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Meet Tim, one of our Real Skate staff currently
working in Japan. I'm still on the do-it-yourself hunk mode so I
tricked Tim into finally being a hunk as well while posting an interview
a young lady from San Leandro, CA did on him for a school project.
The tables have turned on Tim,
as several years ago, like Carissa, Tim was asking me to hook him
up with a photographer he could "shadow" for a day as
a project for school. Good ole Wez Lundry from Thrasher agreed to
sponsor Tim at one of the first Slam City Jams.
Tim has come a long way with his photography career,
getting many pics published for skate mags, and all his years of
schooling and hands on experience totally shows in his work. I can't
post much because most of Tim's work gets quickly copyrighted. But
maybe some day he'll throw us some more crumbs! Tim, thank you for
being my hunk, and for doing the interview, you're a sweetie, you're
a hunk!
Hi Tim, my name is Carissa, I'm
doing a project in one of my classes about the profession of photography
and I need an interview with a professional skateboard photographer.
I was told by Clarkie that you would be able to give me a short
interview? I only have about 10 questions and if you're interested,
here they are:
1) What are your surroundings
right now?
Well, I am living in Tokyo, Japan. Japan has a large print
media industry. It is essentially all located in Tokyo. I mainly
shoot skateboarding, but there are enough media outlets to shoot
just about anything and be able to sell photos. I currently work
as a translator/photographer/handyman for a distributor. I shoot
on the side for Japanese skate magazines. I shoot 35mm Canon, Canon
Digital SLR, and Medium Format Hasselblad.
2) How did you get into photography?
Why did you want to get into it?
I took classes in high school, and then I taught myself
everything else, books, friends into photography, and a lot of film.
3) Do you have a lot of freedom
in your job? Freedom to use your creativity? Freedom to choose each
job you do?
I have creative control over how the picture will turn out,
I'm the one who clicks the shutter, so basically it is all up to
me. Whether everyone is happy or not is another question, but as
the photographer, I have control. I also have the freedom to choose
which jobs I choose and don't. Shooting something new is a way for
me to learn, and I like these chances to learn about new things.
4) What are the advantages of
being a photographer? Disadvantages?
The advantages of being a photographer are free film, free
developing, and most importantly doing what I love to do and still
get paid for it. I really haven't found any disadvantages, sometimes
deadlines put you under pressure, or you cannot control things like
the weather and outside factors that may interfere with your shooting.
Security is always a hassle.
5) What would you say is the
most rewarding thing about being a professional photographer? At
the end of the day, what makes you want to remain in this job?
When the person who I photographed is happy with the results.
I rarely am happy with my shots, but when others are happy by seeing
my shots, I feel great. Besides, that just going out shooting being
with my friends is great.
6) How often do you work?
I shoot about 2 times a week, once during the week and once
during the weekends. I shot a lot more when I was solely freelancing
for magazines, I had at least 5 shoots a week and sometimes more.
Currently my other job responsibilities keep me busy and take away
time that I would usually skate and take photos.
7) What requirements did you
need to complete to get this job?
Only one. I knew how to take pictures and I kept trying.
Even today I still work on improving my technique. It helps to have
a college degree, be fluent in another language, and have good recommendations.
Education is key, but not necessary for being a photographer. Even
I don't have a degree in photography, but a degree gets you respect,
a job, and something to do during your late teens-early 20 years.
8) Do you become friends with
many of the people you photograph?
Yeah, many of them I already know, or they know me. So, in my case
it is often like just going somewhere with my friends and taking
their picture. I don't even think of it really as a job. I shoot
my friends all the time without knowing if I can sell the photos
or not. We just go out shooting, skating, etc. Sounds kind of random,
but life is really that way sometimes.
9) What types of qualities are
necessary for getting a job like yours?
You need to know what you are shooting and how it should
be shot if you are a pro. You also should have a good understanding
about the fundamentals of photography. A positive attitude, good
communications skills, good connections, and don't get down on yourself
or others.
10) What one word would you
use to describe this job?
Fun.
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