I’ve recently had the distinct pleasure of interviewing a very talented and thought-provoking Fine Art Photographic Artist from East Sussex in the UK. His name is Redski Redd and his passion and drive come from transforming the usual everyday object we see and elevating it into something more unusual. Redski’s vision for his work is unique in its ability to invoke and create deep emotion in the viewer.
As a fellow lover of horror films, it has been a real pleasure exploring your work and more specifically your Horror Art Photography. I can’t wait to see what you do in the future and experience the work of a true visionary. It’s my pleasure to share Redski’s thoughts and ideas with our readers. Thank you, Redski, for taking the time to respond to each question and giving the readers a glimpse into the mind of a person who truly enjoys what they do.
If you’d like to learn more about Redski, please visit his website. You can also follow him on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Can you please tell the readers a bit about yourself?
I was born and grew up in London. I moved to the South Coast about 13 years ago. I love Horror movies, all kinds of music, singing, meditating, and socialising. I also love America. The scenery, culture and the people.
Where is home?
East Sussex on the South East Coast of England.
After browsing through your bio, I see that you are truly immersed in the field of photography. What is it that led you towards photography and how long have you been working in it?
I always was intrigued by Photography but never picked up a camera till about 7 years ago. As soon as I started composing Still Life images I realised that I had an artistic side to me and I absolutely loved it with a passion. I haven’t stopped!
What were you doing before you decided to jump into the world of Photography?
I did some work for Peace, Environmental and Event charities and I have worked as a Counsellor.
Is Photography your full-time Career?
It is all I do as well as promote the work of other fantastic, contemporary artists and photographers on my website and on YouTube.
Are you formally-taught or self-taught? And what has been the best source of information along this journey (workshop, online forum, classroom, mentor, etc)?
I am totally self-taught. YouTube and books have been my source of information and various courses. I learned the basics from YouTube videos from Mark Wallace at Adorama TV, Jared Polin, Tony Northrup and Don Giannatti who has some great Still Life courses at Creative Live. Tony Roslund has a great Product Photography course at RGG EDU and Alex Koloskov taught me about studio lighting for Product Photography at Photigy.
The best source of information, for me, is the Internet. I learn so much from video. I can assimilate information from video much easier than books.
Are you satisfied with your choice of getting involved in this industry? Is there anything else you would rather be doing?
I am completely satisfied with my adventure into the world of Photography. There is nothing I would rather be doing However, I would like to work as a photographer in the film and TV industry. Maybe on The Walking Dead set.
If there is one thing you would want prospective clients to know about you, what would it be?
I always give 100% of my creativity and passion in my work. They will always receive a unique and quality piece of art.
What do you prefer more – studio work or photography on location?
Up until now, I have mainly been a studio shooter and I have only recently ventured outdoors for urban / landscape photography and I love that just as much a Studio Photography. There is something special about finding a great composition on location, and creating my own Still Life compositions in always rewarding.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
It has to be ‘World of Clowns’.
This was an early image in my career. I had only just got into the art of compositing in Photoshop. I used just one Clown, yet I had so much fun manipulating the little toy into different positions and areas of the frame and taking separate exposures for each position. Then blending the exposures together in Photoshop, creating three clowns into one image was really exciting and enjoyable. It opened up a world of possibilities for my creative mind.
What is your favorite part of being a photographer?
Finding and creating the composition, finding and creating the light, and then using post-processing tools is my favorite part. So I guess you could say, all of it! I really enjoy shooting and editing the book covers that I photographed on commission.
What is the most challenging part of being a photographer?
The only thing I find challenging is, at the moment, I do not have a car, so trekking to all these fantastic locations can be a bit of a drag when carrying lots of equipment.
What do you do to keep your photography fresh and how do you stay motivated?
I feel fortunate that I can think of fresh ideas all the time and I buy the props in local shops or online and start creating. I also find unique compositions in the places I visit.
I am constantly excited by photography so I am always motivated.
Who or what inspires you in your personal life and work?
Film directors such as David Lynch and Stanley Kubrick and Krystof Kieslowski have such unique style and amazing photography set designs and colour palette. I often feel inspired just thinking about their films. I am also inspired by music, such as certain songs by Daft Punk, inspire creative ideas.
What industry sites and blogs do you read regularly? Would any stand out as particularly motivational or inspirational for someone who might be interested in learning about photography?
There are some great articles on PetaPixel.com, FStoppers.com and the forums on DPreview.com have super helpful people on there. Another great website for learning is Picturecorrect.com.
Share with us your favorite image and why?
Once again it is ‘World of Clowns’, for the comedic aspect and I love the black and white vintage look. The image kind of reminds me of the David Lynch film, ‘The Elephant Man’ because of the Black and white grimeyness.
What type of camera do you shoot with? What’s your favourite lens?
I shoot with the Canon 6D and my favourite lens in the Canon 90mm Tilt Shift lens as it is super sharp!
What is your favourite photography accessory, other than your camera?
I love my three Elinchrom RX One Lights as I love creating lighting schemes for Still Life projects. Light truly brings out the beauty in Photography.
How important is Photoshop or other image editing software in your final images?
Absolutely vital. Fake flowers look like fake flowers in a Raw unedited image. I need Photoshop and other tools to create something beautiful and artistic.
One of my images, ‘Dark Sight’ is an award-winning abstract artwork. Without Photoshop, Topaz Studio and Nik Effects, it would look like a pointless lampshade.
Was there a point in your journey when you started to feel really good about your work? If so, what did it feel like to get past that ‘tipping point’?
Before I had decent lighting and tethering and used lamps, window light, and a Panasonic GH2, I created a ‘Fruit Bowl’ Still Life image. I had no idea that I had a flair for composition. I placed each piece of fruit in certain positions, working out what I thought was the perfect balance, colours, and light, and seeing the results of my work, I was impressed… for the first time was really excited and it opened up a whole world for me in terms of what I could achieve as an artist. I had created a new life for myself!
Are there any areas of photography that you have yet to pick up or that you would like to learn?
I would like to get into fashion photography. I think that I have an eye for portraits, posing, and lighting. I honestly think I could bring something unique to the world of fashion!
What do you think the future holds for you? Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
I plan to move to the United States, that is my goal. I would run workshops, sell my work, help promote other photographers and artists in a new store and maybe direct a few music videos.
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