PHOTOGRAPHY | An interview with Ver Estotsenberg.

Do you have an online gallery where one can view your photos?

http://mrwhitepatch.multiply.com
http://flickr.com/photos/mrwhitepatch

    
For how long have you done photography? How did you begin?

I started with sketching and painting during school days. Later I bought myself a compact digital camera and learned it’s a lot like painting actually -the framing, composition etc so it evolved from there.

    
What has been your education as a photographer?

I took up basic photography as a pre requirement for a magazine stint.

    

Please list any exhibitions in which you have participated.

I was invited for a cause exhibit. It was the Greenzinc Clean Shores program where my beach and surf shots were displayed. Another was in the office where I displayed my travel photos.

Please list any awards for your work.

The only awards I’ve gotten so far were those from my Basic Photography class. I’ve never joined any contests after. I placed fourth and sixth for portrait and landscape respectively. Oh yeah I submitted entry for the Lee Make history for the kicks and it got published in their website.

    
What is your favourite type of photography?

I think I can do all. I haven’t really found a specific niche. So long as the lighting interests me then I’m for it. I prefer natural lighting or outdoor photography.

    
What do you try to express through your photography?

I don’t really have specific genre that I can say I specialize in. As long as the lighting is interesting, I’ll shoot.

How do you choose your subjects?

I prefer shooting outdoors so whatever catches my eyes, I’m shooting. No preference whatsoever.

    
What type of preparation do you do before undertaking the photo session?

Just good grasp of things around. Place familiarization and the time and weather -very important to consider. Take deep breath and let those creative juices flood your mind.

    
Do you normally photograph with a purpose already in mind, or do you let yourself go with the flow?

I think I’m more of go with the flow. That’s where spontaneity is. The random creative. But for client shoots, yes it’s important that you have the stuffs composed in your mind already.

    
Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Sigma, Olympus, Sony, Pentax…which do you place your bets on and why?

I’m currently using a Canon brand but hopes to get a Nikon someday.

    
Describe your current equipment: cameras, lenses, computers, accessories…

I have a compact prosumer camera. Canon Powershot S3IS. No adaptors nor accessories yet. I use Ulead PhotoImpact XL for post processing. Just both.

    
What software and plug-ins do you use to retouch and manage your photos?

Oh there. Ulead PhotoImpact XL since 2004.

    
What measures do you take to protect your work against Internet piracy?

Piracy can be inevitable. I just put a watermark on the edges of my photos for sake but that’s it. There’s no way I can really track my works considering the technology present. On another note, piracy is the best form of flattery so I just feel thankful when I stumble upon an article that uses my work. Glad they liked it.

    
Are you a good salesperson of your work? In what should you improve?

I’m bad at selling myself and my work. That’s one area I need assistance from. I really don’t feel like describing my works. How you see my work can be different from how the others see it. It’s art, anyone can interpret their own way and I prefer it that way. Selling them? That’s the job of a salesman.

    
Which past masters of photography do you most admire?

I admire John C. Chua, personally because he gave a talk during our workshop and he was just simply impressive. I said to myself, I can be like him someday. I mentioned I was into painting and design (or did I?) so I have another -Frank Lloyd Wright and lately Herzog and de Meuron.

    
Are technology and digital retouching reducing the gap between professionals and amateurs?

I’m more into presenting and sharing arts. How you want to express yourself through visual arts and share. Some takes process and some just as is, fresh hot of the shutter. Digital retouching don’t really matter for me. I think it’s more a purist’s argument.

    
What is your team of habitual collaborators like?

I’ve never gone into full shooting setup. I’m more of a hobbyist. Although at times, my friends act impromptu as designers and stylists.

    
With which other photographers do you normally team up with or do sessions with?

Nothing formal. Just with friends.

    
Do you consider yourself more technical or more artistic?

I’m more artistic. I make most of what my gadget can deliver. I try to work around it.

    
What have you learned about the art of framing and composition?

Perspective. By learning how to properly frame and compose a subject, you need to have a good perspective. You see beauty in everything so long as you frame it right and you make good composition of it.

    
How does one develop the instinct of knowing when to press the shutter release button?

It could take time perfecting that instinct. But the right discipline, patience and a good grasp of things around you will surely help you develop that.

    
When should one use film, and when should one use digital?

Time is of the essence especially with demanding clients. You can’t afford not seeing your mistake shots in real time. Digital helps in that department by letting you view your shots right away and make another if necessary. With film, it’s not possible and you already have spent all your pricey film rolls before you learn your shots aren’t useful. No delete. I’ve tried film but was more of fun shoots. Lomography. Still, I worship the masters of film.

    
Does photography have the recognition that it should have in contemporary art museums?

I believe yes. I am amazed when I see a truly amazing photograph.

    
Which websites for photographers do you frequently visit?

Flickr for random and trend, Multiply for my peers and Behance.net. I like browsing through individual galleries.

    
Is there any particular technique that you could share?

Play with the aperture (Depth of Field).




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