Sam Javanrouh [daily dose of imagery]
Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sam Javanrouh about his photoblog and photography. Here’s a few of the questions we had for Sam.
Are you a self-taught photographer or did you have a mentor?
I’m self thought for the most part, but my father is a cinematographer so I saw a lot of different cameras and have been to film sets so that helped a lot too.
What did you do to teach yourself?
I read a lot of books and try to read as much online too, but I think the most important thing is looking at photos and movies. I love going to bookstores and flipping through photo books or go through my own collection of books from my favorite photographers as much as I can. I think I learned from cinematographers more than any book.
What should someone look for in a mentor?
That’s a tough question for me. I didn’t have one mentor really, my sources of inspiration have always been a collective list of people, and the list grows daily. I guess it’s the work that really touches you, not necessarily a person.
Once you’ve taken an photograph you like, what next?
One my favorite photographers Ansel Adams once said: “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” That pretty much sums up my process of image making. When I press the shutter only half of the work is done. When I look through the viewfinder, I see what the photograph will look like but the camera almost always fails to capture what I saw. The rest is in post processing, where I try to bring back the feeling of the moment as much as I can.
What do you do when you feel uninspired?
It depends. Sometimes I pick up my camera and start walking around downtown. I might watch a movie or read a book. I also really enjoy going to a bookstore and spend hours going through magazines and books.
What made you decide to start a photoblog?
In the beginning it was about sharing my photos with friends, but very quickly it became much more. It is a constant challenge to create a worthy image on a daily basis. Sometimes you fail and sometimes you succeed but it’s a great way to better your skills and vision.
Do you have any general advice to upcoming photographers?
I think nothing makes a better photographer than taking photos. Take and make as much photographs as you can. Try to carry your camera everywhere so you’re on the hunt for a picture at all times. With digital photography these days there is really no excuse not to practice is someone is really into it.
–end–
Have a photographer you think we should interview? or have a question you think we should ask? email me and let me know! samirb@pictpicture.com, and don’t forget to check out the pictures on PictPicture.com
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Such valid explanations are given by the Sam. Thanks for your participations. You give some awesome informations.