I first met Tristan the night of an eclipse (how lame lol) when he was outside of our dorm at the University of West Georgia (where he currently majors in photography) shooting with his camera & looking beyond professional compared to my little CyberShot I was snapping pics with. Ever since then I have watched his love for photography grow & his portfolio has built up to include some amazing shots. With my own creativity passion, I love supporting fellow artists & hope that everyone enjoys his work as much as I do!

What is your knowledge in this area?

That’s tough to say. I’ve been doing this for five years now, and have been serious with it for a little over two years. Photography is one of those professions where you learn more than just one thing everyday. To answer the question, I wouldn’t say that I have an “extensive” amount of knowledge in this area, but I know enough to know what I’m doing and to excel in it every day of my life. I won’t settle until I’ve learned all I can-so I’ll never settle.

What did you do to gain so much knowledge in this area?

I practiced, I pursued, and I stayed consistent.

When did your career start?

I started June 22, 2008. That was my first “official” photo shoot.

Why is Photography important to you?

It’s one of the few mediums I can use to fully express myself. My photography is what I see. No one else can see what I see because my eye is unique. It means a lot to me to share with others how I see things, and when I can, I get a certain level of fulfillment.

Who or what influenced you to become a photographer?

I suppose I influenced myself when I first started out years ago. One day I just picked up a camera and started taking pictures. I really didn’t take my images seriously until people started to take notice. That’s when I realized that I could possibly be talented in it. I just kept with it, and eventually I got to the point where I am right now. Eventually I started to look at other artists’/photographers’ work. Lately I’ve been influenced by guys like Gordon Parks, Shannon McCollum, and D. Blanks, to name a few.

Do you believe in the expression “A picture is worth 1,000 words”? If yes, why do you believe this is true?

Yes, A picture can go way beyond 1,000 words. A photo can provoke different feelings, expressions, thoughts, and idiosyncrasies in a person-along with words.

Do you have a favorite photograph?

Yes, there’s one photo that I took earlier this summer at a free concert Big Boi put on in Midtown Atlanta. It’s a black and white photo of him pointing out to the crowd.

Do you think that society would be different if photography was never invented?

A large portion of society would be “missing” without photography. There would be no history, no memories, no moments to look back on. I would even go as far as saying that photography IS society, in that the experiences that people have on a daily basis can be forgotten. Precious moments can be forgotten. Tragedy could be forgotten. Life can be forgotten.

Do you think that a person must possess talent to capture emotion and expression in a picture?

Emotion and expression are the most significant and intricate part of a photograph. It’s a MUST.

Does the price of a camera matter in ways that it affects the quality of the picture?

 To each their own. I know photographers out there who can come up with unbelievable results with really cheap cameras. Although a camera is [obviously] a big part of photography, the more important aspect is the photographers eye. “Same camera, different eye”

Do you have a special style in your photographs that can single you out like strokes in a painting?

Lately I’ve been playing with a method that literally involves “painting” a photo. Long exposures. I’ve used this technique twice at two local shows. I take the lights in the room, exposure my shutter for a long period while moving or “painting” the lights, and then at the last second, I aim my flash and my camera towards the subject. The results are excellent if it is done correctly.

Was photography just considered as a hobby to you in the past?

Yes it was, that’s how it all started.

What makes a good photographer in your opinion?

A true photographer lives, breathes, eats, and sleeps photography. Their whole heart is into his or her craft.

What do you enjoy most photographing?

I LOVE shooting concerts.

In your opinion, what makes photography an art?

Anyone can take a photograph, but not just anyone can capture something that a message, feeling, story, behind it. If a photographer can convey something in a picture that goes beyond the superficial-that’s when photography becomes an art.

Do you believe that film photography will in the end be totally replaced by digital photography?

I think it will, but I hope it doesn’t. Film photography gets down to the bare essentials. Not knowing what you’re going to get, developing it, mastering it, etc etc. That’s the beautiful part about it. Sadly it is slowly dissipating.

Do you prefer using film cameras over digital?

I do not. They’re two different aesthetics, and I enjoy both equally.

What motivates you to do what you do?

Passion. Without passion, I would’ve stopped a long time ago. You won’t last a day in your craft if you don’t put your heart into it.

Check out Tristan’s Portfolio:

www.flickr.com/photos/tristography/collections

Add Tristan on Facebook!

www.facebook.com/TristanTristanTristan

Follow him! @TristErvPhotos

Check out his Blogspot!

www.tristanervinphotography.blogspot.com