Jonny Edwin Bennett.
With a name like that, how was I not suppose to hire the guy? Seriously though, Jonny is the epitome of style. Long before he even came in for his interview, Brandon, said to me, " I don't care what you think of him, we're hiring that guy." Lucky for all of us, Jonny's personality was just as cool as his style and swagger - yes Jonny, you have swagger!
As an artist, Jonny gives a unique perspectives on weddings! He is a photographer who has a lot of tricks up his sleeve and he busts them out when I least expect it! His fine-art-perspective most definitely has an influence in his work and he is also a person who is growing exponentially! We are SO lucky to have Jonny as a part of our team - and you can never have too much swagger!
Q. What is your role in the Photogen Inc. Crew?
My roll in the Photogen Inc. crew is to pretty much be another set of eyes and a helping hand. I get the opportunity to spend the day being as creative as possible and looking for the best possible shot. I usually try to come up with a game plan ahead of time, but that always doesn't work, so you are forced to really be on your toes at all times, which can make things exciting!
Q. How did you begin working for Photogen Inc.?
I was introduced to Eliesa through Tom, another second shooter. I ended up sending her a link to some of my work and was asked to come in for an interview. Bing Bang Boom - I was officially part of the crew! (Plus, I met my girlfriend by taking this job...BONUS!)
Q. What does it mean to be an assistant?
I get to do the things that need to get done. Some of the behind the scenes work, as well as shooting. While the lead shooter might be out with the wedding party, I'll spend that time shooting details, and candids at the cocktail hour. I might also be doing to digital tech work. Most of the time, I'm getting different perspectives and scoping out different locations.
Q. How has being a part of this crew helped you as an artist?
It has helped me immensely. Being able to shoot with other photographers and see how everybody else works gives you a different perspective on things.
Q. What is your favorite part about shooting?
I love being able to capture a moment that the couple didn't see during the day. I love spending my time shooting things that usually go unseen.
Q. What else do you love in life, besides photography?
When I'm not behind the camera, I spend most of my time on one of my bikes or trying out a new recipe in the kitchen. I have a fascination with documentaries (about absolutely nothing), WWII History, Kung Fu movies from the 70's, anything on the History/Discovery channel, and backpacking.
Q. How did you start out being a photographer?
I definitely got the photo bug from my dad. He always pulled out his older film cameras and showed me how they worked. He let me shoot a concert with one of his old 35mm Nikons and I, of course, had no clue what I was doing. Everything came out over-exposed. I still thought I was pretty awesome, though!
Q. What do you think you bring to this team?
I like to think I bring a different style than everybody else. I am definitely inspired by photographers that hover more on the fine art side of things, than just portrait photographers. Everybody on the crew has a unique style and a different way of looking at things. All of us could shoot the same centerpieces at a wedding, but everyone's images would come out different.
Q. What are you looking forward to the most for the 2011 season?
This year I am looking forward to spending more time developing my own style. It has been a huge blessing to be able to network and learn from like-minded people.
