A Look Through My Lens is an ongoing series on That GOOD GOOD Blog which features awe-inspiring photographers from all over the world. I have had the absolute privilege of interviewing 12 photographers thus far through this series and today I have yet another amazing addition to the ‘A Look Through My Lens’ family. Please enjoy the story of J. Quazi King from Brooklyn, NY as he shares about his passion for his art form and where his love of photography all began.
I've been shooting for almost 2 years now. In
retrospect, I believe I've always been interested in photography in some
indirect way, among friends I was always the guy with the point and shoot
camera documenting the moment. I became a photographer really by accident.
After losing a management job I’d held for 6 years, I bought an entry level
camera for hobby while I was deciding on my next career move. It was early summer
2010; I went out one night shot a party, posted the photos online and tagged
the people. About 2 weeks later I was hired by a magazine to shoot an event,
from that point it was ON!
I have a vast photography interest, ranging from photo-journalism, live music, fashion, lifestyle, night life, etc. But I’m known more for my portraiture work because it's what I've shared thus far.
I'm more of an artistic photographer, I create work
with soul. In my personal work, it’s very important to me to capture part of my
subject's essence/soul and attach it to the final result, this way he/she lives
forever in the portrait.
I love shooting
people and exploring all that they have to offer, the happiness, sadness, mixed
emotions and everything else that comes with being human... I would not leave
my house looking to photograph butterflies or plants unless I'm getting paid
for it (LOL! no diss). It's just not my thing. I always gravitate towards
people because they will always surprise you with their infinite range of
emotions and that can be very exciting.
I use 1 camera and 1 lens for all my shoots unless
specifically asked by the client. My gear is a Nikon D300s & 17-55mm
lens. I get lots of emails with this question and I will usually joke by
saying "I'm a Nikonian from a planet called NIKON" I shoot with a
Nikon because of their superior ergonomics and because it was the first
brand I purchased. In photography one usually sticks with the brand
they've already invested in. To be honest I don't buy too much into the
major brands competition and I can care less about the new/fancy features
coming out and all of that. I just need something good enough and reliable
because at the end of the day it's really not about that camera, it's
what can be done with it.
Professionally, I admire lots
of people out there. I believe everyone has something to contribute into this
big pot called the creative society. But personally, very few create the kind
of work I'd love to learn from. I love Kimiko Yoshida's self portraits and
my man Barron Claiborne awesome body of work.
www.quazimottoonwax.tumblr.com
