I receive random questions from people via myspace, email, my website so I thought I'd answer them all here-How did you become involved in photography?I call it my epiphany. I was sitting on my living room couch when out of the blue I said to myself, "Hum, I think I'd like to try out photography."
When did you start taking photographs?Shortly after my epiphany. I had a few dollars in the bank and invested in a Canon Digital Rebel in March of 2007.
What was your first camera?Before the Canon I had a digital Sony CyberShot with a whopping 3.2 mega pixels. I used it for basic snap shots of friends, family, work…I've passed it down to my daughter now.
What camera and lens do you currently use?I still use my Rebel from time-to-time but, my main gear is a Canon 5D with a 50mm f1.8 and a 24-105mm IS lens.
Are you a self-taught photographer or did you have a mentor that showed you the ropes?Self taught. Thanks to online tutorials in addition to my camera manual I was able to learn what I know now. Plus hours and hours of hands on trial and error.
Was there a defining moment when you knew that it was time to take pictures professionally or was it a gradual transition? Definitely a gradual transition. When I first started, I didn't know where I would finish. I still don't know today. It's just something I really enjoy doing and I hope it takes me places in life.
What inspires you?The trees, the moon, laughter, tears, art, music, life and death….
What artists and photographers are you influenced by, and whom do you enjoy?I think my sense of surrealism is heavily influenced by the great artist Salvador Dali. As far as photographers that I enjoy, they range from Sally Mann and Joel-Peter Witkin to David LaChapelle, Mehmet Turgut and Lara Jade.
If the lens was turned on you, which photographer would you choose for your shoot?Most definitely a photographer with excellent Photoshop skills. I need a virtual make-over!
Before you put your work "out there", do you have it critiqued by someone else, or do you just go with what your heart tells you is right? About 90% of the time I go with my heart, as I do with all my decisions in life. The other 10% …I grab one of my kids as they're running past me chasing the kitten and I ask their opinion. It's usually, "Yeah, that's cool mom. Here kitty-kitty!"
Do you have a studio and lighting equipment?No sophisticated equipment or fancy studio here. I usually shoot with natural light or I bounce my external flash off ceilings, walls, etc. On a side note, I have been learning everything I can about lighting and I'm saving up for a nice strobe and softbox.
What is your favorite photo that you've shot so far? Favorite photo? Still trying to capture it…
If there were one person dead or alive you could shoot, who would it be?Can't nail it down to one but here's a few-
Dead: Jim Morrison, Albert Einstein, Cleopatra, Janis Joplin, Syd Barrett
Alive: Rob Zombie, Jim Carrey, Tim Burton, Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Fairuza Balk
What editing program & tools do you use?Photoshop CS2 & Wacom Tablet
How do you get that whimsical look to your subject's eyes?I get this question A LOT! There's really no secret technique that I pull out of my hat. First it starts with the image inside the camera. I make sure I get enough catchlite in the eyes before I snap the shutter. Secondly, I use a simple dodge and burn tool found in Photoshop.
How long does it take for you to post-process an image?If it's a simple edit then no longer than 15 minutes or so. If extensive editing is involved then it could take up to 2 or 3 hours.
So what's next in the pipeline for you?
Amanda Chapman Photography Studios?? Well, that's what I hope for in my future. I have been researching lighting equipment and my goal is to have a home-based studio in 2009! On a much larger perspective, I would LOVE to be discovered by some famous agency or actor/actress/musician who wants to work with me! That would be freak'n sweet.
What profession other than photography would you like to attempt? Wardrobe stylist on a movie set
What profession would you NOT like to do? Radio On-Air Personality
Do you ever find yourself in a "photo funk", and if so, how do you get out of it?
Oh yes I do. I've been tempted several times to give it all up…throw in the towel…and just flat out quit photography. To fight the "photo phunk", I just put my camera aside, take a deep breath and channel my energy in something else. I read and write poetry, get lost in a Doors album, and often I flip through art and photo galleries online to get inspired.
Got any advice for new photographers?1. Find your photography niche. Portraits, Landscapes, Macro, Photojournalism, Fine Art
2. Develop your own unique style.
3. Don't be afraid to experiment!
4. Avoid being nervous during a photo shoot. Interaction is essential. If you strive to be a good photographer, it's important to make people comfortable around you. This is something I'm personally working on. I've always been a shy person. This doesn't fly in photography.
5. Be seen! I know people are apprehensive about posting their photos on the internet but honestly, it's a wonderful tool to get exposure. I always place a copyright watermark on all my posted images. Try online art & photography communities such as DeviantArt, Betterphoto, JPGMag, and yes…Myspace.
6. Get up in their face! Regarding portraits, don't be timid about closing in for the perfect shot.
7. Put your camera in manual mode. This is the best way to break free from being a "point & shoot photographer". You'll also get your feet wet experimenting with aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation, etc.
8. Learn Photoshop. If you're not into the artist look to photos, PS helps with color saturation and sharpening. Think of it as the icing on your sugar-free cake!
9. Dabble in self portraiture. This is an excellent way to get well acquainted with your camera and yourself! Use a tripod or a sturdy structure, set it to manual focus and the self timer. It is a very tedious type of photography but it's a great way to experiment without being pressured for time in a typical shoot.
10. Be true to yourself and your passion. If you aspire to be an artistic photographer, don't settle on taking a-typical portraits of strangers just for money. Be in it for the right reasons. If someone commissions you for a shoot, give them something different and creative. Plan in advance locations, themes, and concepts. It's in that concept that you'll stand out like a Polaroid in a field of paper print outs!