The Regulars: An Interview with Bruce ZingerPhotographer: Bruce Zinger of Zinger Photographics

The Regulars: An Interview with Bruce ZingerPhotographer: Bruce Zinger of Zinger Photographics Inc.Type of Photos Taken: Live Theatre; PeopleWebsite: www.brucezinger.comWhat drew you into photography?My Father was a Photographer, so I sort of grew up in that environment of cameras and f-stops. I liked the craft of making images, especially the black and white darkroom fun! When I realized I could make my living doing Photography, I was keen in pursuing that angle of it seriously.What is your philosophy regarding photo taking? Any personal rules you stick to?My main insight is that Lighting is a life-long apprenticeship. Also, I like to “finish” my photos … which basically means fine tuning the details. Often I will move the camera angle slightly to accommodate elements of the image to “flow” better as linear components of the composition, like a line of a wall or building. It’s all about balance. Anyone can point a camera at a face and “take a picture”. The skill comes into play when you start to shift the elements of the composition as you observe through he viewfinder … it’s a conscious, “live” action sort of control. Like a video game. I often view images and find myself leaning one way or the other in order to mentally try to alter the image’s compositional balance … it’s not finished, if I find I am doing that!Tell us about a photographic challenge you overcame?Mainly, reinventing yourself as an image maker on each new job, especially with a new Client … they don’t care how fantastic you were last week shooting for “National Geographic”, if you can’t deliver what it is they are expecting …Not getting complaisant with the repetitive nature of years of being in business … always stay “hungry”, or you may go hungry!What gear do you prefer to shoot with? Since 2003, when I switched to a full digital workflow, I have been using Canon. I wish someone would make a system that combines Sony’s chips with Ziess optics and Canon/Nikon’s interface … I shoot in total darkness and it is essential that I am able to change shutter speed/ISO instantly with one button, and have that status “live” in the viewfinder … and a better out-focus system than what Canon has hobbled together …When did you first come to Downtown Camera? Anyone in particular you remember? Any advice to fresh photographers?A friend of mine knew Stan, and dealt with him in the old location on Church street. She introduce me to Stan, and the Gang … I have shopped in many different camera stores over the years, but it isn’t about price these days, it’s about the service and after sales help. That is why I keep returning to Downtown Camera.Any advice to fresh photographers?‘It’s not so much what you know, but who you know" … NEVER before has it become more pertinent than now … develop relationships and contacts.Also, do not get caught up in equipment-itis … it’s nice to own the latest and greatest cameras and lenses but often, if a piece of equipment is sitting on a self for more than 2 months (this will vary for each individual, of course …) then maybe it makes more sense to “rent as needed”, as opposed to owning it outright. … and, if you are constantly renting a specific piece of equipment, then maybe it’s time to buy it outright and expense it against your profits …Listen carefully to the “Pros” … they are often wrong about many things! … and, SAVE your money! -- source link

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