Sharing a recent interview with Andrew. Andrew is freelance writer that contributes to EOS Magazine, Arts & Crafts, Peachpit press and other photography magazines. We took a glimpse of my work, what’s going in my head and some personal truths. It took more the 4 weeks for this interview to be completed (well the holidays kicked-in) but it is truly worth it. Click more for the full interview
Featured Photographer
andrewsgibson.com | January 2012 | English | Source Link
How would you describe your photographic vision? What kind of look or feel do you try and create in your photos?
I haven’t really thought about it. I create what appeals to me. Though I have to admit, it is the simple compositions that I am most attracted to – landscape or architecture. When the weather permits, I love to play with the fog and snow. That’s why I choose shooting early morning. Not as much because of the light but the mood it creates. I find it interesting that when there almost nothing to see but just a tad of a hint, the mind creates the rest for us. When we are unsure of what we are seeing, the imagination comes to play.
Your work is very creative. Where do you get your ideas and inspiration from?
I believe that we are influenced by everything. The things that we see, the experiences we’ve had and the environment we live in. It shapes not only our personality but also how we approach everyday life. And these things spills out to the things we create.
I notice that ideas and inspiration can come in from almost anywhere. I can be doing some non-creative activity and have an idea for a photographic project. But most of the time, it is stories of greatness that gets my inner self going. It may be about a thorny path a creative person took or about someone’s perseverance that celebrates the human spirit.
Name three photographers or artists you like and why.
There are many artist I’d like to mention, but if I have to choose only three, I’d say, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Ludwig Beethoven and Mark Rothko. Sugimoto and the later works of Rothko almost has the same aesthetics – minimal. While for Beethoven, well, who doesn’t love a Beethoven. Aside from his musical genius, his rise against adversity is very inspiring.
When did you start taking photos? What made you decide to explore photography as a means of artistic expression?
I started taking photos only in 2006. I am based here in Beijing and I wanted to document family events everytime I come home. I did not decide on anything initially but having more time to myself, I started to go out and take some photos. Being used to taking photos of my family and events, I found it weird in the beginning; taking photos where the subjects are the landscape and city architecture. I feel that it happened naturally. I enjoyed what I’m doing and just continued doing so. The next thing I remember is that I am creating images rather than just documenting events.
What effect has living in China had on your photography? What’s the best (and the worse) part about taking photos in China?
I think I would not have stumbled in photography had I not been based here in China. Appreciation sometimes happens when you detach yourself from something. When you are almost away with your family, time becomes more precious. Hence, the reason behind the purchase of my first camera. Language is a big challenge. It is not enough that you know Mandarin but as you move to provinces, dialects begins to play. As you would imagine, logistics can be a nightmare. Travel is also relatively more expensive than in my home country. I want to be there but not go there. A constant dilemma. Culture can also be something to look out for; things that you expect to be acceptable might not be. Though, I think, culture can be easily compensated by a smile and constant awareness that you are in a different place.
But China is China. One of the dream destinations of many. Being one of the oldest civilization and being closed to outside world for many years, it offers the most interesting places and people. You just have to be there to experience it.
What does the landscape mean to you? Why do you choose to photograph the landscape in black and white?
I am attracted by simplicity, and it seems that the vastness of a landscape lends itself perfectly. When there is almost nothing in the horizon, that is when my mind is relaxed and the time that I can listen to my muse. I guess, you could also say that it is a form of escape from the man made world of steel and stone. The black and white processing came naturally. Black and white conversions helps eliminate distractions and helps to highlight the things that initially caught my attention. Although, sometimes, I’d see simple patterns within the city. I realize that it is not actually where we are but what we really see.
You crop most of your photos to the square format. Why do you do this and how does it affect the composition? How important is aspect ratio for you?
The way I present my images was brought about by the way I see things. I tend to focus only on certain parts of a scene. It is challenging for me to see like an Alan Ross or a John Sexton – where elements of a grand vista sings altogether. My photos are much simpler, and require a different approach in presentation. I could say that the format is almost as important as the image as it is the vehicle that helps the content to get across. It is important to use methods to suit our vision, and not the other way around.
There is a strong design element in your compositions – an awareness of geometry, graphic design and negative space. Do you agree? How would you sum up your approach to composition?
Thank you for noticing. Yes, these are the things that attracts me and the same things that I want to be evident in print. When there is nothing left to take away and the image stands on it’s basic element(s), then I am done. I think they call it minimalism and I agree.
You take a lot of landscapes using long exposures. What is the attraction of this – and how does it affect your approach to other aspects of the photo like composition and lighting?
I think it’s the overall appeal of a landscape that attracts me. It’s always there and there no need to talk to have a conversation. I like it when there’s a sense of simplicity and calm in my images. The technique of long exposure helps me to achieve what I set out to. It is an interesting technique wherein you would cut available light whereas in other techniques – more light, the better. It is difficult to expose when the sun is up, and that why I tend to shoot either early morning or near dusk. I also have a density filter to help out in cutting out the light at midday exposures. When using a filter, you might find composition a challenge. The way to go around this is to frame your shot before placing the filter. Make sure that you have read the metering without the filter, then it’s just a matter of math. Remember to flip the focus switch to manual when you have the framing done. Composition remains the same but you have to envision the final crop – a square crop.
Long exposure and a square crop will definitely add preparation time in your shot. It is not the way we are used in seeing, and our tools can also help so much. Every shot is made with every intention of creating it.
What equipment do you use for your long exposures and what advice would you give someone who wants to try this technique out?
In doing long-exposures, it is paramount that the camera stays still when exposing. In this regard, anything that would help you achieve this is important. To make creation easier and flexible, I have invested in a cable release, neutral density filters and a tripod. It’s not really expensive relative to its use and the benefits it will serve you. Of course, you can use the built-in camera timer in exchange to a cable release and any sturdy platform as your tripod. Photography can only be as expensive as we want it to be.
Patience will be another indispensable tool that you should have. Long exposures are exactly that – long exposures. You will spend time not only looking for a good subject but also in exposing itself. And although there are calculations available as to the length of time vs. ISO and aperture, these are only base calculations. A sudden change in light would affect your image. Be prepared to make mistakes and fail. Welcome them as a learning experience.
You sell fine art prints of your work. Do you make the prints yourself or do you have a printer to do it? Why the relatively small size? (10×10 inches).
My gallery helps me to do that. I sometimes find it difficult to be on the business end of photography. But true enough, I am getting a better grasp on it.
As it is in presenting my work in a square format, the small prints are also how I would like my work to be presented. I consider the print as the final stage of the creative process and, in my opinion, it should reflect the vision almost to perfection. I work in collaboration with a master printer in creating my platinum/palladium prints. Needless to say, partnership with someone with years of experience in printing breathes life to my work and helps me realize my vision. I print my own pigment prints, but if needed, I have a trusted gallery printer of over three years to help me out. In my earlier days, I shied away from any collaboration. I exposed, post processed, printed and framed all my work. I felt that getting some help somehow dilutes my creative process. Today, I realise that a symphony is made by an orchestra.
While I acknowledge the impact big prints gives to the viewer, I also know that my content calls for a more intimate experience. A smaller print would request a viewer to step in closer. I believe that images of simplicity, calm and serenity would be better presented in a smaller print. I’d say that the images dictates the print.