Jack
Savage
1. Tell us a bit about your personal life?
I am a 41 year old professional photographer from Northampton, England. I have been in a relationship for the last 6 years with my girlfriend Michelle.
2- Were your parents supportive about you wanting to become a photographer?
My parents have not always been supportive of my career choice, particularly in the early days when there was little to no money earned. These days they are more appreciative and supportive of my success.
3- Was there anything specific that you can remember that made you want to become a photographer?
I have always had a keen interest in Cinema, studying the photography and cinematography within movies remains a passion to this day.
4- Did your schooling affect your creative development in any way?
My education definitely had a huge impact upon my career. I carry a Masters's Degree in American Studies (History) from Nottingham University – and I translate these areas into my artworks.
5- Tell us about your favourite exposure style?
My favourite exposure style is low key – Film Noir esque lighting – the cinema of The Old Hollywood circa 1920 – 1950.
6- How did you light the picture?
I have a variety of different lighting techniques – from natural lighting through to off-camera flash
7. Over the years, did you ever encounter famous people who were very difficult to shoot?
I am more concerned with shooting the average man or woman than anyone famous. I venture into a number of photographic styles including studio, wedding, documentary and fine art.
8- How much do you research your subjects before photographing them? I tend to consider my subjects interests and demeanour before I photograph them. Sometimes however I get to know them through the shoot.
9- What camera were you shooting with? I now shoot with a Fuji XT3, Canon 6D, and a Canon 5D MK iii. My favourite focal range is between 24 -200 mm.
10- Regarding the transition from film to digital– when did it happen for you?
I re-entered the photographic arena in 2011 with earnest and a new passion for the digital age. Initially, I gravitated
towards street and documentary photography – and then progressed toward the church and urbex genres of photography.
11- What were the first digital cameras you started using?
My first digital camera was a Panasonic Lumix GF1, a 12 MP Mirrorless street camera.
12- Are you very hands-on with the post-processing of digital files?
Absolutely I like to process each picture individually based on different looks and situations.
13- How do you feel about the transition from film to digital?
Digital photography provided the platform from which I could properly translate my artistic visions. I found that with Film – I spent too much time in the darkroom fumbling around J
14. Do you have an all-time favourite camera/lens combination?
My all camera and lens combo is a Canon 5D MK iii with a 70 – 200 mm lens. I find this focal range perfect for portraits, landscapes and street photography.
15. Is there anyone, anything that you haven’t photographed yet that you’d like to?
I would love to pursue some more documentary orientated photographic projects, namely London street gangs, or Romanic Travelling people for example.
16. Do you find photography challenging even after all this time?
I definitely find certain aspects of photography challenging – particularly the learning of new software programs such as 3D Blender and certain Photoshop techniques.
17. Do you have any tips for an aspiring photographer who’s picking up a camera for the first time?
My advice to any aspiring photographer is to persevere – and don’t give up on your dreams and ambitions at any cost. This persistent perseverance will pay off in the long run.