If you’re not familiar with the concept, we were inspired by a lovely lady named Jessica Kobeissi. There are a variety of options when conducting a photography challenge, from group size to props, outfit choices and location constraints. The challenge lies in these limitations, which act as barriers and really make you flex those innovative muscles. In our version, each photographer got three minutes to shoot each model and then we rotated. We did two rounds, so each of the models got a chance to sport two looks. The photos below are a result of the evening, featuring shots by each photographer and a Q&A about their work and experience.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4387″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]To further illustrate this point, I asked our three photographers to answer a series of questions so that we could get to know them and their work a little more. How long have they been honing their craft? Where do they find inspiration? What equipment do they use? Just a few areas I wanted to learn more about while contrasting their amazing photos.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content”][vc_column][vc_separator color=”black”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4388″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Raw YGK Photography – Cody Meadus
1) How long have you been taking professional photos?
I’ve been shooting for three years and began dabbling in portraiture in January 2018.
2) What equipment do you use?
I shoot with a Canon 5D MkIII. I have a wide variety of lenses including a 24mm, 17-40mm, 50mm, 70-300mm, 85mm, 100mm, and a few others. I go through tripods more than I change my batteries, I have a bag for every outfit (not to match, I just can’t find a favourite), and have multiple lighting kits.
3) Amongst the gadgets you own, what’s your favourite?
I use all of my lenses but prefer my 85mm 1.8 and 24mm 1.4 for portraits.
4) What kind of tools do you use post-processing? Do you have a workflow and a way you go about editing?
I use Lightroom for most of my retouching but have used Photoshop in the past for image that may require more in-depth editing. I am probably my worst critic for editing and I constantly return to old shoots to retouch them and try new techniques.
5) Whose work has influenced you most? Got a favourite photographer?
There are a lot of very good photographers out there and I tend to follow a lot of them on social media accounts. Since they are all great at their own techniques, I can’t choose a favourite! Two photographers that I follow religiously are Peter McKinnon and Hamish Morrison.
6) Advice for your past self: what is one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
I wish I discovered I like taking portraits sooner as I missed out on many opportunities when travelling in the past.
7) What was your favourite and least favourite part about taking part in this photo challenge?
I’m used to shooting landscape and having more time to capture a photo. The countdown really added pressure and it was difficult to not stare at my watch at times.
Red Lemon Art & Photography – Ashlee Stanley
1) How long have you been taking professional photos?
What would you consider to be “professional”? I’ve always had access to cameras but the only formal training I’ve had was in high school (and that was in film. I didn’t pass, twice.) The first time someone paid me for my services was in early 2014, but I didn’t ask them to. I launched Red Lemon in April 2015. I haven’t officially ventured into photography as my profession, in my opinion. I believe that happens after you register your business and make it your main source of income. I’m just not there yet.
2) What equipment do you use?
Nikon D750 with 35mm 1.8 & 50mm 1.8 Nikon lenses. Oh and Chris from Four/19 Photography has been letting me babysit an 85mm 1.8 since March (and he’s not getting it back.)
3) Amongst the gadgets you own, what’s your favourite?
My prism. Anything I can shoot through or bend light with really.
4) What kind of tools do you use post-processing? Do you have a workflow and a way you go about editing?
I use Photoshop almost exclusively. I’ve created about 30 presets I use between my shoots for various looks! I sort, edit in groups of 20, export to online albums and ta-da. Easy-peasy. I don’t do major retouching, that just isn’t my brand. I love rawness.
5) Whose work has influenced you most? Got a favourite photographer?
Ben Sasso. We have completely different styles, but I’ve been drawn to his art forever.
6) Advice for your past self: what is one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
Don’t say yes to shooting everything & anyone. If you won’t go back to images, delete the raws.
7) What was your favourite and least favourite part about taking part in this photo challenge?
My favourite was meeting two awesome new photographers and seeing them interact and photograph some of my closest friends. There is something about seeing how other people view your loved ones that makes things even more magical. My least favourite would be the limited time. Not the part where we only had 3 minutes, but rather the part where we didn’t leave enough time to get creative outside of the challenge. We managed to get a few shots, but it would have been great to be able to do more of that.
See Everything Photography – Virginia See
1) How long have you been taking professional photos?
I have been taking professional photos for around 3.5 years.
2) What equipment do you use?
I am trained to use studio lighting, but I am definitely a natural light lover. You can find me with just a camera in hand for the most part, and occasionally a reflector or flash unit.
3) Amongst the gadgets you own, what’s your favourite?
As basic as this sounds, out of all my tech my cell phone is probably my favourite! Not only do I use it to run my business, but it is perfect for on the go edits, as well as allowing me to share my work within seconds to interested friends and clients.
4) What kind of tools do you use post-processing? Do you have a workflow and a way you go about editing?
I used to be a Photoshop only girl until I got more comfortable with Lightroom. I do not use presets as my editing style tends to vary per shoot. How I edit my photos depends on the vibe I feel as well as the vision my client would like. I put the two together on a couple images, and then sync them up! This allows me to edit faster while also ensuring my session all matches.
5) Whose work has influenced you most? Got a favourite photographer?
My favourite photographer is Sasha Samsonova! Look her up and you’ll know why. Her fashion photography is out of this world!
6) Advice for your past self: what is one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
Do not compare your work to others, but take away from it what you would like to improve on. Every photographer has their own style and that is what makes this community so unique. People will come to you because they like your style, and if they don’t that is ok. Never stray away from how YOU like to capture and edit your pieces because at the end of the day it is YOUR art.
7) What was your favourite and least favourite part about taking part in this photo challenge?
My favourite part of this challenge surprisingly was how little time I had to shoot each look. I tend to overthink in most situations so this allowed me to push past this and simply just shoot. My least favourite part was trying to make the same location work for each 3 minute session; I had to push myself to try different poses and angles so that each session could stand out on its own.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1536674588408-cca00c87-acc1-8″ include=”4407,4406,4405,4404,4403,4402″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Behind the Scenes (shots by Red Lemon Art & Photography)
Thank you to all of these wonderful humans for including me in this awesome experience. I loved taking part, and it was a great exercise in letting go and freely creating (I mean with three minutes, you don’t really have time to think)! I’m amazed by what we were able to produce in such a short time. If you’re able to gather a small group of talented folks I urge you to give this a try, it’s incredible to see what can happen in a free-flowing and fun atmosphere, surrounded by talent and trust.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4422″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1536674588413-fad5c03d-cd42-5″ include=”4430,4425,4446,4429″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Anna [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Disclosure: This post was produced in collaboration with the aforementioned creatives and photographers. Photography by Raw YGK Photography (first set), Red Lemon Art & Photography (second set & behind the scenes), and See Everything Photography (third set). All sections deliniated with horizonal seperators. All opinions and comments are my own.Want to see your brand/business reviewed on STRUCKBLOG? Contact me for a copy of a Media Kit.
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