10.3.11
Photographer Interview ::: Daniel Usenko
First of all, I believe that there are so many talented photographers out there. Some that people don’t even know about because they are super busy running a successful and profitable business. I want to be able to share photographers from all different categories. Some who are seasoned and some who are still finding their way. In the end- they are all an inspiration to us one way or another and I respect them for following their heart and working hard to be successful.
I have been wanting to interview some fabulous photographers for a while now and I am going to start off with one of my ALL TIME favorites. I would say he is a good friend of mine, who I have also shot with and can attest to his awesome photography skills. He is currently based in Seattle, Wa right now and also teaches some pretty amazing workshops all over the place. For more information on his workshops please visit here! The next workshop that he is going to take part in is here.
Seattle Photographer: Daniel Usenko
1a. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a Russian immigrant, living in Seattle, taking photos, thinking about life, and wanting to change the world one day. I love people; both to talk to and to take pictures of.
1b. How long have you been a professional photographer?
I’ve been shooting weddings “professionally” for over 5 years.
2. What do you photograph most of the time?
I really love taking pictures of people. Trees and birds just don’t do it for me. I have been told that I am good at taking beautiful pictures of women; and I am proud of that.
3. If you could photograph anything you wanted, for yourself and creativity, what would it be?
I woud really love to travel and take pictures of people around the world. If that can also help the people in some way, I would love that too.
4. How do you find inspiration?
Tough question. I would say that light and beauty inspire me. I cannot NOT take pictures when I see beautiful light and intriguing people. I am seriously addicted!
5. What do you think makes a photographer successful in this industry?
Perception/marketing makes a photographer successful, not his/her work, unfortunately. It’s rare that a really well known photographer is actually any good. I think I am an example of that. (I wish I was a better photographer)
6. If you could offer your two cents on business advice, what would it be?
Invest in a brand, build a great perception and have top notch customer service! Of course you should take great pictures; that’s a given. But with just great pictures you’ll never make it. People hire a photographer because they think he’s good, not because he is good.
7. What body and lenses do you use most or are your favorite?
I should with a Canon 5d Mark ii, which I pretty much hate (the focusing system is just terrible), but I looooove my 50mm 1.2L and 35mm 1.4L lenses. I literally shoot 80% with just those two lenses.
For more of his GORGEOUS and inspirational work, you can visit his blog here! Thanks Daniel!
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+ - 6 comments
Daniel Usenko - Thanks Jessica! So nice of you!
Yana K - Great questions Jessica! Dan is such an inspiration to me.
Anastasia Marie - Daniel is one of my top photographers too! Love his work to an extreme.
Max Lopatin - Dan is great! Good to see myself in this post haha
Nataly Harris - Jessica,
Love it! And I love your idea of interviewing inspirational photographers….thanks for introducing me to Daniel Usenko!
I haven’t visited your blog in forever…so I just had to comment here to say how absolutely lovely all your sessions are! They are just perfect… nothing over-processed and no unnatural posing!
sasha - Great read!