The Folks | Corey Favino

COREY FAVINO

THE FOLKS 006 | @CJFAVINO

How has digital technology impacted your work both positively and negatively? Digital technology has allowed me to view life from a different perspective, it has allowed for me to gain a greater appreciation for the beauty of this planet because with digital technology and my camera I’ve been able to capture things I would have never of had the opportunity to actually see (i.e. the milky way). Digital technology has also affected the way I enjoy life. I love to share the things I’m doing and adventures I’m on through social media so I feel as though I’m always posting something or uploading something and it seems to be taking away from the actual enjoyment of the adventure itself. Something I’ve been trying to balance lately. 

When you think about your favorite work, what makes it stand out from the rest? When I think about my favorite work, I think about the journey it took to get there. My favorite work is some of my milky way shots and the reason they’re my favorite is because of the tiresome and long journey it took to get those shots, behind the scenes stuff that most people will never know about, but because of what I went through to get them, they’re my favorite pieces. 

How and when did you realize that photography was your passion? After I dropped my marine biology major my freshman year of college, I was sitting in a mobil gas station parking lot with my best friend explaining to him the dilemma I was having with choosing what I want to do with my life, and he said to me, “your always taking pictures when we go exploring dude, and they’re good. Pursue that.” And the rest is history! 

If you weren't a photographer what would you pursue? If I wasn’t a photographer I would definitely try and pursue some sort of involvement with different charities and devote my life to that for a few years to get the opportunity to travel and help people along the way. 

Has any one person or one location stood out amongst the rest when you think about your past work? The Point Judith Lighthouse in Narragansett, Rhode Island has always held a special spot in my heart. It was the first place I ever captured a picture of the milky way after trying for months and months, it was 10pm, late September, and I don’t think I’ve ever screamed louder when I saw what I had just captured on my LCD screen. 

What is the biggest challenge you face when shooting a new subject? The biggest challenge I face when shooting a new subject is finding the vibe. I tackle each shoot with different vibes and I don’t usually ever determine that vibe until I’m there, so finding that vibe is usually the toughest part, but once its established, the shots just flow!

What message do you want people to receive when they look at your photographs? The message I want my photos to read is to adventure. To take what life has given you, wether it be your current life situation, your environment, your job, anything, and make an adventure out of it. I try and inspire people to not just sit at home waiting for the next season of your favorite Netflix show to be released, but to go and watch a sunrise, go star gaze, get lost and find your way back home, enjoy your life while you’re here, and always remain happy. Life’s too short to be anything but happy. 

What essentials do you pack when traveling? When I travel, I tend to pack my hammock, my tripod, an excessive amount of camera batteries, and a blanket! I always end up using and needing my blanket so i never travel without at least one!

What motivates you to keep taking photographs of the world around you? The thing that motivates me to keep taking photos is the feedback I get. Hearing someone say “your photos have inspired me to go watch a sunrise” or “your photos inspired me to go star gazing!” or even “your photos have inspired me to start taking photos again myself” stuff like that is what keeps me doing it. Knowing I can be an inspiration to people, wether it’s just little things like going to watch a sunrise, those are big things to me. 

If you could go back 10 years, what would you tell yourself? If I could go back 10 years, I would tell myself is no matter how unrealistic they sound, always follow your dreams. I didn’t realize that until I was 19 years old. If I had known that when i was 10, I would've pursued photography from the get go, I never saw it as a profession, just a fun activity, but now that I’ve discovered its my passion, I haven’t looked back.

What is your favorite breakfast cereal? Favorite breakfast cereal is 150% cocoa puffs. 

What is your favorite view? Favorite view would easily be the night sky. Something about a sky full of stars makes me feel like a little kid. I could never get tired of it.

Road trips or flights? Definitely more of a fan of road trips, because along with the excitement of having an awesome destination or end goal in mind, you get this awesome adventure along the way of seeing new things and exploring new places.

Do you prefer the heat or the cold? Definitely more of a heat fan, big ocean lover and dedicated surfer so the cold doesn’t allow me to really enjoy either of those things, but I can still enjoy a nice winters day! 

Where are you based? I’m based right now in Rhode Island! Going into my senior year at the University of Rhode Island with definite plans of packing up and heading out soon after graduation this May!

Give us one piece of advice. One piece of advice is: don’t have a plan B. Having a plan B is indirectly doubting your plan A. Find your passion, set your goal, and give 110% to that and only that. 

I currently use a Sony a7 full frame mirrorless camera! Cheapest full frame mirrorless I could afford on a college budget, and my dream camera is the newly released Sony a9! 

The Folks | Nathael Labat

NATHAEL LABAT

THE FOLKS 005 | @NORTHERNELG

 

How and when did you realize that photography was your passion? I've traveled for eights years now and I was taking pictures with my phone each time I was traveling. I loved to do that so two year ago I bought my first camera and now I am here.

If you weren't a photographer what would you pursue? I love and study history, so why not a historian.

What message do you want people to receive when they look at your photographs? I want to inspire people to travel as much as possible, to discover the beautiful places that the world has to offer.

What motivates you to keep taking photographs of the world around you?  My passion for photography, the desire to explore more places and share them with the world. My followers are a true inspiration, it's always a pleasure to read their comments and see that they want to go to the specific place, they love my photos etc... .

If you could go back 10 years, what would you tell yourself? Work is the only solution to improve your skill. So if you want to be a photographer : go out, shoot and have fun.

What is your favorite breakfast cereal? Corn Flakes.

What is your favorite view? Sunrise/Sunset in Norway is always a special moment.

Road trips or flights? Road trips

Do you prefer the heat or the cold? I don't like when it's too cold and when it's too hot.

Where are you based? Near Bordeaux, France.

Give us one piece of advice: Work while having fun

What camera do you use? I use a Panasonic Lumix FZ1000. My dream camera is a Panasonic Lumix GH5.

The Folks | Natalie Wall

NATALIE WALL

The Folks 004 | @nataliewall

1) Where are you based?

Salt Lake City, Utah

2) If you weren't a photographer what would you pursue?

I'm actually a medical student, studying to be a doctor! Photography is my creative outlet; something that allows me to express myself outside of words and textbooks.

3) If you could go back 10 years, what would you tell yourself?

You're not going to please everyone, so don't kill yourself trying. It's alright to be different, non-traditional, and at times a little lost. Life is a journey of self-discovery; some people will agree with the path you choose, and others won't. It's a fact of living, and it's perfectly okay. Embrace it, learn from it, but don't let it dictate your self-worth.

4) Favorite breakfast cereal?

Frosted Flakes.
 

5) Give us one piece of advice

Drink your coffee while it's hot, eat your cereal before it's soggy, and always dip your cookies in milk. That's technically 3 pieces of advice.

WHAT CAMERA DO YOU USE\WHAT IS YOUR DREAM CAMERA?

Currently own a Canon 6d, use a Canon 7d for back-up, and really love the Sony a7r ii; but honestly I'm pretty content with what I have.

The Folks | Federica Maiolo

FEDERICA MAIOLO

The Folks 003 | @federicamaiolo_

1) How has digital technology impacted your work both positively and negatively?

My job was born thanks to technology, and I can't see negative sides because the technological revolution broadens my horizons and let me learn new methods to do my job the best way.

2) When you think about your favorite work, what makes it stand out from the rest?

They're different because they represent three different times of my life, when I changed as a photographer, and every time I look at the they give me the right strenght to go on.

3) How and when did you realize that photography was your passion?

Growing up I felt natural to shoot everything, then I got my first camera and I realized that photography would be a part of me.

4) If you weren't a photographer what would you pursue?

Great question! During my teenager years there was a time when I almost completely abandoned photography to pursue different endeavors. But I quickly came to the point that photography was the only way to go.

5) Has any one person or one location stood out amongst the rest when you think about your past work?

Over the last couple of years I traveled a lot with my boyfriend, we found that even little mishaps can bring something epic. That was the case when we visited Königsee, one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. It got under my skin and I had the chance to tell the place through my photos.

6) What is the biggest challenge you face when shooting a new subject?

Mostly interpreting what's in my mind.

7) What message do you want people to receive when they look at your photographs?

I'd like to transmit my emotions and my inner self. If I succeed in this then my work has accomplished its goals.

8) What gear, apps, technology do you use most to help you be successful?

I shoot on a Fujifilm xt10 with the following lenses: 35mm, 16-50mm and a wide 12mm. I postproduce exclusively on my Macbook.
 

9) What essentials do you pack when traveling?

Just my camera and the essential clothes. Everything else is of less importance.

10) What motivates you to keep taking photographs of the world around you?

The desire of showing what I love through my eyes.
 

11) What is something you wish you knew when you first started shooting?

I would have loved to study photography from the beginning, I basically learned everything by myself.

12) If you could go back 10 years, what would you tell yourself?

Be more confident of your skills and always listen to your heart.

13) Favorite breakfast cereal.

Absolutely Choco Pops!

14) Favorite coffee shop

None in particular, I just love the coffee I brew at home!
 

15) Favorite view?

Buchenegger Wasserfälle.

16) First photo ever taken.

Family portrait.
 

17)Road trips or flights.

I prefer road tripping.

18) Do you prefer the heat? Or the cold?

Definitely cold!
 

19) Where are you based

I live in Friuli Venezia Giulia, a region in the Northern East of Italy.

20) Give us one piece of advice

Always shoot with your heart.

Dream Camera:  Fujifilm Xpro2

The Folks | Amy Bailey

Amy Bailey

The Folks | @maime_

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1) Has any one person or one location stood out amongst the rest when you think about your past work?

The entire South Island of New Zealand has really stood out to me with its incredible scenery from fog filled fiords with countless waterfalls and moss covered rocks to snow capped mountains and iceberg filled glacier lakes. 

2) What message do you want people to receive when they look at your photographs?

I want to evoke the feeling that they are in that moment too, that they can see and feel the beauty of the scene while it evokes some form of emotion for them. 

3) How and when did you realize that photography was your passion?

Photography really became my passion about 3 years ago after I was diagnosed with cancer. It was an outlet for me to find peace in nature and the outdoors while capturing the endless beauty of the world around me. 

4) What essential do you pack when traveling?

I’m definitely a minimalist and only shoot with two lenses but essentials for me are extra layers of clothing, hiking boots, rain protection for my camera, a flashlight and spare camera batteries!

CAMERA: CANON 6D | DREAM CAMERA: CANON 5D

The Folks | Jordan Hom

Jordan Hom

The Folks: 001 | @hom.jordan

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Today we start a new series, a goal to highlight to work of amazing photographers from across the globe. We have sent a series of questions to a selection of our favorite photographers and have asked them to answer a few of their favorites. 

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1) How has digital technology impacted your work both positively and negatively?

I feel like one of the best things is that it's made it so easy to find sources of inspiration. Every day I scroll through Instagram and get super stoked on seeing all my friends and people I look up to post amazing work. One negative thing I'd have to say is that a lot of people sometimes don't appreciate amazing things that are happening around them. Sure it's fun getting that rad photo and being able to see it as a memory down the line but there's something so special about remembering things in your mind and sharing through word of mouth rather than a tangible object. 

2) When you think about your favorite work, what makes it stand out from the rest?

One of the main things that catches my eye is simplicity. When things are not too bright, flashy, or busy and give you that mellow peaceful vibe is what I love seeing in art.

3) How and when did you realize that photography was your passion?

I found my passion for photography in my freshman year of high school. My girlfriend at the time was my biggest inspiration for everything art related and I got my first camera so we could go out and shoot together. Eventually, I started taking photo classes and remember all my friends and teachers complimenting me on my work and that was just an amazing feeling. I had never been too good at "regular" school stuff so it was awesome to find something I was naturally good at.

4) If you weren't a photographer what would you pursue?

I think I would pursue something in architecture/sustainability. I have always wanted to design my own buildings and structures while also making an impact in the green community.

5) Has any one person or one location stood out amongst the rest when you think about your past work?

My first real girlfriend (Shout out to Elena!)  was definitely the one that made me fall in love with photography. She introduced me to a mindset on how to appreciate taking/seeing photos and sparked my adventurous side. My high school is another thing that stands out because of all my rad teachers and friend that encouraged me to be who I am! (Shout out Compass School!)

6) What is the biggest challenge you face when shooting a new subject?

Currently, I have not had too much experience shooting with models. From the experiences that I do have, my biggest challenge is directing. Telling people what to do is so difficult for me because I always feel like I'm being demanding. I hate making people feel uncomfortable but it seems like that it's a given when you have to direct.

7) What message do you want people to receive when they look at your photographs?

I want people to be able to feel whatever it is that I was feeling in that moment. If it's a photo of the homies and I camping I want people to be able to smell the fire, see the stars, and get that peaceful feeling of nature surrounding us!

8) What gear, apps, technology do you use most to help you be successful?

Social media is definitely a huge thing for me. They allow me to get my work out there and to make connections in the community. The two big ones for me are Instagram and VSCO.

9) What essentials do you pack when traveling?

I always have my camera and my phone no matter what. Even if I want to have a tech-free day I bring them a long just in case I need to snap an absolute stellar shot. 

Other than that I always have to have a hat with me. I feel naked without one!

10) What motivates you to keep taking photographs of the world around you? 

Most definitely the area that I am from which is SOuthern Vermont. I could go out every single day without going fifteen minutes from my door and find something new and amazing to take photos of. Theres so many amazing spots and things to see and I can't get enough. My friends are amazing motivators as well. It's always a fun time getting in the car and just driving with no destination to see what we can find.

11) What is something you wish you knew when you first started shooting?

How important editing is!! When I first started taking photos, I thought editing was so lame. I wanted the photo to be perfect straight out of the camera. Learning more about the post process opened a whole new dynamic to taking photos for me. It made me think ahead on how I wanted things to look and I could adjust accordingly while shooting.

12) If you could go back 10 years, what would you tell yourself?

I would tell myself to do waaaaay better in school. There are so many times I look back and think "Man I would feel so much better if I just did my school work and not have been so stubborn." Not to mention it would have made college a lot easier and my loans wouldn't be so hefty! 

13) Favorite breakfast cereal. 

That's a tough one because cereal, in general, is one of my all time favorite foods. 

If I had to pick a favorite I'd have to say Cinnamon Toast Crunch!

14) Favorite coffee shop

My favorite coffee shop would have to be Java Baba's in Ludlow, Vermont. I am not too much of a coffee person but they make a killer breakfast sandwich.

15) Favorite view? 

My favorite view that I have seen in person is up at the peak of Okemo Mountain on the fire tower. I have made so many memories climbing up there and being with friends. You can catch a stellar sunset there too!

16) First photo ever taken. 

When I first started taking photos I was obsessed with macro stuff. I must have taken over a thousand photos of rain dripping off of leaves.

17) Road trips or flights. 

I'd have to say flights for long distances and road trips for medium distances. I don't think I could drive across the US but I could spend weeks driving around New England or the PNW.

18) Do you prefer the heat? Or the cold?

Definitely, prefer the cold. It's nice to have those hot beach days every once in a while but I feel like my natural body temp is about 50 degrees more than the average human.

19) Where are you based

I am based in a small, Southern Vermont town called Weathersfield.

20) Give us one piece of advice

BE SPONTANEOUS!!! Don't worry about your car breaking down, just go on that trip along the coast. Don't worry about sleep and hike up to the fire tower at 3 AM with your friends. Do the fun things when they are offered because you may not get another chance!

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WHAT CAMERA DO YOU USE\WHAT IS YOUR DREAM CAMERA

I currently am using a Canon 70d with the 18-135 kit lens and my iPhone. My dream camera is a simple Canon 5d Mkii with a 24-70.

Fall 2017 Interns: Apply Now!

Hi! Fall 2017 is quickly approaching! That means we are opening applications for this year's interns. This year our focus will be on content production for our social and our website. You will be given a very broad range to select from, and can easily cater the internship to your own interests and goals. I hope we have done a fairly decent job of providing all the details and info below. Good luck! 

Revisiting The South of France

A year ago I took a quick trip to the South of France. I thought it'd be fun to relive those moments today with a photo gallery look back. || THE ORIGINAL POSTS: SOUTH OF FRANCE | PARIS

Tomorrow I will share some of my favorite images from Paris. || These photos were shot with a Fuji X100F