Interview: WILL COLLANTE

I recently saw some of Will Collante’s photos and asked him if he would consent to an interview. I’ve included some photos with the interview here.

How did you get into photography? “I’ve always had an interest in photography since 7th-8th grade…my father introduced me to the art form…I put it away for many years when I was in the
music industry. I just got back seriously into photography (November 2005) when I stumbled on a website – Lomography.com …then I joined another photo community site – Photographica.org ..after that it was all downhill.”

Do you remember the first set of photos you felt satisfied you? “When I got my first digital camera (Canon G2) – went on a European vacation…very happy with the results. I still post photos from that vacation. Since getting back into photography – my first lomography photos.

Do you have an area of specialization? “No area specifically…I love it all. The attitude of lomography has helped me look at my world more freely…so whatever strikes at moment’s notice…”

What kinds of subject matter do you prefer? “I love architecture, people, travel, landscapes, music…but am open to almost everything.”

What will be your next project? “Experimenting with some used lenses I got through Ebay: Vega 12b, Carl Zeiss Biometar 80mm, Mir 65mm…all medium format lenses. I use a Pentacon 6 to EOS adapter…which reminds me that I need to take out my lensbaby 2.0 lens…haven’t used this lens in a while.”

Do you ever use exotic materials or techniques? “I love the unpredictability and quirkiness of these lenses. Also I experiment alot in Photoshop.”

What kind of equipment do you prefer? “Don’t prefer anything in general… DSLR for control and a variety of lenses that you can use LOMO LC-A and Holga CFN for fun factor.”

What are your sources of inspiration? “Everyday life.”

What photographers do you admire? “That’s a tough one…there are so many….check out
lomography.com, toycamera.com, photographica.org, photoblogs.org, pbase.com.”

What was the toughest subject or shoot you’ve encountered? “My now 18 month old son, Gabriel…very hard for him to sit still….but I also find photographing people…”

What are your interests and dislikes in photography? “Love to see new perspectives….anything that’s unique….also photos that bring out feeling, and emotion…and anything that breaks the rules… Dislike typical…uncreative….but what’s that?….I guess for example…I hate it when I see overly sharp photos for the sake of just being sharp…in contrast..I love it when I see a photo that’s out-of-focus…and being out-of-focus is the best way to feel the emotion of the captured moment.”

Daniel Ferris

Photographs by Dario Sarmadi

I was looking through some photography blogs the other day and I found Dario Sarmadi’s blog. Really excellent photography. Please have a look at his blog.

- Daniel Ferris

Looking for Images

If you are a photographer or artist and have some new work to send I will try to post and comment. I will include your link if I publish images of your work.

Hello world!

Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging! – - This was too good to delete.

So any art bent bloggers on WordPress? I am open 24/7 for contemporary art commentary. Tell me your 5 favorite artists and I will describe you and your world. (This is a theory I’m testing so play along, okay?)

Daniel Ferris