Featured Photographer Interview: Scott Gosz

I have never met Scott Gosz in person because he lives in Scotland and I in the USA. I met him through the popular photo a day journal site, Blipfoto.com. If you follow my blog you know that I started a 365 on Blipfoto a couple of years ago to improve my photography. This is my second year and I don’t upload a photo everyday, but try to stay in touch with the community there by uploading as I can. I have met some wonderful people and Scott is one of them.

Scott has a great sense of humor as well as a tender side, especially when it comes to his family. It has been fun to see Scott’s photography develop from a hobby to something he is passionate about. He’s not afraid to experiment and seems to love a challenge!

Tell us about yourself…

I am a 37 year husband and father (to Lisa and Robyn respectively), who has also recently developed a thirst for everything again. I met my wife 14 years ago whilst training in Kung Fu & Kickboxing (Lau Gar) and she was the first and only female I ever decked (knocked on to her bottom). I know complete caveman style but it appears to have worked as we have been together for now for 13.5 years but no longer training. We have a 10 year old daughter, Robyn, who has me wrapped round her little finger.

We live in a beautiful rural village on the coast of Fife that has a very old fashioned feel and pace of life to it. It’s also such a majestic and wonderful place to photograph all year long.

Last year I was diagnosed with a tumour on my Pituitary Gland and it completely rocked my world. However, I feel I have now accepted this and came out the other side a better man and with more of a drive for life. During this period my photography went from being a hobby to a passion and the drive to constantly improve on what I’m doing. I’m also a blipaholic and at the time of writing this have blipped for 633 consecutive days.

How long have you been a taking photos?

For as long as I can recollect I have always taken pictures and enjoyed taking them. In saying photography probably became a hobby shortly after the birth of my daughter when Lisa bought me my first digital camera and that pretty much kicked started everything. I reckon Robyn was probably one of the most photographed babies, toddler in the world, it’s pretty much remained like that. For years my picture taking was limited to family/ friend portraits and/or events.

I’ve always loved the power of a picture and the memories a moment captured in print can bring back later in life. No matter if it’s a night out with friends or your child’s first step; pictures help to revisit these memories.

Realising I could get so much more from a shot if I could control a number of the variables I purchased my first DSLR (Sony Alpha 200) about 2 years ago. I’d been aware of Blip as one of my closest friends, and unofficial mentor, Tonto McDuff did a daily update. Initially I was slightly apprehensive about joining as his photography was fantastic and thought I paled in comparison. However, a short while later I realised another friend also blipped but they focussed heavily on the journal side rather than the photo.

That’s when I decided to sign up as I saw Blip as a way of encouraging me to get better with my photography, but at the same time keeping a daily journal documenting Robyn’s development and hopefully allowing her to see how much she meant to us in later life. As a I result I joined up on the 13th December 2009 and haven’t missed a day yet.

How did you first learn photography?

I’ve always been interested in pictures but the turning point probably came at high school when I was taught how to develop black & white film for a project we were doing. The whole process fascinated me and watching your image appear or not in some cases was exciting yet nerve racking at the same time. From then on I pretty much had a film camera on hand but was really selective about what I took due to the cost of buying and developing.

Everything else has pretty much been self taught with a little help and guidance from Tonto or similar like-minded friends. I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by a group of individuals who are always willing to share their knowledge/ experiences. The fact that cameras are digital now also means you don’t mind experimenting and finding out what works or doesn’t and more importantly you are not limited to 36 exposures.

What type of camera do you typically shoot with?

Now I always shoot with a DSLR and currently work with a Canon 450D with a number of different lenses (14-40mm L series, 60mm macro, 100mm macro and my 50mm). I traded up from the Alpha last year as I felt I was starting to beat the camera in that I was seeing shots that I just couldn’t quite get. It was a fantastic camera and ideal entry camera but thinking about it at the time I should have maybe pushed the boat out a little more to get a slightly more advanced one.

What kind of gear is on your wish list?

Camera wise I would really like the Canon 7D and 5D MkII in my bag, both are fantastic cameras in their own right but are different enough to merit having both.

I also have my eye on two additional lenses the canon 24-70mm f2.8 l usm & canon 70-200mm f2.8 l usm. These two along with my current collection should ensure I have every eventuality covered.

Oh – I’ll also need to look for a bigger kit bag.

What type of photography do you enjoy the most?

This is a really difficult question and depends on the situation but at the moment I’m really enjoying my portrait work.

I love taking landscapes/ seascapes but there is no real pressure other than what you put on yourself. With portrait work you are limited by time, co-operation of others and more importantly someone else’s opinion. If they hate the shot they are going to tell you.

I’ve noticed you are practicing more with portrait photography this year. Which do you prefer, studio photography or outdoor photography?

Had you asked me this a few months ago I would have instantly said outdoors and natural light. The main reason for this was studio lighting scared me and was really unforgiving. I didn’t have the confidence with the lighting or know how to properly light the model.

The turning point for me came when an affordable home lighting kit came on the market. This along with assistance (patience) from friends allowed me to experiment and gain confidence. It was during the very first shot that I realised I’m more of a physical type of person who would rather just manually move someone that instruct them. This is okay with friends but when you have a complete stranger in front of you it’s not the best practice. I’m pleased to say my direction has improved and I am now more confident given direction.

In saying this I don’t think I could just be a studio photographer, I enjoy being out and about walking with camera in hand taking pictures of things or people that take your fancy. There is nothing more relaxing than heading down to the harbour for a few long exposure shots whilst the waves are coming in. Hearing them lap up again the beach or harbour wall is so therapeutic.

I really enjoy both but due to our lovely Scottish weather (all four seasons in one day) there is no guarantee you’ll get an outdoor shoot so had to look at studio work.

Do you have any helpful tips to share with anyone pursuing a photography business?

I’m only just starting out so can’t offer any major tips to success but what I have noticed and probably didn’t realise how saturated the market is. Everyone now a days has the capability to take a good picture and you either need to stand out or get a name for yourself. As a result I’m doing a lot of free gigs just now just to try and get established and I’m starting to see some benefits in doing this. In saying this it’s something I’m passionate about and the money is really secondary. I’m trying to fund my photography through selling photos. If I can sell enough to buy the kit I’m after I’d be a happy person (and so would the wife).

Here’s the question I ask everyone, who inspires you?

I thought these questions were going to be easy, the two individuals that instantly spring to mind that others may know are Horst and Marissa Boucher. Marissa is relatively new in that I’m sure she’s only been around that last 10 years. The way she captures and frames the female body is second to none – powerful, confident and sexy. I suppose it helps that she’s a female photographer working with other females.

I also have a number of friends (other Blippers) that I really admire and look to for inspiration, Tonto McDuff who is always looking from different angles/ perspectives (a fantastic all rounder), PDDesigns for landscapes & Challenge for portrait work. If I get a thumbs up from any of these individuals I am really happy.

Where do you see your photography taking you in the future?

Not really thought of it but to have either my own studio or work on display at a gallery would be a great feeling. I suppose if I could support my family and have a comfortable lifestyle doing just photography work I’d be a very happy man.