Zack Arias, The One Light Man

The start: 15 years ago, I decided I wanted to be a photographer and we never had internet, or blogs to read or DVDs to learn from like you do now. So I went to Art School, and I dropped out of Art School because I was very much a technical person (I need to know the why), but it turned out instead that photography is a touchy emotional feeling, and I was looking to earn money out of a career rather than taking it as an art form. Then I found a very small commercial photography program at a technical school; it wasn’t a big university. When I was in school, I started assisting photographers every chance I got. I did that for about 3 or 4 years; working for other photographers and studios. I did that while I was trying to building up my portfolio and building my business. It took me a lot of time and effort to do it. My Style: Clean and simple. I’m a great believer in content over technique. In my heart, I’m a photo journalist but I’m making my living from commercial photography. How long have you been a professional photographer? I’ve been a professional photographer, making a living from it, for around 7½ years. How do you prepare for a photoshoot? I usually take the mood from the clients; what they want in the pictures (urban or natural landscape, light, happy, dark, etc….). I also ask the clients to give me some pictures that they love and hate. I never copy those pictures, but I can get what they like and don’t like from them. After that, I try to build the idea, physically through moving decoration around and putting on hip hop music to help me in my brain storming. Your favorite lens / camera / equipment: My favorite camera is the Nikon D3. My two favorite lenses are 35 mm F2 and the 105mm F2. For the lighting equipment, I have a whole bunch of Nikon flashes, SP80DX. For personal work I have mamiyaRZ67, I shoot film. During Sessions how many photos do you take, to get the right one: I average somewhere about 50 to 60 pictures an hour. I have to make time, it is very important. Right now, I have a huge personal project that I’m preparing for. Website to share: www.aphotoeditor.com Awards: No, I’m not one for entering contests. Last 4 Photoshoots: One of them is my personal project. Children’s clothing company (2 shoots) Country band in the USA My advice to new photographers: Make the most of the equipment you have At the end of the day it’s not about what camera or equipment you have. A word to your fans: I am just a guy. I appreciate that I got connected to people and get respect from people. But honestly, I have a hard time with that, since I do not know how I got here, ‘coz I’m only doing my thing. Word for LPMAG: I wish you all the luck in the world - keep on keepin’ on!   Workshops and Photography training DVD: http://www.OneLightWorkshop.com Zack runs photography workshops and also has Photography training DVD, Check out his website for more info about the award Telly award winner "One Light DVD" www.zackarias.com email: studio@zackarias.com http://www.OneLightWorkshop.com Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/usedfilm  

Mohamad Seifeddine Exclusive interview, A new generation of professional photographers

LPM: Who is Mohamad seifeddine? Introduce yourself, where did you study, how long have you been in photography, starting point, etc…
I am  24 years old Lebanese student. I finished advertising and last year radio tv. Photography was a hobby 5 years ago when I registered photography course, and since 2009 I decided to make it my profession.
LPM: How would you define yourself who is Mohamad seifeddine as a photographer?
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.’’ I take photos because It’s my best way to express what I like and what to say, passion for photography as an art more than a business is my key to develop interesting photos

LPM: you are young and talented what makes you different than the other photographers in Lebanon?
Different light,  model attitude and fashion styling is essential to be unique; I avoid shooting typical Lebanese old fashion makeup and hair …

LPM: How would you describe your style?
Artistic but elegant.

LPM: What advice do you have for new photographers?

Keep practicing and taking new photos, be up to date with all products related to their particular interest in any field of photography.

LPM: Did you get trained by another photographer?
NO

LPM: How do you prepare for a photo shoot?
It depends on the shooting if its fashion, beauty or editorial.
I meet with the client or fashion editor and discuss the main concept and purpose of the shooting, to choose the models, makeup artist …

LPM: What do you add to the photo when the client tells you this and that? 
We decide what to adjust before shooting, and when a client have a bit different point of view, I tend to be flexible as long it’s for the benefit of the concept.

LPM: How do you work out on the composition of the picture? 
Again it depends on the kind of shooting editorial or advertising or other. Do we need with one or multi elements, in or out doors?

LPM: What distinguish a professional model from a non-professional one?
A professional model must have specific physical standards. She should give the needed attitude to make to photo successful, And to emphasize the cloth or product and not her. 

LPM: What makes Lebanese photographers different from others / in the area photographers?
A mix of oriental faces and fashion with international trend leads to different production. So a Lebanese photographer has the opportunity of various cultural elements in his photos that make him unique.

LPM: What is your favorite lens? 
For fashion i prefer wide angle or standard lens, for beauty and portrait I love the contrast of D.O.F in telephoto lens.

LPM: A typical question what are you using, medium format or 35 m? 
For personal photos and the new exhibition using 35mm, but for most commercials and fashion digital high resolution photos are preferred.  

LPM: In general during a session to take the shot how many picture you take.
In some sessions few photos are enough to get what I need or even from first shots, and when a model needs some time to warm up couple of minutes are needed.

LPM: Do you still have time to shoot for yourself something you love?
Yes I do especially when I travel.

LPM: Can you share a website or blog you visit often?
When it comes to photography there no specific site, I just Google what I need.

LPM: Who are the famous faces in your portfolio?
Locally I worked with  Maya Diab, Melissa, Nadine Njeim, Mona abou hamze.
International celebrities: Akon, Shakira, Tiesto, Julio Iglesias, and soon Ricky Martin.

LPM: What awards did you win and some of your exhibitions?
I am working on first exhibition and it will be in summer 2012

LPM: Last four photo shoots?
Nicolas Jebran Haute Couture, Sayidaty editorial, Maya Diab portraits, Melissa.

LPM: What do you say for people that love your work? 
Thanks for being a fan of what I do and stay tuned for more exiting photos.

 LPM: What do you say for Lebanese photography magazine? 
Wish you prosperity among all photography lovers and it’s a pleasure to share my photos and interview. 
  
Contact info: info@mseif.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mSeifphotography
Website: www.mseif.com