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» Wednesday Artist Interview: Phil Dawson

 August 13th, 2008 | Filed in: Interviews, Misc, Photography |

This week I have the fortune to be able to post the interview with the talented photographer Phil Dawson. Phil is a photographer with a base in shooting portraits, weddings and events and he does that really good as you see from the photos here It’s a really good interview so do continue to read it!

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

As a Photographer, my areas of commisioned work covers sports and anything with people, from Social Events to Weddings, I really have a strong passion for Wedding and Portraiture. My style is starting lean strongly towards contemporary wedding photography.  Though nothing can be quite as relaxing as sitting waiting for the sun set/rise with a camera.

Do you have any formal training/what is your background in art?

I don’t have any formal qualifcations, and I would advise anybody wanting to work as a professional, that they study business and accounting, and study photography in your personal time.  Photography is a skill that you show not through a certificate but through your portfolio.  I started in photography assisting my brother shooting weddings and portraits, like many others, just carrying bags.

What equipment do you use?

I shoot totally with Nikon, I just love the menu systems and ergonomics.  I shoot a D300 with a D40 backup, it was originally a D80 backup, but it just takes up to much room for a backup, the D40 may slow me down, but it sure is one of the best bodies that Nikon have made.  As for glass I have all the focal ranges covered from 17 to 200, in either fast zoom, or prime.  Including the good old 50mm 1.8, Nikkor 17-55 2.8

Who is your biggest influence? Why?

One of my biggest influences is Martin Prihoda, his lighting ability is absolutely stunning, everything is so well thought out, and his images just have a "feel" to them, that many other photographers miss.  I try to bring elements of his work into mine.

Do you have any advice to aspiring artists?

I remember a quote from somewhere, though I can’t remember where but it went along these lines "If I like my photograph, that’s all that matters.  If somebody else likes it, then that’s a bonus"   Very true, but if you’re looking to go into business, then it’s 80% business 20% photography.  If you don’t keep your eye on the market, you will be having your ass handed to you buy somebody that shoots auto, but knows how to run a business.  

Do you have anything else you want to say?

A photographer is only ever as good as their last photo.  Always strive to improve, experiment, and don’t be afraid to try new things, but never allow your standards to drop. As you will never be better than the last click of your shutter.

Tags: Events, Interview, Phil Dawson, Photography, Portraits, Weddings |  Print Post     

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