My Favorite Photographers

I am often asked if I have a favorite photographer.  The answer is a very clear yes.  Me.  J

The reality is that I absolutely do.  There are quite a few photographers actually who’s work I thoroughly enjoy.   Here’s a few, in no particular order:

Javier Medina

Javi is actually a long time friend of mine; we went to college together.  He currently lives in New Zealand, and captures the most incredibly stunning landscape images of the beautiful countryside.

Steve McCurry

Because who can talk about photography without mentioning this man’s contribution?  You name it…he’s shot it.  Probably twice.  He’s about as big a legend as a legend can be.

Greg Gorman

Another legend.  I saw Greg speak years ago, and I was struck by how down to Earth he was.  After he spoke, I went and had a conversation with him about his difficulties starting out, as my career was still in its infancy.  What he said to me was striking.  In a good, supportive way.  Maybe I’ll post it one day J

Clark Little

Stationed out of Hawaii, Clark has made some of the most amazing and iconic images in his particular niche.  Whether its of the surf or marine life, his work is truly inspiring.

Henry Dekuyper

Well known for his stunning work in the automotive photography realm, Dekuyper has a long standing reputation for quality work.  As an automotive photographer and fanatic of the entire scene, I couldn’t possibly make a list of my favorites and not add him on here.

Don’t fret…I have plenty more…these are just a few who’s work I truly love.  If you need some inspiration, and need to see some quality work…go look any one of these guys up…I promise…you won’t regret it.

Reminiscing

I remember my first paid Photography "job."  I was working as a photographer for the college newspaper, and loved what I did.  I got sent out on all types of journalism assignments, shot photographs of major and minor events, students, teachers, etc.

I was sitting at my desk, editing some images(we shot film back then, so the whole process of editing was significantly different than it is now) when I got a call.  It was an art director for a major magazine out of New York.

Phone rings
Hello, this is Ramon
Hi Ramon, are you the head photographer?
I am.  Who am I speaking with?
Ramon my name is xxx, I'm the Art Director for xxx Magazine.  I need your help.
Oh ok.  Great.  What can I do for you?


The AD went on to explain how his magazine set people up for blind dates, did before and after interviews, and needed a photographer to tail the couple throughout their time together.  It was to take place two hours from then, and he needed a last minute photographer to step in.

That was my first paid photography job.

I knew nothing of pricing, invoices, etc.  As a matter of fact, my invoice was handwritten on a sheet of paper on the counter of the post office when I sent off my rolls of film.

Since then, I've worked on projects both large and small.  National, International, and Local.  All over the Southeastern United States and Caribbean.

Yet I never forget that first job.  That excitement, nervousness, that pride.

If I could go back and do it all over again...would I?

Absolutely!

What advice would I give myself?

For that first job, charge more.  :)  For my career...gain a thorough understanding of business matters much earlier, and build your network.

I'll keep reminiscing, and keep pushing forward, but I take great pride in every job I shoot...that pride I felt my first job, I feel every job.  And I love it!