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5 Questions for Nathan Pask Photographer

Today we bring you an interview with photographer Nathan Pask. I’ve known Nathan for a year or so now and met him through his flickr stream where he is more widely known as bigcrustyape. Nathan is a UK based photographer (although originally from Oz) with a history in the graphic design industry, he now works as a freelance photographer whilst completing a post graduate course in Photography.

He is an uber talent and also a bloody nice chap to boot. Hopefully you’ll enjoy this little delve into his head in what will be the first of a series of interviews with awesome photographers who possibly should be world famous!! If you are looking to hire this awesome talent or just want to check out more of his work then I suggest you start over at his website and follow it up with a visit to his flickr stream. Seriously this guys worth keepin’ an eye on.

photographywired (PW): When did you start taking photographs and what made you want to keep taking them?
Nathan Pask (NP): I’ve been shooting pretty much for as long as I can remember. I got my first camera given to me by my folks when I was about 7 years old. It was a Kodak Instamatic pocket 60. It was one of those flat looking rectangle cameras that you put the disposable flash cubes on the top. I’m pretty sure my mum picked it up from a second hand charity shop. I loved it! It went everywhere with me. The excitement I had as a kid sending my carefully finished film off to be processed. I would be sleepless till it arrived back a few days later. The rush of opening that pack and staring at the stack of slightly curved glossy prints, the sweet smell of developer and fixer creeping from the envelope. It was a joy! That rush and excitement still hasn’t left me even after 27 years. Even with things gone all digital now, I still get as much joy downloading and flicking through my shots in Adobe Lightroom as I did back then. I guess I started taking my photography more seriously when I was about 18 and I started getting paid for shooting about 5 or 6 years ago.

PW: What do you enjoy shooting most (and why)?
NP: I think most photographers go through stages of what they enjoy shooting most. Currently I am loving working with people. Been doing a bit of portraiture, but predominantly beauty and fashion. I come from a Graphic Design background and producing a piece of design is a real team sport. It goes through a lot of hands before it gets anywhere near the public and all the cogs along the way are essential to it’s success. With most photography, you fly solo but with fashion its given me the buzz of having to work with a crew of assistants, make-up artists, hair stylists, wardrobe, models and the client or fashion designer. Every shot is a collaborative effort and when it gels (or doesn’t), it really shows in the results. There is a huge element of surrealism when shooting fashion too which is great fun. It’s only limited by your imagination and of course your budget. But mainly, I think it’s just getting back to having human contact again, being part of a team and all creating something special together. › Continue reading

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Eric O’Connell: Photographer

Eric O’Connell is a celebrated American photographer from New Mexico, now working out of New York.   His photographs – whether they be personal or for corporate clients – are striking, inspirational and full of life.  He is also one of the principle reasons I became so fascinated with photography.  I first came across his work several years ago, before I had even had the urge to pick up a camera for any reason other than to take snapshots.  But the seed that was planted by that first exposure continues to grow, and I now can’t imagine my life without photography playing a central role in it.

Not only is he a wonderful photographer, he’s also one of the nicest guys you could possibly hope to meet.  Eric was kind enough to take some time out to answer a few questions for us here at photographywired. › Continue reading

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