marie


featured photographers frederic frognier

“Raw” series: Benedicte

What first drew you into starting photography?ferraris in 1991. My father gave me his Canon A-E1 (I still have it) with a 50mm 1.8 and 3 rolls of film to shoot some of the ferraris in Spa francorchamps (Belgian track). That gave me the desire to shoot.

What do you think makes a memorable photograph?The moment. It’s often a matter of luck.

What do you want your viewers to feel or take away from your work?Simplicity.

What clichés in photography do you try to steer away from?The bigger the camera, the better the shot.

What are some difficulties you’ve encountered when you first started?finding good clients, but I’ve been lucky enough to find enough work to shoot pretty fast.

Where do you get your inspiration from?fincher and Scorsese movies, pictures from my photographer friends.

“i don’t direct the models a lot. i explain what’s on my mind and let the magic happen.”

43avantphoto magazine issue 1aVaNtPHOTO MAGAzINE ISSUE 142

frederic frognier

“Lazy Afternoon” series: Marine


Frederic Frognier

“Lazy Afternoon” series: Sandra

describe your photographic style?As I said before, I would say simple. The subject, the camera and I. That’s the way I see photography today.

how did you develop it?I started with the studio style (flashes, lots of make up, etc.). Then I got bored with it. I was spending more time waiting and getting the right setup instead of just taking pictures. So, I chose the opposite way.

What’s your advice for those starting out?Do not focus on gear.Look at the best and be inspired by the greatest.

Is there something you always ask yourself or think before hitting that shutter button?Is everything you want in the frame?

how do you educate yourself to improve and take better pictures?I tell myself that I want to be the best photographer. And I can improve when I’m out shooting. I’m a photographer, not a graphic designer.

do you have any tips for working with models and emotions? how do you capture just the right expressions?The thing is: I don’t direct the models a lot. I explain what’s on my mind and let the magic happens. I talk a lot with the model before the photoshoot.

What characteristics or abilities do you think it takes to be a great photographer?The eye, the eye, the eye.You also have to be a good listener.

how has photography changed your life?It’s helped me to look and see people and things differently.


frederic frognier

WHAT’S IN FREDERIC’S CAMERA BAG

NIkON D750

NIkkOr 50MM 1.4G

NIkkOr 85MM 1.4G

16GB SANDISk ExtrEME PrO SD CArDS

ONA PrINCE StrEEt COGNAC lEAthEr BAG

SIGMA 35MM 1.4 Art

http://amzn.to/1JjnBQE

http://amzn.to/1T8qWYl

http://amzn.to/1mtkIrL

http://amzn.to/1mtkKzU

http://amzn.to/1T8r2PJ

http://amzn.to/1T8qQA3

how long have you been doing photography?I’ve been interested in photography ever since I was a child, but I really got into it when I was around 13 years old. That was when I got my first real camera, a Canon Rebel T3. What is your photography genre? I would say my photography genre would be portraits, but I’m trying to get more into fashion photography. What is in your camera bag?My camera (Canon 60D), 50mm 1.8 lens, a 24-105mm lens, and a flash extension. Favorite lens?My 50mm is my absolute favorite for portraits. The focus is incredible and shows so much detail in a photo. tell us a little bit about yourself as a photographer.I have never been a fan of taking nature and landscape photos; I have always found people much more interesting. Every person shows something different through the camera and it’s so fun to find that something in each individual.

a 15-year old sophomore in

high school, hannah dutt

was originally from orange

county, california and is

now located near seattle,

washington. photography

is her passion in life, and

she hopes to pursue it as a

career in the future.

HAnnAHDuTT

hannahduttphoto.weebly.com

48 avantphoto magazine issue 1


http://hannahduttphoto.weebly.com/

What clichés in photography do you try to steer away from?In the Instagram/young photographer community, there’s big clichés like hair flipping, overly dramatic posing, etc., and I try to focus away from this and more towards the natural beauty in people rather than very posed shots. Don’t get me wrong though, I definitely pose a lot of my photos, especially when I’m hoping for a particular shot. how has social media played a role in your photography?About 4 years ago, I made an Instagram account for my photography. At one point, I had over 14,000 followers but unfortunately the account was mistakenly deleted. That kind of exposure really made me much more confident in my ability to succeed as a photographer and gave me the inspiration and encouragement to continue on. I am now starting over on my Instagram (@hannahduttphoto) and am glad to have such a great place to show my work. What’s your advice for those starting out?Don’t give up. You’re not going to pick up a camera and be an amazing photographer; nobody is at first. figure out what type of photography is right for you, stick with it, and one day you will get to where you want to be. Is there something you always ask yourself or think before hitting that shutter button?Has this been done before? I try to be original, but it’s very difficult to come up with new ideas when so many creative people have already done similar things to what I’m trying to do.

“you’re not going to pick up a camera and be an amazing photographer; nobody is at first.”


hannah dutt

WHAT’S IN HANNAH’S CAMERA BAG

CANON 60D

CANON 50MM f1.8 CANON 24-105 MM f4.0

http://amzn.to/1mtkPU6

http://amzn.to/1mtkTDr

http://amzn.to/1mtkSPM

any models you would love to shoot with but haven’t had a chance to?I’m always looking for new models and would love to work with anyone who is comfortable in front of the camera and knows what they’re doing. Every person provides something new to every photo, and I want to work with as many people as I can.

any places you’d love to travel to to take pictures?I desperately want to travel to Italy and france. The scenery is so beautiful and I hope I will be lucky enough to visit one day.

do you have any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?I have an upcoming photoshoot based around feminism coming up. feminism is such an important movement to me and I hope I can inspire my audience with these photos and show them how beneficial feminism is for the world. What characteristics or abilities do you think it takes to be a great photographer?The best photographers have an eye for interesting things, and can make something ordinary into something magnificent. It takes patience and hard work to become a successful photographer and I really hope I can get there one day.



nathaniel gerdes lives in petaluma, california and is the

co-founder of thankyouniverse.com, a website dedicated

to “empowering the greatness” within everyone. he is also

a music producer and his latest album is called gold.

nathan ielgerdes

instagram.com/NathanielGerdes

What is your photography genre?Portraits. I love people so much and learning to see them in new light and appreciate each persons uniqueness is a really great aspect of photography.

What is in your camera bag?I’ve got such weird and cliché stuff in my bag. flashlight is the most key item ever. I’ve been stuck in so many places without a flashlight, such as several caves on several occasions, and it really sucks. I’ve got a 50mm 1.8 in there too. As well as a crystal ball, smoke bombs, sparklers, lens cleaning tools, an extra memory card, and a few other goodies. So many cliché items all in one location, lol.

Favorite lens?Sigma 30mm 1.4. My 70D is a crop sensor so it’s the closest I can really get to a full frame 35mm. It’s a really great lens too. It’s wide enough to not be a portrait only lens and not so wide that its a landscape lens. I like to think of it as a story creating lens because it’s perfect for fitting a subject and a landscape.

What first drew you into starting photography?I started a company with some good friends of mine and we ended up doing a lot of traveling together. Each of them were really excellent photographers and I thought it would be silly of me to waste the opportunity of learning from these great minds. So I started borrowing my stepfather’s Canon T3i and started learning the craft. I now shoot with a Canon 70D.


https://www.instagram.com/nathanielgerdes/

“a memorable photograph is one with a level of legitimate emotion.”

What do you think makes a memorable photograph?The level of legitimate emotion. As humans we have empathy. We have the power to feel anything we come in contact with. You see a photo of a person crying real tears and you can feel it. You see a photo of a burnt down forest and you can feel it. Anything faked is typically obvious and only makes the viewer feel weird and awkward. So I believe a memorable photograph is one with a level of legitimate emotion. What do you want your viewers to feel or take away from your work?I want to tickle your imagination. I do my best to take photos that make you think. If you take the time to read my captions, it will become obvious. I just want to get people thinking. It’s too frequently we are given things that take that power away from us. What clichés in photography do you try to steer away from?Ha. I take some very cliché photos sometimes, so I’m not the best one to speak on this subject. But there is one cliche that I do my best to avoid and that is the typical photos of girls that are intended to be “sexy”. Yes the models should look good, but that shouldn’t be the main focus, in my own personal opinion and style of shooting.

What are some difficulties you’ve encountered when you first started?Convincing my stepfather to let me take his camera to ridiculous destinations.

What are some of your favorite books that have helped you craft your art in photography?Great question. I am actually an avid reader. The book “illusions” by Richard Bach is my all-time favorite. It’s not a book on photography. But it will certainly “tickle your imagination.” The book really opens your mind to the creator that is within each of us and the scenes in the book paint such a beautiful picture. how has social media played a role in your photography?I probably wouldn’t have nearly as many opportunities as I do now if it wasn’t for social media. It has made me many friends and brought many clients. It’s helped me meet more people and through hearing about their lives, it builds bonds and better stories in the photos. It’s helped me discover more photographers and see new styles and perspectives. Social media has certainly been a huge player in my photography. I doubt I’d be nearly the person I am today without it.


featured photographers nathaniel gerdes

What are some tips and advice you would give to yourself if you were to start photography all over again?Listen more closely to the advice of those who are trying to help. It took me way too long to invest in Lightroom when I thought I was totally cool with photoshop. Lightroom was a game changer. I’d also tell myself to not buy the 50mm and just go straight to the 30mm 1.4. I’d also tell myself to look into what some of my favorite photographers look like. I was once standing right next to @scottborrero for a good long while and it wasn’t until a few days later I found out when my friend said “you know what he looks like! You were standing next to him for a long time at the street dreams meet up!” No I didn’t know what he looked like and I was so bummed I missed the chance to learn from such a legend.

What is the most challenging part about being a photographer for you?Either dealing with people who always want “more photos”. Or figuring out spots for a big shoot. I remember once lying on my floor at 3am groaning in frustration that I couldn’t figure out a way to hit all my best spots in one day for one of the biggest shoots.

What’s your best photography tip?Do the things that your mind tells you to do. You think to yourself “it would be better if they are in the water.” Don’t think to yourself “I don’t want to ask them to do that.” Ask them. The worst thing the model can say is no. Go with the ideas that come to mind. Trust those thoughts. If it’s a genuinely good idea, then go for it. But never force anything, just offer up the idea. Out on a photo shoot, my buddy @eduardogee, once casually proposed to my other friend,

Tyler, that he should get into this swamp and into the lily pads, in full costume (he was wearing a sweet black, hooded, costume). He proposed it only as a joke but Tyler was super down and jumped right in! fully aware of the hour hike back to the car with no towel! What’s your advice for those starting out?Be nice to models. form good relationships. Your relationship with your subject will come out in the photos. If you are getting frustrated that they aren’t posing quite right then the subject will feel it and reflect it into the photo. Be nice. If something isn’t working then try new angles. Try new poses. Move locations. Don’t try and fit everything in one shot. keep it simple.

What are some business tips for photographers?DM everyone you want to work with. And be cool about it. Say something like “hey I really love what you do, would you ever be interested

in shooting sometime?” By doing that, you are networking, making friends, creating memories, and growing your fanbase. Just do your best to work with as many people as you can. Another great tip is to set goals. I shit you not, magic happens when you write on a piece of paper your goal and place it somewhere you can see everyday. When I was at about 700 followers, I set a goal that in exactly one month, I’d break 1000. I didn’t know how, but I was determined. I shot with everyone I could, liked and commented on tons of photos. I even got featured a few times! But the crazy thing about it is at about 20 minutes till midnight, the last night before a perfect month has passed, and I was 20 followers away from 1,000. I was so bummed because I was so close and came so far! But last minute my homie @dan.franco shouted me out and got me the last 20 followers and I broke 1,000 followers 2 minutes till midnight. That’s the magic of setting a specific goal. If you’re reading this dan, which I’m sure you will be, thanks again man! You a real one!



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What’s some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned while being a photographer?Be humble. Im typically a very genuine person. But I very quickly got thrown a lot of great business opportunities, started hanging out with people that have a lot of followers, and started to see my page grow very quickly. It was all very new to me and out of pure excitement I enjoyed telling others about it because I really couldn’t believe it myself and a good handful of people took it very egotistically. It was important for me to see this side coming out of me quickly so that I could correct it. But it was a very valuable lesson. Jesus said it best “and whoever shall exalt (speak highly of) himself shall be humbled; and whomever humbles himself shall be exalted.” Is there something you always ask yourself or think before hitting that shutter button?Is everything level? Are there anything in the persons pocket? Where are the subjects hands? Is the subjects mouth open? Sometimes when a subjects mouth is lightly open, their teeth catch sun and it looks like they have a snaggletooth in the photo. And I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve taken a great picture only to find out later it’s completely not level and by leveling it I lost a great deal of the photo. Hands tell a great story so their placement is key. And I’ve taken some really nice photos and realized people had stuff sticking out of their pockets. It just doesn’t look good.

Which one of your photos is your favorite?My favorite photo? What a question. I mean there is one photo I took of my friend Janelle (@cocojanelle_). She is jumping with her arms spread with all these clouds in the background.

It’s a really great photo and is definitely the photo that has gained the most attention. But I feel like my favorite photo is always the one I just took. I feel like I’m always getting better and each photo is better then the last.

how do you educate yourself to improve and take better pictures?Getting better at something just takes immersing yourself in bigger things. Work and communicate with people who are “bigger” or have more knowledge then you on the subject. I learn a lot from just others. I’ve made a lot of videos and short films in the past and that is thousands of pictures in one. It takes much wider thinking. So taking just one photo is much easier for me. Throw yourself into much bigger arenas. Then returning back to the smaller venture, you will be much more highly educated and skilled in the craft. It will seem so easy! I’m not sure if that makes complete sense. Better photos take better ideas too. Watching movies and looking at the shots in them have totally transformed my style for the better. What do you think it was that helped you make improvements throughout your photoshoots? Having friends there to tell me if there is something I should try. A friend of mine, @oreeeo, did a really fantastic job at this. I brought my friend, @sammlett, to model for us and Oreo just held the reflector and bossed me around a bunch, and thank heavens he did, and thank heavens I listened! I legitimately hear his voice in my head every time I’m taking photos! “Have I been at this angle for too long?


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Sigma 50mm f1.4 DG hSM Art lens for:canonnikon

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HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) delivers high Af speed and extremely quiet performancefull-time manual focus override allowing faster focus adjustmentMinimum focusing distance of just 40cmRounded 9-blade diaphragm producing outstanding bokeh effect, even at large-aperture settings

“this lens delivers excellent image quality, has a beautiful design and for what you get, a very attractive price. The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens is the easy 50mm choice for those with a moderate budget.”Bryan Carnathan, The-Digital-Picture.com


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