Interview for Czech Site odcloneno.com

http://www.odcloneno.com/blog/2012/2/6/interview-fotograf-will-manning-fashion-fotograovani-mi-dava.html
Text of the Interview in English:
- What inspired you to become a photographer?
When I first started doing photography, I just did it because I liked pictures.  I didn’t really have much reason or intention behind what I was creating.  As I progressed, however, I began to see how powerful photography really is.  I am a writer and musician and have experimented with other art forms, as well.  But photography feels like the easiest way for me to communicate my ideas.  It has also taught me to respect and appreciate others who feel that way about different art forms, which is great.  Learning this appreciation has allowed me to find inspiration everywhere.

- Who or what elements would you say influenced you as an artist?
I love simplicity, minimalism, and raw human emotion.  There are so many artists who inspire me.  I love to visit museums and look at various work online.  Observing the works of other artists has taught me to appreciate so many different styles.  It has also helped me to grow and to define my own style.  I have always loved the work of Hannes Caspar (http://www.hannescaspar.com/), and lately I have been looking at Jonathan Leder’s work a lot (http://jonathanleder.com/).

- What inspired you to start making fashion photographs?

Fashion photography is appealing to me, because it allows for a lot of freedom and creativity.  Working with designers, stylists, and other creative people is also very rewarding.  I’ve always had a desire to communicate with a broad audience, as well, and I think fashion photography is a great way to do that.  I hope to reach more and more people as I continue my career.

- What is the difference between a lifestyle and a fashion photo? Is there even one?
To be honest, I don’t think I fully understand what lifestyle photography is.  I don’t consider myself to be a lifestyle photographer, though.  It seems more casual and candid than a lot of traditional fashion photography, and I think it’s very trendy at the moment.  It will be interesting to see how the genre grows and evolves.  I think it’s difficult to be a good lifestyle photographer, but I have certainly seen some good ones!

- Is there something a good lifestyle photograph should always have?
I don’t really know…  I’m sorry!

- The people in your photographs look very comfortable and in a great mood, how do you accomplish that?
Thank you so much!  That’s the best compliment you could give me.  I always try to help people to feel as relaxed as possible.  Even if I’m trying to communicate a more serious or tense mood, I like for the person to be relaxed.  That way, he or she can put a lot of thought and energy into creating that mood.  I think it all depends on the photographer, though.  The way the photographer interacts with his or her subject really determines almost all of the overall style.  Finding that style and developing it is what makes each photographer different.

- In your opinion, what are the DOs and DON’Ts a photographer should know about when working with people?
I have a lot of DOs and DON’Ts that define the way that I work, but I think it’s important that each photographer think about those rules independently.  Something that works for my shooting style may not work for another photographer’s style.  It’s really interesting to think about those differences.

- What do you regularly do to make yourself a better photographer and not to become burned-out?
Staying inspired is definitely one way to combat that burned-out feeling.  Music is very inspirational for me, and I also like to keep up with different blogs and the work of other photographers.  I think it’s important to see what makes someone else a good photographer.  Seeing how they have mastered their style inspires me to try to master my own style.

- What is more important the gear or the photographer i.e. his talent?  Having the right tools and knowing how to use them are two very important aspects of photography.  Choosing the tools that best help you realize your artistic vision is what truly matters, in my opinion.  I think that having a general knowledge of the available gear is a good thing.  Obsessing over it doesn’t seem wise, though.

Notes

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