2011 First Place Winner / $1000
Olga Rudyak, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
How old are you and where are you from?
I am 24 years old and I am from Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
When did you start taking photos? How did you get into photography?
I started a bit more then two years ago when I got my first semi-professional digital camera. Surprisingly, by observing the world through the lens of camera, I started to see more in people: their attitude and emotional warmth, their feelings and approach to their surroundings, the geometry of their bodies and the music of colors. In this way I found it absolutely fantastic to discover people, the “decisive moments” of their lives. I very quickly became entirely devoted to my new breathtaking experience and I definitely decided to review my professional occupation.
Nowadays, I have incredible opportunities to cooperate with leading model and advertising agencies in Saint-Petersburg and Moscow. I also get to share my experience by lecturing photography courses and workshops.
Would you call yourself an amateur, semi-professional, or professional?
Great question! Being an active learner I realize the more experienced one becomes the further the borders of knowledge one can reach. I am not sure which I would choose to describe myself since “the newest perfection” is always a step ahead. But I’m absolutely sure the approach and the responsibility I take to my work, my team and development are moving to a professional level everyday.
What kind of camera do you shoot with?
I shoot with Canon 5d Mark II.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I would love to work in fashion business. In the meantime, I would really like to cooperate with high professionals, to use international opportunities, to shoot for fashion magazines, and to reach a perfect and recognizable style. And of course shooting with Jon Kortajarena is in my wish list!
Why fashion photography and not another genre?
Fashion photography is an absolute phenomenal cocktail consisting of beautiful discoveries, aesthetic perfection, commercial power and provocative appeal. In this sense, fashion photography becomes an incredible adventure. A photographer may write life stories through the language of beauty, as well as being attentive to intuition to create artistic, attractive and commercially successful works.
Using intellect, listening to intuition, discovering people, learning and being open minded to trends, and of course cooperating with the team of amazingly talented ‘trendy’ people are all integral parts of the process of creating fashion photography. I find it absolutely exciting!
Is there anything I didn’t ask you about that you’d like to add?
First of all I would like to thank Crossroads’ 18th annual Fashion Photo Contest jury and everybody who appreciated and gave such a high value to my work! It motivates a lot and stimulates me to develop further! I also appreciate and warmly thank the people from my team for creative, commitment and amazing work!
Finally I would add…beauty is something everybody deserves!
2011 Second Place Winner / $400
Randall Garcia, Portland, OR
How old are you and where are you from?
30. I’m from New York City, but have lived much of my life in Seattle and now call Portland Oregon home.
When did you start taking photos?
My earliest memory of taking a photo was from when I was really young, maybe 6 or 7. I took my dad’s Canon A1 and would pause my favorite scenes of movies and snap photos of the tv. Since then photography hasn’t played a big part of my life until I moved to Spain in 2004. When I got back in 2006 I started taking it more serious and moved to Portland from Seattle for work related reasons.
How did you get into photography?
It’s been a constant hobby amongst some members of my family.
Would you call yourself an amateur, semi-professional, or professional?
Semi-pro.
What do you think it takes to make a winning photograph?
Luck, planning and a good team. Being aware of the “decisive moment” and acting appropriately when you feel it coming helps too.
Are there any photographers or artists that inspire you?
I’m lucky to live in such a creative mecca and have friends who are doing some amazing photography, design, and art. Apart from my friends, I spent a lot of weekends in the Museum del Prado in Madrid and would say Goya’s works really have influenced and inspired me. Music really plays a big part too. I listen to a lot of Philip Glass while editing.
How would you define your style?
Different.
2011 Third Place Winner /tie/ $200
Jeff Shanes, Portland, OR
How old are you and where are you from?
I’m 43 and grew up near Memphis, Tennessee. I reside in Portland, Oregon.
When did you start taking photos? How did you get into photography?
I started a full time photography business at 29-years-old. I was inspired by my wedding photographer.
Would you call yourself an amateur, semi-professional, or professional?
Professional portrait and lifestyle photographer. I would describe myself as learning fashion photography.
What does photography mean to you?
I do it as a job and a hobby. I shoot pictures almost every day.
What makes a perfect photo in your opinion?
Light, depth, movement, just an ability to hold someones eye.
Who inspires you?
No one in particular, I like most everyone I meet. I am inspired by travel, life experiences, and simple living.
Is there anything I didn’t ask you about that you’d like to add?
I’d like to thank Crossroads for being a great place to shop. I’d also like to thank Hjordis, the model I worked with. She is great. My website is www.jeffshanes.com if you would like to see more of my work.
2011 Third Place Winner /tie/ $200
Anja Verdugo, Portland, OR
How old are you and where are you from?
I’m 27 years old, originally from British Columbia. I’ve been living in Portland since 2005 and love it so, so much. I was excited to see that so many of the winners are NW locals!
When did you start taking photos? How did you get into photography?
I took a lot of film snapshots in high school, which was before anyone I knew had a digital camera. At the same time I was also taking a photography class at school and was developing and printing my own film/prints. It was really fun, but I haven’t done any of that in years. Lately I’ve been shooting a combination of digital and film.
Would you call yourself an amateur, semi-professional, or professional?
Semi-professional, I guess. I’m too fickle to claim any one interest as my true calling or profession, but I’m definitely having a lot of fun with photos these days and I’ll take the work if it comes my way!
Do you listen to music while you shoot or edit? If so, what kind of music?
When we shot the Crossroads photos, we had Heart and Blondie records on heavy rotation. When I’m editing, my computer freaks out if I try to use Photoshop and iTunes at the same time, so I usually end up listening to my husband, Dalas, make weird noise music on his synthesizers. It puts me in the zone.
Walk me through a day you have a shoot scheduled. What is it like?
The first step is usually meeting at the studio that I share with my friend, Megan Hart, who gets co-credit for our Crossroads photo. It was a team effort for sure, she’s a styling genius! Once the model(s) and hair/makeup person are there, I mill about and shoot behind-the-scenes pictures until we’re ready, and then we either travel to our location or stay put at the studio. Then, I shoot a million photos… I try to have some shots planned out, but I also like to let the vibe of the day dictate some of what happens, too. I follow the light. Hopefully I consume coffee at some point during the day. I usually edit my photos really soon after they’re shot, since I’m eager to see what we’ve created.
Do you have a muse? If so, who is it and why do they inspire you?
Some of the models that I’ve shot with are totally muse-worthy. It’s cool when you work with someone and the photo magic just happens naturally, in a way where I’m excited not only about what we’ve shot that day but also because I’m imagining them in other shoots and awesome outfits. I love a beautiful lady, what can I say?
