John Wilhelm / Members Interview
Photography was always important in my life. My father was an experienced hobby-photographer and founded at least two local photography-associations. So I grew up in an environment of cameras, magazines, lenses, selfmade camera-baggages, darkrooms and funny weddings. I wasn't very excited back then about those films and development processes. It was such a lot of fiddling in my eyes. The importance of photography changed into joy when I held my first digital cam in my hands. The fire was sparked off and a long journey began, a journey through lots of camera systems, techniques, experiences and finally software products. February 2011, I decided to take a step across the border of plain photography. I entered the world of Photoshop. That was the best thing I ever did... now photography is a complete passion!
"I love bringing my fantasy to life with the help of my own images, Photoshop and 3D Software. Due to the fact that it's more an obsession than plain passion I call myself a photoholic."
Switzerland
What inspired you to become a photographer?
Guess my father is to blame. He was a very very very enthusiastic hobby photographer (he's still alive but photography isn't his hobby anymore... guess he couldn't keep up with the speed of the digital revolution). I can clearly remember how photography was an everyday topic in our family when I was a child. There was something related to photography in every corner of our flat and no family trip without everybody being equipped with a camera.
Tell us about your first photo that really validated your interest as a photographer.
It wasn't a single photo but a series of "iPhone-polaroids" made with a not anymore available iPhone app called Polarize. I was able to exhibit this series on the famous Photo Schweiz (2009). Meanwhile I'm working in a completely different field but it was an important stage. You can still have a look at my iPolas on www.polarize.ch
Back when you were just starting out, what was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome that?
While talking about my compositing and retouching journey (I started February 2011) it was definitely a knowhow and skill problem. I never did something serious in Photoshop before and it took so many many hours to get to where I am right now (and I'm still learning every single day... meanwhile especially in the 3D sector (ZBrush, Cinema4D etc...)). I guess without the incredibly motivating tutorials of Uli Staiger and Calvin Hollywood (both german Photoshop trainers) I would have quit a while ago.
What do you enjoy photographing the most?
Of course my girls. But I also love shooting animals, landscapes, any kind of interesting objects. And I like it a lot to shoot objects on my turntable and to create real 3D objects based on those images (photogrammetry it's called).
What has been your proudest moment as a photographer?
I guess it was when I've won the special price of the photo festival in Zingst Germany with one of my images... guess it was 2013. That was so crazy. During the whole festival my two seagulls (Image Title "Health check") looked at me from bags, pins and large posters.
We all have weaknesses, what is yours relating to photography?
Perhaps it's my missing courage to make my hobby my job.
Finding time to get out and shoot is another challenge for many. How do you find the time in your busy schedule to get out there behind your camera?
In my case all that does the trick is a little inhouse photostudio in my attic. I guess if I had to walk to an external studio for everything I need to shoot I wouldn't be half as productively as I am.
Nailing a composite right can be a challenge. What do you think the trick is to mastering composition?
I think it needs much experience and especially at the beginning a basic knowledge of the classic compositing rules and how to guide/lead the eye through an image is absolutely crucial.
There are many photographers starting out, who don't have the money to buy the camera gear they want. What advice can you give to them?
A killer equipment is not the most important thing. I would go for a cheap 2nd-hand DSLR with a good prime and see how far you can get with this.
How do you feel photography has impacted the way you see the world?
Well my world is always framed. I'm always looking for nice scenes, landscapes etc... sometimes that's quite a little annoying especially for my family.
To get your creative eye focused, where do you draw your inspiration from?
Best inspiration imho are everyday's situations. But games, films, comics and artworks from other artists are also very good sources. Sometimes it's a little dangerous to look at admired work from others. Frustration about not being able to deliver a similar high standard can lead to a real creative blockage.
What is your best photography related tip?
You have to know the basics.
What would you like for people take away from your work?
To try out something before thinking it to death. I'm absolutely pragmatic and straight forward. Sometimes that leads to just nothing and sometimes something really great is the result.
What are some ‘must have’ items in your camera bag?
Most important the bag itself: A Boblebee shockproof backpack with tripod on top and inside: Sony a7r II, Sony FE 16-35 F4, Sony FE 90 Macro, Sony FE 24-70 GM, lens cleaning tissue, remote trigger, spare battery and if I need light the Elinchrom ELB 400 is my partner.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, what is the ONE photography book you would want to have with you?
Well I'm not the photography book guy. But if I had to, I'd go for "More than human" from Tim Flach.
Final question, and it’s a fun one: Life has been found on another planet and none-other than Sir Richard Branson is piloting Virgin Galactic and has put together a team of engineers, scientist, doctors and has asked you to come along to document the journey. The challenge is you can only bring two lenses and one camera body and two other items. What would you bring.
Well I guess the "two other items" would be enough. First item was my fully packed camera Boblbee backpack and the second one a trailer with my girls in it ;)
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