"Have fun..." interview with JAMES DOCHERTY.

1Q) Can you please tell us the story behind this portrait? How you took it and why you choose to shoot this person?

This photo was part of my 365 project a year ago. It is a self portrait as that was the basis of my 365. I remember taking it fairly late at night so I used 2 desk lamps to light myself. There was no real story behind it other than I had wanted to use the 3D glasses. The line across the mouth was something I added while making the image 3D. I needed something to add depth to the image so I added the line and a shadow in for the 3D version. 

2Q) What photography gear you used here and why? What is usually in your photo bag?

For this shot I used my old DSLR a Canon 400D and the kit lens it came with. Now I carry my Canon 5D mkii and mainly shoot with a 50mm 1.4 lens. I also take my AE-1 camera with me, film, tripod, glasses and a remote (for the camera). 

3Q) What do you love most about shooting portraits?

I never used to be a big fan of shooting portraits, but after doing the 365 it has become my favorite type of photography. I like to capture the emotion of a person and to convey a story. 

4Q) Do you consider yourself mostly as a “portrait” photographer?

Now, I would say yes. A year ago I wouldn't, but now its definitely what I like to shoot. I like the more fashion based portraits like Tim Walker does, and hopefully I will progress more towards that style of portraits.

5Q) Do you work with available light or do you use additional lightning often?

I don't own any professional lighting equipment so I always use the available light. Occasionally I will use desk lamps and torches.

6Q) What/Who are your photography muses and influences?

So many. Tim Walker, Jeff Wall, Jeremy Cowart, Sebastiao Salgado, Annie Leibovitz, Garry Winogrand to name a few.

7Q) Any tip for taking better portraits?

I know its an obvious answer but, practice is key, the more you do it the more you will learn and progress. Connect with the person you are shooting, make them feel comfortable and be comfortable yourself, have fun with it.

www.jald.co.uk

flickr photostream

Thank You, James!