Once in a while, your path crosses someone out of the ordinary. I crossed path with Doug’s during a workshop with Fiona Quinn in Sydney, back in October 2012.

We had some fun chat, photography aside, over the day and kept in touch. I immediately had a photographic sympathy for Doug and we share the same passion in light chasing.

Doug eventually came down to Canberra and share a shoot with me, in studio, with the gorgeous Georgia Brown for the NNTM 2012-2013 campaign.

I started following Doug on his photography journey, and a side from surfing the beaches of New Castle, this guy knows how to take pictures.

I finally decided to ask Doug to feature in now one of our famous Q&A interview. Find out more about the charismatic Doug Coleman and his photography.

1. Australian-Photo: Who are you?

Doug Coleman: Is this a trick question? I normally get stumped with this question. I am not a member of the Mensa Society and can jump small shoeboxes in a single bound. For the purpose of the interview will Doug Coleman do?

2. A-P: How did you become a (fashion/portrait/commercial/wedding/sport…) photographer?

Doug: I’ve always been a happy snapper all my life. My journey started when I purchased a Kodak Instamatic 125 when I was 8 way back in the Pre Cambrian Era. In 2003 I was fortunate enough to land a cover shot on an industry magazine (Earthmoving) and have had several since. I found shooting machinery somewhat boring and I love working with and meeting people. I suppose it was a natural progression to head towards portraiture although it was surf photography I wanted to do. My first shoot in a studio was an amazing experience. I could not believe I created such (what I thought) masterful images. I was hooked! I still look back at one of the images from that shoot and I still get the buzz, although it is technically very poor etc. That was about 5 years ago so I’m a relative newcomer. I also was looking for something I could take me into my senior years when I was too old to surf, bungee jump out of planes or race Llamas through South America..

3. A-P: What inspires you?

Doug: Beer! Seriously, I am inspired by things I see in all sorts of weird and wonderful places (that does not include my wife’s underwear drawer!) not by what others tell me is cool. Inspiration can come from many areas for me. Having a furtive mind helps!

4. A-P: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt either from a teacher/mentor or by the hard way?

Doug: None really stands out but every lesson and thing learnt is valuable. Surround yourself with good photographers and use the tools that fit your taste and personality.

5. A-P: Who would be the photographer you’d like to shoot along with? Who would you like to shoot for your next assignment (Model/public figure ..)?

Doug: Apart from Thierry, I prefer to work alone. If I’m with anyone I prefer to assist, watch and learn. As for my next assignment I am seriously not fussed who its with.

6. A-P: What’s in your bag/studio (kind of equipment do you use | camera/lens brand, computer hardware software)?

Doug: Shooting with Canon 5D MarkIII and L series lenses. My favourite lens is the 70 to 200mm f2.8. I am using Mac and PC (but switching over to Mac), CS5 and Lightroom 4. My outdoor lighting kit is Einstein’s and studio is Profoto and Elinchrom with Skyport triggers. I use a raft of softboxes, beauty dishes and umbrellas.

7. A-P: What’s your favourite piece of gear?

Doug: My surfboard. Ah you mean photography? No favourites here. They are all my little children and the love is shared equally (except for when something malfunctions)….hahaha

8. A-P: What would be your workflow, favourite piece of software?

Doug: I edit a fair bit in Raw and also use Lightroom for tonal adjustments. Then I’ll work in CS5. I’’ll upgrade to CS6 when I order the new Mac!. My favourite plugin is the Onone Perfect Suite.7

9. A-P: Do you have any suggestions for aspiring photographers?

Doug: Aren’t we all aspiring. Do we ever stop? Learn your camera so every function becomes second nature. Surround yourself with other photographers, even if it’s your local camera club (amazed at some of the inspirational work at my local). Assist at shoots with experienced photographers especially ones whose work you admire. Attend workshops. Accept adverse criticisms as there could be some substance in them. Keep shooting and be thankful for your failures as you’ll learn from them and be one step closer to nailing ‘that one shot’

10. A-P: Anything else we should know about you? (promo, workshop, books, publications, charity involvement..)

Doug: My model photography is a hobby for me and as much as I’d love to do it fulltime, I’m a realist, I’d most probably go broke…hahaha. I do ask that models that approach me for a photoshoot make a donation to ‘Canteen’ Kids living with cancer.

 

If you’d like to know more about Canteen Kids click here.

Doug has a ModelMayhem page. Check him out here

You can also sent him a friend request on Facebook here

Mega thanks Doug for this inspirational and fun interview.

Check out some of Doug’s awesomess below.

All images copyright Doug Coleman. Published with authorisation of the author.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0