Most powerful photographer
December 19, 2015
Erich caparas interview
1. How do you get the person, place or thing that is in front of the camera onto the film, chip or paper in just the way you want?
Planning. Although I’ve been lucky with getting jaw-dropping images from impromptu shoots, nothing beats preparing and planning for the shoots. Especially in 2016 where I will be focusing on images that are contest worthy. That’s how I get it on digital form (film). To get it the way on paper, I work with several master printers.
2. Which photographers influenced you, and how did they influence your thinking, photographing, and career path?
A photographer only an old timer would remember: Monte Zucker. I’m self-taught. I read (browsed in bookstores) many photography magazines and made lots of mental notes that influenced the way I present my images. I can’t think of the names outright but I’m sure most of them are well known photographers of the era.
3. Exactly what is it do you want to say with your photographs, and how do you actually get your photographs to do that?
I think like an engineer. Everything I do must have technical precision. The emotion, the message are secondary. Most of the time, I just want to create a pretty picture. Although, I noticed, when I claim it, it usually happens. Like, I will take a photo and I announce, this will be a cover image. And it usually becomes a cover image.
4. What was your career path? How did you get from being an aspiring photographer to actually doing it full time, for a living?
I worked as a graphic designer/photographer for many years. When I was 17 I started photography. By 20 I was working as one. I retired from it all in 2000 and went to Florida to become a real estate broker. I missed creating beautiful images. In 2012, I pick up the camera again.
5. What technology/software/camera gear do you use to keep focused on what you do best, as you photograph?
I’ve always been Nikon. In my time there are only 2 cameras if you want to be taken seriously. Nikon and... if you have money... Hasselblad. I didn’t have money so I’ve been Nikon ever since. I did my own darkroom work back in the days of film. Modern day equivalent: Photoshop.
6. What motivates you to continue taking pictures economically, politically, intellectually or emotionally?
My undying need to express what I see in my head. A reason to wake up in the morning. An awesome vehicle to meet and network with so many creative and talented people around the world.
