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Interview with underwater lifestyle and beauty photographer Tracy Kahn
We have a special treat for you today. We are speaking with photographer, Tracy Kahn. She is going to let us know a little bit about her career, underwater. Tracy has a unique specialty of shooting people underwater. She uses state of the art underwater digital equipment, as well as a variety of lighting techniques to create stunning, high quality underwater images. After years of experience shooting people underwater, Tracy has mastered the art of casting and working with models in the underwater environment, making them feel comfortable and at ease. She is PADI diver certified, and loves to shoot sea life in the ocean as well!
ephotos: What type or style of photography do you shoot?
Tracy Kahn (TK): Underwater, Lifestyle, and Beauty.
ephotos: Where are you from and where are you based?
TK: I’m originally from the mid-west, but I’ve spent most of my life in Southern California. I have a home in Santa Barbara, and I’m also based out of Los Angeles.
ephotos: When did you realize that photography was for you?
TK: When I got my first SLR camera. I was 17 years old. I couldn’t put the camera down. It opened up a whole new world for me.
ephotos: Was it your love for the ocean that got you into to underwater photography, how do that come about?
TK: I was in Europe, shooting a model at a hotel. They had a pool with a big window built in underwater, so you could look into the pool from a bar that was built underground. I shot some photos of her in the pool, through the window. I was mesmerized by how beautiful and ethereal it looked. From then on, I knew I wanted to do underwater photography.
ephotos: You modeled for a few years; how did this affect your photography?
TK: I really noticed a difference between good lighting, and bad lighting. After a while, I started telling photographers how to light me. (They didn’t really appreciate the bossy model thing) I realized that I wanted to do photography, and make people look and feel beautiful.
ephotos: We read that your father was a photographer. Tell us a little about him and his influence on your work.
TK: It was great to be able to use his studio to practice lighting, etc. My father was really busy, but his first assistant helped me learn a lot of the basics. I did teach myself most of what I know today. It kind of just comes natural to me, or maybe it’s from my experience from being a model. I feel that the most important thing is to have a creative mind, and a good eye. Learning the equipment, and the business side is secondary, but of course, it’s mandatory. It is fun to this day, to talk with my Dad about photography. We both understand the passion and challenges that comes with the job. He’s one of my best friends.
ephotos: Are there any other photographers that have influenced you?
TK: Different photographers at different times. It always changes. I love some of the classics, like Herb Ritz, George Hurrell, and Helmut Newton. I’ve always liked the quirky lighthearted feeling of Peggy Sirota, love the sexy edgy look of Ellen Von Enwerth. I also love travel photography, and I really admire Steve McCurry’s work. I was actually lucky enough to meet him in India. It was totally accidental, so it was one of those magical travel moments. I don’t think my work really looks like any of these photographer’s, but somehow they still inspire me. I also look at a plethora of more current photographer’s work for inspiration. Of course, I never copy anyone’s work, but it’s amazing how an idea can come up from looking at cool photos. It’s usually just a small element of a photo that will spur on an idea. Sometimes I’m inspired by things, places or people.... Inspiration is everywhere. It even comes to me when I’m driving, and listening to good music. What would we do without music?!!!
ephotos: What equipment do you use (cameras, format, etc.)?
TK: I usually shoot with the 5D, and waiting for the 5D Mark II. I also own a great underwater housing for the 5D. It’s made by Sea and Sea. It rocks! I also use other digital medium format cameras if a client requests it.
ephotos: What type of diving certification do you have and what does that allow you to do?
TK: I’m a certified PADI diver. I can shoot anywhere.
ephotos: Do you dive mostly to shoot or is diving a passion of yours?
TK: Diving is great, but it’s even better when I’m taking photos!
ephotos: Where are some of the nicest places to dive?
TK: It was great diving in the Bahamas. The water is nice and warm, and the visibility was awesome. I’ve heard Hamilton Island, and the Great Barrier Reef is incredible. I’m hoping to get a job there someday.
ephotos: Do you prefer to shoot in a controlled environment, like a pool?
TK: It really depends on the project. There is much better clarity in a pool, as well as controlled temperature. We usually heat the pool to 90 degrees. Obviously, if a job calls for coral, fish and sea life, then the ocean is the best choice. If I’m shooting people in the ocean, I try to find the best temperature, and visibility. It’s also about choosing the right location that’s applicable to the project. Sometimes the job is for tourism, and it’s all about the location.
ephotos: What’s the toughest part of underwater photography?
TK: It takes a lot more time then shooting on land. Everything is in SLOW motion. But the results are worth it! If I’m shooting a model, it’s important to get someone who can really do the underwater thing. So many models think they can do it, but they can’t. It takes a special kind of model that can hold their breath for a long time, open their eyes, do all the right moves, AND look comfortable. Shooting on land is so much easier, but there’s a magical element about the photos that I shoot underwater, so I’m willing to work a little harder for a unique image.
ephotos: From your site, http://tracykahn.com , we can see you have done quite a bit traveling. Where are some of the places that you’ve been?
TK: I’ve been really lucky to travel to some amazing places. India, Italy, Bali, France, Greece, Spain, England, Cuba, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Belize, The Cook Islands, Costa Rica, and lots of trips to Mexico. I love to travel, so this list will continue to grow.
ephotos: Do you work with any stock photo agencies? If so, do you feel like they are treating you well?
TK: I work with Corbis, and Jupiter. Jupiter was just bought out by Getty, so we will see how that goes in the near future.
ephotos: What are you working on now?
TK: I’m working on a lingerie campaign, and bidding on future jobs. I’m also working on putting together new portfolio books, and will soon be updating my website.
ephotos: What do you think about ephotos?
TK: I think that it’s a beautiful thing! It’s a nice clean commitment to showcasing photographer’s work, without a lot of distracting advertising. I appreciate the simplicity of the site, and hopefully art buyers feel the same way.
ephotos: Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself and your work?
TK: When I’m shooting, I’m having so much fun, that it doesn’t really seem like “work”. I love the creative process, and collaborating with art directors, and the talented artists that I work with. There’s nothing like making a layout, or an idea in my head come to fruition. I also love exploring, and capturing real life as it’s happening. It’s great to look forward to all of the new images and experiences that are in my future. Someday, I would like to be able to use my photography to make a difference on the planet, maybe helping orphans, or people that are struggling. Photography is a great tool to create awareness. I’m not sure how yet, but I have my sights set on it, and I know it will come into focus one day. I capture moments in time that last forever. I love my job!
ephotos: Thank you very much Tracy! Your experiences will be helpful to others in the industry. We will continue to look for big things from you. As always, keep the focus!
Posted in: Interviews, News, Photographers
Comments(1)
post a comment »carey ann mitchell, March 02, 2009 [#]
(Just so you know Writing is not my field of art; please keep that in mind reading my e mail.
Thank you love you work I have just stared the last 3 years and going to have my frist showing this mouth.