WEEKEND PHOTOGRAPHER INTERVIEW: Ariston Collander

“For my future plans, I would love to get into teaching. I’ve had a few friends ask me to teach them photography because they really liked the work I’ve generated.”

PAST

LAWRENCEATIENZA.COM: In high school, were you involved in the yearbook ? What sparked your interest for photography? Do you recommend all the weekend photographers out there to initially stick with the subjects they know and build from there? Do you have any suggestions on how to build that progression? How did you progress to where you are today?

ARISTON COLLANDER
I came into digital photography in 2005 with the purchase of an entry level Nikon D50. It was my first DSLR and allowed me to expand my photographic horizons. My parents were always interested in photography, and I remember going to camera club meetings with my parents when I was in my early teens. I believe that these memories contributed heavily to my interest in photography.
My recommendation to weekend photographers is to follow your passion and do not fear your equipment. Because photography is not your bread winner, you have the opportunity to explore your desires in photography. If you want to be an “everything photographer” then so be it! Use that freedom to start with what you know and to branch out. The best way to do this is to challenge yourself. If you’re a fine art photographer, try getting into modeling. If you’re a wedding photographer, then try still life. The concepts carry over no matter the genre or specialty. For me, I started photographing whatever I saw. I’ve progressed significantly when I started Photo Informatica, my 2009 daily photo blog and setup a profile on Model Mayhem. Both provided opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise had.

LAWRENCEATIENZA.COM: Do you still have photos taken from the early years when it all started? What were your subjects? Are the pictures online to share with everyone to compare with your work today?

ARISTON COLLANDER
I do still have some of those old photos somewhere. I remember the first “official” photo I took with the D50 was of a tree in Ontario, California just before I went to dinner. It sticks out in my mind because it was at that dinner that I had to explain to my wife that I had just spent a couple hundred dollars on a camera. My subjects consisted primarily of my son and locations we visited as a family. Nothing too fancy really. Regarding my early work, I do have some up on http://www.freneticphoto.com and on Flickr, http://www.flickr.com/photos/aristonphotog.

LAWRENCEATIENZA.COM: What books did you read when you first got into photography? Title of book, author and price of book please…just messing around, the title of the books should be fine thanks to google search. Do you recall any other resources that you referred to heavily to help you grow as an amateur photographer?

ARISTON COLLANDER
When I first started out I didn’t do a whole lot of reading of physical books. I relied on websites like the PPA, Digital Photography School, and various blogs. I tried to absorb as much as I could in the hopes that something would help me move into the professional realm.

LAWRENCEATIENZA.COM: Have you made some money from your photography as an amateur? What was your first photo sale? How long was it after that first sale you sold your next photo? If you haven’t sold a photo, do you have any plans to do so?

ARISTON COLLANDER
I have made a little bit here and there. The first photo sale was from a historical reenactment event I attended. I’ve discovered that the majority of my friends love dressing up in costumes. I leverage that fact by recording them via photographs. After that I shot a business christmas party in which I sold several prints. I definitely have plans to sell more. I’m hoping for my Fine Art images on Photo Informatica to generate some sales.

LAWRENCEATIENZA.COM: What tools do you recommend that are a must have that helped you get to where you are present day?

ARISTON COLLANDER
Other than the camera itself, I have fallen in love with Lightroom and the presets. They expose the photographer to different techniques that can be manipulated to explore colors and aspects of photography.  Also, the greatest tool I’ve invested in thus far was the Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens. This amazing piece of hardware rarely leaves my camera simply due to its amazing versatility.

PRESENT

LAWRENCEATIENZA.COM: What is your present motivation to continue with your photography?

ARISTON COLLANDER
My primary focus on photography at present is my Fine Art work on Photo Informatica (http://www.photoinformatica.com). This daily photo blog was created on January 1st, 2009 to force me to pick up the camera everyday and simply capture what I see. But it’s not just a simple collection of snapshots. This project 365 site is a piece of art and a symbol of my devotion to photography.

LAWRENCEATIENZA.COM: What are you doing now to set yourself apart from other photographers? What is your niche?

ARISTON COLLANDER
I, like many newer photographers, struggle with this concept of a niche. Because I don’t rely on my photography to pay my bills, I have the option to explore different aspects. With my Fine Art, I try to focus on capturing the everyday world but then tweak it to show that beauty is everywhere, even outside an office building.  I bring my creativity to those who wish to hire me.

LAWRENCEATIENZA.COM: Do you have a studio? If so, why? What are the benefits of having a studio as a weekend photographer? What is currently in your photography bag? Please be as detailed as possible for those starting out photographers wanted to purchase more equipment. From your photography equipment arsenal, what do you bring most of the time for your photo shoots?

ARISTON COLLANDER
I still have aspirations of owning a studio. Granted it’s a lot of work, but just the ability to have a space to explore creativity sparks excitement. It also presents a more professional location to bring in clients. The challenge, though, is affording the space. I’ve rented a studio whenever I’ve needed to do modeling work but I am limited to what has already been assembled. With my own space, the control is in my hands.
For the equipment list that I keep in the bag, I have the following:
- Nikon D300 with MB-D10 battery pack
- Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens
- Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens
- Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 lens
- SB-800 and SB-600 flashes
- 2 x Pocket Wizard Plus II remote triggers

For photogs just starting out, I would highly recommend a good DSLR with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens depending on how much you wish to spend. If the cost is too prohibitive, then the DSLR with a 50mm f/1.8 lens is a great alternative at a fantastic price.

LAWRENCEATIENZA.COM: What photography resources do you consistently refer to date ? Can you name at least 5 websites you refer to religiously for your photography? Who are your inspirations in the photography world?

ARISTON COLLANDER
I have a set of websites in Firefox that I open and check every morning just to see what’s going on in the industry. Along with the websites, mostly blogs, I also have three forums that I check regularly:
- Alltop Photography (http://photography.alltop.com/)
- Camera Dojo (http://cameradojo.com/)
- D-Town TV (http://www.dtowntv.com/)
- DIY Photography (http://www.diyphotography.net/)
- Digital Pro Talk (http://digitalprotalk.blogspot.com/)
- Atomic Safari (http://www.atomicsafari.blogspot.com/)
- Strobist (http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/)
- Zack Arias (http://www.zarias.com/)
Forums:
- Digital Photography School (http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/index.php)
- Garage Glamour (http://www.garageglamour.com/forums)
- PPA Forums (http://www.ppa.com/community/forums/)

Photographers like Joe McNally, Zack Arias, and Chase Jarvis are my inspiration. These amazing artists are who I aspire to become. I have so much to learn from each one.

LAWRENCEATIENZA.COM: Do you have any photography projects? If so, what is it and why? If not, why not?

ARISTON COLLANDER
My latest project is Photo Informatica (http://www.photoinformatica.com). I have read on several websites and heard from several photographers that the best way to learn is to just get out and shoot. So in late 2008 I decided to set a resolution for 2009 to take a photo and post it every single day of the year. From that resolution, Photo Informatica was created. I have been keeping up with this project religiously since the 1st of January. My goal with the site is to learn by doing, to learn by shooting everyday.

FUTURE

LAWRENCEATIENZA.COM: What are your immediate goals as a photographer and artist? Are you planning on releasing any how-to books? What are your recommendations to people thinking about starting a photography book as a weekend photographer/ part time photographer?

ARISTON COLLANDER
For my future plans, I would love to get into teaching. I’ve had a few friends ask me to teach them photography because they really liked the work I’ve generated. But it goes beyond the basics. Seeing photographically takes practice and can be taught, but it comes with experience. I do not plan to do any how-to books because it loses context. The written word, although functional, does not convey the human aspects of photography that can only be experienced.

For those who wish to start a book, it is crucial to have a clear point. There are so many books on the basics of photography that another is not needed. Be unique, and try to pass on your knowledge to anyone willing to learn.

LAWRENCEATIENZA.COM: Would you ever consider doing a workshop and share your knowledge on the weekends? If not, how do you plan to contribute to the photography community?

ARISTON COLLANDER
I would definitely consider doing a workshop and sharing my knowledge and experience. Shooting is only part of the process. Understanding the basics of photography forms the foundation but beyond that it’s a matter of learning to see photographically and artistically. For now, though, I am offering photo critiques to those who follow me on Twitter (http://twitter.com/whoisariston). Details can be found on my blog (http://bit.ly/acpcritique). The purpose is to help others learn from my critiques, and for me to learn by being exposed to a variety of images and to view them critically.

LAWRENCEATIENZA.COM: I am sure you’ve read many articles discussing how in the future videography and photography will be one? What are your thoughts on that and how will you evolve to the new morphed medium?

ARISTON COLLANDER
I have no plans to move into video. Although the concept of “fusing” video and photophotography works in the realm of weddings, as a fine art and model photographer, I am satisfied with the capabilities of a plain old still camera. I think few photographers who want to delve into video are aware of the editing and storage requirements that come with it.

LAWRENCEATIENZA.COM: Where do you plan to take your photography passion? Are you planning on going pro one day? If so, which area of photography are you planning on getting into professionally? If you don’t plan to go professional one day, what are you aspiring to as an amateur photographer?

ARISTON COLLANDER
The beauty of photography is simply how many options are available. The future of my photography lies ready and waiting in the world around me. Fine Art can be found in a simple flower or drop of dew and I’ve truly enjoyed the models I’ve photographed. I see my future in a studio executing themed shoots for various clients.

LAWRENCEATIENZA.COM: Thank you again for your time and giving back to the photography community. What would you like to leave for us photographers to think about when moving forward with photography for the future? If you have any words of wisdom will be appreciated.

ARISTON COLLANDER
Thank you Lawrence! I really appreciate what you are doing with these interviews. It’s giving other photographers great insight into their peers.  Moving forward, I highly recommend to new photographers that they learn as much as they can by doing. Leverage the digital age and just keep shooting. But there is a caveat. Don’t just shoot, shoot critically. Look at your images and determine ways to improve. And finally, don’t be afraid of critique. Photographers don’t need praise as much as we need critique.