It’s a brilliant interview. Enjoy it and I look forward to your comments.

Hi Bella,

Tell us a little bit about Bella?

I have been a photographer for the past fifteen years, my grounding was with as an apprentice with a sports photographer.Essentially this wasn’t the area I wanted to work in but to I was given an opportunity just to use a camera and work alongside someone who can advise on composition and the technical aspects. I worked for this photographer, for below minimum wage for three years whilst also attending Bournemouth Art College in the week. At the time I wasn’t sure where this was going to take me or if indeed i would be able to use the skills learnt with him within the area that i eventually worked within. HOwever, in hindsight I realise that the skills I honed have been influential in the way that I compose and see pictures now. It gave me the ability to think on my feet, to have eyes in the back of my head and to get a split second exposure at exactly the right time. All this is relevant in my work today so I am hugely grateful for the time I spent here.
Once my own business was developed, within the wedding industry (again, how or what on earth am i doing photographing weddings?!) and over the past eight years I have been under the guidance of Kevin Wilson who has encouraged my style and created finesse in my work through his teaching of controlling light – I think this, has given definition to my work and without it, yes I would be doing ok, but it has allowed me to put a very firm stamp on my own style and thus now I can market my own very particular way of working to a very definitive market place. I knew from very early on in my career, the importance of having a signature style, otherwise – who are you marketing to? I wanted to know who my clients were so I could point at them. I also knew that quality reigns above all – the best marketing too you have, is your work – and I mean the final presentation: the album, the framed print, that is the last thing that your clients walk away with – at that point, they have no interest in the fonts you have used on your website, the music, the colour, the hype – at this point that is irrelevant, they have in their hands your biggest advert.
Three years ago, I attained Fellowship with the BIPP with a panel of social images (wedding and portrait) and with the MPA (environmental portraits of children). This has been by far the hardest journey I have had to take with my work, but by far the most rewarding and has opened doors and invited opportunities that have made my business stronger.
Like a lot of women (and perhaps men), I lose confidence very easily and I very rarely look at my work with great satisfaction (I don’t think this is a bad trait) – but when I layed my 20 childrens portraits out before they were judged, I thought, this is where I want to be with my work and now I can take this forward. It has given me the confidence to speak up about what I do.
Financially, I have never been driven, I get a great buzz from an idea for an image and it is never in my mind to think about how much money it is going to be worth – in fact, I believe the two run hand in hand – people will pay for individuality and passion in a picture.
Marketing – all done through my website- I occasionally place a paper ad (always full page) for my portrait days, but my wedding work is purely through word of mouth and the web.
I run my own school of environmental portraiture workshops, two day residentials which has been hugely popular a lot of learning, a lot of fun and a lot of amazing food!

Where is home? Home is beautiful Shaftesbury set admist the amazing Blackmore Vale, Dorset, ENGLAND! I have just opened a new gallery, a great space to hang my work and meet clients. Having been working from home for fifteen years, decided it was time to grow up!

If you could live anywhere on this awesome planet where would you build your dream home? On the coast, within reach of the hills. England of course!

What is your current state of mind before we continue with the interview? I am in my pyjamas , so not quite got my professional head on this morning. Tea will sort me out! I am currently writing a masterclass which I am taking for the the BIPP in a couple of weeks. I like to work early.

Did you go to school to study photography? Bournemouth college of Art and Design – alongside the school of life, far more beneficial. My work/business was transformed by the amazing Kevin Wilson.

How long have you been a photographer? Fifteen years

How long have you been a wedding photographer? Twelve years

What or who got you started in wedding photography? I think my father is to blame essentially. I was dabbling in weddings having spent three years working for a sports photographer. I did a very small wedding for  a friend and came home with some images which didn’t fit to my normal criteria – there was more of a design and it kind of moved me. I had been shooting very much from the hip for much of my work – not because I particularly wanted to but because that was all I knew. I had a secret passion for classical imagery – that was very uncool at the time! So, anyway, I showed my father one of the images and he was blown away – even questioned whether I had actually taken it! Such faith! He was a very creative man so this was a great compliment. He told me to put the image up for an award, there was no way I was going to put myself forward to be critiqued ! Two days later my father died, very suddenly and unexpectedly.
What better way to make him proud – I entered my first MPA competition and won, that gave me the confidence to begin and follow a dream.

How would you describe your style? Sensitive, quirky, graphic, personal.

How many weddings do you average per year? 25

Do you have a few recent images you can share with us?

What type of cameras do you shoot with? Hasselblad H2 with P25 digi back and D2x Nikon

What is your favourite photography accessory, other than your camera? Imagination and god’s light

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why? 100 mm Hasselblad

What lighting equipment do you take on a shoot? What ever the big man decides to do on that day. Lastolite reflectors

Can you describe how and when you use flash, video light, reflectors and natural light during a wedding? Flash is on the camera only for when the couple are leaving the ceremony and perhaps first dance if necessary. I use reflectors if I have time – I do feel they can lift an image to another level. There is an element of skill in using reflectors ie I will often use a very dark location such as barns which may only have one light source from the door. Throwing light in from outside can have amazing results and get you out of trouble – it then has to be moulded to flatter the subject.  Reflectors have saved my butt a few times, but they are fiddly to use and if not careful, you will lose the moment through concentrating.

What is your favourite computer/editing accessory, other than your computer? My projector.

How important is Photoshop in your final images? Important for me to view my images. to crop and to do minor alternations. I use it sparingly.

What is your most used Photoshop tool, plug-in, action set etc.? Crop tool

Are you a MAC or PC lover? Mac – they both have their uses.

Do you plan on buying any new equipment and if so what do you have your eyes on? I am very happy with my gear. I have to have good reason to change. Perhaps D3 when I grow up.

I finally feel I have mastered my Crash-Art workflow, can you briefly describe for the readers your photographic workflow after a wedding?
Download in Capture One, backup, edit down probably two or three times – less is more, i don’t like to  give too much choice. Back up final edit. Output to jpeg, open each in PS then close them! Viewing to clients with ProSelect via projection in the gallery.

I use Queensberry albums, what wedding albums do you supply your clients with and do you design them yourself or outsource the design?
I am very loyal to my suppliers – we look after each other. I have just completed a fine art album with Albums Australia with my portraits. I design all my own albums, would never outsource anything. Control freak Bella…

How do you feel about cropping an image?
Essentially, cropping is done in camera but I always allow for extra breathing space. Always allow space when shooting.

I choose photographers for these interviews because their work inspires me and gets my creative juices flowing, hence the interview. What gives you ideas and inspires you to create such amazing imagery? Without doubt, the value of a photograph should never be underestimated – my children continually remind me of that. A photograph is always unique, a moment in time like no other. I have a real understanding of the  importance of creating emotive memories. Music – if I am looking for a particular image idea – I run with my ipod.

What has been your most memorable assignment and why? Working towards my Fellowship has really been life changing. Failing my Fellowship first time around was probably the best thing that could have happened to me. It is a great leveller and I now have a great understanding, that having ideas and imagination is one thing – building on those ideas is quite another and only when you have grasped the fundamentals of good classical photography can you go forward and execute those images. There are no short cuts.

If you could shoot a wedding with someone who would it be and why? I like to shoot alone generally – in another world – Peter Webber (director Girl with Pearl Earring) and if James Nachwey were to dip his toe into wedding photography, they would make for interesting observations.

Do you have an assistant/2nd shooter that accompanies you on wedding assignments? No.

How many images do you average per wedding and how many do you usually present to your clients? Shoot between 4 and 500 – present around 300-400

Where would be your dream destination wedding? Perhaps somewhere where there are some interesting characters – I am going to Rwanda later in the year – perhaps something very raw and unpretentious where there is love and not much else.

How do you make the bride and groom, bridal party etc… feel relaxed in front of your Hasselblad? I am quiet, leave them alone with some gentle cajoling and tweaking when necessary. I don’t buy into jumping up and down and creating false emotion.

Have you ever had anything go wrong at a wedding and if so, how did you handle it? Nothing goes wrong on my weddings!!
if it did – if in doubt, humour prevails.

What are your favourite three images you have shot recently? Can you describe their creation in regards to location, lighting, composition, camera settings etc, also your thoughts when creating the images and what they mean to you?

I shot this in Spain a couple of weeks ago – I like long grass to shoot through but it was so windy, I had a real problem focussing the bride. so I stuck with the grass and much prefer the anonymity of this.

I shot this for a designer in an old Cheese factory. The dress was in fact red and the wall a wonderful green with lichen and moss climbing. But I feel it is stronger in black and white with a light tone. I like the contrast between elegance within the distressed environment. It is very simple and quiet – I think we try to sometimes put too much into an image when just the basic qualities are what makes it strong in the first place.

From a wedding last year – I like this little understated Armani dress and it really needed treating quietly and simplistically. I think this image was plucked out of my head from a picture I saw years ago by Cecil Beaton of Twiggy. I love window light and the graphic or softness it applies in different situations.

What do you feel is the most challenging thing about photographing weddings? Timing

What do you think of the wedding photography industry at the moment and where do you see it in 5 years from now? I get very enthused when I see someone following their only heart. I do feel that in many ways, the digital era has been detrimental to our industry. On the flip side, it has opened up the opportunity to let loose creativity. My concerns is that photography is no longer photography, it is   just imaging. We have some amazing photographers here, who have incredible ideas. Many of which, I feel are being suppressed, by not having the  skill base to allow them to go forward.

A wedding photographer who inspires you? I’m inspired by all those who are striving to learn their skill – even more so who are learning the fundamental basics.

It’s almost that time of year for a Bella West family portrait. Is there any photographer out there that you would be stoked to say – he/she took my portrait? Irvin Penn

A inspirational website and/or blog you visit often?
Facebook has been an excellent marketing and networking tool,otherwise, no, I don’t surf different sites.

The first photographer that comes to your mind and why? Kevin Wilson. A great teacher, a true master of good classical imagery and I owe him a beer.

The last workshop or seminar you attended and why? I have not been on any workshops for ages

Do you have any workshops or seminars planned for the future? I am hosting my own residential environmental portrait workshop (children on location) September,the first one in June last year was a great success. It is going to be very honest and no holds barred exercise into my entire working format.

What photographic organizations do you belong to? BIPP

One way you market Bella West Photography? My most successful marketing tool is me. The last thing my client leaves with is their photographs.

Do you advertise? If so where? No. Other than my website.

How important is an awesome website for your business? Fundamental. It is my shop window.

If not a photographer, I would have liked to be a marine biologist studying the great white shark. What would you have been? Pathologist. The human body and how it works/doesn’t work is fascinating.

I realize that each great photographer has a particular penchant or love for photographing a particular subject whether it be nature, portraits, sea or landscapes, shadow and light, etc. as a result I would love to have you talk about and share whatever images you feel appropriate of your own private obsession in the magical world of photography.  I do wish I had more time for personal work. My Fellowship panel was hugely personal and I felt much of my own emotions are very much embroiled in some of the images there. As I said earlier, a photograph really is a moment in time like no other – so anything which will evoke emotion is a success. A successful image is one that stands the test of time, that may be kids in the bath, moments of contemplation etc. that is what I like to shoot, anything which is important in my life.

Is there anybody or anything you would love to photograph? Iggy Pop springs to mind. I’m off to Rwanda later in the year – I’m sure some wonderful faces with stories engraved on them…

When I was 2nd shooting I was picking everybody’s brain, I still am actually. That’s why I love these interviews so much. Every interview I learn something that makes me a better photographer. What advice do you have for somebody who wants to pursue wedding photography? Defining a style is fundamental – but don’t be distracted by your peers. Decide the style of photography you like, learn the elements of good classical lighting/posing etc and then run with it in your own style. Whenever I give talks, I always liken this to a first date. If you go out and pretend to be something that your not, and that relationship continues – it is very difficult to keep up that pretense,  be honest to yourself.

At the moment I’m finding a lot of my photographic inspiration from cinema and Russian fashion photographers. We know that each of us has someone or something, which inspires our life and work. Can you tell us the true basis of your inspiration? A real understanding of the importance of using photography as a memory. And I mean a photograph, printed on beautiful paper and finely embellished, hanging on a wall. Not an image on a monitor. A true appreciation of how short life is and how important it is to record.

Is there anything you would have done differently during your photographic career?
No

Name one photographer you would like to take a portrait of? David Bailey has an interesting face.

If you could be invisible for one day with your camera… My daughters classroom….. interesting!

I’ve learned the most from… My mistakes.

What talent would you most like to have? To be able to draw

Something you’re still learning? Life. Oh and hands.

What or who is the greatest love of your life? My daughters, Lauren and Evie.

What is your greatest fear? Creative block.

Something that is overrated? Youth – I love getting older

Something you’re saving up for?
I would be very happy with a 35mm Hasselblad lens. Please!

What item do you wish you had designed?
Time – I would have exaggerated  the concept…

If you could have lunch with anyone who is famous who would it be?
I really have had to think hard on this one – because they are famous does not make them interesting! But, I think Richard Branson would tell some great tales, I love to hear how he created his business on a shoestring and through his strong personality and self belief, managed to have his dedicated friends working for him for nothing. Richard would definitely be paying though and we would have Cristal champagne, that’s the deal.

Where you’ll find me on a Friday night at 9 p.m.? Home with my girls or friends. With a good bottle of French wine.

Your favourite film (movie) of all time? The Killing Fields – I saw it in French and it moved me when I was about 14 – I discovered an inner emotion I didn’t thing existed. Sometimes in April – a film about the Rwandan genocide.

Who would play you in a film (movie) of your life?
Someone short….Actually – Cynthia Dixon, the redhead from Sex and the City – many people have said how we have similar features, though I fear she is far too tall!

First thing you would do if you won the lottery?
Pay my parking fines. I am a serial collector.

Which five words would your friends use to describe you? Ok – I have asked five different friends for one word each
Francie friend: beautiful
Catherine friend and PA: dependable
Ginny: 100% dedicated and focussed. A beautiful friend.
Kevin Wilson friend and mentor: Impetuous and driven
Jill Thorning Jensen (photographer): inspirational (she also said ‘mad’)

What ambition have you not yet achieved?
A book – I would like to produce a coffee table book of my Rwandan portraits

What would you like to be doing in 5 years from now?
I would like to be publishing my work

And the last question, if you had one wish…
My children to be healthy and happy forever.

Oh one more, if someone said ‘how can I be the next Bella West?’ What would you say?
One of the first things I say in my masterclasses is, please don’t go away wanting to be Bella West – find your style and run with it. By all means be inspired, but being focussed and shooting from your own head and heart, you can’t go wrong.

Your readers can find out more about me:

Website: www.bellawest.co.uk

Her book “The Art of Children’s Portrait Photography” is one of the top-selling books in the industry.

Several weeks ago Tamara sent me her new DVD – Inside Contemporary Children’s Photography and all I can say is WAY COOL! If you shoot kids this is a must watch, it will definitely take your photography to new heights. That’s all I’m going to say, you can watch the trailer here, which says it all.

Trailer – http://www.tamaralackeyblog.com/index.cfm?catID=35

Hi Tamara,

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am a woman.  I have a lovely family and some wonderful friends.  I photograph people for a living and have had some great luck with my career of choice.  I like to learn, and I like to teach.  I read a lot.  I believe most people are inherently good and often surprising. Or, rather, they often surprise me.  I get too self-focused when I over-schedule myself.  I am still looking for zen-like balance.

Where is home?

Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

If you could live anywhere on this awesome planet where would you build your dream home?

In a place where mosquitos don’t ever, ever visit.  Snakes would also enjoy staying away.  I think the rivers are made of chocolate.  But, still, no bugs are drawn to that river of chocolate.  It’s a wonderful place to create a dream home:)

What is your current state of mind before we continue with the interview?

I just finished running the WPPI gauntlet, so I’m slightly worn out.

Did you go to school to study photography?

I studied mass communications, art history and then went ahead and added an American literature/English degree, too.  So I studied art but not specifically photography.

How long have you been a photographer?

Seven years, professionally.

How long have you been a wedding/portrait photographer?

Seven years, professionally.

What or who got you started in wedding photography?

I initially started shooting just portraits and moved into wedding photography when I got excited about the idea of shooting it in a similar freeform style.

How would you describe your style?

I like to shoot authentically, so to respond very much to my particular subjects – that being said, I think my images are expressive and focus on the beauty in people.

How many weddings do you average per year?

I started out at 45/year but brought that down to 12 in 2009.  In 2010, I closed out bookings at 4 weddings.

How many portrait sessions do you average a year?

About 90-110/year

Do you have some recent images you can share with us?

What type of cameras do you shoot with?

Canon 1D Mark II and Canon 5D Mark II

What is your favourite photography accessory, other than your camera?

My genuine interest in people.

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?

85mm 1.2.  I think the image quality is unmatched by other lenses I’ve used.

What lighting equipment do you take on a shoot?

I’ll have a video light with dimmer and on-camera flash ready if need be, but I usually shoot with just a single reflector.

Can you describe how and when you use flash, video light, reflectors and natural light during a wedding/portrait shoot?

I use video light when I am in a really tough lighting situation, and I need something extra – or when I am doing more creative night shooting.  I use flash very rarely, maybe just at receptions.  I use reflectors often, to even out shadowing and to enhance catch lights.

What is your favourite computer/editing accessory, other than your computer?

I don’t use additional hardware accessories.

How important is Photoshop in your final images?

I often consider an image only partially created at capture, and I like to use elements of Photoshop to finish what I saw when I shot the image.

What is your most used Photoshop tool, plug-in, action set etc.?

I think people work hard to make great products and should be recognized.

So … a healthy mix of actions (Kubota, totally RAD, and colorshift – as well as my own combinations) …

I actually just finished partnering with Kevin Kubota, co-creating the Tamara Lackey Style Book, a video & look-book post-processing walkthrough (also the first in the Kubota Artist Series guide).  I used his actions exclusively.  It was a lot of work to produce, but it’s coming together beautifully – and I really enjoy working with the entire Kubota team.

Are you a MAC or PC lover? MAC all the way.

Do you plan on buying any new equipment and if so what do you have your eyes on? Probably the iPad.  I don’t even know why.  That’s how good Apple is.

I finally feel I have mastered my Crash-Art workflow; can you briefly describe for the readers your photographic workflow after a wedding?

Sure – download everything and backup in 3 separate places, external drives, multi-terabyte photo server and DVD’s – then do inclusive editing by pulling my favorites into files, running actions on them and then dragging the finished images into lightroom for final crops and tweaking.

I use Queensberry albums, what wedding albums do you supply your clients with and do you design them yourself or outsource the design?

I use Asukabook albums often for portraits and Seldex albums, Cypress albums, and GraphiStudio albums for weddings.  After working with our designer for quite a while, we feel really comfortable about outsourcing the design.

How do you feel about cropping an image?

I don’t think that the type of format (medium or otherwise) camera I’m using is always the best orientation for every particular image I want to deliver, so I love having a crop tool at my disposal.

I choose photographers for these interviews because their work inspires me and gets my creative juices flowing, hence the interview. What gives you ideas and inspires you to create such amazing imagery?

This may sound a little odd, but I am particularly inspired by kindness.  By those who reach beyond themselves to help others, whether it is physically, emotionally, spiritually or otherwise.  When I see people give of themselves this way, it inspires me to find more within myself to give – and that translates directly to how much energy I direct, and nearly always then receive, back from my subject – offering a multitude of opportunities to capture amazing imagery.

What has been your most memorable assignment and why?

I made it a personal quest to photograph President Barack Obama shortly after he became a candidate.  I was able to do so and finally was hired by the campaign to photograph him  (and then Michelle Obama and Maya Angelou) on several different occasions, and it was pretty much a dream come true.  I think he was elected because of the photographs

If you could shoot a wedding with another photographer who would it be and why?

I got kinda gooey when I met Annie Liebowitz.  I’d still choose her.  I love how nakedly she is inspired by art history.

Do you have an assistant/2^nd shooter that accompanies you on assignments?

I always bring a 2^nd shooter to weddings, but I do not bring along an assistant on portrait sessions.

How many images do you average per wedding and how many do you usually present to your clients?

I shoot about 2500 or so and usually present between 800 – 1000, depending on the length of the day or whether it is weekend coverage, as well.

Where would be your dream destination wedding?

I’ve been lucky enough to shoot a couple of them.  My favorite was in Kona, Hawaii, a 4-day wedding shoot with some seriously lovely people who have since became close friends.

How do you make the bride and groom, bridal party etc… feel relaxed in front of your Canon 5D Mark II?

When it’s just a bride & groom, I focus a great deal on connecting with them and keeping the entire thing a very natural exchange between me and them and, most importantly, between the two of them.  With a bridal party, it’s typically a more festive thing.  I assure them this is going to be quick, painless, and that they’ll find this worth it later – and that usually wins them over more than any shining aspect of my personality.

Have you ever had anything go wrong at a wedding and if so, how did you handle it?

Yes.  I once missed the yacht that the wedding party was on – watched it pull out of the harbor as I pulled into the parking lot.  After asking several people at the dock for help, I located a gentleman who was willing to motorboat me out to the yacht for $100 in cash, with the understanding that he couldn’t actually get the yacht to stop for me.  As I jumped from one boat to the other, I was greeted by a round of applause by those watching from the upper deck.   Oddly enough, my mistake (originally going to the wrong yacht club) was translated to “look what she’ll do for the job”.  That was simply good luck.

What are your favourite images you have shot recently? Can you describe their creation in regards to location, lighting, composition, camera settings etc, also your thoughts when creating the images and what they mean to you?

I was teaching a shooting clinic just before WPPI in Las Vegas, and this sweet, very shy little girl was in front of me and about 20 people behind me with cameras.  I photographed this very sweet expression and then worked doubly hard to get her to trust me and open up with me, even despite the chaos of all the lenses around me.

This was the “after” shot, when she decided she could open up to me, and that adorable smile was worth the effort.

What do you feel is the most challenging thing about photographing weddings and children?

The most challenging thing about photographing both weddings and children is the time commitment.  When you are shooting both, you are then working all week and on weekends.  I don’t ever photograph portraits on weekends, unless it’s part of a destination portrait session, and I am shooting less weddings now to keep more weekends free.

What do you think of the wedding photography industry at the moment and where do you see it in 5 years from now?

I have seen the industry change a lot just in the last few years – brides are way more involved in photography blogs than they used to be, and it makes for interesting discussions when they know your friends and where your name has been mentioned on other photographer blogs.

I read recently that the wedding photography industry is expected to grow exponentially over the next 5-10 years.  I think if people are concerned that it is crowded now, it’ll just get more crowded in time.

A wedding photographer who inspires you?

Not necessarily a wedding photographer, but Mikael Jansson’s work is really lovely and has such a sharp editorial style.  I’d love to see a wedding covered with that eye.

It’s almost that time of year for a Tamara Lackey family portrait. Is there any photographer out there that you would be stoked to say – he/she took my portrait?

I actually have a family portrait trade coming up with Tina Wilson, so I’m looking forward to seeing what she captures.  And what I do, too.

A website and/or blog you visit often?

I keep up with quite a lot via twitter.

The first photographer that comes to your mind and why?

Sue Bryce, a New Zealander now living in Australia.  She photographed my new headshots when we were together in Vegas, and I really love her style of “beauty” photography, and I’m really happy with the images she captured of me.

The last workshop or seminar you attended and why?

Just wrapped up a workshop that I taught alongside Audrey Woulard in Las Vegas yesterday – a full day shooting clinic.

Do you have any workshops planned?

I am just about to announce a workshop in my studio for this September, as well as another one in the Northeast this fall.

I’m also in the process of planning a workshop in New Zealand and Australia towards the end of January, 2010.  I am really getting some fantastic advice on managing that from my friend Sally Sargood, who is a champion photography workshop organizer.  So … yes

What photographic organizations do you belong to?

WPPI, PPA, NAPCP and DWF.  I’m luckily quite fortunate to be involved with all the organizations, too.  I spoke at PPA’s Imaging USA and the WPPI Convention these last two years in a row, I’ll be the keynote speaker at NAPCP’s first annual retreat in Napa Valley this June, and I’ve recently agreed to be one of the “portrait experts” on DWF’s expanded site focus, as they focus on portraits, as well as weddings now.

One way you market Tamara Lackey Photography?

By far our best marketing is simply word-of-mouth referrals.  We are grateful for our clients’ enthusiasm.

Do you advertise? If so where?

We used to advertise more, but not really at all anymore.  I’m just now figuring out how to advertise a product.  I’m not sure I’m very good at it yet.  It’s like my DVD is selling in spite of my lack of advertising efforts.

How important is an awesome website for your business?

Considering how open our market is with destination portraits and weddings, it’s exceptionally important.

If not a photographer, I would have liked to be a marine biologist studying and photographing the great white shark. What would you have been?

I love writing and teaching, and luckily I get to do a great amount of that type of work as a photographer who … writes and teaches.

I realize that each great photographer has a particular penchant or love for photographing a particular subject whether it be nature, portraits, sea or landscapes, shadow and light, etc. as a result I would love to have you talk about and share whatever images you feel appropriate of your own private obsession in the magical world of photography.

I feel a strong connection to children who have been orphaned.  Two of my three children were adopted from orphanages in Ethiopia and Ecuador, and all proceeds from my book, The Art of Children’s Portrait Photography, go directly to the Worldwide Orphans Foundation and Save The Children.

These couple of images were taken at the orphanage where my daughter used to live, in Cuenca, Ecuador.  The first is her saying goodbye to the mother superior who ran the orphanage, and the second one is her friend, Andrea, who had to say goodbye to Ana Elisa and still lives there today.

Is there anybody or anything you would love to photograph?

I would have loved to taken a portrait of my grandmother who passed away when my father was two years old.  The photograph I do have of her intrigues me.

When I was 2^nd shooting I was picking everybody’s brain, I still am actually. That’s why I love these interviews so much. Every interview I learn something that makes me a better photographer. What advice do you have for somebody who wants to pursue wedding photography?

Keep doing and finding work that feels true to you.  It sounds trite, but it’s so exceptionally true:  don’t try to be anyone else.

That being said, don’t get so stuck being you that you don’t remember to grow as you.  It’s not difficult to find that your work is getting stale once you’ve found success.  Keep exploring your own work.

We know that each of us has someone or something, which inspires our life and work. Can you tell us the true basis of your inspiration?

I know I referred to this before, but I am often struck by genuine kindness.  That’s not the same as nice or polite or minding your manners – but people who truly care about being soft and careful with each other’s hearts.  Finding examples of this in my every day life, as well as in what I read and observe, is an endless source of inspiration to me.

Is there anything you would have done differently during your photographic career?

I devoted an entire chapter in my book to this:  “Yes, mistakes make you stronger, but go ahead and avoid these.”  I could probably add to it weekly 

Name a photographer you would like to take a portrait of?

Dane Sanders was showing me photographs of his children and his gorgeous wife when we got to spend time together this past week.  He’s a genuinely great friend, and I think it’d be lovely to photograph he and his beautiful family together.

Can you tell us little about your highly acclaimed Inside Contemporary Children’s Photography DVD?

It was about a year in the making, partnering up with Rex Ballard, the exceptionally talented Principal Cinematographer of Extreme Makeover:  Home Edition.  We wanted to create an instructional DVD that was much like “being there”, so we filmed a shoot in the studio, another in a client’s home and another on location and peppered that throughout a 90-minute full feature video that focuses on lighting, composition, posing, and workflow.  I’m so very happy with the end result.

If you could be invisible for one day with your camera…

If I’m invisible, can I also be concurrently visible?  Because, if so, I’d like to go back in time and photograph the more impactful moments of my life with those I care about in a true photojournalistic style, so I can have more detailed documentation than just my memories.

I’ve learned the most from… the painful parts of life.  Not that I’m requesting replays of any sort.

What talent would you most like to have?

The talent to see myself as others see me so as to better keep myself in check.  That would have to be a once-in-a-while thing, though.  I’d probably drive me nuts.

Something you’re still learning?

How to manage the delicate balance of keeping a heart wide open … but not taking too much to heart.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

Who: my family.  They know that, too, which is incredibly important to me.  What:  the people in my life who have my back even after it’s not convenient for them.  I love, love that – people who are true, even when there is no benefit to them.

What is your greatest fear?

The loss of freedom.

Something that is overrated?

Sitting on the beach.  It always seems so great, but then I sit there for an hour, and I’m all done.

Something you’re saving up for?

My live-in personal masseuse.

What item do you wish you had designed?

The very first shoe.  An incredibly significant first design.

If you could have lunch with anyone who is famous who would it be?

Oh, he knows who he is.  And I have the restraining order to prove it

Your favourite film (movie) of all time?

Avatar absolutely skyrocketed up there.

Who would play you in a film (movie) of your life?

Veronica Lake.  When she was alive, of course.

First thing you would do if you won the lottery?

Get really nervous.  Doesn’t seem to be very good outcomes for those that do.  Rough track records, statistically.

Which five words would your friends use to describe you?

A friend says these (my comments follow).

1.  High-energy (true)

2.  Thoughtful.  (most of the time)

3.  Talented (some of the time)

4.  Quick-witted (I can’t think of anything clever to say about this. let me get back to you)

5.  Passionate (gets me in trouble more than I would’ve thought).

What ambitions have you not yet achieved?

I wanted to not just visit but genuinely spend time in all seven continents.  I hit all six a while ago and was even able to live in four of them – but Antarctica has eluded me thus far because I don’t want to go for just a week and need to really plan time around that.

What would you like to be doing in 5 years from now?

Probably living in Antarctica (see above).

And the last question, if you had one wish… That would we all feel strongly and safely connected to each other.  I think if we could accomplish this, it would take care of so many destructive behaviors and actions.

It’s our belief that we are so separate and removed from each other that triggers us to hurt, control, and defend.   As David Augsburger said, “Being heard is so close to being loved that, for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable.”

Oh one more, if someone said ‘how can I be the next Tamara Lackey?’ What would you say?

Um, really?  Have you thought that all the way through?

Your readers can find out more about me:

Website: www.tamaralackey.com

www.twitter.com/tamaralackey

www.facebook.com/tamaralackey

Hi Michael,

Where is home?

Santa Monica, California

If you could live anywhere on this awesome planet where would you build your dream home?

Well, I would have three houses, Santa Monica, New York and either Paris or Tuscany

What is your current state of mind before we continue with the interview?

Busy working in the office, trying to handle 20 questions from staff and finish your interview!

What sort of work do you specialize in?

Celebrity portraiture

Did you go to school to study photography?

I went to Boston University and studied Journalism

How long have you been a photographer?

Since I was a little kid, over 30 years

What or who got you started in photography?

I learned the darkroom in summer camp and got hooked on it.

How would you describe your style?

Conceptual portraits with dramatic lighting.

How many commissions do you average per year?

Many assignments

Can you share some recent images with us?

What type of cameras do you shoot with?

Leaf Back and the Canon 5D Mark II

What is your favourite photography accessory, other than your camera?

My Dyna-lite strobes

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?

The Canon 24 to 70 mm zoom, because it’s so versatile.

What lighting equipment do you take on a shoot?

6 Dyna-lite 2000x packs, 8 heads and chimera softboxes with their egg crate grids

Can you describe how and when you use flash, video light, reflectors and natural light during a shoot?

I mostly use flash to light with and control the ambient light with Sunbounce silks and reflectors.

What is your favourite computer/editing accessory, other than your computer?

Photoshop CS4

How important is Photoshop in your final images?

I use it to control the color and process the raw images and retouching, but my concepts usually do not depend on Photoshop. I try to use location, props and styling to create my concepts, not Photoshop.

What is your most used Photoshop tool, plug-in, action set etc.?

Nik Sharpener Pro

Are you a MAC or PC lover?

MAC all the way. What’s that other computer you mentioned?

Do you plan on buying any new equipment and if so what do you have your eyes on?

No, in this economy you should be trying to save your money and not buy too much equipment.

I finally feel I have mastered my Crash-Art workflow; can you briefly describe for the readers your photographic workflow?

I use a digital capture company named Image Mechanics to either come on the shoot with me or process the images and upload a web gallery for my magazine and advertising clients. I don’t do anything myself. The only thing I do is manage the color for all my displays, etc with an X-rite EyeOne calabrater.

How do you feel about cropping an image?

Crop if needed.

I choose photographers for these interviews because their work really inspires me and gets my creative juices flowing, hence the interview. What gives you ideas and inspires you to create such amazing imagery?

Looking at art, other photographers imagery, architecture, whatever I can get my hands on.

What has been your most memorable assignment and why?

That’s too hard to say. I have been very lucky and done some amazing things. OK, the Spielberg cover of Time, probably, because of the importance of it. It was the only interview he did for his movie Munich and the world’s eyes were on that cover.

If you could shoot an assignment with someone who would it be and why?

Jordan Brewster because she is so hot!

Do you have an assistant/2nd shooter that accompanies you on assignments?

Depending on the shoot I have used anywhere from 1 assistant up to 4. I never shoot without someone handling the lights and gear. It’s not my job, I have to be creative with the client and take care of the talent.

What are your favourite images you have shot recently?

I like the Will Ferrell and Steve Martin portraits for the concept and humor.

How many images do you average per shoot and how many do you usually present to your clients?

It depends on how much time I have, but I have done as little as 100 on a very fast shoot up to 3000 per day. That’s about my top speed.

Where would be your dream destination assignment?

Europe, I love Paris in particular.

How do you make your clients feel relaxed in front of your insert camera?

Well, since I shoot for ad agencies and magazines my clients are not the subject. That said, I try to talk to them about things that interest them, to be down to earth and be a good listener.

Have you ever had anything go wrong on a shoot and if so, how did you handle it?

Of course, you always smile and make everyone thing everything is ok. Then try to subtly fix it. Never let them see you sweat!

What do you feel is the most challenging thing about photographing clients?

Again, I don’t photograph clients, most of the people I shoot are professionals. The tough part for me is that they have their own ideas that might conflict with what it is I would like to do.

What do you think of the photography industry at the moment and where do you see it in 5 years from now?

It’s shrinking in the commercial markets and going to go more to video.

It’s almost that time of year for a Grecco family portrait. Is there any photographer out there that you would be stoked to say – he/she took my portrait?

Annie Leibowitz

The first photographer that comes to your mind and why?

Helmet Newton, love the work.

The last workshop or seminar you attended and why?

Mine at the Julia Dean photo workshops in LA.

Do you conduct your own workshops? If so, can you tell us about them.

No I work for others.

What photographic organizations do you belong to?

I am the National Vice President of the Advertising Photographers of America.

How important is an awesome website for your business?

I think it’s thee most important thing a photographer can do

If not a photographer, I would have liked to be a Formula 1 driver. What would you have been?

An architect or a chef. I love both cooking and architecture.

Lately I have wanted to shoot the cover for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition in Hawaii. Is there anybody or anything you would love to photograph?

I want to shoot David Bowie.

When I was 2nd shooting I was picking everybody’s brain, I still am actually. That’s why I love these interviews so much. Every interview I learn something that makes me a better photographer. What advice do you have for somebody who wants to pursue photography?

Work hard and stick to it, it’s a tough market out there.

We know that each of us has someone or something, which inspires our life and work. Can you tell us the true basis of your inspiration?

My yoga teacher and my yoga classes on the weekends

Is there anything you would have done differently during your photographic career?

Yes, but you cannot relive the past. If so, I would be the richest man in the world (or close to it).

Can you tell us about your book and the movie Naked Ambition?

I decided to do a portrait study of everyone at the adult video awards, which is the Oscars of porn. The movie is about the making of the book. Check it out on the Naked Ambition website.

Can you share with us some images from the book and is there a trailer for the movie?

There is a trailer and the book are on the www.NakedAmbition.com website.

Ciao,

Michael Grecco

http://www.michaelgrecco.com/