22 August, 2008

What's in YOUR Bag Jeff Newsom?

Two days ago I was standing in line at K-Mart (because there is no Target in Hawaii) flipping through a bridal magazine (because that's what I always do when I'm waiting at checkout) and there was this gorgeous image of a wedding party that I just LOVED. Compositionally off the chart, balanced, interesting, fresh, GREAT. Well, I looked up the photo credit and low and behold: Jeff Newsom! What are the odds that he was my next scheduled photographer for What's in YOUR Bag?! FUN! He is one big fat "vultron of awesomeness" and I'm pleased to feature him here on Pics and Kicks today.

Me: How long have you been a photographer?
Jeff: I picked up my first camera about 7 years ago. I've only been a 'photographer' for about 4.



Me: How did you get into photography?
Jeff: Oddly enough, I used photoshop professionally for years before I actually picked up a camera. I say "oddly enough", because I barely even touch photoshop now. I helped a lot of photographers, during their transition from film to digital, figure out their workflow. It was a basic introduction to the industry. I had a friend who asked me to shoot his engagement photos. Never shooting people before, I grabbed my little digicam and explored as many new possibilities as I could. Needless to say, I fell in love. I was meant to shoot people.

Me: Who would you say is your greatest influence as a photographer?
Jeff: In all honesty, it is my clients. Each and every couple I work with is amazing. I'm in love with awesome people and I have the most awesome clients on the planet!
Me: That was the best answer of all time.


Me: What is your primary camera body?
Jeff: I shoot dual Canon 1Ds MK III's. They are my babies.

Me: What do you use for backup?
Jeff: I also bring a 1D MK III and a 1Ds MK II as a backup.

Me: What do you have in the lens armada?
Jeff: The word Armada feels perfectly appropriate. All Canon, In order from the widest: 15mm 2.8 fisheye, 16-35mm 2.8L MK II, 24mm 1.4L, 24mm 3.5L TS-E, 35mm 1.4, 45mm 2.8 TS-E, 85mm 1.2L, 70-200mm 2.8L IS, 200mm 1.8L and a BIG bag.


Me: Why did you choose the gear you did (ie Canon over Nikon)?
Jeff: I chose Canon due to their full frame offerings at the time. I think Nikon is awesome, but Canon has been good to me.
Me: I went with Canon for the same reason, but recently Nikon has me turning my head!



Me: Talk to me a little bit about your post-processing. I love it. Do you have an action set that you use? If so, which are your favorite actions?
Jeff: I have never used any actions on any of my photos (with the exception of resizing for the blog). I process the raw files individually, by hand, using Lightroom. Thats it! No additional PS.

Me: What would be the number one piece of advice you'd give an aspiring photographer?
Jeff: Just do your own thing and work hard. Avoid getting caught up in industry trends and just be yourself! Being unique is beyond valuable.
Me: AMEN!

Jeff,

You're a bona fide rock star!
Thanks for being willing to share.

Aloha,

Natalie

Don't miss previous installments of What's in YOUR Bag?

Jasmine Star
Michael and Anna Costa
Ed Pingol
Allison Cox
Jonathan Canlas
Sean Flanigan
Heather Cole

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6 comments:

Callie Canlas said...

um yes, this is the voltron of awesomeness. thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Wow -- he's incredible. I love these "what's in your bag?" bits, Natalie! This was definitely a winner! A suggestion...I think we'd all like to see a photo of each photographer! I love "picturing" who's behind these amazing pictures!

Anonymous said...

AWESOME POST! Thanks for sharing Jeff! I love the part about clients being your greatest influence.

Anonymous said...

so glad i found this post and your blog...will be adding you to my bloglines for sure!

Sweet Caroline Photo said...

Great stuff! I love Jeff Newsom and am convinced he will be my wedding photographer some day.

one typo- don't you mean 200mm 2.8L though? ;)

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