Ok internet friends, this week’s Feature Friday topic is some of my favorite places online. I’ll be mentioning a few, and then this week we’re all very lucky to be able to hear from Simon Revill, a fantastic photographer from the UK, who has an awesome forum that I am so happy to be a part of. And although we discuss it a little more in depth in the interview below….you can click HERE to learn more about Simon’s workshop on September 15th.
When I’m online I’m mostly there to learn, to seek out things I want to know more about, meet other cool photographers, and just be inspired by different things. I read about 30 different blogs (another Feature Friday post) and I’m very active on three forums: the [b]school (which I will feature another week), NW Photo Forum (a regional forum with lots of photographer’s local to me) and a new forum called Drama Free Photography Forum (or DFP as I like to call it for short). The name pretty much says it all, but it’s a place “FOR PROFESSIONALS, BY PROFESSIONALS” I’ll let Simon explain his vision and what it’s all about below.
First let’s go over some background of how I know Simon. I’ve gotten to know him over the past year and a half after meeting him on another forum that he was very active on. He is just an awesomely cool person who tells it like it is, and is always willing to help people out, to learn and grow. I’ve sort of coined him my “mentor” even though he’s never formally taken credit OR the title.
Simon has a quote on his blog that says “Do what you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life”. I don’t know where it came from, but I LOVE it! I have always felt this way and this positive statement kind of sums up my whole feelings about my job right now. I really enjoy being able to give people from all walks of life, some lifetime treasures! Anyway, his work is truly inspiring and I’m going to let him tell you about this great place he’s carved out of the big internet world, for people who are serious about their photography business…..and friends, it doesn’t matter if you’ve been in business 1 day, 30 years, or are just starting to think about becoming a business, this place is for people serious about becoming better and learning! So without further adieu…..here’s Simon….
1. First off tell us a little bit about you Simon…where are you from, what do you shoot, how long have you been in the business, do you have a family?
Born and raised in Chesterfield Derbyshire which is on the edge of the Peak District National Park. I’ve lived all my life in Chesterfield but would have loved to have been born in 50′s America ……
Photography started for me many years ago with my first camera – a Zenith – and I have progressed on and off since then. I am now predominantly a wedding and portrait photographer and this is my core business.
I am married to Debbie (who does a great job of putting up with me) and have two grown up sons from my first marriage – Darren and Christopher. We have two dogs – Bilbo a Newfoundland and Bubba a St Bernard.
2. What’s the one thing you love most about photography?
I love capturing the moment – even sometimes at the expense of technicalities – and probably the reason why I love shooting weddings as they are always where people are most happy. I love shooting Fine Art and creating single pieces of work that will stand the test of time.
3. Ok I have to ask it, who are some of your photography role models and inspiration?
I think they change over time but current ones would include Jeff Ascough, Aleksandras Babicius, Mike Fulton – and all for different reasons. Jeff is the master of capturing the moment, Aleksadras uses light beautifully to create natural images and Mike just is inspirational in the way he is always pushing boundaries.
4. You seem to have a real gift for helping other photographers out, where did you get that drive to help others?
I received much help when starting and over the years – without it I wouldn’t have got to the position I am now – so I think it only fair to try and give a bit back. There is room for everyone in this business – so we should all try and help each other to become the best there is.
5. What motivated you to start “Drama Free Photography”
It was more a case of firstly seeing if I could do all the technical bit – on an idle Sunday afternoon. I’m always up for a challenge and then it sort of evolved and I could see a niche for Professionals to help each other.
6. What’s your vision for the forum and it’s growth?
I really don’t mind if we have 100 members or 10,000 members – they will all be professionals and will all hopefully share their experiences and problems for the benefit of the others. So numbers aren’t a requirement- what is though is that those that sign up and join actually participate. I really can’t see the point of joining something and then not taking the effort to help it develop.
Apathy – I hate it and hope the forum doesn’t become a home for those with no desire to share or grow in their business
7. Since it’s a closed forum, can you tell us the reason behind that and the guidelines for gaining access?
Pure and simple – you need to be a working professional – or be a excellent amateur (the latter decided by me). It is that simple – and is a place that all can share business ethics and ideas and problems – safe that it doesn’t get back to any clients. This closed type of forum I would hope will be one of its greatest assets.
8. It seems that there are a few people out there that are really embracing this idea of photographer’s helping other photographer’s, what’s your take on this?
I’m all for it – and as I’ve said without it I wouldn’t have progressed as I have. Why stumble in business on your own when you could listen and learn from others who have made some of those mistakes – thereby you avoid those and make some new ones !!
9. Ok I heard that you are going to be hosting a workshop over there in September for some of the forum members, tell us a little about it so those that join the forum and are interested can get the low down!
Workshops are always full of too many people and don’t really aim themselves at the working professional. Here in the UK wedding photographers get very little quality time with a bride and groom – so trying the new and inovative can sometimes be a struggle. So together with brilliant contacts in the form of Rob and Mandi from Formal and Fabulous I have set my own workshop up. Found a beautiful venue – Riber Hall Hotel – and booked the event. We will have the latest gowns / suits – A beautiful wedding car in the shape of an Austin 10 and models for the whole day.
The idea is to try those new poses / layouts that are in our minds – but that may or may not work. Also as we will be all professionals together we avoid some of the pitfalls that other workshops have when people take part that are perhaps there to learn more of the technicalities – which uses up valuable time.
You can find out more about it HERE or e-mail Simon@simonrevill.com if you are interested in attending, it is September 15, 2009! There are going to be some GREAT prizes and incentives for attendees!
10. All right, we want to know, what do you shoot with and what is your favorite lens? I know you just recently switched from Canon to Nikon, so fill us in on that too.
Most of my life was shooting with Nikon …. but as the Canon 5D came out and Nikon was seemingly behind, I switched for the full frame system. Yes I have gone back to Nikon and D3′s as I suppose I am more used to their layout – I do think that they have actually got a better product but that is for another argument.
Whichever system I use my favourite lens is the same …… 70-200 f/2.8 – and I would say that 75% of my work is taken with it. I just love shooting wide open with it and not having to be in peoples faces as I think that kills the spontaneity that I’m trying to capture
11. What’s been the biggest struggle for you in your photography career?
The business side – I’m a poorly organised businessman – as I love passionately my ability to record moments through the lens…. and this sometimes means I’m less than attentive on the number crunching bit – I’d rather give a client an extra image – just because I know they love it – for free than see them not have it at all.
12. Lastly we want to show off some of your AWESOME work! Please tell me the first thing that comes to your mind when you see these images.
The first was a beautiful moment after quite an emotional one …. the bride and her father had been to the grave of her departed mother ….. so tension was high – then the wind picked up and it all went away ….
The second was just a beautiful setting with a great couple – so clearly in love
The third just says so much in the eyes – love it
Well folks, thank Simon for sharing a little about him with us, and if you’re interested in growing your business and becoming a better photographer, and collaborating with other professionals who’s mindset is to help you in your business, head on over to DFP and submit your website or blog for access…..remember to follow the rules and use your real name!
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