The Regulars: An Interview with Bruce ZingerPhotographer: Bruce Zinger of Zinger Photographics

The Regulars: An Interview with Bruce Zinger

Photographer:

Bruce Zinger of Zinger Photographics Inc.

Type of Photos Taken: Live Theatre; People

Website: www.brucezinger.com

What drew you into photography?

My Father was a Photographer, so I sort of grew up in that environment of cameras and f-stops. I liked the craft of making images, especially the black and white darkroom fun! When I realized I could make my living doing Photography, I was keen in pursuing that angle of it seriously.

What is your philosophy regarding photo taking? Any personal rules you stick to?

My main insight is that Lighting is a life-long apprenticeship. Also, I like to “finish” my photos … which basically means fine tuning the details. Often I will move the camera angle slightly to accommodate elements of the image to “flow” better as linear components of the composition, like a line of a wall or building. It’s all about balance. Anyone can point a camera at a face and “take a picture”. The skill comes into play when you start to shift the elements of the composition as you observe through he viewfinder … it’s a conscious, “live” action sort of control. Like a video game. I often view images and find myself leaning one way or the other in order to mentally try to alter the image’s compositional balance … it’s not finished, if I find I am doing that!

Tell us about a photographic challenge you overcame?

Mainly, reinventing yourself as an image maker on each new job, especially with a new Client … they don’t care how fantastic you were last week shooting for “National Geographic”, if you can’t deliver what it is they are expecting …

Not getting complaisant with the repetitive nature of years of being in business … always stay “hungry”, or you may go hungry!

What gear do you prefer to shoot with?

Since 2003, when I switched to a full digital workflow, I have been using Canon. I wish someone would make a system that combines Sony’s chips with Ziess optics and Canon/Nikon’s interface … I shoot in total darkness and it is essential that I am able to change shutter speed/ISO instantly with one button, and have that status “live” in the viewfinder … and a better out-focus system than what Canon has hobbled together …

When did you first come to Downtown Camera? Anyone in particular you remember? Any advice to fresh photographers?

A friend of mine knew Stan, and dealt with him in the old location on Church street. She introduce me to Stan, and the Gang … I have shopped in many different camera stores over the years, but it isn’t about price these days, it’s about the service and after sales help. That is why I keep returning to Downtown Camera.

Any advice to fresh photographers?

‘It’s not so much what you know, but who you know" … NEVER before has it become more pertinent than now … develop relationships and contacts.

Also, do not get caught up in equipment-itis … it’s nice to own the latest and greatest cameras and lenses but often, if a piece of equipment is sitting on a self for more than 2 months (this will vary for each individual, of course …) then maybe it makes more sense to “rent as needed”, as opposed to owning it outright. … and, if you are constantly renting a specific piece of equipment, then maybe it’s time to buy it outright and expense it against your profits …

Listen carefully to the “Pros” … they are often wrong about many things! … and, SAVE your money!