Interviews / Stories
Photographer Jason Holzer (Uk)
Tell us something about yourself:
I am 31 years old from Northamptonshire in the UK. I work as a freelance commercial and editorial photographer in Birmingham and London.
How and when did you get into photography?
I watched Austin Powers when I was about 16, it looked like a cool thing to do so I took an A level in it, which kinda sucked to be honest and I near on failed that, but they took us on a field trip to see the David LaChapelle exhibit and just wow, damn, I mean I didn't even know this type of photography existed, to see it blown up so big and vibrant, I was instantly hooked!
What does photography mean to you?
Pays the bills you know! I guess it means everything, its been my full time vocation for 13 years now, its an exploration of my psyche and sub conscious, an expression and a study into human connection.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
I like to focus on whats infront of me. I love the real! I try to be a throw back to the snapshot aesthetic movement in a small part, I generally just strive to capture a real emotion, or connection, or moment.
Where do you get inspiration from?
People and places. People are generally strange and amazing and new places are always fun and interesting. Put them together and sometimes you got something.
Think you in advance what you want in the picture?
No. I don't really plan that much. I take a fight or flight approach to shooting and hope I come up with something on the spot and just go with the moment.
Studio, on location or both?
Hmmmm, well I work in the UK. It rains all the bloody time. So having a studio is always great, but if the sun is shining you can't beat location so for me location where possible.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
My first ever shoot. Ever! Back in like 2002 I shot a girl named Jess, looked a bit like J-Lo. I had no idea what I was doing, none whatsoever and I got nervous so I dashed from the studio to compose my thoughts. I forgot to tell her she could move and she stood there for near on 25 minutes under full modelling lights, they had melted her make up by the time I got back... I hope I've come a way abit since then.
What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?
Other photographers that I meet and anyone with passion for fashion photography. Im a bit of an enthusiasm vampire and tend to feed off other peoples energy and excitement. Theres been a few in the past though that have really kept me going when i felt like i'd had enough. Kathy Velo at Northampton College refused to let me quit my A-level and without the enthusiasm of Catherine Dineley over at Staffordshire University keeping me interested and showing me awesome works I'd probably have quit straight out of university. Without either of these 2 for sure i'd be probably working in mundanity right now! At the moment I'm lucky to be surrounded by a few awesome photographers most days that just inspire me to keep up and do more.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
Im probably the least professional person you could meet, but it is my career so i'm a paid professional by default.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Nikon. I shoot on a manual 50mm prime 1.2 lens. It's older than me and half my stuff comes back out of focus but you can't get sharper when its in!
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Theres no money in it.... ;-) Network, network, network. It's definately who you know. Also, start a long, meaningful relationship with coffee.
What do you think of our new magazine?
Love it. You guys have shown some of my work previously through models i've worked with but I really appreciate you talking to me, Thanks!
