 | He is uploading his amazing photos on regular basis to Streetfashion MagZZine's Flickr group. That's, where we discovered his works and liked it that much to ask him for an interview to learn more about this interesting photographer. Today we are happy to introduce you to Florida based photographer Robert Morra. |
Robert, please tell us a little bit about yourself to begin with. (How old are you, Where were you born and where do you live now, What is your profession and do you have other besides photography?
57 years old. Funny thing is, I keep telling myself 27. Physically we all have to age but upstairs we all try and remain young. I was born in Brooklyn, NY. My parents moved us up to the Catskill Mountains when I was 10. Most of my life I lived in the mountains. The past 9 years now I have lived here in Florida. Yes, it is an extreme change in both environment and lifestyles. To compared it in the photographic world, it's the difference between film and digital. I am married now for almost 20 years. Life has thrown it's share of up's and down's to us. That is why as much as I love photography, raising children and life forced me to do other work besides photography, paying bills and food on the table is 1st
57 years old. Funny thing is, I keep telling myself 27. Physically we all have to age but upstairs we all try and remain young. I was born in Brooklyn, NY. My parents moved us up to the Catskill Mountains when I was 10. Most of my life I lived in the mountains. The past 9 years now I have lived here in Florida. Yes, it is an extreme change in both environment and lifestyles. To compared it in the photographic world, it's the difference between film and digital. I am married now for almost 20 years. Life has thrown it's share of up's and down's to us. That is why as much as I love photography, raising children and life forced me to do other work besides photography, paying bills and food on the table is 1st
Have you been involved in the arts in some form other than photography?
Yes, I was for a period of time back in the '90's working in the theater. Started out as a stage hand and with the help and guidance of a very close friend, eventually took out shows on the road as a production stage manager. Loved being on the road like that, different place every day. Great way to see the country.
Yes, I was for a period of time back in the '90's working in the theater. Started out as a stage hand and with the help and guidance of a very close friend, eventually took out shows on the road as a production stage manager. Loved being on the road like that, different place every day. Great way to see the country.
| Seeing your remarkable work, I am curious where your creativity comes from? Love Pinterest. I can’t get enough of it. Once I look over a few imagines that day my mind kicks into overdrive. At my age that takes a lot so kudos to Pinterest and the people posting. Funny thing is I spend hours going over what I want it to look like, feel like as well what will be accepted by a client or a team if I am doing TFP. Then comes shoot day and bam! Everything goes as faith will have it and I wind up creating the final imagines as the day dictates. Just one of those things, if something can go wrong it will. Yet at times it may quite possibly create something even better then planned if you just go with it and not fight it. Could you share with us how you first became interested in photography? I have always loved seeing a woman show her own personal beauty through fashion and style. Over the years, I saw women fall out of this due to life issues or having the wrong people around them. Taking a picture of a woman who feels less about herself and then looking at one of my pics and seeing the smile on her face when she says " Is that me? Damn I look good" means everything. This holds true to today. |   |
What equipment are you using now and with what did you get started?
Well due to limitations with my lifestyle, I work with modest equipment. My go to work horse is the Nikon D300. Picked it up around this time last year with only 8,000 actuations, practically brand new for this camera at a very affordable price. This camera is just that damn good. I also use almost always the 1.8 50mm. Recently added the full frame Nikon 24-85mm VR, exceptional lens. As for what I first started with, don't laugh, the Pentax K1000. That camera forced you to be on your game if you wanted a great shot. That was the day of film, you know, shoot today hold breathe for 2 weeks and open package with one eye, days. Eventually moving up to Nikons and dabbled a bit with Mamiya Medium format before digital came
Well due to limitations with my lifestyle, I work with modest equipment. My go to work horse is the Nikon D300. Picked it up around this time last year with only 8,000 actuations, practically brand new for this camera at a very affordable price. This camera is just that damn good. I also use almost always the 1.8 50mm. Recently added the full frame Nikon 24-85mm VR, exceptional lens. As for what I first started with, don't laugh, the Pentax K1000. That camera forced you to be on your game if you wanted a great shot. That was the day of film, you know, shoot today hold breathe for 2 weeks and open package with one eye, days. Eventually moving up to Nikons and dabbled a bit with Mamiya Medium format before digital came
What is your favorite lens? Can you tell us about your work flow from the point until you showcase the developed picture?
My right arm is the 50mm. Grew up with it and I seem to always start off a shoot with it and then may move onto something else. Recently began to explore a hidden gem, the full frame Nikon 24-85mm VR on my DX D300. I am falling in love. My workflow consist of doing a meet and greet with every person I shoot or work for. Must begin to develop a understanding and possibly a friendship right from the start. Doing so makes for things come together easier the day of a shoot. After which, it's a review of the shots in Light room. With Lightroom a few minor tweaks, then into Photoshop for a couple more. I use PS primarily for cropping/resizing etc. and finishing touches back in LR utilizing it's sharpening, contrast etc.. There was a time we would have people over for final viewing but in this fast pace world they mostly all want it on Dropbox or some other online view service.
| Do you see a particular influence, be it a photographer or school on your work? Sean Archer. Love his work. His understanding of the form of a woman, limitations of his equipment and the use of light is above most. Someday I may get to be that good, some day. What would you say characterizes your work in comparison to other photographers? The constant use of flash. I see it all over people saying they are natural light photographers. Which is fantastic! But I just love the extra punch added to my shots with the right combination of ambient and flash. And if a light situation becomes not that of the norm, I can adapt accordingly. Among your works, which is your favorite and why? My most recent stuff. My equipment is more refined these days and what I am producing is created with more combined light use, incorporating ambient and flash to minimalize what is needed on location. Been experimenting more with creating my own actions and presets as well. Fun stuff! Tell us your funniest or most awkward photography story. Recently we were shooting one of our model friends. Towards the end of the shoot, we decided to have her try on one of those roaring 20's dresses, with all the fringes hanging. When she came out she reminded me somewhat of Tina Turner and her Nice N Rough concert tour. The dress was so much like it. Out of the blue the model, who is a fantastic dancer began mimicking the whole dance move and started singing Proud Mary. Her hands going, grabbing a light stand for her mic, dress swinging, twirling and all. It was hysterical! Yes, I shot off a few stills even laughing hard. |    |
What would you tell a newcomer who asks for your advice on how to start?
Light is without a doubt number one. From sunlight to flash. Light determines the overall look and feel of a picture. Learn all of it and understand it. Yes I mentioned the "evil" flash. Do not be afraid of it. Understand it's limitations, you will find down the road it will make or break a situation you may encounter. Shoot as often as you can. Use whatever tool you have no matter how good the camera/lens is. Learn the basics and fundamentals. Then go out and break them. In photography you are never that damn good. To be competitive and to remain working in this business you must continue to study and experiment, creating something new and exciting. Exploring all types of lights, cameras, modifiers, etc..
Light is without a doubt number one. From sunlight to flash. Light determines the overall look and feel of a picture. Learn all of it and understand it. Yes I mentioned the "evil" flash. Do not be afraid of it. Understand it's limitations, you will find down the road it will make or break a situation you may encounter. Shoot as often as you can. Use whatever tool you have no matter how good the camera/lens is. Learn the basics and fundamentals. Then go out and break them. In photography you are never that damn good. To be competitive and to remain working in this business you must continue to study and experiment, creating something new and exciting. Exploring all types of lights, cameras, modifiers, etc..
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