Digital Wedding Forum - Wedding photography's home on the web.

DWF - Let's start off with a little bio, tell us a little bit about yourself.

JASON - I'm a born and bred NY'er. I picked up photography in high school and was fortunate to be accepted into F.I. T.'s (Fashion Institute of Technology) competitive photography program. Since then, I have worked in the industry in NYC for the past 20+ years. About 3 years ago, my wife and I migrated out to NJ to start a family. Phoebe Grace joined the Groupp's 15 months ago, and life has been a nail-biter ever since. Being a parent is much harder than photography. :)

DWF - How did you become a wedding photographer?

JASON - I took a part time job working for a very successful, local photographer when I was a sophomore in high school. By the time I was a senior, I was shooting gigs for him on my own. It was better than flipping burgers and I put myself through college shooting on the weekends. I continued shooting for him for another 12 years and long story short, he was diagnosed with cancer and dead 6 months later. He was like a second father and the best mentor anyone could ask for. With that said, I never planned on opening my own wedding studio, but after all those years with him I had my own clientele. The rest is history.

DWF- Who or what inspires you as an artist?

JASON - NYC is my greatest resource for inspiration - the neighborhood (and my building) where my studio is located (West Chelsea) has become one of the most happening art districts in NY. There is always something cool to see close by -- be it a gallery show or simply everyday NYC performance art on the streets! Within the industry - I am inspired by everyone. I read EVERYONE's blogs, thanks to Google Reader it's possible, but SO addicting. I allow myself 15 minutes each morning, otherwise I'd never get anything done!

DWF- If we needed a photographer today why would we book you? What makes you unique?

JASON - I've been doing it a long time? :) Seriously, I only accept 15 weddings a year now and I work hard at making a very personal connection with each client. I'm not looking to be their friends, but more to find out what I can do as a photographer to make their wedding pictures unique. Usually, I don't get much time with the B&G the day of their event. When they are paying 350 bucks a plate for a Saturday night wedding in NYC, you gotta shoot fast and create kick ass images in seconds. That's why someone hires me.

DWF- If you had to pick a favorite "Tool of the Trade" what would it be? and why?

JASON - Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L. This lens is PJ, fashion, fine art, and just yummy all wrapped up in a little package. I swear I could shoot an entire wedding with just this lens. I'm a one camera shooter, and this lens does it all.
 

DWF- You're going to be speaking at DWF Convention 09, can you tell us a bit about your seminar?

JASON - I will spend part of the day discussing how I've made a name for myself in a very tough market, worked to develop my style and how to apply those techniques to your work. Inspiration, concept, and focus are a few of the subjects I'll discuss. I will also talk about learning how to continually push yourself by shooting outside your comfort level and grow as an artist.

I won't fail to mention how "I heart NY" website (http://www.jasongphoto.net) was born and the revenue stream behind it. And how I use that as a springboard to keep my imagery evolving to new levels.
 

DWF - Care to share your favorite photograph? and tell us a bit about it?

JASON -

I have one photograph that serves as a reminder to me how important and how lucky we are to have the jobs we have. Here's an excerpt from the bride's email to me letting me know her "Nana" has passed on. She wanted to have some pictures made for the house to remember her.

"My grandmother was diagnosed with cancer a little over a month ago, and passed away last week. Needless to say, our lives were put on hold for a while. On the same note, as I was going through the photographs, I enjoyed every second of looking at my grandmother the way I remember her - happy and full of life! I thank you, once again, for the priceless memories."

I grabbed this shot from my hip without lifting the camera to my eye.....

A few more of my recent favorites:

DWF - How about some final words to live by?

JASON - One of my (now) favorite quotes from Weegee -

"So, keep your eyes open. If you see anything, take it. Remember – you’re as good as your last picture. One day you’re hero, the next day you’re a bum... "

One of my college professors loved this quote - at the time I thought he was an asshole. But as I mature as an artist, I use it as inspiration for how important it is to always work at elevating yourself.