Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your background, where you are from etc.I was born and raise in Bristol, TN. I've lived all around the country and spent time in South Korea as a professional model. I am now a journeyman Tool and Die maker and a certified welder. I picked up my first camera 3 years ago. It was a heavily used canon T3 that had more problems than I knew about. I didn't let it hold me back though.
Q: What camera do you shoot with?
I shoot with a canon 6D
Q: What is your “go to” lens?
Depends on what I'm shooting. If its street photography or portraits, my 35mm f/1.2, if its landscapes, either my 16-35 f/4.0 or my 70-200 f/4.0
Q: How and why did you get into photography?
I had been shooting on my phone for a year or so and decided I want to try out a DSLR. I needed a camera for the projects I had been working on at the time.
Q: What places, states or countries have you gone shooting?
I've only ever shot in the U.S. but I have been all over the south east and southern California.
Q: How often do you shoot and what is your favorite genre?
I try to shoot as much as possible, usually twice a week is all I can fit into my schedule. I shoot whatever I'm feeling that day. I dont have a problem making an image of anything I choose. I just have to be there.
Q: What is your favorite photo that you have taken and why? Please explain how you took it, was it all planned, if so, what was your planning process?
I dont have one single image in particular. Any of the pictures I've made of my son are my favorites, after all, he is my favorite subject.
Q: What was the hardest thing you've learned in photography?
Not comparing your work or skillset to another photographer. We all have a different eye and we all learn at different paces. I've found that looking at someone's work and picking it apart piece by piece means that you have an insecurity within your own work. If you can do better, then do it.
Q: What do you hope to still learn/improve?
I'm really passionate about editing. I've loved it since I started. Whether it be just editing small objects in a landscape, to color grading, to high end retouching. I can always be better than I was yesterday.
Q: What challenges you the most in photography?
Clients.
Q: What's one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out or early in their photography journey?
Take criticism with a grain of salt. And be aware of where the criticism is coming from. Learn from people who inspire you. Not those who try to change your work.
Q: Can you please share some of your favorite photos – say 3 max. and why you like them.
- Drifting at Clarksville Speedway. I've known Jake for 13 years or more. I've watched him grow as a person and pour every ounce of passion into his craft. Being able to capture the moment, I was able to show him his hard work.
- Burning Money. Me and Brian grew up around each other in northeast Tennessee/southernmost Virginia. We have been friends for a very long time, he is also my tattoo artist. The image itself speaks to me because I know his background. He gave up a 6 figure job to be a tattoo artist because it's what hes passionate about.
- My Uncle. I didn't meet him until I was 9 years old. But he came into my life at a very pivotal time. Given my past, he stepped in and showed me how to be myself. He has taught me so many great lessons in life. And capturing in his natural habitat after a night of hanging with close friends is all I could ask for. A very sentimental moment for me, every time I go home to visit.
Feel free to contact Justin Campbell on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wht.rvn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wht.rvn
Web-Site: https://www.whtraven.com
