We’re here speaking with photographer Randal Ford to find out a little bit more about him and his work. Sit back, relax, and listen up. >>>Read past interviews
ephotos: Where are you based?
RF: Based in Austin, TX. I shoot all over including NYC and LA.
ephotos: When did you realize that photography was your thing?
RF: In college... I got a business degree and shot for the student newspaper and a student magazine. Really just feel in love with photography and tried to apply business theories and concepts to photography
ephotos: Was there a photographer that inspired or influenced you?
RF: Lots of shooters influenced me. In particular Texas Monthly shooters like Dan Winters and Peter Yang. Cliché as it sounds, Richard Avedon has been a big influence as well. I also am influenced art from other mediums. I love classical and impressionistic painters. I think there's something we can all learn from the best artists in history.
ephotos: What type or what style of photography do you shoot?
RF: Mostly people…a mix of commercial and editorial photography. My style seems to be conceptual and I try to apply narrative qualities to my work.
ephotos: What type of equipment do you use?
RF: Medium Format Digital System. However, I think what type of equipment a photographer uses is secondary to who is using it.
ephotos: What software do you use to process your digital files?
RF: Photoshop and Capture One.
ephotos: What’s the worst thing that has happened to you during a shoot?
RF: I've been lucky, nothing too bad. Maybe just getting worked up inside. Knock on wood, we have not had any major problems.
ephotos: You recently shot Joel Osteen for Conde Nast Portfolio, how was that experience?
RF: Shooting Joel was great. He's a very soft spoken, great person. His love for God and for serving others really shines. He's exceptionally humble.
ephotos: How did The Amazing Faith of Texas book project come about? How did you get involved?
RF: I actually was approached by GSD&M, an agency in Austin. One of the founders decided to do a project on Texas faith, including people and churches. It was a great experience and I feel lucky to have been involved and part of the project. I think it really brought some purpose to my work as it is such a spiritual book.
ephotos: Do you have a rep or agent?
RF: Yes, Denise Stewart. She's great…a good friend, mentor, and marketer of my work.
ephotos: Do you feel like you’re being treated fairly by your agent?
RF: Absolutely. Everything in this business is about a collaboration. If I weren’t being treated fairly, I wouldn't be a part of it.
ephotos: Where have you traveled recently for work?
RF: Over the past year, I've been to NY, LA, and a brief trip to Shanghai.
ephotos: Do you ever just shoot for fun?
RF: I shoot for my portfolio which I enjoy doing and it helps promote my work and create better challenging images.
ephotos: Do you deal with any stock agencies?
RF: No, I don't think stock is for me.
ephotos: What do you think will be the next big trend in the photo industry?
RF: Maybe video? High production work seems to be a trend right now. I think great photographers will continue to create more challenging images to separate themselves from the vast sea of competition.
ephotos: Do you use a resource site or publication, other than ephotos.com?
RF: I'm on workbook.com and PDN photoserve.
ephotos: What are you working on next?
RF: As of now, more commercial and editorial work on the coasts (LA and NYC).
ephotos: What do you think about what we’re doing at ephotos?
RF: Great stuff... cool site.
ephotos: Is there anything else you’d like to say about yourself or your work?
RF: Check out my site at randalford.com .
ephotos: Thank you for your time, Randal, and like we always say, keep the focus!