I first saw Andrew’s photos on the site Defgrip, which he is a part of, and have since been a big fan of his work and his blog. If you’re a follower of Defgrip you will have seen Andrew’s videography skills utilised in the Defgrip originals series, and possibly elsewhere on the web. I caught with him late last week and asked him a few questions.

So Andrew, when and why did you get into photography?
I got into photography in 2004, when I was a senior in high school… Thats when I started to figure out f-stops, shutter speeds, and how to actually operate a manual camera. not too sure why actually, I think I just liked the physical camera as a gadget more than anything, (I’ve always had an obsession with cameras, and gadgets), it also coincided with video, which I was more into at the time. I was fortunate enough to have a really good photography program at my school though, it was 100% film, so no one could shoot with digital cameras, just manual 35mm and it was pretty demanding. We had great darkrooms, and we learned how to do everything manually, all the way down to mixing the developing chemicals. Plus my teacher was very good and we got along great, I look back on that and am very glad I had that opportunity to jump into it that way.

What cameras do you favour, because I know you use a lot of different ones?
I have four cameras now, A Nikon F100, (which I enjoy to shoot with the most) a Canon G11, Yashica T4, and a Mamiya RZ67. Generally, I favor all cameras though! haha I like disposable throw-aways, up to Hassleblad’s – the more, the better! Every time I get a new camera, or the opportunity to use one, I seem to take photos slightly different, which I think progresses my work in some way. if that makes sense.

For you, what makes the perfect photo?
I dont know if there is such thing as a “perfect photo” to me. Every photo has its distinctive qualities that make “good” whether it be funny, beautiful, entertaining, fascinating, or obscure. In some way, every photo has its unique quality.

Photo-wise, where do you draw inspiration?
My friends really inspire me. I have a really great group of friends I really look up to who all shoot regularly, they’re are some of my personal favorite photographers as well. Natural light is a big one, that and traveling and seeing different color temperatures various places offer, unfamiliarity is always inspiring.

Do you have a favourite photo?
I dont think so..

You got any photo or video projects in the works?
No photo projects really.. I think I have about 14 video projects in the works.. I need to start editing! haha It always seems like I have something in the works..