What’s the difference? Elié Dervonte

WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND HOW DID YOU GET IN TO PHOTOGRAPHY?
I was born in London and travel there on a regular basis, though i am now living in Weymouth Dorset. I got into photography years ago with point and shoot digital cameras taking photographs of family and friends which was the beginnings of a very expensive hobby!

In 2009 I bought my first Nikon DSLR and now I find myself searching for shoot locations, props and materials for interesting shoots where ever I go!

WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED GENRE OF PHOTOGRAPHY? EG PORTRAITS, LANDSCAPE, SPORT ETC
My preferred genre of photography is portraiture though to be honest anything which involves people, as I am a people person! I like meeting new people from all walks of life and get a great deal of satisfaction in producing professional images that capture the emotions of the subject.

WHAT IS YOUR WORKFLOW PROCESS FROM IDEAS TO EDITING?
I often write notes for shoot ideas, i might of seen a great clip on the TV, posters at bus stops, book covers or simply dream up an idea then combine it with trips to various junk shops, high street stores, markets and car boot sales.

Next I start looking around for locations, if the location is not right the image will never be right, for example it’s no good holding a 60′s shoot in a location with modern furnishings or the latest car/scooter, you would never produce the correct image!

Post Production Software includes:

• Lightroom
• Photoshop CS4
• DX0 Optics Pro 6
• Ninja Pro
• Tools for Shooting:
• Nikon Camera Control Pro v2
• 17” Laptop

WHAT ARE YOUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE?

• Camera: Nikon DSLR
• Lens: Several lenses including my latest lens Sigma 50mm 1.4
• Flashguns: SB900′s
• Lighting Equipment: Several umbrellas in various sizes, 90×90 softbox, Sets of bottletops, tri-reflector kit, Skylite kit, Panelites an assortment of lighting stands, brackets and clips. Large 120cm Diffuser.
• Backdrops: Manfrotto Backdrop support in Blk 1314B, A range of paper backdrops, Full size grey vinyl, several cloth backdrops both plain and patterned.
• Tripods & Monopods: 2 x joby gorilla pods standard SLR and Zoom, Manfrotto Tripods 785B, Manfrotto Tripod 055XPROB and Manfrotto Monopod 685B
• Other stuff: Honl Kit, Gels, Remote Trigger, 4 x memory cards, spare batteries, Beanbag, torches, tape, pens, notebooks and a whole bunch of other bits and bobs
• Bags and Boxes: 2 hard boxes, 3 Manfrotto bags, Stand Bags plus 2 camera bags the latest one being a Tamrac Aero Speed 85

I have listed what I use on a regular basis, the Tools of the trade are always being added too, as you can never have enough equipment!

DIGITAL OR FILM STOCK?
It has to be digital, though I do have several vintage cameras.

IF YOU COULD ONLY USE ONE LENS FOR THE REST OF YOU LIFE WHAT WOULD IT BE?
It has to be the Sigma 50mm f1.4

WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO GO WITH YOU PHOTOGRAPHY?
I intend to go pro one day!

WHICH OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS DO YOU ADMIRE?
I can’t name a photographer as every photographer has a unique style and I admire anyone who picks up a camera, it’s not all about who’s image is on the latest billboard, it could be a family image taken of somebody’s granny!

WHO HAS INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST IN TERMS OF PHOTOGRAPHY?
No one person in particular, though if it has to be then it would be my partner!

WHAT IS YOUR BEST TIP?
Read as much as you can, there are some great photography books available and just keep on taking photographs, practice is the key! Interact with other photographers to gain knowledge that you will never find in books.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY WORK AND WHERE DO YOU LOOK FOR INSPIRATION FOR YOUR WORK?
I am inspired by everything and anything from people walking in the street to films, posters, music videos, colours, junk in junk shops, even rusty old padlocks but most of all my children!

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE FILMS, BOOKS AND MUSICIANS?
Films: Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Asian Martial Art, I don’t really have favorite films but I do like epic and classic films.

Books: The Nikon Creative Lighting System and Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers

Musicians: Has to be the Trojans a Ska band, who I have photographed and travelled with.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY?
I don’t have one main achievement though during March 2010 my achievements include the latest images of Michael Culver, who is an actor and played the part of Captain Needa in Star Wars “The Empire Strikes Back” and also of Dean Lesiak 2009 IFBB UK British Championships.

Elié Dervonte
www.dervonte.com