
A Conversation With...
#1
Posted 03 October 2009 - 03:11 AM
IMO tips and little nuggets of info come up in chats that just don't in a more formal article - so hopefully they will make interesting reading and useful too. Let me know what you think.
These aren't strict interviews - I won't be asking anyone where their favourite dive site is or similar. They are talks about technique, rather than people. The topic usually determined by what specifically interests (or stands out for) me in the photography of whoever I am chatting to. Some months I'll chat with individuals, other months with groups of photographers.
The first installment is up - an interview with Wetpixel members Todd Mintz and Rand McMeins - talking about shooting for competitions and some of the reasons behind their enviable track records of success.
You can see it here:
http://wetpixel.com/...es-of-articles/
Any feedback greatly appreciated.
Alex
Alexander Mustard - www.amustard.com - www.magic-filters.com
Nikon D5 (Subal housing). Nikon D7200 (Subal housing). Olympus EPL-5 (Nauticam housing).
#2
Posted 03 October 2009 - 03:51 AM
#3
Posted 03 October 2009 - 04:13 AM
#4
Posted 03 October 2009 - 04:21 AM
Karen
My Galleries:
http//www.karendoody.com
#5
Posted 03 October 2009 - 07:32 AM
Mike
#6
Posted 03 October 2009 - 09:56 AM
#7
Posted 03 October 2009 - 02:28 PM
To kick off with Rand and Todd caught my eye, especially as I was recently up at Browning pass Hide-away at the same time that the 3 of you were there. It's nice to be able to put a face to the names.
From the interview I can identify a lot with the rewards of entering competitions and the benefits of teaming up with other talented photographers. It has certainly helped me raise my game. It can also be nice not to be remotely attracted to other successful photographers - and just be free and uninfluenced to pursue your own style.
I'd look forward to more interviews.
#8
Posted 03 October 2009 - 03:07 PM
What a fantastic concept, what a fantastic insight, what a fantastic read, well done you !!
I think what would top this off would be an interview with you giving your insight on your photography and thought process.
Could you get someone to interview you so we "Wetpixies" can see inside the Mustard Mind as well?
Can't wait for the next installment.
Nige Wade
http://www.wadeimaging.com
There's no dignity in diving. Especially as you get older.
Nikon D800 Subal ND800 housing Nikkor 16-35, 60, 105 and a Sigma 15 FE. Inon Z240's. ULCS arms.
#9
Posted 03 October 2009 - 11:43 PM
I certainly intend to cast the net widely for these interviews, there will be some heavy weight names and also some photographers, whose work I really respect, but wouldn't consider themselves "names". And there are plenty of Wetpixel members who won't be safe next time I see them/dive with them! I'd like to make as many interviews as possible in the field (where we have been diving), but I might do a few at various shows etc.
Yesterday I did the chat for number 3 (December 1st, hopefully) with 4 of the Spanish teams (wetpixel IDs): David Barrio (davichin), Carlos Suarez (Carlos_Suarez), Carlos Villoch (blueglass) and Arturo Boyra at the Fotosub Gran Canaria. Fotosub is a specific discipline in underwater photography and we spoke about that, about wide angle lighting, about working with models and also how the competition is increasingly driving them to try new techniques.
You'll hear plenty of my opinions through the series as in most of the interviews (like the Rand and Todd one) I intend to be a voice in the conversation. I am planning to write the Martin Edge interview up in a more traditional style (without my voice in quotes) but instead passing on my opinions as the voice of the article. I also have some great "archive" images for Martin's interview. As far as possible I hope to find more unusual images for the illustrations - particular copies of images in use, in print, etc.
Alex
Alexander Mustard - www.amustard.com - www.magic-filters.com
Nikon D5 (Subal housing). Nikon D7200 (Subal housing). Olympus EPL-5 (Nauticam housing).
#10
Posted 04 October 2009 - 01:08 AM
I wanted to find a different angle for a new series of underwater photography articles that will appear here on Wetpixel and also in Underwater Photography Magazine - and decided to do an series of conversations with underwater photographers.
Any feedback greatly appreciated.
Alex
What about us filmmakers and videographers ...

Dive safe
DeanB
#11
Posted 04 October 2009 - 02:45 AM
What about us filmmakers and videographers ...
![]()
Dive safe
DeanB
Dean, you already talk enough

Alex, great start, although i don't know about that Todd character, its too bad you can't capture his distinct accent on the net

Looking forward to the next one
Join us for an Underwater Photography Workshop in the Lembeh Strait at NAD Lembeh with Doug Sloss in 2018
Blog and Photo Archive/Portfolio Site www.mikeveitchblog.com
Learn underwater photography in the ultimate classroom, Bali! or join us on a trip www.underwatertribe.com and www.baliuwphoto.com
Join us for a trip in Indonesia in Komodo or Raja Ampat
#12
Posted 04 October 2009 - 12:50 PM
Dean, you already talk enough
Granted ... And much about nothing as well ...

Dive safe
DeanB
#13
Posted 04 October 2009 - 01:53 PM
http://wetpixel.com/...-didier-noirot/
You even commented on it.
Mike is right though... the lack of accents takes the fun away.
Drew
Moderator
"Journalism is what someone else does not want printed, everything else is public relations."
"I was born not knowing, and have only had a little time to change that here and there.
#14
Posted 04 October 2009 - 02:41 PM
Dean, the first interview done was for video:
http://wetpixel.com/...-didier-noirot/
You even commented on it.
Mike is right though... the lack of accents takes the fun away.
Ahhh ... That was a while ago by the looks of things ??? My memory isn't that sharp anymore... Cool tho ...
Looking forward to more insights... Have we any shooters with broad Scots or Geordie accents ... That would be fun listening for our overseas brothers and sisters ...

Dive safe
DeanB
#15
Posted 05 October 2009 - 04:29 AM
What about us filmmakers and videographers ...
I have to say that I am unlikely to do any chats with moving picture peeps - because the aim of the series is to talk technique and I don't know enough about video for that. The aim is that these aren't biographical style interviews - but a different way of presenting a technique article.
Alex, great start, although i don't know about that Todd character, its too bad you can't capture his distinct accent on the net
Yes, everyone will speak in (my friend) the Queen's english - so it is all UK-english spelling too. Sorry for the lost comedy value, but I intend to leave a little of the jokey banter in (not all because they are supposed to be focused on the technique side of things).
But I do have all the MP3 audio files and maybe on day I will put together an edited highlights selection. Have some good accents so far - Rand from the US, Todd from Canada, Martin from the North of England and thick Spain-spanish accents from the Canaries guys.
Alex
Alexander Mustard - www.amustard.com - www.magic-filters.com
Nikon D5 (Subal housing). Nikon D7200 (Subal housing). Olympus EPL-5 (Nauticam housing).
#16
Posted 05 October 2009 - 09:28 AM
the aim of the series is to talk technique and I don't know enough about video for that.
Alex
Phew !!! that makes two of us ...

Oh well maybe one of our esteemed videologists will do a similar thing ... My first question "whats this red button for ???" ... Okay, I'll leave it to someone else

Dive safe
DeanB
#17
Posted 05 October 2009 - 10:14 AM
Will future articles be posted in new threads, or appended to this one?
#18
Posted 05 October 2009 - 11:36 AM
And I'll probably put a plug in this thread for those who tend to bookmark the forums directly.
Alex
Alexander Mustard - www.amustard.com - www.magic-filters.com
Nikon D5 (Subal housing). Nikon D7200 (Subal housing). Olympus EPL-5 (Nauticam housing).
#19
Posted 05 October 2009 - 05:12 PM
When he approached me to contribute to this series I quickly accepted his request. I feel that my photography has developed in part due to the time and assistance from many people therefore, I felt it would be prudent to pay it forward to others. Hopefully it helps some of you with your photography.
Thank you everyone for the kind comments.
Did my accent come out is that...? It sounds just like Mike's. LOL
Cheers
Todd
#20
Posted 05 October 2009 - 06:55 PM

Join us for an Underwater Photography Workshop in the Lembeh Strait at NAD Lembeh with Doug Sloss in 2018
Blog and Photo Archive/Portfolio Site www.mikeveitchblog.com
Learn underwater photography in the ultimate classroom, Bali! or join us on a trip www.underwatertribe.com and www.baliuwphoto.com
Join us for a trip in Indonesia in Komodo or Raja Ampat