This will be the first time we have ever recieved a second round of interview questions for our Photo of the Week feature. One thing I did learn from ignite the sky is that her favorite music festival is actually the Warped Tour - which is exactly where her photo that we selected was taken.
Please check out the photo below along with ignite the sky's flickr photostream by clicking on her user name.
I also wanted to share ignite the sky's personal website and portfolio in case you might be interested!
Ignite The Sky
The second round of interview questions have been posted below!
What actually made you want to pick up a camera? Was it only because you had grown up around cameras because of your father?
When we used to go on vacations, I wanted to capture all the landscapes and animals we'd see. Unlike drawing, photography allowed me to capture those subjects instantly and in great detail. These could then be used later for drawing references, which I guess is one of the main reasons I got into photography. My dad only had one camera, which was used mainly for snapshots and pictures of family. Since I liked taking photos, my parents just left me with it and I kind of went from there.
Why that particular medium?
I actually do a lot of different forms of art besides photography including drawing, painting and design. (I've also been known to do jewelry, metal and ceramics.) I feel that every experience in life makes you stronger. So in art, for example, something I've learned while drawing may help when applied to photography. Composition is a great example. Plus, I love too many of those different artistic processes to just pick one.
Do you normally stick to music-related photography only? Do you have any other subjects you enjoy?
I take photos of essentially everything. Most of these are snap shots, reference shots (for drawing) or of personal interest. I kind of feel like the reason I share mostly music-related shots is due to the fact that they get a larger response than anything else I shoot. I also enjoy music related photography the most, so maybe that comes across in the shots.
In which situations do you find your 50mm f/1.8 AF Nikkor lens works best for?
I bought this lens specifically for concert photography. So essentially I use it at any show that has a photo pit, since most medium to larger venues won't allow flash work. Smaller club shows are more touch and go, depending on the amount of light available. The last show I shot was this little lodge basement style show and I wouldn't have gotten off any shots if it wasn't for this lens. (In the situation I was in, using a flash during the acoustic set would have been too aggressive for me.) I've also used it when I want an extreme push to my depth of field.
Can you list some of your favorite music festivals or events that you have experienced so far?
My favorite festival is probably Warped Tour. I've just been going so long that it's hard to imagine not going, even if I am not stoked on the line up. It is tradition. The first Bamboozle Left ruled, wasn't as stoked on 08's version. I've never been to Bamboozle East, but I'd go if given the chance. I think the only other festival of note is Coachella. It's hot and gross, but there are a variety of bands, interesting people and artwork.
As far as gear - do you ever carry a point and shoot camera or use one?
I have a Canon Powershot a610 and I love it. I carry it around everywhere. Its extremely useful to bring to shows that don't allow professional cameras because they normally don't care about P&Ss. Your equipment can be limiting, but I'm a firm believer that people can still do great work with even basic tools if they know what they are doing. I've met a lot of people with dSLRs who think the camera is just going to do the work for them. They don't understand what f/stops and shutter speeds are and how they affect exposure. I just don't think P&Ss should get the bad rap that they tend to and I think that if you are going to spend a lot of money on a nicer camera, you should probably know what some of the buttons do.
Do you feel naked or vulnerable without a camera in hand?
I used to get so upset being at a show without a camera. I would see all these amazing poses or great lighting and just be distraught that I had missed the opportunity to catch it. After awhile though, and a lot of effort, I learned to let it go. I try to carry a camera everywhere with me, specially shows, even if it's just my P&S, but I don't feel naked or vulnerable without one. Sure it sucks to miss a great shot, but at least I was there to actually experience it in the first place. I don't want to live life constantly behind a camera lens. That being said, I missed a shot of JD from the band Valencia breaking his guitar at Bamboozle Left '08... I'm STILL pissed off at myself for not catching it and that was back in the beginning of April.
Check out our previous interview with ignite the sky below:
Photo of the Week - No. 16 Cont'd.
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