Interview with Shelby Chan
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Please introduce yourself a bit, how did you get your start as a photographer?
My name is Shelby Chan. I photograph fashion, beauty, and product. For me, photography started as a hobby that progressively grew into a business. I started photographing product for a particular client that led to other new projects. In 2007, I began photographing people.
How is your career progressing now? And where are you based?
When I started, the battle was up-hill. One particular year, I dedicated all the income I made into purchasing lighting gear. I am glad that speed bump has passed. Since then, there is an increase on client base. Half of my work is from return clients, which in my opinion, is a testament of trust. It has been a very rewarding experience. I am based in New York City.
What are your thoughts about photography retouching? Many photographers are against Photoshop, what do you think?
It depends on which market the photographer caters to, however, I feel it is an essential tool for those who shoot digitally. Like anything else, abusing it’s capabilities can yield drastic results. There have been many images that were so overworked, that most of the original integrity was lost, aka MUNG (Mash Until No Good). The best retouchers in the business are very detailed oriented with specific skill sets that give the resulting image a very natural and tactile look to skin where it hard to tell that it is even retouched.
What style of photography do you like to shoot most and why?
There isn’t one that I favor over the other.
Is it hard to be a photographer? What are the advantages and disadvantages to work as a photographer?
Photography is one of the most competitive professions. To be successful, understanding the technicalities of the gear is just part of it. A solid understanding of business is imperative. One disadvantage I can think of is the expense of good and reliable equipment. In the end, it pays off to have well made gear. Some of the advantages include creative freedom in most cases, travel, and meeting people in the industry, thus expanding your network.
Do you think camera equipment and photography education is important to be a good photographer?
Good camera and lighting equipment are important, but not always necessary. A good photographer can adapt to changing camera bodies, lighting systems, and environment with the task at hand. As for formal education, I should not be one to speak as I am self taught, but I am a firm believer that any education is good education.
There are plenty of photographers, who make similar photographs, in the same style. How do you think a photographer can become unique? Seriously, there are so many photographers around, and imagine if someone doesn't understand anything about photography, how would you know who is good and who is just another guy who copies someone's style?
Being 100% unique is tough. Many photographers become inspired by the works of others and then build on their own style.
Being in the photography industry, takes a lot of time and dedication, but what are some other things that you like to do? How much time do you spend on photography?
My other passion is food. I like to explore different cultures through what they eat. I also enjoy architecture and industrial design. I can say I’m always spending time in photography even when I am not actively shooting. I am constantly on the look out for new locations.
Do you find the move toward digital photography a blessing? Do you shoot film at all, still?
I started off shooting film. I enjoy digital a lot more.
How do you feel now that more photographers emerge on the scene because of the ease of use of digital cameras and trial and error? Do you enjoy the sharing & collaborating aspect?
I’ve said it many times before, but what sets a photographer apart whether digital or film, is his understanding of lighting. Anyone can click away with the camera.
Shoots require assistants most of the time, how do you get assistants when you're shooting on-location?
I have my regular assistants that I use for all shoots.
Are you represented by an agency? If so, how did you go about getting representation in specific cities?
No.
Do you shoot and edit Behind-the-Scenes videos of your shoots?
I don’t shoot it but I do the editing.
What are your plans for the future?
To expand my business.
What is the best city for a photographer?
New York City I hope.
Where do you find your inspiration?
It may sound silly, but Renaissance era masters. The lighting and shadow on the works from Delocroix and Durer evoke an emotion that amplifies the senses yet, in a subtle way.
Tell our readers a little about the process used to get models from a modeling agency and how it is working together with Art Directors on scene.
First a project is conceptualized, then the models are scouted with various agencies and particular ones hired for the shoot. Working with Art Directors from the concept stage is a good way to union the visions of both AD and photographer so that the best results are achieved efficiently.
Do you prefer closed sets or allow a fair amount of people to look over your shoulder?
I can work with either but prefer to have only key people on the set.
Please introduce yourself a bit, how did you get your start as a photographer?
My name is Shelby Chan. I photograph fashion, beauty, and product. For me, photography started as a hobby that progressively grew into a business. I started photographing product for a particular client that led to other new projects. In 2007, I began photographing people.
How is your career progressing now? And where are you based?
When I started, the battle was up-hill. One particular year, I dedicated all the income I made into purchasing lighting gear. I am glad that speed bump has passed. Since then, there is an increase on client base. Half of my work is from return clients, which in my opinion, is a testament of trust. It has been a very rewarding experience. I am based in New York City.
What are your thoughts about photography retouching? Many photographers are against Photoshop, what do you think?
It depends on which market the photographer caters to, however, I feel it is an essential tool for those who shoot digitally. Like anything else, abusing it’s capabilities can yield drastic results. There have been many images that were so overworked, that most of the original integrity was lost, aka MUNG (Mash Until No Good). The best retouchers in the business are very detailed oriented with specific skill sets that give the resulting image a very natural and tactile look to skin where it hard to tell that it is even retouched.
What style of photography do you like to shoot most and why?
There isn’t one that I favor over the other.
Is it hard to be a photographer? What are the advantages and disadvantages to work as a photographer?
Photography is one of the most competitive professions. To be successful, understanding the technicalities of the gear is just part of it. A solid understanding of business is imperative. One disadvantage I can think of is the expense of good and reliable equipment. In the end, it pays off to have well made gear. Some of the advantages include creative freedom in most cases, travel, and meeting people in the industry, thus expanding your network.
Do you think camera equipment and photography education is important to be a good photographer?
Good camera and lighting equipment are important, but not always necessary. A good photographer can adapt to changing camera bodies, lighting systems, and environment with the task at hand. As for formal education, I should not be one to speak as I am self taught, but I am a firm believer that any education is good education.
There are plenty of photographers, who make similar photographs, in the same style. How do you think a photographer can become unique? Seriously, there are so many photographers around, and imagine if someone doesn't understand anything about photography, how would you know who is good and who is just another guy who copies someone's style?
Being 100% unique is tough. Many photographers become inspired by the works of others and then build on their own style.
Being in the photography industry, takes a lot of time and dedication, but what are some other things that you like to do? How much time do you spend on photography?
My other passion is food. I like to explore different cultures through what they eat. I also enjoy architecture and industrial design. I can say I’m always spending time in photography even when I am not actively shooting. I am constantly on the look out for new locations.
Do you find the move toward digital photography a blessing? Do you shoot film at all, still?
I started off shooting film. I enjoy digital a lot more.
How do you feel now that more photographers emerge on the scene because of the ease of use of digital cameras and trial and error? Do you enjoy the sharing & collaborating aspect?
I’ve said it many times before, but what sets a photographer apart whether digital or film, is his understanding of lighting. Anyone can click away with the camera.
Shoots require assistants most of the time, how do you get assistants when you're shooting on-location?
I have my regular assistants that I use for all shoots.
Are you represented by an agency? If so, how did you go about getting representation in specific cities?
No.
Do you shoot and edit Behind-the-Scenes videos of your shoots?
I don’t shoot it but I do the editing.
What are your plans for the future?
To expand my business.
What is the best city for a photographer?
New York City I hope.
Where do you find your inspiration?
It may sound silly, but Renaissance era masters. The lighting and shadow on the works from Delocroix and Durer evoke an emotion that amplifies the senses yet, in a subtle way.
Tell our readers a little about the process used to get models from a modeling agency and how it is working together with Art Directors on scene.
First a project is conceptualized, then the models are scouted with various agencies and particular ones hired for the shoot. Working with Art Directors from the concept stage is a good way to union the visions of both AD and photographer so that the best results are achieved efficiently.
Do you prefer closed sets or allow a fair amount of people to look over your shoulder?
I can work with either but prefer to have only key people on the set.