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By Brisbane Photography
Published: 8 February 2010
Updated: 8 February 2010
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Name:
Paul Farris
Photography genres: Weddings / Commercial etc etc
From a business perspective Ive enjoyed many different genres of photography over the years but have now settled on portraiture as being my clear favourite. This includes corporate portraiture as well as individual, family sessions plus of course I also shoot weddings.
Brief Intro: quick paragraph about yourself? when you started etc?
I've been a huge fan of photography since being given my first camera by my Grandad when I was about 14. I quickly became fascinated by the camera and what could be achieved even with my modest kit and was rarely without a camera in my hand. As the years passed I left school to pursue my big love of music and became immersed in the music industry working and touring the world as a professional club DJ and later running my own record label and promotions company. Photography took a back-seat for a few years as I built my reputation within the music industry but I even then I was rarely without a camera. I later studied photography at Richmond college just outside of London, invested in some new gear and naturally started taking music-related photos including promotional shots for artists, the UK music press and some record/CD covers. I moved from London to Australia in 2007 and now split my time between photography, music and my family.
Did you always want to be a photographer?
Photography was initially just a hobby and I certainly never considered it as a means to make money. It was only later when I was asked to photograph some musicians that I realized I could merge my two big loves (music and photography) and that was that!
What was your first camera?
A film SLR that I sadly no longer have I think it was a Cosina with screw-mount lenses.
What inspires your work?
I get a lot of inspiration from looking at the work of others and am a huge fan of exhibitions and galleries. I would describe myself as a visual person and can see photo opportunities in the world around us and even in the most mundane of subjects.
Do you act on your own imagination?
I hope so I'm sure that anyone who is inspired by the work of others is influence in some way by that work, but I do think I have sufficient ability to ensure my work has it's own style and direction.
What do you enjoy shooting the most and why?
People photography would definitely be my choice here and probably musicians, DJ's or similar. I'm happy in a studio environment or on location and love capturing people at live events.
What are your future aspirations in photography?
I've been working on a couple of personal projects which are great fun and I would love the opportunity to have a small exhibition sometime. Meanwhile I would like to continue enjoying photography and carve out a reputation for good work.
What do you know now that you really, REALLY wished you knew when you started?
I've been struggling to come up with a definitive answer for this one. Photography for me is a continual process of learning.
What equipment do you use?
I choose to use Nikon and shoot with a D300. My most used lenses are the 17-55 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8. I also occasionally use film when the mood takes me.
What piece of equipment would you most like to get but dont have yet?
I guess moving onto a full frame body such as the D700 or D3 would be the next step but its certainly not essential for what I do
PC or Mac?
Definitely Mac. I've had PC's in the past but have found Mac's to be more consistently reliable and user friendly, plus they look good which appeals to me as I'm a huge fan of well designed products something that Apple excel at in my opinion.
Film or digital?
Digital 99% of the time and 100% of the time if it's work. I do occasionally shoot film for personal projects.
Share with us a website and/or blog you visit often?
I love the Click (www.theclick.us) which is a great blog that simply lists all the latest photography related news stories around the world definitely worth bookmarking!
What talent would you most like to have?
I wish I could sing.
Share with us one goal you have for the next 12 months?
To finish at least one personal project and exhibit it.
Advice for novices?
Don't delete your bad photos right away look at the data and try to work out why it's a bad photo. Photography is a learning process and we can all learn much from our mistakes if we just take the time.
Boundaries to your shooting (morally/ethically)?
This is probably to broad a question to be answered here as I think I would question each situation differently and make a judgment based on what the subject and scenario is.
For example I have a friend who is a professional photojournalist and has spent time embedded with troops in war zones. I have a great deal of respect for him and what these guys do but do not think I could personally do the job and look down the lens at someone in pain or consumed by grief. Maybe this question would make a good forum topic?
Funniest photography moment?
I was photographing a club night in London which was packed to the rafters with over 2000 clubbers. It was so hot and sweaty that I spent more of the night wiping condensation off the lens and camera than taking photos!
Where do they think the market for photography is headed?
Digital technology has changed so many things in this world and made images easier to capture, manipulate, share and sadly even steal. It's definitely tougher to make a living as a photographer but still very possible. You simply need to be aware and prepared to evolve with the changes in the market as well as keep up with developments in technology to ensure you stay ahead in your game. There will always be a demand for high quality images.
What would you most like to shoot and why?
I would love the opportunity to re-visit New York and just spend a few days capturing the city and the people who live there. I'm a keen 'street-photographer' and visited New York a few years ago but spent more time behind a video camera than my SLR.
Which celebrity would you most want to have a photographic session with and why?
I'm a huge fan of Stevie Wonder so a session with him in a studio sitting at a keyboard would be amazing.
Post your favourite photo you have taken (so far)? Why is it your favourite?
Its hard for me to choose a favourite image as it very much depends on what mood Im in at the time, I have so many favourites for many different reasons. The image finally I settled on is one of my favourite subject, my son when he was around 14 months old. It was taken late afternoon with my Nikon D70 and trusty 17-55mm f2.8 lens (probably set at f2.8) and I love the cool tonal quality of the image. I have a metallic print of it at home and can stare at it for ages and get lost in his eyes, in fact if you look close enough you can see me in the reflection.
How did you get started in the business?
Back in the UK I was shooting gigs and events mainly for fun and I started getting asked to do promotional shots for artists and DJ's. As I became more confident I also moved into family portraiture and when I emigrated to Australia I shot my very first wedding.
What was your first big break?
I don't know if I've ever had one particular 'break' but certainly one of the most satisfying moments was having my work appear on the cover of a 12 vinyl single and seeing a display rack full of copies in the HMV megastore on London's Oxford Street.
Do you still take pictures for pleasure/art/just the fun of it?
I take a picture whenever I see something that interests me and a great deal of my favourite subject my four year old son.
If you could do anything else other than photography what would it be?
It would have to be a musician or maybe a designer as that is something Im really into I love things that are well designed, functional and great to look at.
Do you have public liability insurance ?
Yes
Is your photographic gear insured?
Yes
Do you quote for a job, or do you set your price. Or do you expect the client to suggest what they will pay?
I look at every job individually and then quote when I have a full understanding of what is required. Every job is different and every client has objectives, requirements and budgets to work to. With weddings I have some 'set packages' that I offer on request but have found with all my clients that they prefer to talk through their 'wish-list' and I simply try to make that happen for them at a price they can both afford as well as make it worth my while.
Do you always put all of your work agreements in writing?
Yes although I have been guilty of not always doing it in the past which I know is a mistake and something that I have been working on lately.
Your Contact Info
Paul Farris
0430 99 12 10
Website:
www.paul-farris.com
Blog
www.paul-farris.blogspot.com
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