We are proud to have our first photographer interview! Today we are going to chat with Eric McClellan:
Eric, where do you make your home?
Minnesota
Did you take a secondary education to study photography? Where? And did you feel it helped with your career?
Never had any formal training in photography. I have a bachelors and a masters in a completely unrelated field.
Do you consider yourself a “pro” photographer? Why?
The word “pro” is thrown around so ridiculously these days, it has lost all meaning to me. Do I make money with photography? Sure. Is it a retirement plan? Not even close.
What is your “area” in photography? (wedding? travel? wildlife?)
Automotive, nature and abstract.
If you could go any place in the world to shoot, right now, where would it be? Why?
Dharmsala. I would like to visit the mountains and visit my religious sites.
What type of camera(s) do you use? Why?
I use a combination of a D3 and a D200. The Nikon’s just seem to feel better in my hands, bulky, heavy, well built. I’m tough with my toys and they really need to withstand my abuse and the Nikon’s do well.
What is your favorite lens and why?
Hard to say, each has it’s purpose and does it well. It all depends on what I’m shooting and why I’m shooting it.
Are you a Mac or PC lover?
PC – Love tinkering with it, changing stuff and building my own machines.
What do you think the worst effect is that someone can add to a photo? Why?
Selective coloring. It’s the Alabama of the photography world.
Do you usually have an assistant shooter?
Once in a while I’ll ask a friend to come with, mostly to do rolling shots and help push cars and stuff… not too much photo related.
What do you find the most challenging in photography? Why?
Planets. They are far away.
What do you enjoy the most as a photographer? Why?
Hard to say as I don’t call myself a “photographer”.
What would you like to be doing in the next five years in relation to your photography career?
Umm… Good question, I wouldn’t mind being paid to travel to take photos.
What advice would you give someone just starting out? Why?
Grow thick skin and allow honest feedback.
Would you recommend this career to students starting out? Why?
Not even close. Photo jobs are getting harder and harder to find. Then you have people like me, the “weekend warrior”. I have a high quality product and can take or leave a shoot when it suits me. I have a full time career and this is fun for me.
Any other comments you may have in relation to photography?
My old boss used to tell me, “Your growth begins at the end of your comfort zone”. Good advice.