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An Interview with Photographer Andrew Walker

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ANDREW WALKER


1. Who or what influenced you to become a photographer?

Two people. My father and my photography professor at Pacific University, Jim Flory.

2. What types of photography do you specialize in? (IE fashion, portrait, celebrity)

Portrait, celebrity and entertainment

3. Where did you study photography and when did your career start?

I studied at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. My career didn’t start until 2002.  I was a creative director for an entertainment company when September 11th happened.  I got laid off and decided I should give photography a serious go.  It was either that or try to be an actor.  I figured I could earn a living as a photographer.

4. Do you prefer using digital or film?

Digital.

5. Does the price of a camera matter in ways that it affects the quality of the picture?

It can. While a point and shoot will occasionally make a good photo, a more expensive camera gives you the flexibility to make creative choices when shooting in different situations.

6. Do you have a special style in your photographs that can single you out like for example strokes in a painting?

Sometimes. People need to remember that photography is frequently just a technical trade. Fashion runway photographers would agree that they aren’t making “art” and are not expressing some inner sense of themselves.  Shooting runway is extremely challenging and requires skill, but if done correctly (i.e., exposure, framing and color are perfect) by two separate photographers, the photos are generally indistinguishable.  When I’m shooting for myself, I gravitate toward lonely scenes.  I also love using negative space.

7. Do you think that society would be different if photography had not been invented?

Absolutely.

8. What did you do to gain so much knowledge in this area and do you have any tips for an aspiring photographer?

Shoot.  Shoot.  Shoot. You learn by doing and if you don’t stop doing, you will eventually succeed.  Let people know that you are serious about your photography.  They won’t believe you at first, but if you never stop shooting, they will eventually realize that you’re serious.  Once that happens, doors will open.

9. Do you have a favorite photograph or photographer?

Living: Patrick Demarchelier

Dead: Helmut Newton

10. What makes a good photographer in your opinion?

A sense of self. Without that, you’re just snapping pictures.

11. What do you enjoy most about photography and what motivates you?

It’s easy to make a passable photograph, but because there are so many factors (time, location, light, angle) and decisions (aperture, shutter, ISO, focal length) that affect the result, exceptional photographs are rare.  At least for me, a chance to make an exceptional photograph is my motivation.

12. What is your next big project that you look forward to working on?

The Dubai International Film Festival. It’s six solid days of portrait shooting. Completely exhausting and completely a blast.

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